Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol
News
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.
Avonside Mission Area churches sign covenant
First published 3rd October 2017Members of churches in the Avonside Mission Area have gathered to celebrate the signing of their covenant.
A thank you from Bishop Mike
First published 27th September 2017Bishop Mike and Anthea Hill have written the following thanks following the farewell service at Bristol Cathedral.
Can the Church of England learn anything from British Cycling?
First published 21st September 2017In this months message Bishop Lee asks whether there is more to marginal gains than making small incremental changes.
Connections: Nook Pods
First published 21st September 2017Members of All Saints Church in Crudwell have found a novel way to create more usable space within the building.The church has started using a Nook Pod a specially built modular space on wheels which can be used for childrens activities, private con
Connections: Christians Against Poverty
First published 21st September 2017Churches in Bristol have been helping people struggling with financial worries through the work of Christians Against Poverty (CAP).
Connections: Spending a Penny on Poverty
First published 21st September 2017Toilets across Marshfield have been twinned with loos in Uganda through the efforts of church members at St Marys.Organisers of the annual Lenten Lunches had initially wanted to twin the church's two new toilets with ones in the Link Diocese. Donation
Connections: Text a Prayer
First published 20th September 2017People in need of prayer can send their requests by text message to a mobile phone number set up by St Augustines Church, Swindon.
RunAlpha 2017
First published 19th September 2017As we seek to Make disciples we must focus on evangelism, witness and inviting people to explore and respond to the Good News of Jesus Christ.
FREE Christmas HOPE magazines
First published 14th September 2017Comedian and actor Miranda Hart, Sky Sports and former Blue Peter presenter Simon Thomas, and toy store entrepreneur Gary Grant are among those featured in the 2017 Christmas HOPE magazine.
Share a meal with World Vision
First published 14th September 2017This autumn bring people together with food.
Reflections on a 12-hour prayer vigil
First published 25th August 2017Earlier this week, Janey Hiller and Helen Collins held a 12-hour prayer vigil for the Diocese at Hillside House.
Ballot for tickets to Bishop Mike's farewell service
First published 22nd August 2017Extra tickets have been released for the Bishop of Bristol's farewell service next month.
Parish Share and Encouraging Generosity seminars
First published 22nd August 2017Meeting your Parish Share commitment can be a challenge. You may have questions about how your church can encourage generosity and resource its ministry and mission.
Book a place at the Parish Giving Scheme launch
First published 22nd August 2017From September Bristol Diocese will be joining this nationwide scheme to support church giving.
A letter to parishes from Bishop Mike
First published 22nd August 2017As the Rt Revd Mike Hill prepares to retire as Bishop of Bristol on 30 September 2017, he has written a final letter to parishes in the Diocese of Bristol.
Bishop's bike ride raises £2k for Bristol Hope 2018
First published 21st August 2017Bishop Lee and a group of cyclists from the Diocese of Bristol have raised more than 2,000 towards Hope Bristol 2018, a five-day mission coming to Bristol next April.
Statement by Bishop Mike regarding Charlottesville
First published 16th August 2017A statement by the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Mike Hill, regarding the recent events in Charlottesville.
St Stephen's Southmead opens doors as Make Lunch Kitchen
First published 15th August 2017In the first two weeks of the school summer holidays, St Stephens in Southmead opened its doors for the first time as a Make Lunch Kitchen.
Reformation and Renewal
First published 10th August 2017This year marks the 500th Anniversary of the ReformationIn 1517 Martin Luther posted his 95 theses on the doors of the Cathedral in Wittenborg.
Work begins to restore Bristol Cathedral's Rose Window
First published 7th August 2017Work has begun to restore and repair Bristol Cathedrals Rose Window after an anonymous donor made a gift of 125,000, the largest philanthropic gift since the rebuilding of the Nave in the 1860s.
People with memory problems helped by church cafe
First published 21st July 2017People with memory problems in Bristol are being invited to a monthly cafe at Holy Trinity Church, Hotwells each month.
Virtual 3D tour of Dauntsey church
First published 21st July 2017Virtual technology is giving a new view of the parish church in Dauntsey.
Pilgrimage: Ancient Civilisations of Sicily
First published 20th July 2017Bishop Mike and the Archdeacon, Christine Froude, will lead a group of pilgrims on a tour of Sicily next year.Sicily has been conquered and settled by different peoples over thousands of years: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Norma
DAC visit churches of special interest
First published 20th July 2017Once a year the Archdeacon arranges for the Diocesan Advisory Committee to visit churches of special interest which this year was an unusual group in central Bristol.
Bishop's bike ride to raise funds for Hope Bristol 2018
First published 20th July 2017Bishop Lee will be leading a group of seven cyclists around all the churches of North Wilts Deanery as they raise money for HOPE Bristol 2018, a five-day mission coming to Bristol next April.
Success for Bristol projects with Church Urban Fund grants
First published 20th July 2017Two local projects have successfully received grants from the Church Urban Funds Near Neighbours scheme.
What one thing can you do to increase church giving by 20%?
First published 20th July 2017Simple just sign up to the Parish Giving Scheme! When run alongside a church-wide giving review, gifts to the church increase on average by 20%. The scheme helps with static giving and reduces administration too.
A living word which cannot be constrained
First published 12th July 2017This month Bishop Lee tells how one boys life is having a transforming impact for the Kingdom of God.
Rural Ministry - Strategies for mission
First published 12th July 2017The Archbishops Council of the Church of England has recently published a new report on rural mission and growth.
Near Neighbours Grant Fund Relaunches for 2017
First published 10th July 2017The Near Neighbours small grants fund, run by the Church Urban Fund, has now reopened with new guidelines.
Ordination Services 2017
First published 3rd July 2017The weekend of the 1 July saw the ordination of nine new deacons and seven new priests to serve across our Diocese in a variety of contexts.
Pilot of contactless payments for church donations
First published 28th June 2017The Church of England has announced plans to trial "tap and go" contactless payment systems for donations.Starting this summer, around 40 churches will be equipped with handheld terminals to process card payments.
Statement by Bishop Mike on the Peter Ball report
First published 23rd June 2017Statement by Bishop Mike on the publication of the independent report by Dame Moira Gibb into the Church's handling of the Bishop Peter Ball case.
Connect Session: One month on…
First published 22nd June 2017A month ago today, around 80 people gathered at St Michael's in Stoke Gifford to discuss funding options for their church projects.
Lord Joffe of Liddington
First published 21st June 2017The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Mike Hill, has said he is very sorry to learn of the death of Lord Joffe, a resident of the Diocese.
Giving for Life: Are you continuing the journey?
First published 20th June 2017Giving for Life: Continuing the Journey is a helpful guide for PCC's to do a quick and easy health check of their parishes stewardship practices.
Parish Share: Growing through Faith
First published 20th June 2017It has been really encouraging to witness the number of parishes who have prayerfully committed to give generously in Parish Share to support the work and ministry of sister churches across the Diocese in 2017.
New Mission Areas launched
First published 20th June 2017Two new Mission Areas have been launched in the Diocese of Bristol.
Horfield Primary named Literacy School of the Year
First published 16th June 2017Horfield Church of England Primary School in Bristol has been named as the 2016-17 UKLA Literacy School of the Year.
Everesting challenge for church
First published 15th June 2017Determined 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 2017Ability 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 sake…
First published 13th June 2017As 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 2017Following 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 2017My 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 2017Lee Barnes, Priest-in-Charge of Holy Trinity and St Stephens in Bristol, is a member of the Organising Committee at the Glastonbury Festival.
