Ockbrook, Derbyshire - June 2026

Winter seemed endless, here at Ockbrook! The rain fell, the fields flooded, and to steal a line from Carousel, ‘A crowd of doubting Thomases was predictin’ that the summer’d never come’.

Nevertheless, the church continued a busy schedule, ranging from the very popular ‘Knit and Natter’ sessions, to Margaret Barker’s fascinating monthly ‘Forums’.

We formed a committee, to plan an exciting summer event here on the Settlement, revolving around the visit of ‘Moravian Brass’ from Germany in August. At our first meeting it was impossible to even imagine dry, warm weather.

Then Easter brought the sunshine and never has the message of resurrection and new life felt more compelling. Following a lively Palm Sunday service, in-person attendances for our Easter week readings were a little disappointing, but the number of people joining us on Zoom indicated a positive new trend, in spreading the gospel far beyond our little corner of Derbyshire. Closer to home, Sr Gloria David led the Good Friday service, where we welcomed visitors from the village, afterwards, with fellowship and hot cross buns.

A bright dawn to Easter Day meant that we had a beautiful Sunrise Service, although the more adventurous members of the congregation had to forego the usual tradition of climbing up to our cupola to serenade the Settlement with hymns (it is currently out of bounds, awaiting repairs).

Later in the morning, we enjoyed a Lovefeast, with news and videos of Moravian celebrations of Easter around the world, after which we shared communion and listened to a thought-provoking address from Br Joachim Kreusel.

All in all, it is shaping up to be a busy year, in Ockbrook. Watch this space!

Sr Jayne Brewster