News - Diocese of Bristol

Videos from the Archbishop's Visit

First published 3rd September 2014

To help all churches join in and build on the excitement surrounding the Archbishop of Canterbury's visit to our diocese, video footage will be available shortly after his time with us.

An 'audacious' community project

First published 3rd September 2014

Members of St Michael's Church, Stoke Gifford have been taking a look at their new church and community centre ahead of its dedication next month.

Thanksgiving for Frenchay Hospital

First published 3rd September 2014

There was a special service of Thanksgiving for Frenchay Hospital at St John the Baptist in Frenchay in July.

Cross Tree Centre, Wraxall

First published 3rd September 2014

Situated in a beautiful location overlooking the valley, the Cross Tree Centre at All Saints Church Wraxall is available for hire and is an attractive and ideal venue for a parish away day, quiet day or meeting.

Foundation Governor: case study

First published 1st September 2014

Sally Sibley has been a Foundation Governor at St. Barnabas Church of England Primary School near Bristol for two years and explains the positive impact she makes to the development of the school and the education of its children.

Second chances

First published 28th August 2014

There seemed to be scepticism about God everywhere and when I went to university I decided that my beliefs where largely inherited and decided to drop church, prayers and Bible reading.God has been a major part of my life since childhood.Sometimes he

A lifelong adventure

First published 18th August 2014

I didnt know what was happening. I shed tears of joy; I did not know if I was coming or goingThe progress of my faith in Christ has been a gradual journey over many years.The seeds were sown when I was a small lad of about eight or nine years old. I

One step at a time

First published 12th August 2014

Hospital became my second home and I began to question if my trust in God was one I could justifyI was brought up in a Christian family but did not myself go to church or want want to have anything to do with Christianity. That was until I went to ch

Take delight in the Lord

First published 10th August 2014

Take delight in the Lord,and he will give you the desires of your heartI am amazed at what God has done in my life since I took the verse from Psalm 37:4 literally.I began to practice it by spending a day just doing what it says, delighting myself wi

Restore to me the joy

First published 6th August 2014

...knew I was forgiven and felt a wave of peace flow through me.I had just left my secondhusband and thinking how I could ever feel good about myself again.A friend loaned me a bible and I read Psalm 51 and knew I was forgiven and felt a wave of peac

Called to service

First published 5th August 2014

It felt amazing that I could do something, not for myself, but in the service of ChristWell, I believe that I have always had faith in God but it really became apparent when I was 13 and felt that I wanted to turn to Christ as Lord and have a relatio

Bishop's Letter: Into the looking glass

First published 31st July 2014

Bishop Mike asks if we apply the ways we learn best, to the ways we could seek to spread the Gospel message.

Teaching the Trinity

First published 29th July 2014

A collection of thirty ideas for teaching at Key Stages 1 and 2 about the distinctive Christian understanding of God.

Excellent Christianity lesson plans

First published 25th July 2014

These lesson plans for KS1 and KS2 are from Christian Concepts Unpacked' which has been developed by Sailsbury Diocese.

Trying to be good

First published 24th July 2014

I could not believe in a vengeful God and it was only gradually that I came to know Jesus as a real person and friend.Death is something we all face. As an 8 year old, I faced my mother's death knocked off her bicycle by a car. We attended a modern

Bishop Lee arrives in Land's End

First published 21st July 2014

The Bishop of Swindon, the Rt Revd Dr Lee Rayfield successfully completed his epic bike ride from John O'Groats to Land's End.

Le Tour de Lee - Day 13 Truro to Land's End (43 miles)

First published 19th July 2014

At around 2pm Mike and I arrived at Land's End to a rapturous applause.

Le Tour de Lee - Day 12 Okehampton to Truro (72 miles)

First published 18th July 2014

Today as I followed the signage from Bodmin to St Austell I recalled my father-in-law's words about 'Cornish miles'.

Le Tour de Lee - Day 11 Glastonbury to Okehampton (84 miles)

First published 17th July 2014

Today's central character unfortunately has no name but was our rescuer when the signposting, the map and the Garmin SatNav conspired to confuse.

Le Tour de Lee - Day 10 Gloucester to Glastonbury (91 miles)

First published 16th July 2014

This was a day of the musketeers! Some 70 miles of the total were ridden in a relay of fellow cyclists from across the Diocese, with wonderful contributions from the stars of the Malmesbury Abbey kitchen.

Chosen

First published 16th July 2014

...this basic conviction that I was here because I was a mistake ran very deep in my life.For most of my life my fundamental conviction about myself, deep down, was that I was an accident. I was adopted at a very young age. I knew I was an unplanned

Celebrating Margaret's 40 years of lay ministry

First published 16th July 2014

Sunday 22nd June was a day of celebration for Margaret Williams at Christ Church, Swindon, beginning with a special service to mark 40 years of lay ministry.

How to build a community centre

First published 16th July 2014

Our investment in the new centre embodies our mission to put across the Christian message of love and service in a very practical way.

Le Tour de Lee - Day 9 Church Stretton to Gloucester (73 miles)

First published 15th July 2014

No time to post yesterday evening as it was a day of transition.

The Vote on Women Bishops - About Time Too!

First published 14th July 2014

On Monday 14 July, the General Synod of the Church of England gave its final approval to legislation paving the way for women Bishops.

Table Talk works - hear from people who've used it

First published 14th July 2014

It takes the church out of an old church building and puts it out in the community where it needs to be - Talking about issues of faith outside of a church setting isn't always easy.

Le Tour de Lee - Day 8 Wigan to Church Stretton (82 miles)

First published 13th July 2014

Sabbath post - arrived safely and in good time.

Le Tour de Lee - Day 6 Moffat to Shap (76 miles)

First published 11th July 2014

As the days go on, the Tour de Lee is beginning to resemble its more illustrious cousin in two interesting ways.

A Friend's Scheme for a Parish Church

First published 11th July 2014

Have you ever wondered how to set up a 'Friend's Scheme'for your parish church?

Le Tour de Lee - Day 5 Uphall to Moffat (60 miles)

First published 10th July 2014

Today's narrative has to centre around Simon...On our journey we have seen a number of other cyclists coming in the opposite direction.

Aligning actions and lifestyle

First published 10th July 2014

I knew I had changed when I next met with the man I had been committing adultery with.It seems to me that before I was baptised I was quite narrow and self interested and had few outside interests or concerns unless there was some benefit to me.I had

Le Tour de Lee - Day 4 Perth to Uphall, near Edinburgh (47 miles)

First published 9th July 2014

Having seen two bikes on the roof rack some of you may be wondering when Mike has had the chance to ride his. After all, acting as my 'Director Sportif', domestique and general factotum has been a full time occupation!

Reflections on my calling

First published 9th July 2014

Am I doing something because I think it will be good for me and I want to do it, or because I know deep within myself that God is calling me?

Le Tour de Lee Day 3 - Aviemore to Perth (91 miles)

First published 8th July 2014

We have been well looked after by the staff in the Hotels and Guest Houses we have stayed in, with the breakfasts a key feature.

Le Tour de Lee Day 2 - Brora to Aviemore (90 miles)

First published 7th July 2014

Three category 3 climbs, two category 4's and one category 5. This may all be meaningless to you but not to my legs!

Archbishop Justin visits the Diocese

First published 7th July 2014

I saw God at work, people learning to love and follow Jesus Christ, and loving their communities Archbishop Justin Welby Wow!

Grace, peace and trust

First published 7th July 2014

I had a Christian background but a few years later, God showed me that there was moreI was 11 years old. For some reason, unknown then (but known now), I wanted to read my Bible.At this age, I was sitting at the back of the class listening to the Eas

Le Tour de Lee Day 1 - John O'Groats to Brora (64 miles)

First published 6th July 2014

Mike Palmer and I were boarded in Brora overnight so we had to travel an hour and half to the off at John O Groats.

Le Tour de Lee Day -1 (getting closer)

First published 5th July 2014

As I write today we have just had our afternoon break in the lee of Ben Nevis. No time for a closer look, let alone climbing GBs highest mountain, as we are still 120 miles from our destination.

Le Tour de Lee: Day -2 (heading up north)

First published 4th July 2014

Having taken two hours yesterday to assemble and fit the roof bars and bike carriers, this morning Mike and I loaded the car and set off for the Grand Depart on Sunday.

Learning to Forgive

First published 3rd July 2014

I felt terribly guilty and anxious, and suddenly found myself unable to cope ... I had to learn to forgive others, and to forgive myself, and I think only by the grace of God was that possible.Share your story! is the message we keep being told at th

Creating Confidence - in action

First published 3rd July 2014

Thanks to Revd Steve Wilkinson, Priest in Charge of the Woodbridge Group in North Wiltshire for sharing this report on their Creating Confidence Sunday.

My first year in curacy

First published 1st July 2014

Revd John Monaghan was ordained as a priest at Bristol Cathedral on Sunday 29 June by the Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Mike Hill.

A journey of faith

First published 1st July 2014

I was not ashamed of it or frightened what others might think.It always was. It was like wallpaper. You see it every day, but you do not really notice of it. That piece at the edge which is peeling off - you hardly ever notice. You live with it.That

When one door closes, another opens

First published 27th June 2014

Every time I came out of church, tears fell from me. It was impossible to stop it; it was almost as if my heart was screaming out at me. I was inconsolable.I had worked long hours to give the children everything they wanted; I just did not show enoug

Spotlight on Property

First published 17th June 2014

"Healthy houses = happy clergy = healthy ministry. It's the part we can play in the mission of the Church." Sally Moody

A post-modern refrain

First published 17th June 2014

When I got together the courage to walk up the hill, and actually go to church, it was better than I could have imagined. Since I let Jesus into my life, and have asked God what he wants from me (rather than the other way round), everything has chang

Bishop Lee swaps robes for lycra

First published 17th June 2014

From Friday 4 July, Bishop Lee will be straddling the saddle of his bike for the next fortnight as he begins a mammoth cycle ride from John O'Groats to Land's End.

Airbus Supports Poppy Campaign

First published 16th June 2014

Staff at Airbus in Filton plant poppies on site A special service of dedication was held at Airbus at Filton, led by Revd Canons Elspeth Desmond and Brian Arman from St Peters Church in Filton.

We Have Our Lives

First published 16th June 2014

Bristol Cathedral remembers the First World War - and invites you to get involved Sombre the night is.

We're not afraid to use the 'E' word

First published 16th June 2014

As we gear up for Creating Confidence Sunday on 6 July and look ahead to the Archbishop's visit in September, we consider why we're no longer fearful of 'gossiping the gospel'.

Martin earns his green beret

First published 13th June 2014

Congratulations to Revd Martin Gainsborough who was awarded his green beret in May, following 13 months of gruelling training as a Commando with the Royal Marines Reserve Bristol.

Hearing God on the M4

First published 13th June 2014

If someone had asked me if I believed in God, I would have said probably not, but it was the last question anyone would ask anyway, it would have been so irrelevant to my life experience and the people I knew.My story began about 18 years ago when I

Financial Stewardship: Giving in Grace Website

First published 12th June 2014

Have you discovered the Giving in Grace website? This is an excellent stewardship resource for the local church.

From College Green to KrakÃ³w

First published 12th June 2014

Cathedral Choir prepares for summer tour of Poland with special concert at Bristols Polish ChurchBristol Cathedral Choir is gearing up for an exciting trip to Poland this summer by staging a special concert in the citys Polish Church.

Bishop's Letter: Just Ask!

First published 4th June 2014

With the Archbishop of Canterbury due to visit the Diocese of Bristol, Bishop Lee reminds us of Justin Welby's priorities and the opportunities his visit creates.

Encouraging Giving and Generosity: CofE Resources

First published 3rd June 2014

Encouraging giving in a parish canfeel daunting, but it need not be so. Some simple tasks can set the right climate for people to review their giving and levels of generosity.

Who is my Neighbour?

First published 3rd June 2014

The Cathedral's project for Church schools, 'Who is My Neighbour?' saw the Travelling Chest make its way around nine of the Diocese's Church schools. On 21 May, over 220 children met in the Cathedral for a creative day of celebration and worship.

The nudge of a breeze

First published 3rd June 2014

I didn't know God and so didn't know how to ask. Instead, I prayed asking God to help me find Him.I was born. I grew up. The world was dark and cold and hard. I was lonely in a, literally, soul-deep way.I always knew there had to be a God (to explain

Stepping into evangelism

First published 27th May 2014

This resource is a gift from God, via Church Army, to enable each of us to live out the most freeing, exciting and life-giving of mandates that God offers: to be witnesses to Jesus Christ.

Then I let him in

First published 21st May 2014

...he used the example of the Rolling Stones' song, I Can't Get No Satisfaction, and I thought, that's me: wandering the world, living in different countries, exploring different belief systems, always looking for something to fill the void...Sonia s

Being an evangelist when the going gets tough

First published 20th May 2014

Becoming aware of my own mortality has proved to be a gift and caused me to perceive life through a more richly coloured lens; each day on earth has become more precious, and living it well more significant.

Canon Mary gets Woman Achiever Award

First published 20th May 2014

Uganda's New Vision newspaper recently ran an article about Edidah Mary Mujinya one of our long term friends through the Uganda Link.

Faith strengthened through bereavement

First published 16th May 2014

As I face the challenges that life andsociety throw at me I try really hard to hand them over to God saying "Father, please do this in me because I can't do it alone!"Alison recalls the surprising effect of death on her faithI watched my step-father

The impact of Fresh Expressions

First published 12th May 2014

I would say this is final evidential proof that the Fresh Expressions movement is working and that these results cannot be swept under the carpet.

Bishop Lee jumps for justice

First published 12th May 2014

This Sunday the Bishop of Swindon, Rt Revd Lee Rayfield went over the edge to end poverty with Christian Aid as he took part in an abseil at St Sampson's Church in Cricklade.

Is life an orange or a peach?

First published 11th May 2014

This was the question Revd Jo Vickery from Christ Church, Downend asked on BBC Radio Bristol on Sunday morning (11 May 2014) in an interview.

I came back transformed

First published 10th May 2014

Clare Jefferis reflects on her trip to Uganda in October 2013.My trip to Uganda last year was transformational.

New ways of thinking about partnership

First published 9th May 2014

Brian Mulinzi is visiting Bristol in June 2014.

New Horizons

First published 9th May 2014

A team of 12 people from St John's, Haydon Wick visited Uganda in 2013. This is their story.

Access to water changing lives

First published 9th May 2014

In 2013, six visitors from North Wiltshire Deanery spent time with the Kigezi Diocese Water & Sanitation Programme in Kabale.

Theological College reborn

First published 8th May 2014

The Janani Luwum Theological College was the brainchild of the well known Archbishop of Uganda and was once a centre for theological education in Northern Uganda.

My brush with the law

First published 8th May 2014

On a day off, I decided to make a painting. I found a bench in the shade and made a picture of a street scene, omitting the police station sign which the observant artist had failed to notice.

Why have I got tattoos?

First published 8th May 2014

The tattoo reflects my life journey; no matter what paths I have taken, or what people have come and gone...Some Christians might believe that having tattoos goes against the Bible.Now, obviously as a tattooed Christian, Im bound to say I dont agree.

Signposts to God in Uganda

First published 8th May 2014

"God seems to be everywhere you look, we saw signs in every town and on every street that revealed a vibrant and all pervasive faith," says Astrid Domingo Molyneux, "it was a truly uplifting experience".

Guided back to my faith

First published 6th May 2014

I had achieved success in many areas of my life but my soul was restless and hollow.My husband David and I came toBristol back in December 2012 from Melbourne Australia to be closer to Davids daughter, grandchildren and great-granddaughter.We had gre

What's the meaning of it all?

First published 1st May 2014

I found that for me lots of religions had good things to say, but I kept being drawn back to the stories about Jesus; I found them and the things he taught really compelling.I didn't grow up in a religious family, none of my friends or family went to

The Shocking Truth

First published 1st May 2014

Radio 4 this morning carried a story which strongly implied a culture of sexual harassment and bullying in the 'Westminster Village.'

Practical Love: The Noise

First published 30th April 2014

The May bank holiday weekend (3-5 May 2014) was a big one for churches in Bristol.View our photos from the weekend The Noise is all about showing God's love in practical ways.

Bishop Lee's Chrism Eucharist sermon

First published 25th April 2014

On Maundy Thursday (17th April), Bishop Lee spoke at the Chrism Eucharist in Bristol Cathedral.

Bishop Mike's Easter letter; 'What ifâ€¦?'

First published 16th April 2014

I heard recently about a genre of literature about which I had never heard before: non-factual history.

Tribute to Revd Bob Thorn

First published 10th April 2014

Bishop Mike has paid tribute to Revd Bob Thorn who died in a rowing accident in Dorset earlier this week.

Diocese represented at Consecration in Kigezi

First published 8th April 2014

Rev Shirley Danby (North Wiltshire Deanery chair) visited Kigezi Diocese in January 2014, where she represented Bishop Mike Hill and the Diocese of Bristol at the consecration and enthronement of Rev Canon George Bagamuhunda as 5th Bishop of Kigezi.

One Born Every Minute

First published 4th April 2014

Last month Sheona Beaumont and husband Revd Adam Beaumont, Assistant Curate ofHoly Trinity, Westbury-on-Trym, appeared on the popular Channel 4 show,One Born Every Minute, sharing with the nation the arrival of their second child into the world.We ca

Bishop's Letter: Stepping out

First published 2nd April 2014

This month Bishop Lee shares more of his journey and invites us to step out in faith.

Resources for people in ministry from Sheldon

First published 31st March 2014

The Society of Martha and Mary, Sheldon Post-Easter breaks.

Schools encouraged to Open the Book

First published 31st March 2014

Bishop Mike and senior church leaders from across Bristol are encouraging congregations to form new links with their local schools through the Open the Book Bible stories programme

Rt Hon Tony Benn, 1925-2014

First published 19th March 2014

Revd David Lloyd, Vicar of Henbury, pays tribute to Tony Benn who represented people of Bristol (Bristol South East 1950-60, 63-83) in Parliament for 30 years and was a prophetic voice on matters of justice and reform.

Church of Uganda and the Church of England

First published 6th March 2014

Following the publication of an article in the Daily Monitor on the 3rd March, 2014 suggesting that the Church of Uganda was breaking away from the Church of England Archbishop Stanley Ntagali has reassured Bishop Mike Hill that the rumours are entirely unfounded.