Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham

07/09/2026

Tuesday evening was a special service as friends and family gathered at Southwell Minster for the licensing of the Revd Jim Prestwood as Associate Archdeacon of the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham. Jim was licensed and commissioned by Bishop Paul.

The service included readings from Haggai 1:12-2:9 and Luke 1:46-55, with Archdeacon Phil preaching and prayers led by Archdeacon Tors and Associate Archdeacon Richard Kellett.

Jim grew up in Sheffield, where he developed a lifelong love of the outdoors and Sheffield Wednesday. He is married to Vicky, and together they have shared in ministry for more than 25 years and have three children, Erin, Felicity and Joel.
Jim served his curacy in North London before leading a team from HTB to plant St Swithin’s in Lincoln. During his time there, he served as Priest-in-Charge of St Faith’s, Partnership Dean, Assistant Archdeacon and Canon of Lincoln Cathedral.

Please join us in praying for Jim, Vicky and their children, Erin, Felicity and Joel, as they begin this new chapter of ministry together.

You can read more about the licensing here:

Tuesday evening was a wonderful occasion as friends, family and members of the local community gathered at Southwell Minster for Evening Prayer and the licensing service of the Revd Jim Prestwood as Associate Archdeacon of the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham. Jim was licensed and commissioned by...

04/09/2026

“As the Church in this diocese and around the world, we have a message of hope, the promise of a Saviour.”

In the first Start the Month of the new academic year, Bishop Paul and Sarah bring us a message of hope from Psalm 46, which says that “God is our ever-present help in times of trouble.”

As we look ahead to the new academic year with all its challenges and opportunities, we are encouraged to remember that Jesus is our ultimate, living hope, no matter the season we find ourselves in.

Use this link to watch the full message: https://youtu.be/iugN5JVYEXU

27/08/2026

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13/08/2026

It has been wonderful to see so many exciting summer events and celebrations taking place across parishes in the diocese, bringing together families and local communities. From BBQs and live music to games, activities and more, these events have been a fantastic opportunity to share faith, celebrate, connect and welcome people.

You can read some ofthe stories here: https://southwell.anglican.org/summer-stories-from-across-the-diocese-part-1/

07/08/2026

"I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With him at my right hand, I shall not be shaken." Psalm 16:8

How do you stay steady in your faith when you face trials? In Start the Month for August, Bishop Paul and Sarah reflect on Psalm 16 and the assurance that, whatever we face, we are never alone. The psalm reminds us that Jesus' triumph on the cross means we are loved and forgiven, and have a living hope in Jesus that nothing can take away.

As we continue through August, Bishop Paul and Sarah invite you to spend time reflecting on Psalm 16 and what it means to keep your eyes always on the Lord, the one who renews and sustains our hope each day by his amazing grace.

Use this link to watch the full message: https://youtu.be/bjfdTFYIuT8

06/08/2026

We're reviewing our communications and would value your input. This short 5 minute survey can be completed anonymously and will help us to improve the way we communicate across the diocese and support parishes.

You can complete the survey here: https://forms.gle/B4CtonViNKKADY1g9

29/07/2026

Speaking at General Synod earlier this month, Bishop Paul supported the motion to appoint a lead bishop who can advocate for the 80,000+ looked after children in England, as well as care leavers and carers.

He examined the reasons for the recent decline in fostering households across the UK and set out what parishes and dioceses can do to better support the vulnerable in their communities.

Watch the full video of his speech and read the transcript here: https://southwell.anglican.org/bishop-paul-speaks-out-for-children-in-care-at-general-synod/

20/07/2026

Welcoming Revd Lauren Simpson!

It was a joyful service last Wednesday evening as the Revd Lauren Simpson was licensed by Bishop Paul as Rector of the Parish of Wiverton in the Vale .

The church was filled with members of the six parish churches, local residents, clergy, family and friends, who gathered to celebrate this exciting new chapter for the parish.

The Bible reading was from Acts 2. 14-21 and the sermon was given by Archdeacon Phil who encouraged that “Working alongside Lauren, let us commit ourselves afresh in our ministry and mission to this Benefice of Wiverton in the Vale and beyond.”

Lauren grew up in Hertfordshire and moved to Nottingham to study design and engineering. Before ordination, she worked as a barista, launched a fashion brand, and served in youth and community development roles. She was previously curate at Lady Bay Church (All Hallows) and St Edmund’s Holme Pierrepont with Adbolton.

Please join us in praying for Lauren as she settles into the role, and for a fresh move of the Holy Spirit to bring an overflow of God’s blessing to the Wiverton in the Vale community.

You can read more about the licensing here: https://southwell.anglican.org/licensing-of-lauren-simpson-as-rector-of-the-benefice-of-wiverton-in-the-vale/

15/07/2026

"Can I ask a question?"

What happens when a young person takes a step of faith?

Earlier this year, Zac, a pupil at Pierrepont Gamston Primary School, felt inspired to start Youth Alpha in his school. With the support of his headteacher and a collaboration between Connect Gamston and Lady Bay Church, pupils in year 5 and 6 were given a space to ask life's big questions, explore faith, and discover more about who Jesus is.

Ask life's big questions. Discover Living Hope.

Use this link to find out more: https://southwell.anglican.org/can-i-ask-a-question-a-youth-alpha-story/

09/07/2026

Photo Highlights - Ordination of Deacons 2026

It was a beautiful day on Sunday as twelve deacons were welcomed into ordained ministry for the first time at a special service at Southwell Minster. Cameron, Paul, James, Naomi, Magda, Joy, Rob, Tom, Christine, Luke, Martha and Becca were each ordained deacon by Bishop Paul, surrounded by family and friends.

Bishop Paul gave the sermon, drawing on Isaiah 35 and the story of Jesus healing Bartimaeus in Mark 10, encouraging us to seek the transforming presence of the Lord with hope and expectation, praying for the blessing of his church and the healing of the nations.

Take a look at some of the photo highlights from the day here, or head to this link to read more: https://southwell.anglican.org/ordination-weekend-highlights-2026/