Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol
News
Archdeacon's Visitation Charge to Churchwardens
First published 18th June 2018"Searching through my bedside cabinet I came across an old birthday card from my parents the last one I received that they had both signed."
Safeguarding News - June 2018
First published 8th June 2018Welcome to the latest news from the Safeguarding team. Here you will find all the news, resources and training from Adam Bond and the team.
Drivers urged to join fight against modern slavery at car washes
First published 7th June 2018Anti-slavery campaigners and other key agencies, including the police and councils, are backing the Safe Car Wash App, launched by The Clewer Initiative, the Church of Englands campaign against modern slavery.
Bristol DAC Awards 2018
First published 7th June 2018Each year the Diocesan Advisory Committee recognises a number of projects through its awards scheme.
Are you just ticking over?
First published 6th June 2018The following article is taken from the CPAS Lead On monthly email and was written by James Lawrence; CPAS Leadership Principal.
South West Youth Ministry Training Day
First published 31st May 2018A day of inspiration, keynote sessions and expert workshops for line managers, mentors, youth workers and children's workers.
Church Planting to be discussed at Diocesan Synod
First published 25th May 2018We are inviting anyone interested in finding out more about Diocesan Synod to come along to the next meeting on Saturday 9 June and see for themselves the role that it plays in the running of the Diocese.
Remembrance 100
First published 25th May 2018100 years
Lectio Musica: Songs from scripture
First published 25th May 2018A new song, written especially for Lectio Musica by Matthew David is featured.
The Shrine Of Our Lady Of Walsingham Youth Pilgrimage
First published 25th May 2018Founded by the Lady Richeldis in 1061, destroyed by Henry VIII in 1538, restored in 1922 by Father Hope Patten, the Anglican Vicar of Walsingham the Shrine has had an eventful history across nearly a thousand years.
Pray for toddler groups
First published 25th May 2018Just imagine if your church discovered a way to effectively engage with over 50% of the local community. Just imagine if half of the young families in your area came along every week.
Diocesan Synod Elections 2018
First published 24th May 2018In the coming months, representatives from across the Diocese will be encouraged to stand for election as members of the new Diocesan Synod for the next three years.
400km bike ride for Uganda youth trip
First published 22nd May 2018400km is a long way to travel regardless of the mode of transport but choosing to do it on a bicycle? Who would be crazy enough to do that? Well, Dan Jones our Youth and Childrens Adviser is, and on the 14th June he will be setting off from Weston-su
Viv Faull: a pioneer who will be a bishop for everybody
First published 18th May 2018On the day of her announcement as the next Bishop of Bristol, we learn more about Viv Faulls ministry and why she was appointed to the Diocese.
Very Revd Vivienne Faull announced as the Bishop of Bristol
First published 15th May 2018Her Majesty the Queen has appointed the Very Revd Vivienne Faull, currently Dean of York, as the 57th Bishop of Bristol.
Iconic railway works building to become new church for Swindon
First published 14th May 2018The former Pattern Store in Swindon is to be turned into a new church for the town.It is part of a plan by the Diocese of Bristol to support the regeneration of the area, while also connecting with people across Swindon who are not part of a church.
Holy Habits Missional Discipleship Resource
First published 10th May 2018Missional discipleship resources for churches.
Mission in a changing world
First published 9th May 2018Mission in a changing world.
Revd Dr Emma Ineson announced as Bishop of Penrith
First published 9th May 2018Revd Dr Emma Ineson, principal of Trinity College, has been announced as the Bishop of Penrith in the Diocese of Carlisle.
Breakfast Church
First published 4th May 2018Lots of families struggle to attend church because Sunday mornings become filled with taking children to sporting activities, going shopping and other regular activities.
'Apprentice': New CPAS resource
First published 3rd May 2018Apprentice is a daily discipleship resource for individuals and groups helping them to explore the life of Jesus more fully.Day by day, week by week, you will explore four spiritual rhythms.
Making disciples in your parish resources
First published 2nd May 2018At our Connected conference in April 2018 we launched the Making disciples in your parish resource.
Revd Jill Garfitt
First published 30th April 2018It is with deep sadness that we bring the news that Revd Jill Garfitt passed away on Friday 27 April. A service of Thanksgiving will be held in Christ Church at 11 am on Friday 8 June. Light refreshments will be served following the se
Why use a card reader in church?
First published 24th April 2018Many people no longer carry cash, and so it's becoming increasingly important to provide other ways for people to give. One solution is getting a card reader for your church, which works alongside a smart phone or tablet.
80 mile bike ride to raise funds for Youth Trip to Uganda
First published 24th April 2018A group of 14 young people and youth leaders will be cycling from Avonmouth to Swindon over the May Bank Holiday to raise money towards a trip to Uganda this July.
How can we all be inclusive?
First published 23rd April 2018As a church family we want to include children, young people and adults of all abilities and needs in all aspects of church life, but the truth is that many of us struggle to make this a reality.
Derek Chedzey to become next Archdeacon of Hereford
First published 23rd April 2018The Diocese of Hereford has announced that Derek Chedzey is to become the next Archdeacon of Hereford.
Six ways to get involved in Thy Kingdom Come
First published 23rd April 2018Six ways your church can get involved with Thy Kingdom Come: Initiate a prayer station (see Bright ideas for your church for examples).
Being a dementia-friendly church
First published 19th April 2018Most of our churches are experiencing increasing number of people living in with dementia, both within their congregations and in their local communities.
The Church and the Environment: Getting Real about Creation Care
First published 18th April 2018On Saturday April 14, the Bristol Diocese Environment Group in conjunction with the Diocese Social Justice Network hosted a day conference on the environment.
Hope Bristol 2018 - Building Bristol as a City of Hope
First published 18th April 2018Hundreds of young people from churches across the UK gathered in Bristol to help transform the city earlier this month.
Even more tea, vicar?
First published 17th April 2018A Wiltshire vicar is taking her tea drinking to a new level during her 13 week sabbatical this Spring - and she cant stop talking about it.
Revd Canon Michael Johnson appointed Acting Archdeacon of Bristol
First published 6th April 2018Revd Canon Michael Johnson has been appointed as the Acting Archdeacon of Bristol.
Fire-damaged Bristol church to reopen as museum and events venue
First published 5th April 2018A 200-year-old former church in Bristol city centre is being restored to create a new events museum and venue.
What makes your heart sing? - Revd Trudie Wigley
First published 4th April 2018Revd Trudie Wigley, Priest-in-Charge of Dorcan Swindon, considers the outrageous love of our God.The buzzer goes. The chair spins round.
Detectives wanted to solve murder mystery in Swindon church
First published 4th April 2018'Thou shall not kill' may be one of the Ten Commandments, but a church in Swindon will find itself breaking that command when it hosts a murder mystery evening later this year.
The Church and the Environment: Getting Real about Creation Care
First published 29th March 2018On Saturday April 14, the Bristol Diocese Environment Group in conjunction with the Diocese Social Justice Network hosted a day conference on the environment.
Bidding for Success: securing funding for your church project
First published 26th March 2018Are you planning a major repair project?
Pastoral letter from the Archbishops following the IICSA hearings
First published 26th March 2018The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) concluded its first hearing into the Anglican Church in England and Wales on Friday 23 March.
A Marathon effort to raise money
First published 23rd March 2018On Sunday 22 April 2018, Chris Priddy, Head of Parish and External Relations, will be putting on his trainers to run the London Marathon as he raises funds to support mission and transformation in the Avonside and Yate & Fromeside Mission Areas.
Experiencing the first Easter - Revd Christopher Bryan
First published 23rd March 2018Revd Christopher Bryan, Rector of Gauzebrook and Area Dean for North Wiltshire, reflects on is an event which has changed the world.
Messy Church toolkit launched
First published 22nd March 2018A new toolkit has been created by the Diocese of Bristol, working in partnership with Messy Church, to help Messy Church teams review their journey so far.
GDPR forum - dispelling the myths
First published 22nd March 2018Many of you will be aware of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which comes into force at the end of May.
Bishop Lee: A message for Holy Week and Easter
First published 21st March 2018A message from Bishop Lee for Holy Week and EasterI am never quite comfortable preparing messages for Holy Week midway through Lent; it seems to shortcut the journey. Keeping some distance between Good Friday and Easter Day seems even more important
Countdown to Thy Kingdom Come
First published 21st March 2018As this years Thy Kingdom Come fast approaches, we are keen as many churches and individuals as possible involved.
Safeguarding News - March 2018
First published 9th March 2018Welcome to the latest news from the Safeguarding team. Here you will find all the news, resources and training from Adam Bond and the team.
Revd Beth Brown
First published 7th March 2018It is with deep sadness we announce the death of the Revd Beth Brown. Beth died peacefully on 28 February in the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.
Engaging younger generations - Revd Adam Beaumont
First published 5th March 2018Revd Adam Beaumont, team vicar of Greater Corsham and Lacock and Deanery Missioner for Schools, Children and Families, asks why we put such a focus on young people.
HOPE magazine at Easter
First published 22nd February 2018HOPE is encouraging people to build on their contact with their community this Easter by giving away a special magazine.
What can we bring? - Clare Fussell
First published 22nd February 2018Clare Fussell, Giving and Resources Adviser, asks how much do we consider what we are bringing to God for His mission and work?In many cultures its a custom to bring a gift when visiting someones home.
Youth trip to Uganda
First published 14th February 2018A group of 15 young people and youth leaders from across the Diocese of Bristol are travelling to Uganda this July in order to meet and work with other young people in Uganda.
Little Max - the fun day out for clergy kids
First published 12th February 2018Building on the success of Life to the Max, the weekend away for clergy children (aged 11-18yrs) Little Max is a brand new, fun event for primary aged clergy children 7 to11 years (KS2).
Crossing boundaries - Canon Prof Martin Gainsborough
First published 9th February 2018Canon Prof Martin Gainsborough, Canon Theologian at Bristol Cathedral, considers what makes for strong communities in our latest blog.
Sign up to Thy Kingdom Come 2018
First published 9th February 2018Thy Kingdom Come, the annual global, ecumenical prayer movement, is running from 10 to 20 May 2018.
Movement: Chippenham Deanery
First published 4th February 2018Young people from across churches have been gathering to celebrate their faith together.Movement is a new regular worship event that brings together young people from smaller churches in Chippenham and the surrounding area.The idea is to give teenage
St Alban Choir
First published 4th February 2018A church choir is making connections with the community.St Alban Choir, based at The Church in Westbury Park, currently sees 30 children and adults singing in at least one service every week.
Recovery Fayre
First published 4th February 2018People struggling with addiction have been celebrating the fight to get their lives back on track at St Agnes Church in St Pauls, Bristol.
The Ark@Sparc
First published 4th February 2018Not many church halls can claim to contain the biggest children's indoor play area in the neighbourhood.
The gift of giving
First published 4th February 2018Churches around the Diocese have been demonstrating how good stewardship can make a real difference.St Andrews Castle Combe has been raising money towards its Make History project, which will see a number of improvements to the historic and famous ch
Sitting at Jesus' feet - Revd Mat Ineson
First published 24th January 2018Revd Mat Ineson, Vicar at St Mary's Stoke Bishop, explores what it means to stop being busy in church.I am an activist.
Revd Chris North appointed Adviser for Ministerial Vocation
First published 24th January 2018Revd Chris North has started as the diocesan Adviser for Ministerial Vocation (DDO).Chris is an experienced parish priest who has previously been ministering in the Diocese of Bath & Wells where he was also a Rural Dean and member of Bishops Coun
Celebrating Epiphany with Llamas at All Saints, Clifton
First published 18th January 2018Yes, a donkey at Christmas or Palm Sunday, but llamas for Epiphany?
Changes for parishes to Data Protection rules (GDPR)
First published 16th January 2018Data Protection: Parishes and the GDPR.
Church reopens after six decades to work with young people
First published 15th January 2018A church in the centre of Bristol, which closed 65 years ago, is to reopen later this year with the aim of engaging young people and those who don't currently go to church in the city.
The purpose of Icons - Revd Canon Nicola Stanley
First published 12th January 2018Revd Canon Nicola Stanley, Precentor of Bristol Cathedral, considers the purpose of Icons.My favourite Christmas present?
Statement of Needs published
First published 11th January 2018We have now published our Statement of Needs, which sets out the desired profile of our new bishop, informed by our own consultation across the Diocese.
Grant support available for Swindon and Wiltshire churches
First published 4th January 2018If your church is working on community outreach projects in 2018, you may be eligible to receive support from the Wiltshire Community Foundations Main Grants (up to 15k over 3 years: deadline 22 Feb 2018) or Small Grants (up to 4k over 2 years).
Scientists speak at church during month of science and faith
First published 4th January 2018Science and faith will converge across the four Sundays in January at All Saints Lydiard Millicent this January.
Ugandan Christmas - 2017 Schools Activity
First published 20th December 2017At the beginning of December, a group from West Swindon Church Partnership visited several of West Swindon primary schools.
Running 125 miles for One25
First published 20th December 2017Over the course of November, four members of the Diocesan Office decided to run, walk, row, swim, cycle - or even crawl - 125 miles to raise money for the One25 project.
Early Christmas presents for two Bristol churches
First published 20th December 2017Two Bristol churches have been given a funding boost in time for Christmas from the National Churches Trust.
Happy Christmas from the Diocese of Bristol
First published 19th December 2017Happy Christmas from the Diocesan Support Services team!
Welcome retreats and quiet days - Canon David Froude
First published 19th December 2017Canon David Froude, Chair of the House of Laity, Bristol Diocesan Synod, reflects on spending time with God.
25 parishes now offering the Parish Giving Scheme
First published 19th December 2017Since its launch in September, 25 parishes across the Diocese are now offering the Parish Giving Scheme as an option for congregational giving.
Hope Bristol 2018 - the journey so far
First published 19th December 2017Dan Jones, diocesan youth and childrens adviser for the Diocese of Bristol, reflects on Hope Bristol 2018.To say that things are beginning to hot up at Hope Bristol central is an understatement! With only four months until the five-day event begins,
Nativity characters mingle with shoppers in Yate
First published 19th December 2017Children from the Yate area are learning more about the Christmas story by bumping into various characters from the Nativity as they shop for presents or visit Santa in the Yate Shopping Centre.
Baby Jesus Rocks in Westbury Park
First published 12th December 2017Hand-painted stones featuring a sleeping baby Jesus have been left scattered around Westbury Park. The miniature artwork is the brain-child of Revd Emma Langley, vicar of St Alban Westbury Park.
Disarmed by the unbelievable truth - Rt Revd Lee Rayfield
First published 11th December 2017As Advent moves to the celebration of Christmas, Bishop Lee reflects on its life transforming nature.Can I understand why so many people find the tenets of the Christian faith impossible to believe? Of course I can. Accepting that there is a Creator
Cathedral completes restoration of Victorian Rose Window
First published 4th December 2017Bristol Cathedral has unveiled its Victorian Rose Window, which has been newly restored and repaired after gift given by a donor wishing to remain anonymous.
Saying 'yes' to God - Rev Dr Emma Ineson
First published 29th November 2017In our latest blog, Revd Dr Emma Ineson, Principal of Trinity College Bristol, reflects on stepping out in faith when God calls us.
The new 'A Church Near You'
First published 27th November 2017Exciting changes are coming to the popular A Church Near You website - including the chance for parishes to use it to create their own free and bespoke website.
Doing church in pubs - Revd Nick Hay
First published 22nd November 2017In our latest blog, Revd Canon Nick Hay, Area Dean of Bristol South Deanery, explores finding a church community in the pub.
Have you signed up for Hope Bristol 2018?
First published 22nd November 2017Bishop Lee has been speaking about HOPE Bristol 2018, the five-day youth led mission.
Hope for South Sudanese refugees this Christmas
First published 22nd November 2017Revd Chris Dobson, Global Partnership Officer for the Diocese of Bristol, on how we can help the Diocese of North Uganda support the South Sudanese refugees.
The Happiness Lab
First published 22nd November 2017On the day after the covenant for the Avonside Mission Area was signed, a dozen delegates for the Happiness Laboratory met for their first session in the Tithe Barn in Shirehampton.
Does Santa need a DBS check?
First published 21st November 2017With a little over a month until Christmas, some churches may be thinking of recruiting a volunteer Father Christmas for a Santas Grotto.
Advent and Christmas Prayers 2017
First published 21st November 2017Advent is a season of expectation and preparation, as the Church prepares to celebrate the coming (adventus) of Christ in his incarnation, and also looks ahead to his final advent as judge at the end of time.This booklet of daily readings and prayers
New Church of England website launches
First published 16th November 2017The Church of England launched its new-look website this week. Adrian Harris, Head of Digital Communications at the Church of England, explains why a redesign was needed and what to expect from the new site.
Visible Discipleship - launch of Social Justice Network
First published 16th November 2017People with a passion for social justice gathered together for the launch of a new network aiming to teach and inspire them earlier this month.
Social Justice Network launch
First published 6th November 2017Visible Discipleship: A Discussion Panel. How do we understand the relationship between social action and evangelism?
Expecting perfection - Revd Kat Campion-Spall
First published 31st October 2017In our latest blog, Revd Kat Campion-Spall, Associate Vicar of St Mary Redcliffe Church, Bristol, thinks about how we aim for perfection.
Connecting with God through the Lens
First published 26th October 2017Encountering God through the Lens - an accompanied photographic pilgrimage to Uganda 25 January to 5 February 2018Led by Walter Dirks and Chris Dobson, this trip is an opportunity to develop your photographic skills as part of a spiritual j
Meet the CEMES workers 2017
First published 24th October 2017The Church of England Ministry Experience Scheme (CEMES) offers year-long placements in churches around the country for young adults aged under 30.
Hope Bristol 2018 Launch Sunday
First published 20th October 2017HOPE Bristol 2018 is a five-day youth led mission (3 to 7 April 2018) partnering local churches with around 800 young people from across the country to show God's love in practical ways across Bristol. Over the five-day mission, teams of yo
How big can you dream or imagine? - Revd Lee Barnes
First published 20th October 2017In this first of a series of blogs by people from around the Diocese of Bristol, Revd Lee Barnes, Priest-in-charge of Holy Trinity Hotwells and St Stephens Church in Bristol, reflects on what it means to dream big.
Stats for Mission 2016 figures released
First published 20th October 2017Thank you to all who submitted your Stats for Mission forms for 2016. In total we received submissions from 89% of parishes in the Diocese of Bristol.Accurate information about levels of Church of England attendance and participation is vital.
Bristol Cathedral holds special Faith and Politics lectures
First published 19th October 2017Bristol Cathedral is holding two special lectures addressing faith and politics in our post-Trump, post-Brexit society.
Parish Giving Scheme launched across Diocese
First published 19th October 2017The Diocese of Bristol is now offering churches the opportunity to join the Parish Giving Scheme.
Mission-Minded Christians invited to join inner city mission
First published 18th October 2017St Anne's Church Eastville in Bristol has established a Mission Team and is looking for mission-minded Christians, eager to be involved in exploring inner city mission with them.
Letting go of your worries
First published 17th October 2017Ven Christine Froude, Archdeacon of Malmesbury, writes on holding on to worries:A young woman confidently walked around the room while carrying, in her raised hand, a glass of water.
