Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol
News
Bishop Lee; Running on fumes
First published 9th July 2020Bishop Lee reflects on how God has been at work during the lockdown.
Licensing of ordinands as Lay Workers
First published 8th July 2020The Right Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, licensened ten ordinands as Lay Workers on Sunday 5 July.
Bishop of Bristol to license ten soon-to-be-vicars
First published 3rd July 2020The Right Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, will license ten ordinands this Sunday 5 July, via Zoom.
Bishop Lee; The complexity of the season
First published 30th June 2020Bishop Lee reflects on the impact that his cycling accident had on his wellbeing.
Soulscaping
First published 26th June 2020SoulScaping is an art led practise that enables you to hone three incredible God Given gifts.
Church online in the next phase - advice and considerations
First published 24th June 2020Church online has presented us with a number of new opportunities, and some technological challenges.
Racial justice and the work to be done.
First published 23rd June 2020A message from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, about racial justice and the work to be done.
Bishop Lee; How long O Lord
First published 23rd June 2020In my last piece - Sacred Space - I said I would write more about the significance of an app and the radio in journeying through a prolonged confinement.
Bishop Lee; Sacred Space
First published 23rd June 2020I am not sure whether finding or going to your personal ‘happy place' was referred to often before the Lockdown, but I have certainly become more conscious of it in recent days.
Radical Pressence: A conversations course from Green Christian
First published 22nd June 2020Green Christian have launched a new discipleship resource to help Christians consider the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the world from a fresh perspective.
It's Your Move 2020
First published 22nd June 2020It's Your Move is a hugely impactful book brimming with advice, activities and real-life testimonies produced by Scripture Union. Over 1.6 million children moving to secondary school have received It's Your Move, supporting them through that move.
Considering the next phase of online church - An online event
First published 19th June 2020As Lockdown eases we begin look to a future where churches services will once again be able to take place, in one form or another, within our church buildings.
Braydon Brook Zoom Pet Service
First published 18th June 2020On Saturday 6 June, Braydon Brook Benefice had its first ever Zoom Pet Service. The idea was formed, posters created, zoom invites sent.
Avonmouth church community expands its emergency food parcel service and outreach work
First published 18th June 2020In Avonmouth, a local church group has been awarded £125,000 in community grants for an aspirational woodworking workshop “Space4Makers†and a store room to expand its Foodbank and HomeBank service.
‘The Time is Now' virtual lobby on Tuesday 30 June.
First published 16th June 2020Will you join thousands across the UK and speak to your MP on Tuesday 30 June as part of the first ever 'virtual lobby' created by the Climate Coalition.
STATEMENT FROM THE BISHOP OF BRISTOL, BRISTOL CATHEDRAL, ST MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH AND THE DIOCESE OF BRISTOL
First published 16th June 2020Work was carried out yesterday to remove a number of prominent references to Edward Colston in the windows of Bristol Cathedral and St Mary Redcliffe Church.
Prayers during the pandemic. Led by the Bishop of Bristol.
First published 15th June 2020Individuals and churches can now be led in prayer by Bishop Viv as we continue to respond to the challenges our society faces. Recorded at Diocesan Synod, June 2020.
Revd Adam Beaumont announced as new rector of Gauzebrook
First published 14th June 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Rev'd Adam Beaumont has been appointed as Rector of Gauzebrook.
Virtual Fun Days and Prayer Spaces
First published 12th June 2020Social distancing options for fun days and community prayer spaces.
A personal response to #BlackLivesMatter
First published 11th June 2020A personal response to #BlackLivesMatter by Revd Dr Catherine Okoronkwo.
Statement from the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol
First published 11th June 2020Statement from the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol in response to the #BlackLivesMatter protests in Bristol.
One man's walk reaches a whole community
First published 5th June 2020Rev Malcolm Strange goes on a prayer walk around Fromeside
Faith at Home
First published 3rd June 2020Faith at Home is a national campaign that builds on the work of Growing Faith and Everyday Faith to support the faith development and pastoral care of children and young people.
NEW DEAN OF BRISTOL ANNOUNCED
First published 3rd June 2020Her Majesty The Queen has approved the appointment of Canon Dr Mandy Ford as the new Dean of Bristol.
Big take up for innovative new giving options
First published 28th May 2020As lockdown continues and church services continue take place online, new services to support parishes in continuing to encourage generosity are having a significant and positive impact.
Under-fives key to significant church growth
First published 22nd May 2020New research shows that young families with children under five could be a vital element for church growth.
Faith without walls.
First published 20th May 2020To support 'Life groups' in his benefice, Revd Mark Terry has produced 10 sessions titled 'Faith without walls'.
Despite the effects of the pandemic Musician and Composer finds a new connection with God.
First published 15th May 2020For such a time as this, Roger has successfully built on the contribution of our rich liturgy.
Finding our way as a diocese in the time of Covid-19
First published 14th May 2020Bishop Viv explores what impact Covid 19 might have on the diocese, the church and the future. This was originally written for a Bishop's Council meeting on Thursday 7 May.
Bishop of Swindon back in the saddle and raising money for Christian Aid
First published 12th May 2020On Sunday 10 May, the Bishop of Swindon began a 120 mile cycle ride that he will complete over this Christian Aid Week 10 - 16 May 2020.
Thy Kingdom Come - Online in 2020!
First published 12th May 2020Due to Covid-19 Thy Kingdom Come is going to look slightly different this year, but we are still uniting, across the globe to pray 'Thy Kingdom Come'
What is your church's energy footprint?
First published 12th May 2020If you've wondered what the size of your church's energy footprint might be, help is now at hand. The Church of England has launched a new, simple tool to measure the amount of carbon produced annually by heating and lighting your church buildings.
Sue Gent announced as Adviser for Ordinands and Vocations (Diocesan Director of Ordinands)
First published 12th May 2020The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce the appointment of the Revd Sue Gent.
Receive telephone donations via the Parish Giving Scheme
First published 12th May 2020While our church buildings are closed, it's more important than ever to offer people different ways to give money to support the church.
Advice on stewardship in this time of distancing
First published 12th May 2020One aspect of Covid-19 that is in almost every news bulletin is the financial impact that it will have, what should you do?
Caring for the environment during this time of distancing
First published 12th May 2020The coronavirus outbreak has changed daily life for us all. Some of us are serving as frontline keyworkers, others are still travelling to and from work whilst maintaining social distancing.
Easter Day Message from Bishop Lee
First published 12th May 2020his message from Bishop Lee was broadcast on Easter Sunday 2020 on BBC Radio Wilts.
An Easter Pledge 2020
First published 12th May 2020With Easter this weekend, YourNeighbour.org wants to get the message far and wide that the Church is here for the nation.
Holy Week and Easter
First published 12th May 2020Archdeacon of Bristol, The Venerable Neil Warwick offers a messages for Palm Sunday and a call for us all to reconnect with God.
Top tips on how to use your Church Fundraising Handbook
First published 12th May 2020Your church has been given a Church Fundraising Handbook, but is it gathering dust on a shelf?
Going Digital - resources to help the Church stay connected
First published 12th May 2020There are a range of new and existing Christian resources available for people to engage with at this difficult and challenging time in the life of the nation and the world.
Lighting Candles of Kindness
First published 12th May 2020Candles have been burning in windows across the Diocese as Christians pray for all those affected by the Coronavirus.
Revd Elveen Mead announced as new priest-in-charge of Stratton
First published 11th May 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd Elveen Mead has been appointed vicar of Stratton.
From the Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of England. 24 March 2020
First published 11th May 2020Following the Prime Minister's announcement last night, it is imperative that for the health of the nation and in order for the National Health Service itself to manage the increase in those requiring medical help.
Revd Raymond Adams announced as Acting Area Dean for Swindon
First published 11th May 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd Canon Raymond Adams has been appointed Acting Area Dean of Swindon, effective from 1 April.
Churches find new ways of practically serving their communities
First published 11th May 2020Churches are stepping up to help thousands of worshippers and the many others who looking for spiritual, practical and emotional support as they face the challenge of the coronavirus.
Day of Prayer and Action: light a candle March 22
First published 11th May 2020Church leaders in Britain and Ireland have called on Christians to take part in a National Day of Prayer and Action about Coronavirus on Sunday 22 March.
How the season is unfolding - An update from Bishop Lee
First published 11th May 2020While out cycling in January, Rt Revd Lee Rayfield, Bishop of Swindon, came off his bike after hitting a patch of black ice.
Faith Manifesto sets out aspirations for Bristol
First published 11th May 2020Representatives of different faiths in Bristol - including the Anglican Church - have launched a Faith Manifesto that shares five goals that they believe will contribute to the future well-being of the city.
Coronavirus - Guidance for Parishes
First published 11th May 2020We appreciate that there has been growing concern within the Diocese about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
#LiveLent - Six week eco challenge for North Wilts churches
First published 11th May 2020Five congregations in North Wiltshire have taken on a challenge to go green this Lent.
Parish Share Thank you 2019
First published 11th May 2020Our grateful thanks for your church gift of Parish Share in 2019
#LiveLent - Churches take first steps towards saving energy
First published 7th May 2020A Bristol church has been finding ways of cutting its carbon footprint with an Energy Audit of its building.
HOPE Prayer Spaces
First published 7th May 202041% of practising Christians say that a spiritual experience or an experience of the love of Jesus was a key influence in their coming to faith - so if we help more people to experience God's love and presence, more of them will come to know him for themselves.
Rural Giving Day
First published 7th May 2020Hosted by North Wiltshire Deanery Tuesday 24 March 10.am to 2.30pm at St Mary's Hullavington.
Beating the drums for Ghana Day
First published 7th May 2020At the end of January 2020, Langley Fitzurse Church of England School, near Chippenham, held a Ghana Day to raise money for the young woman they sponsor. It was bit different from the usual cake sale!
Rod Symmons announced as Adviser for Curacy
First published 7th May 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that as part of the re-shaping of the Ministry Development Team, Revd Dr Rod Symmons is to take the role of Adviser for Curacy.
General Synod sets 2030 Net Zero carbon target
First published 7th May 2020The Church of England's General Synod has set new targets for all parts of the church to work to become carbon ‘net zero' by 2030.
Local Business Network breaks down church barriers
First published 7th May 2020Reaching out to the community can mean different things in different contexts. Fr Charles Sutton, Vicar at All Saints Clifton, reflects on how the church is offering the Christian message to the shops and businesses in Clifton.
Bristol Church creates new monastic community in heart of the city
First published 7th May 2020A Bristol church is bringing together a group of four Christians to experience a modern monastic lifestyle in the city.
Contactless Giving at St Andrew's Castle Combe
First published 7th May 2020St Andrews Church Castle Combe has recently started using the Goodbox Core to help it fundraise through contactless giving. Michael Constable, treasurer at the church, reflects on its impact.
Bishop Viv's Lent Reflections at Bristol Cathedral
First published 7th May 2020On Tuesdays in Lent, the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, will offer a series of reflections at Bristol Cathedral on the climate crisis, drawing on the Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent Book 2020 Saying Yes to Life by Ruth Valerio.
Bishop Lee: "Trusting God in every season"
First published 7th May 2020While out cycling in January, Rt Revd Lee Rayfield, Bishop of Swindon, came off his bike after hitting a patch of black ice, and needed a five hour operation on his leg and now faces the slow process of recovery. He shares his experience and reflects on how God is speaking to him through the accident.
The Invitation to Heal
First published 7th May 2020In his new book ‘invitation to heal', Michael Harvey considers the scientific links between the act of invitation and healing, drawing from Luke 9 where Jesus sends the disciples out to preach the Good News and to heal.
How to ‘Light the Night'
First published 23rd April 2020Light the Night is a beautiful and uniquely peaceful way to honour the memory of loved ones. Light the Night launched in Bristol in 2019 with thousands of candles lit up in St Pauls Graveyard, Bedminster.
News
First published 21st April 2020News from the Diocese of Bristol
Diocesan Synod Report - March 2020
First published 25th March 2020Synod report from March 2020
Church Action in a Climate Emergency conference
First published 27th January 2020A day conference to support churches in taking further action to care for our shared environment.
FairGround - living responsibly in God's creation
First published 21st January 2020One of the ways B+A Church in Bristol gathers together is through its Little Churches. These are communities of people that meet throughout the week on different days in the church, homes, pubs and other venues across Bristol.
Have you thought of being “Neighbourly�
First published 21st January 2020Neighbourly is an online platform connecting businesses with causes. This generally looks like donations of food surplus, volunteer teams going out for a day to join a project, and sometimes funding.
Gift Aid your donations
First published 21st January 2020As it comes up to the end of the financial year, now is a good time to review Gift Aid, and to make sure that your congregation are making the most of this opportunity.
Safeguarding Dashboards
First published 21st January 2020Safeguarding in the Church of England has changed considerably in recent years, and is likely to continue changing in the foreseeable future.
Fr Toby Boutle announced as new priest-in-charge of Swindon New Town
First published 19th January 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce the appointment of Fr Toby Boutle as the priest-in-charge of the parish of Swindon New Town.
Are you ready to #LiveLent?
First published 17th January 2020This years focus is on the Environment. Get your copy of the Archbishop of Canterburys Lent book (with accompanying videos and group questions), as well as corresponding booklets with reflections for both adults and children.
Thy Kingdom Come Beacon Weekend
First published 17th January 2020We are so excited about Thy Kingdom Come 2020! Between 21 May and 31 May 2020, millions of Christians worldwide will unite in praying that more people would come to know the amazing love of Christ.
AMPLIFY: The Young Evangelists Academy
First published 17th January 2020Amplify is a partnership between; Hope Together, The Message, Youth For Christ, Pais Movement, Church Of England, Scripture Union, Alpha, Luis Palau, Redeemed Christian Church Of God and the Evangelical Alliance.
A statement regarding the documentary on Bishop Peter Ball
First published 15th January 2020Over the last two nights, BBC2 broadcast Exposed: The Church's Darkest Secret, which looked at the sexual abuse carried out by the former Bishop of Gloucester, Peter Ball, and the attempts to bring him to justice.
Latest news from DBE 2019/20 - Term 3
First published 9th January 2020Please click the link below to download the latest Diocesan Board of Education newsletter for Term 3 (2019/20).The newsletter is for heads, teachers, governors, church school workers, clergy and anyone else who may benefit.
A Christmas message from Bishop Viv
First published 25th December 2019This Christmas message was originally given as at the Christmas Day Eucharist at Bristol Cathedral 2019.
Parish Giving Scheme continues to grow
First published 19th December 2019The Parish Giving Scheme is growing across the Diocese with 66 churches and just under 1,100 donors now using the scheme.
Evangelising at the Station for Christmas
First published 18th December 2019Members of the Avonside Evangelism Group took to standing at a train station to invite commuters to Christmas services recently. Revd John Monaghan, vicar of St Edyth's, Sea Mills, reflects on their efforts.
AYF Uganda Choir to play Swindon church
First published 18th December 2019AYF Uganda Choir is returning to the Diocese of Bristol in the New Year for a concert at St Barnabas Church in Swindon.
Mission Areas explained....A Video
First published 18th December 2019An introduction to Mission Areas featuring the Yate and Fromeside Mission Area.
Christmas Greetings and office opening times 2019
First published 17th December 2019Happy Christmas from the Diocesan Support Services team!
The Three Week Christmas Fair
First published 12th December 2019Image by Pete WilsonChurches in Swindon have been working together to put on a three-week Christmas fair.With this year marking the 50th anniversary of the Old Town partnership of churches.
A Green Guide to Christmas
First published 12th December 2019Christmas is a time of giving - but it can also be a time of waste. From the plastic packaging to the piles of wrapping paper and wasted food filling our dustbins, festivities can have an unseen impact on our environment.
A Spaceman Came Travelling
First published 12th December 2019Children will be blasting off for Christmas when an astronaut brings good news to a Swindon church service.
School raises awareness of Climate Change with protest
First published 11th December 2019Children at St Helen's CE Primary School have been making their voices heard as they raised awareness of the Climate Emergency.
Discover the joy of Christmas in new Church of England video
First published 9th December 2019With dragons, talking carrots, and even a surprise comeback for ET all vying for centre stage in the annual festive advertising bonanza.
Revd Will Fairbairn announced as new vicar of Redland Church, Bristol
First published 8th December 2019The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Will Fairbairn has been appointed vicar of Redland Church in Bristol.Will has been curate of Ascension Church in Southampton since 2017. Prior to that he spent three years at
Encouraging engagement with BAME people in our churches
First published 6th December 2019Revd Dr Cathy Okoronkwo, who was appointed Vicar of All Saints and St Barnabas, Swindon in September, recently represented the Diocese at the CMEAC DLP/MEAC Officers residential conference.
Bristol Faith Leaders' General Election Message
First published 5th December 2019Coordinated by the Bishop of Bristols OfficeAs faith leaders in the city of Bristol, we are proud of this beautiful, diverse and creative city.
Videos to promote Christmas services
First published 3rd December 2019Promote Christmas services without the hassle this Christmas…Premier Digital Award winners Go Chatter have launched a new customisable video website.
An Eco Christmas tree
First published 2nd December 2019Going green proved the inspiration for members of St Martin's in Knowle when it came time to decorate the church building for Christmas. Clare Hensmen tells us how they came up with the idea - and how other churches could easily do something similar:
Pattern Church celebrates first birthday!
First published 2nd December 2019Swindons newest Anglican church turned one this week. Having launched at the start of December 2018, Pattern Church celebrated its first birthday on Sunday 1 December, with two services at 10am and 4:30pm at the Platform on Faringdon Road.
Get your Christmas services on A Church Near You
First published 2nd December 2019Remember to update your A Church Near You pages with your Advent and Christmas services and events! A Church Near You receives more than 12 million page views each year and 81 per cent of people who come to the site are first-time visitors.
Reflections on Black Friday
First published 29th November 2019Today is Black Friday that moment in the year when shops and websites offer huge savings as they attempt to tempt customers into spending their money.
Record numbers flock to Cathedral
First published 28th November 2019Englands cathedrals have witnessed their highest Easter congregation numbers in recent years, while visitor numbers increased by a million on the previous year, statistics published today show.Bristol Cathedral has followed the trend seeing more peop
‘Education for Wisdom, Knowledge and Skills' - Diocesan Education Conference 2019
First published 26th November 2019This year's Diocesan Education Conference took place in November. The day was enjoyed by school leaders: headteachers, senior leaders, clergy and church workers who engage with young people and schools.
How Eco is your Church?
First published 20th November 2019Four churches across the Diocese have received our first Eco Church awards.
