News - Diocese of Bristol

The deep joy of knowing Him

First published 6th March 2015

My prayers of despair to God included a complaint that if this was the job He wanted me to do, then perhaps he could have prepared me better.My wife and I have been Christians since the age of 16. We were both brought up in loving but non-church goin

Exploring our faith: stories from our churches

First published 5th March 2015

The conversations about our faith instigated by our diocesan theme of Creating Confidence in Evangelism and further inspired by the visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Confidence in our Church's Mission

First published 5th March 2015

Revd Dr Michael Lloyd, Principal of Wycliffe Hall attended Diocesan Synod on 28 February and gave a fascinating, insightful and at times extremely humorous address on why he has continued confidence in the mission of the Church.

General Synod Report March 2015

First published 5th March 2015

Revd Chris Dobson reports on February's General Synod, which opened with a moving address from Archbishop Bashar Warda, Chaldean Diocese of Erbil in Iraq.

A loyal and trusted friend

First published 5th March 2015

Because of some past experiences I always felt guilty and not a very good person although I tried hard to be nice and please people. But God knew what I needed was encouragement, love and acceptance.Back in the 1950s most children went to Sunday scho

Becky Watts: statement from Bishop Mike

First published 4th March 2015

Statement from the Rt Revd Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol, in response to the latest developments in the tragic Becky Watts investigation.

Swimming in deep mystery

First published 4th March 2015

For me, faith is all about asking questions. Its not a kind of house you build and then you move in and there are the walls and the door and it all feels safe. It's much more like swimming and not knowing where the bottom is...its constantly mysterio

Bringing in the bacon

First published 3rd March 2015

Retired priest, John Ware, recounts how a link visit in 1985 was the start of a 30 year friendship with a final twist in the tail.

The big pang theory

First published 3rd March 2015

Life was good to me well, until I turned 15. I left home and started this journey of discovery, trying to find the true meaning of our existence. I was born in the 60s and maybe it was something to do with the time did the people that spoke of peace

Voices: God's outstretched hand

First published 2nd March 2015

I realise now that not everyone has to go through a marriage breakdown like me to come to know God - but I do know that if you truly turn to Him, He will be there for you.Id like to think that the hand of God was on me from the beginning. I was born

Taking refuge under His wings

First published 28th February 2015

Some six years on from diagnosis, the pathology results suggest the cancers are still there, but to me and I am not in some false denial they have just become numbers.I set my heart on becoming a doctor at the age of 12 years. I missed a lot of the

Changing priorities

First published 27th February 2015

I now realise that real faith is a transformation - I now look at everything in a different way.I have always had some faith but I didn't used to really understand what that meant. I occasionally attended church but always felt a bit out of place and

The reality of Jesus Christ

First published 26th February 2015

A new heartwas given to me and have been following Jesus ever since. That does not mean I am always happy, but day to day I know a joy that no suffering or circumstance can take away.I happened to walk into a church one sunny September morning and he

The spark

First published 25th February 2015

I resigned from my job which was making me thoroughly unhappy. I had nothing lined up but I knew I had to take a leap of faith. People thought I was reckless, but when I answered with my leap of faith explanation I knew in my heart it was the right d

A tough choice

First published 24th February 2015

So we ended up sitting in their service, singing songs that were alien to me, a communion service, body and blood whats all that about? But he preached a message and the message was that in Christ you can have a new start. I thought, I so badly need

An eye-opener

First published 23rd February 2015

For a fleeting instant I had a feeling of warmth, peace, welcome and belonging. It was so brief that afterwards I wasnt sure I had actually felt it, so I soon dismissed it from my mind, assuming Id imagined it.My wife Wendy joined our local church, S

Faithfulness

First published 21st February 2015

But God was not finished with me; he sent a man called Paul to be His physical, supportive presence with me.So where do I begin to tell the story of my faith? I dont remember a time when I didnt go to church, even at the age of 12 I felt called by Go

The whole armour of God

First published 20th February 2015

I decided to pray and ask God, if He existed why did I feel so down and what did I need in my life to take away all the negativity that was surrounding me?Even though I believed in God, I didn't have any trust or faith in Him, and experimenting with

Keeping children safe online

First published 18th February 2015

CEOPs website www.thinkuknow.co.uk is a brilliant resource for children, young people, parents, carers and teachers on everything that is online.

Shiny, happy people

First published 18th February 2015

The first time I went to church... It was full of young people and they were kind of shiny and I felt very threatened indeed. They were clapping and happy and I wasnt happy and didnt want to clap.If I ever came across a Christian, Id be as unpleasant

Punchline preachers stand up for Jesus

First published 12th February 2015

Clergy from across the South West took part in a special, one-day comedy workshop at the Christian Resources Exhibition in Exeter.

What is mission shaped ministry?

First published 5th February 2015

The Diocese of Bristol in partnership with other local organisations is planning a new mission shaped ministry course to start locally in the autumn.

Roofbreakers

First published 5th February 2015

Last month the Christian disability charity Through the Roof launched its new Roofbreakers scheme.

How accessible is your church?

First published 5th February 2015

Our Diocesan Disability Adviser, Revd Alice Kemp, is here to help all churches in the Diocese assess and improve their accessibility, particularly for people with disabilities.

Youth ministry in Uganda

First published 4th February 2015

Diane Paddon, a youth worker from Christ Church Downend, reports on her recent trip to Uganda where she got first hand experience of youth ministry in action.

Supporting church leaders in Uganda

First published 3rd February 2015

Bishop Mike led a small team from the Diocese of Bristol to deliver a four-day conference on Christian leadership for delegates from the Church of Uganda in January 2015.

Bishop's Letter: Addressing the deficit

First published 28th January 2015

With Lent in view, this month Bishop Lee turns the spotlight on our vocation to discipleship.A year ago I heard Paula Gooder speak on the subject of discipleship.

Seeking perfection?

First published 24th January 2015

My current favourite joke: A chicken farmer is dismayed to see that his favourite chicken has stopped laying eggs. He tries everything he knows to fix the problem but no success.

God has taken care of the past and the future

First published 16th January 2015

On the day I was baptised, I was in the privacy of my room, speaking aloud to myself saying How do I really know I am forgiven?Suddenly I heard a voice speaking with authority.Do you forgive your father?I come from a broken troubled family with a vio

Diocesan Synod Report - Dec 2014

First published 14th January 2015

The Diocesan Synod met on 6 December 2014 at Holy Trinity Bradley Stoke and was challenged by Bishop Mike to bridge the gap between what we do in our churches and those living and working in our wider communities.

A tribute to Carol Stone

First published 6th January 2015

She was both loved and valued by her ordained colleagues, but equally was loved by the people she served within and beyond the Church.

Revd Carol Stone 1954-2014

First published 5th January 2015

It was with great sadness that people in the Diocese learned of the death of Revd Carol Stone on Saturday 27 December, following a short battle against pancreatic cancer.

The challenge of being humble

First published 5th January 2015

One of the phrases that comes up reasonably regularly in the bible is The Word of the Lord came to... followed by the name of a person.

Stephen Parsons awarded MBE for service to education

First published 1st January 2015

Stephen Parsons, a Director of Diocese of Bristol Academies Trust, has been awarded an MBE in the Queens New Years Honours in recognition of his services to education and the community.

MBE for first female lay minister

First published 1st January 2015

Margaret Williams, who became the Diocese of Bristol's first ever female lay minister 40 years ago, has been awarded an MBE in the Queens New Year Honours for 2015.

Dean's Letter: Epiphany 2015

First published 1st January 2015

The Very Revd Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Bristol Cathedral, writes to the Diocese at the beginning of the new year.Just by the Roman Forum there is a marble arch, nearly 2,000 years old.

#ChristmasMeans 2014: Expect the unexpected!

First published 21st December 2014

The Ven Christine Froude, Archdeacon of Malmesbury, brings us our final #ChristmasMeans reflection. Don't forget toshare your thoughts on Twitter on 24 and 25 December using the #ChristmasMeans hashtag!He was born as a babyTo an ordinary teenage girl

#ChristmasMeans 2014 : God in human form

First published 20th December 2014

Our #ChristmasMeans seriescontinues today with this reflection by Matthew Rushton from Chippenham. It is loosely based onIsaiah 7, particularly verses 11-14.The world is a complicated place. Some days, it shows off with breathtaking beauty a perfect

#ChristmasMeans 2014 : Ssekukkuluâ€¦ Amazaalibwaâ€¦

First published 19th December 2014

During December, different people arereflecting on what Christmas means to them. Here,Martha Nakiranda tells us about Christmas in Uganda.I would like to say that everything I do at Christmas is centred on celebrating Christs birth. My mother tongue

Letter from Uganda

First published 19th December 2014

Richard Rukundo with Dan Jones, Bristol Diocesan Youth Adviser, in the Bristol Diocesan office in 2014.

A quiet but historic day

First published 19th December 2014

The announcement earlier this week of the appointment of Rev'd Libby Lane as Bishop of Stockport is wonderful news for the Church of England and for our wider society.

#ChristmasMeans 2014 : Giving

First published 18th December 2014

Throughout December, we are sharing different people's reflections on what Christmas means to them. Today youth worker Ysica Savage shares her thoughts.I remember as a child getting so excited about birthday parties. (Didnt we all?) Especially when i

Rome wasn't built in a day

First published 18th December 2014

God loves you the way you are, but He loves you too much to leave you that way. (Quote from an ordination service)I fell in love with Jesus at the age of ten, and I have always had a strong awareness of His presence in my life.Approximately 20 years

Revd Austin Thomas 1923-2014

First published 18th December 2014

People across the Diocese have learned of the sad death of Revd Austin Thomas

#ChristmasMeans 2014 : Happy birthday Jesus!

First published 17th December 2014

Our #ChristmasMeans series of reflections continues with this piece written by Steve Jones, aLay Assistant at Holy Trinity Church in Westbury on Trym.For me the season really starts with the fresh Christmas tree being collected and then spending the

#ChristmasMeans 2014 : Enjoying life at its simplest

First published 16th December 2014

Throughout Decemberdifferent people are reflecting on what Advent and Christmas mean to them. Here, Patience Busingye tells us aboutChristmas celebrations inUganda,with whom the Diocese of Bristol enjoys strong partnership links.When I think of Chris

#ChristmasMeans 2014 : In the bleak midwinter

First published 15th December 2014

This month we are asking people across the Diocese to reflection what Advent and Christmas mean to them. Here, Dan Jones, Diocesan Youth & Children's Adviser, tells us about his favourite Christmas carol.

City Deanery Pilgrimage to Uganda

First published 11th December 2014

Bristol City Deanery are organising an exciting visit to our Link Partners in the two dioceses of West and Central Buganda.

#ChristmasMeans 2014 : All I want for Christmasâ€¦

First published 8th December 2014

This month we are askingpeople across the Diocese to reflecton what Advent and Christmas mean to them. Here, Chris Priddy, Director of Swindon Youth for Christ asks us to think about and pray for those whoseChristmas will not be a time oflove and joy

Bishop's Letter: Closed doors, open doors...

First published 5th December 2014

She laid him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:7 (NIV) I think this is my 38th Christmas as an ordained person!

Rowan Williams at Bristol climate change conference

First published 5th December 2014

Climate change conference challenges churches to change Dr Rowan Williams invites Christians across the region to an important conference on climate change and faith to see how our lifestyles impact on people and planet.

#ChristmasMeans 2014 : Christmas lights

First published 4th December 2014

During December, people across the Diocese arereflecting on what Advent and Christmas mean to them. Here, Rev Mat Ineson, Vicar of St Mary Magdalene in Stoke Bishop, reflects on the meaning of light for the Christian faith.Im constantly amazed at the

#ChristmasMeans 2014 : Advent reflection: following threads

First published 2nd December 2014

During December, different people across the Diocese of Bristol arereflecting on what Advent and Christmas mean to them. Here, Rev Nicola Such, a curate inWroughton, considers how four women'sstories in the Gospel of Matthew set the scene for the sto

#ChristmasMeans 2014 : It will all be over by Christmas

First published 1st December 2014

During December, different people across the Diocese of Bristol will reflect on what Advent and Christmas mean to them. Here, Rev Dan Tyndall, Vicar of St Mary Redcliffe in Bristol, shares his thoughts.The expectation that It will all be over by Chri

#ChristmasMeans 2014

First published 1st December 2014

The Church's successful twitter campaign,#ChristmasMeans will be running again this yeargiving congregations and individuals across thecountry a chance to show what Christmas meansto them, with image, videos and 140 characterreflections.To get the bal

Helping people deal with debt

First published 27th November 2014

A rising number of Church of England parishes are providing help to people with problem debt, a new survey has found.

Buckets in the rain?

First published 26th November 2014

It was very recently reported that cathedral congregations are on the up and that mid-week services have doubled in a decade.

Bristol vicar goes over the top

First published 19th November 2014

Bristol vicar, Rev Canon Nick Hay proved his dedication to tackling poverty when he not only abseiled 100ft down the Avon Gorge on Saturday 15 November, but also sang the nursery rhyme The Wheels on the Bus as he went down.

One Ministry

First published 17th November 2014

The mix between stipendiary, self-supporting and other forms of ordained ministry is changing, as the Church responds to fresh challenges and an evolving world.

The changing patterns of ministry

First published 17th November 2014

Earlier this year, the Diocese of Bristol appointed Rev Charles Sutton as Bishops Adviser for Self-Supporting Ministry.

Bible for Life

First published 16th November 2014

When the main messages are clear, then the application of scripture - what we should do and how we should live - is a good deal easier to understand.

Disciples on the front line

First published 16th November 2014

Your Kingdom come, on this bit of earth at this point in time...Revd Jo Vickery reports on a recent event for church leaders in Bristol, exploring how we can be disciples in the 'whole of life'.

Mentoring is not a one-way street

First published 13th November 2014

Paul has helped me a lot. If it weren't for him, Id be back in prison now.

MentorMe: helping rebuild lives

First published 13th November 2014

MentorMe is a Christian organisation based in Bristol, supporting ex-offenders.

Yes, I have cancer

First published 13th November 2014

This is a video ofDoreen Bull from Shirehampton, recorded from her hospital bed for her friends at St Mary's Church. Doreen has suggested we include it here to allowher message to reach a wider audience.Yes, I have cancer. So what? I've said it. It d

Giving something back

First published 13th November 2014

Its easy to make assumptions but until you meet someone whos been inside, its unlikely you have any real understanding of just how difficult it is to get your life together when youre released from prison.As part of ourPrisons Weekfocus, we spoke tot

Edward Colston, slavery and moral ambiguities

First published 11th November 2014

On Monday I spoke at the annual Charter Day service in Bristol Cathedral to a gathering of young aspiring people.

Christian Concepts Unpacked

First published 11th November 2014

The Christian Concepts Unpacked resources have been developed to support the teaching of Christianity in schools under three main themes: 'Prophecy', 'Salvation' and 'Trinity'.

'Reconciliation in action' - Archbishop of Canterbury on church schools

First published 10th November 2014

Archbishop Justin Welby recently addressed a conference of church school leaders and Chairs of governing bodies in the Diocese of Birmingham.

To be continuedâ€¦

First published 3rd November 2014

With my track record if I make another 12 years Ill have done well. It annoys me I wanted to do a parachute jump on my 80th birthday. There is a song by Rumer that starts, Is there a place where all I have lost will be returned to me? I get that. I w

KS2 RE - Christianity in Action

First published 3rd November 2014

This award winning resource is a creative, innovative way of opening up and applying Christian belief and teaching. The entry follows fictional 18-year-old Jim on his gap-year journey to Uganda.

Prioritising God in my life

First published 28th October 2014

Around the time I was 18 or 19 I became very sick with anorexia and depression. At my lowest moments I felt very angry with God. My memory is quite hazy of this time, but I do remember searching out churches trying to find answersI think I have alway

What we reap, we will sowâ€¦

First published 21st October 2014

The Bishop of Blackburn, Julian Henderson, a contemporary of mine at Ridley Hall, made the national news recently by seeking to define some reality for his diocese.

Young people celebrate faith in Christ

First published 20th October 2014

On Thursday 27 November young people from across the Diocese of Bristol are invited to say YES and celebrate their faith in Jesus Christ.

The challenge to go ‘One Step Beyond'

First published 16th October 2014

On Saturday 11 October two hundred leaders and volunteers gathered to be nurtured and challenged at 'One Step Beyond - the triennial Youth and Children's Work conference hosted by the dioceses of Bristol and Bath & Wells.