News - Diocese of Bristol

Everesting challenge for church

First published 15th June 2017

Determined cyclist Rich Wiles-Teoh has cycled the height of Everest to raise funds for St Andrews Church in Castle Combe.

Ability Sunday 2017

First published 15th June 2017

Ability Sunday - 10 September 2017 An inclusive and accessible day for churches that celebrates the gifts of all Ability Sunday is about celebrating the gifts of disabled people and working for more accessible and inclusive church.

Supporting Safeguarding service

First published 13th June 2017

'Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute.' Proverbs 31:8Safeguarding officers and clergy from across the Diocese gathered in St Mary Redcliffe Church yesterday where they were thanked and commissioned by Bishop Mike

Yet for your sakeâ€¦

First published 13th June 2017

As I write the Church remembers St. Barnabas referred to by St Luke as a son of encouragement. The background is as simple as it is challenging.

Statement by the Church of England on marriage in Scottish Episcopal Church

First published 9th June 2017

Following the vote by the General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church to change to its canon on marriage to include same-sex couples, a spokesperson for the Church of England said:

Jones Mutemwakwenda : God's Calling

First published 8th June 2017

My name is Jones Mutemwakwenda. I am married to Gladys with four children. I am the Priest In Charge of All Hallows Easton an Anglo Catholic Church in the heart of Bristol. We are a welcoming, all aged community drawn from the parish, the Diocese and

The Church at the Glastonbury Festival

First published 2nd June 2017

Lee Barnes, Priest-in-Charge of Holy Trinity and St Stephens in Bristol, is a member of the Organising Committee at the Glastonbury Festival.

undivided: Windows on the Reformation

First published 1st June 2017

Following on its successful programme, Windows on Medieval Devotion, Bristol Cathedral is running a new programme of lectures titled Windows on the Reformation. This year marks a significant anniversary.

DAC Awards for church projects

First published 25th May 2017

Four parishes in the Diocese of Bristol have been given recognition in the first round of DAC Awards.

Bishop Mike on the Manchester attack

First published 24th May 2017

A message from the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Mike Hill, in response to the attack in Manchester.

Consecration of the new Bishop of West Ankole

First published 23rd May 2017

This Sunday (28 May) Bishop Mike Hill, with his wife Anthea, alongside Archdeacon Christine Froude will be attending the consecration of the new Bishop of West Ankole.

Youth and Children training responses

First published 22nd May 2017

Earlier this month, a number of people took part in The Key, a training session run by Dan Jones, Youth and Children's Adviser at the Diocese of Bristol.

Church toddler group proves hit after first session

First published 22nd May 2017

A new toddler group at St John the Baptist, Colerne, is already proving a success after its first session. This month the church launched Sparkles, aimed at children under five, and has already seen 26 children come along.

Bishops' Visitations 2017

First published 19th May 2017

Churchwardens from across the diocese gathered at three Visitations services during May to celebrate and affirm their ministry and formally take up their offices for another year.The services were led by Bishop Lee and included the legal sw

Creating a culture of invitiation

First published 19th May 2017

Logo for Season of Invitation showing drawn icons of envelope, church and heart. Three out of four Christians know who they would invite to church if they were prompted to do so.

'Too much politics'

First published 18th May 2017

With the up-coming General Election next month, the Revd Canon Professor Martin Gainsborough, Canon Theologian at Bristol Cathedral, shares his thoughts on what we need to live in harmony with others. [Readings: Acts 7: 55 to end

Ministry Experience Scheme (MES)

First published 17th May 2017

Do you want to explore whether God is calling you to ministry in the Church of England by gaining experience of what it is really like?

Bishop Lee: Wisdom for living

First published 17th May 2017

Of proverbs, axioms, parables and wisdom for living.

Christian Aid award for dedicated fundraiser

First published 16th May 2017

The energy and commitment of a Christian Aid supporter who attends St Mary's Church, Purton, has been recognised with a national award.

Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme

First published 16th May 2017

The Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS) allows parishes to claim a Gift-Aid style repayment to be received on small cash and contactless donations of 20 or less.

Thy Kingdom Come - Ten Days to Go

First published 12th May 2017

Every day around the world God's people raise their voices in prayer for the coming of the Kingdom. It is for this we long for.

Hands project marks 1,300 years of church

First published 12th May 2017

A community project marking the 1,300th anniversary of Holy Trinity Church in Westbury-on-Trym is nearing its final stages with the help of the villages primary school children.

Connections: Growing Leaders

First published 8th May 2017

As people learn to serve and follow Christ, they will be looking for practical opportunities to use their gifts.

Connections: Lent Course

First published 5th May 2017

Small groups are a great chance in the life of the church for people to share the opportunities and challenges they face in following Christ in all of life.

Connections: Season of Invitation

First published 5th May 2017

Most people would not now come to church without an invitation from a friend - even if they had attended in the past.

Connections: Messy Church

First published 5th May 2017

One challenge facing churches is how to provide services that engage with families and which are fun and creative.

Connections: Alpha Course

First published 4th May 2017

The Alpha course, which invites people to explore what the Christian faith means for them, has recently introduced The Alpha Film Series and Youth Film Series to engage with new people attending the sessions.

Safeguarding audit emphasises Diocese's culture and progress

First published 3rd May 2017

An independent audit into safeguarding arrangements within the Diocese has highlighted the Dioceses culture of getting safeguarding right, commitment to ongoing improvement and quality of support to parishes.

Connected conference 2017

First published 29th April 2017

Below you'll find videos of the main speakers from the day - Revd Dr Sam Wells, Very Revd Heidi Kinner, Mary Hawes, Jimmy Dale and Rt Revd Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol.

Godparents' Sunday boosts family service

First published 28th April 2017

Godparents Sunday is a response to research undertaken on behalf of the Archbishops Council looking at parents real experiences and expectations around the baptism of their child.

Obituary: Revd Pauline Wall

First published 25th April 2017

Revd Canon Gwyn Owen has written a few words about Pauline Wall, who died recently: Revd Pauline Wall was a faithful servant of the Church. She was a Deacon for many years before ordained priest at Bristol Cathedral in 1994.

Changes to the Heritage Lottery Fund grants

First published 24th April 2017

The Heritage Lottery Fund has announced major changes to the way in which churches apply for funding, including the closure of the Grants for Places of Worship scheme later this year.

Obituary: Tim Berry 1945 - 2017

First published 20th April 2017

Tim Berry, the former registrar for the Diocese of Bristol, has died following a short illness. Tim was articled to the late Charles Wyndham Harris, and became a partner in Harris & Harris upon qualification as a solicitor in 1970.

The Great Get Together in honour of Jo Cox

First published 20th April 2017

Churches, faith groups and community organisations are being invited to team up with Church Urban Funds Near Neighbours programme to host street parties, picnics and bake-offs in tribute to the late MP Jo Cox.

Rt Revd Michael Francis Perham 1947-2017

First published 19th April 2017

The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Mike Hill, writes: Many including myself will be very sorry to hear of the death of Michael Perham who died earlier this week.

Bishop Mike: Everything matters

First published 18th April 2017

I just got back from a teaching schedule in a variety of contexts which has been fascinating.

Social Justice Network

First published 12th April 2017

Social Justice Network. Join us to see the bigger picture.

The Caller

First published 12th April 2017

Early on one summer morning

New book commemorates Bristol casualties in WW1

First published 10th April 2017

In August 2014, Bristol Cathedral began telling the stories of some of the men from the Diocese of Bristol who died during the First World War, one for every month of the conflict.

Statement following explosions at Coptic Churches in Egypt

First published 10th April 2017

The Bishop of Bristol and all in the Diocese of Bristol offer their sincere condolences to His Grace and Coptic Christians throughout the world in the light of the bombing of Coptic Churches in Egypt.

An Invitation from the Church of England Youth Council

First published 31st March 2017

The Church of England Youth Councils next event is in just 22 days time. This April CEYCs event is titled Thy Kingdom Come.

Kampala and Luwero, a tale of two contrasting cities.

First published 29th March 2017

The Adventures of the Magnificent Seven.

Martin Luther & the 500th Anniversary of the Start of the Reformation

First published 29th March 2017

Martin Luther & the 500th Anniversary of the Start of the Reformation Bristol Anglo-German Society is pleased to invite you to hear the Right Revd Dr Graham Tomlin, Bishop of Kensington.

Religious extremism and the shadow it casts

First published 29th March 2017

In our culture it has become axiomatic to assert that religion has been the cause of wars throughout the ages.

Foundation Governor case study: Christ Church Infants School, Downend

First published 23rd March 2017

In my working life as a primary school teacher I had never expected or wanted to be a governor.

Foundation Governor case study: Bristol

First published 23rd March 2017

Being a Foundation Governor at St Michael on the Mount Primary is, first of all, enjoyable and stimulating, above all through meeting and getting to know the staff and some of the pupils.

Foundation Governor case study: Stoke Bishop CE Primary

First published 23rd March 2017

I became a Foundation Governor for the first time when I became Vicar of St Mary's in Stoke Bishop.

Foundation Governor case study: St Michael's-on-the-Mount

First published 23rd March 2017

I had little idea that people became foundation governors outside their own parishes until a colleague asked me to replace him at St Michael's-on-the-Mount as he was moving away.

Aggy Palairet : God's calling

First published 21st March 2017

Hello Im Aggy; I am a mum of 2, currently a member in the Lee Abbey Knowle West small missional community and working part time for the NHS as a Clinical Data Team Co-ordinator.

HOPE at Easter

First published 20th March 2017

HOPE is helping churches to make Jesus known this Easter with a new book, a short video and an explorers course.

Diocesan Synod Report, March 2017

First published 17th March 2017

The Diocesan Synod met on 4 March 2017 at Freshbrook Church Swindon.

Obituary: John Lloyd

First published 17th March 2017

John Lloyd who was the Bishop of Bristols Press Officer until 2010, as well as the Diocesan Communications Officer for a number of years, died earlier today after a long battle with illness.

Lucy Nagel: God's calling

First published 16th March 2017

Who are you, where are you and what do you do?Hi! Im Lucy, I am currently the curate at Redland Parish Church in Bristol.Being a curate means lots of different things primarily, I am training to be a vicar, but that happens in lots of different ways

Trev Meardon: God's calling

First published 16th March 2017

My name is Trev Meardon and Im currently serving my curacy in Southmead at St Stephens church. Its a great community with a variety of things going on in the church and wider community. As the curate Im trying to get involved in as much as I can to g

Sam Sheppard : God's calling

First published 16th March 2017

My name is Sam Im 22 years old and in my third year of training for ordination at Ripon College Cuddesdon. Ive come from Kingswood where Id been working with the churches in Kingswood Team Ministry, mostly with the Church plant All Souls Southey Park.

Michelle Martin : God's calling

First published 16th March 2017

My name is Michelle and I am 33 years old. I am currently the assistant curate in the East Bristol Partnership a role which I started in 2014. I work in a benefice of three different churches, joining in with the ministry and mission happening in t

Thy Kingdom Come - Take Part

First published 15th March 2017

Thy Kingdom Come 25 May to 4 June 2017Join the global wave of prayer: Praying as churches, families and individuals that people come to know Jesus Christ.

Starting with the end in mind

First published 9th March 2017

Bishop Lee asks whether we can make Lent a season to create habits which help us form a more Christ-like character.

Obituary: The Revd Barry Trotter

First published 6th March 2017

Many of you who have been in the Diocese for many years will be sad to hear that the Revd Barry Trotter died on 24 February 2017, aged 83.

Diocese of Bristol Peer Review

First published 1st March 2017

The Diocese of Bristol participated in a peer review process in November 2016.

Women's World Day of Prayer

First published 1st March 2017

This Thursday (2 March) marks the annual Women's World Day of Prayer when more than 5,000 services will be held across the country on the theme of Am I Being Unfair to You?

Statement from the Bishop of Bristol and Dean of Bristol

First published 21st February 2017

A statement from the Rt Revd Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol, and the Very Revd David Hoyle, Dean of Bristol, in response to the debate at General Synod on the Bishops' report following the shared conversations.

Could your church building raise more income for your ministry?

First published 20th February 2017

According to a new report from the Centre for Theology and Community (CTC), churches across the UK may be missing out on millions of pounds of potential income because church buildings are being left empty for most of the week.

Bristol Diocese to join Parish Giving Scheme

First published 20th February 2017

In September, Bristol Diocese is joining this nationwide scheme to support church giving.

Fight of the century - Global v National?

First published 13th February 2017

As somebody once quipped: The future ain't what it used to be!To state the obvious, 2017 has certainly started with some glaring uncertainties.

Whole Life Discipleship Workshops

First published 10th February 2017

Whole-Life Discipleship for Churches New Programme of Workshops for Churches launching in September.Prioritising Making disciples.

Engaging with Younger Generations Training Opportunities

First published 10th February 2017

As part of the 'Creating connections' vision we have prioritised afresh Engaging with younger generations.

Thy Kingdom Come resources launched

First published 10th February 2017

Thy Kingdom Come - 25 May to 4 June 2017 Join the global wave of prayer: Praying that people come to know Jesus Christ.

Creating connections...where next?

First published 10th February 2017

How is your parish Making disciples, Growing leaders and Engaging with younger generations?

Let's Talk About â€¦ Dementia

First published 8th February 2017

There are some subjects we try not to talk about one is dementia.

Messy Baptism

First published 7th February 2017

Four children made the pledge in front of friends and family at St Barnabas Church in Gorse Hill, Swindon as they committed to following Jesus as part of a Messy Baptism service.Messy Church has been running at the church for the last four years.

Sunday Sessions @ The Hare - St Paul's, Bristol

First published 7th February 2017

Once a month, a south Bristol pub opens its doors to the church.

Knitted Crib Pilgrimage - St Andrew's, Chippenham

First published 7th February 2017

Woolly mementos of the Nativity found their way into homes across Chippenham last Christmas.

All Creatures Great and Small

First published 7th February 2017

The Revd Ness Whiffin, curate at the Marshfield Benefice, has recently introduced a pet service at the church.

Special Offer at St Luke's, Bristol

First published 7th February 2017

People living close to St Luke's Church have been given a special offer by the congregation.

Update on St Michael on the Mount without

First published 3rd February 2017

Representatives from the Diocese of Bristol, the Church Commissioners, Historic England and Bristol City Council met again at the end of January to progress work and plans on St Michael on the Mount without following the fire in October 2016.

Join the Sanctuary Tent at Glastonbury

First published 1st February 2017

Glastonbury Festival is one of the iconic summer gatherings known across the world.

Bishop of Bristol announces retirement

First published 24th January 2017

The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Mike Hill, has announced his retirement with effect from 30 September 2017.