Summer Stories from Across the Diocese: Part 2
It is always wonderful to see exciting summer events and celebrations taking place across parishes in the diocese, bringing together families and the community. If you missed our first collection of summer stories, you can catch up here.
Below are some more highlights!
All Saints Annesley
All Saints Annesley welcomed around 75 children and teachers from Kirkby Woodhouse and Annesley schools for a wonderful day exploring bees, nature and the importance of caring for creation.
The children met beekeeper Simon, who introduced them to the fascinating lives of bees and their vital role in nature and human life. They had the chance to try on beekeeping suits, explore honeycombs and learn about the equipment used to make honey. The children were enthusiastic and full of questions throughout the session.
As part of the visit, the children explored the church grounds, where an area is being allowed to develop into a wildflower meadow. They planted wildflower seeds in molehills – which Simon explained provide excellent soil for growing – while searching for insects, birds, flowers and other signs of nature. They also made bees from pipe cleaners and discovered nature-themed details in the church’s stained-glass windows.
The session ended with a picnic before the children returned to school, with everyone grateful for the lovely weather. Afterwards, Simon gave an engaging talk to adults about bees and beekeeping, including the many uses of beeswax, from candles and polish to cosmetics and creams. He also shared how beeswax has been used for around 9,000 years.
St Ann with Emmanuel
St Ann with Emmanuel has been enjoying a busy summer of community, connection and family activities.
The week began with a church BBQ on a Friday, welcoming members of the local community to share food and fellowship. On Saturday, the church joined the St Ann’s Family Festival, where the team made cross necklaces with families and joined in the fun.
Sunday’s all-age service brought children together for a special treasure hunt exploring Psalm 23, while Monday saw the launch of the church’s first Summer Breakfast Club.
The week finished with Coffee & Chat, the church’s weekly Renew Wellbeing Place of Welcome, providing a regular opportunity for people to meet, connect and enjoy each other’s company.
It has been a wonderful week of creating opportunities for people of all ages to come together, have fun and build community.
St Cyprian’s Nottingham
St Cyprian’s Nottingham is bringing Bible stories to life this summer with its weekly Lego Church sessions, welcoming children, parents and even churchwardens to get creative together.
Each week, Bible stories are recreated brick-by-brick, with previous sessions exploring Noah’s Ark and the Tower of Babel. Next up is the story of Jonah, complete with a whale and plenty of other sea creatures!
It’s a fun and creative way for all ages to explore familiar Bible stories, build community and discover faith together.
St Mary the Virgin & All Souls’ Bulwell
St Mary the Virgin & All Souls’ Bulwell has been enjoying a busy week as part of the Bulwell Arts Festival, welcoming people through its doors for a range of special events.
On Saturday 4 July, St Mary’s hosted the 2026 Ringing World National Youth Bell Ringing Competition, bringing young bellringers from across the country together and showcasing the tradition of bell ringing in Nottingham. The church also welcomed the Nottingham Hospitals’ Choir for its Summer Concert, helping to raise funds for Nottingham’s hospitals.
The following day, a special Family Mass included a Renewal of Baptism Vows for new congregation member Julian Woods and others who wanted to mark a sense of God’s Spirit at work in their lives.
Julian shared, “Today, I stand here with a grateful heart. I’ve found the Lord again, and I’ve found my Saviour, Jesus Christ. That doesn’t mean my life is perfect or that I have all the answers. It means I’ve found something far greater than I was searching for—a peace that comes from knowing I am loved, forgiven, and never alone.”
It was a wonderful weekend of music, community and faith, with St Mary’s playing an important part in the wider Bulwell Arts Festival celebrations.
Are you running any special events or a holiday club for your community this summer? We’d love to hear about them! You can click the button below to get in touch with us.