Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol
News
A God who keeps His promises - Revd Christopher Bryan
First published 13th November 2018As we approach the season of Advent, Revd Christopher Bryan considers where Christians find their hope:It is dark inside the church, and hushed, but with the background rustling and breathing of many people waiting in silence. A match is struck,
Diocesan Synod - November 2018
First published 12th November 2018The next meeting of the Diocesan Synod will be on Saturday 17 November at Freshbrook Church, Swindon. This will be a full day session.
Connections: Dementia Friendly Cafe
First published 9th November 2018People living with dementia in Clifton have been given a safe place to meet and chat.All Saints Church in Clifton runs a dementia accessible cafe, Friends on Friday, for people with dementia, along with their family and friends.
Connections: Football Focus
First published 9th November 2018Sports ministry through football is helping the church in Lockleaze to connect with its community. Revd Dave Jeal, vicar at St James Lockleaze and chaplain for Bristol Rovers, is encouraging congregations to form their own teams.
#FollowTheStar - Christmas 2018
First published 1st November 2018#FollowTheStar, the Church of Englands national Advent and Christmas campaign for 2018, is inviting people across the country to experience the Christmas journey this year.
As one door closes, another opens: A thank you from Christine Froude
First published 1st November 2018Ive said that so often to people facing changes in their lives.The certainty that, no matter how much we may want to we cant keep looking back over our shoulder at what was, for if we do we miss what lies ahead, what God has in store for us.Im tellin
The Genuine Spirit of Christmas - Revd Sheila Melot
First published 1st November 2018Revd Sheila Melot, Seniors Minister at B&A Church, asks what our Christmas services are saying to our communities.
Simplicity beyond complexity - Revd Lee Barnes
First published 23rd October 2018Revd Lee Barnes, Priest-in-charge of Holy Trinity, Hotwells and St Stephen's Bristol, on rediscovering confidence in the good news of Jesus.
50th church joins the Parish Giving Scheme
First published 23rd October 2018Over the past year, churches of all shapes and sizes have embraced the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS) - and this week sees the 50th church in the Diocese offer this new method of planned giving to their congregation.
Service of Welcome and Enthronement for Bishop of Bristol
First published 20th October 2018The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, was formally welcomed to the Diocese at a service in Bristol Cathedral this weekend. Representatives of churches and communities from across the Diocese gathered to witness her enthronement.
Nation's bells to ring out together to mark Armistice Centenary
First published 19th October 2018On 11 November 2018, 100 years since Armistice, bells will ring out in unison from churches and cathedrals in villages, towns and cities across the country.
Appointment of new Chaplain to the Bishop of Bristol
First published 17th October 2018Bishop Vivienne Faull is delighted to announce that Revd Canon Prof Martin Gainsborough has been appointed as Chaplain to the Bishop of Bristol from 1 January 2019.He will succeed Revd Paul van Rossum, who is retiring at the end of the year.
Folk-based album based on Psalms released by Bristol vicar and son
First published 11th October 2018Bristol vicar - and award-winning composer - Steven Faux has teamed up with his son, Clem, to produce a new album. You Are is a contemporary folk-based album of songs based on the Book of Psalms and is the fourth in a series of albums.
Connections: B&A Small Groups
First published 4th October 2018Christians at Bishopston and St Andrews are being equipped for living their faith in everyday life through the church's small groups.
Graham Archer seconded as Acting Archdeacon of Malmesbury
First published 4th October 2018Revd Canon Graham Archer, Director of Ministry at CPAS, has been seconded as Acting Archdeacon of Malmesbury. Following Ven Christine Froudes retirement on 30 September 2018.
St Mary's Lydiard Tregoze wins National Lottery support
First published 2nd October 2018We are delighted to announce that St Marys Church Lydiard Tregoze, which lies on the western edge of Swindon in historic Lydiard Park, has received a confirmed National Lottery grant award from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
Church reimagined for new generation as doors reopen after 60 years
First published 25th September 2018Community and church leaders will celebrate the re-opening of St Nicholas Church on Baldwin Street as it prepares to welcome its first visitors this coming Sunday.
New Stewardship and Fundraising guides
First published 25th September 2018Three newly published guides are available to support your church's stewardship and fundraising activities.
Thy Kingdom Come: The story so far...
First published 25th September 2018FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS BETWEEN ASCENSION AND PENTECOST, MILLIONS OF CHRISTIANS ACROSS THE WORLD HAVE UNITED IN PRAYER FOR OTHERS TO COME TO FAITH IN CHRIST. THIS MOVEMENT IS CALLED THY KINGDOM COME.
Making Disciples: Dice and PCCs
First published 24th September 2018Has your PCC discussed 'Making disciples in your parish' yet? Making disciples in your parish seeks to resource and support parishes in developing mission and ministry in some key areas of church life.
Could you be the next Archdeacon of Malmesbury?
First published 20th September 2018Enabling mission across a varied area as part of a changing senior team. We're looking for the next Archdeacon of Malmesbury, to bring passion, energy and focus as they work with an archdeaconry that includes every kind of ministry context.
Who do you say that I am? - Revd Canon Prof Martin Gainsborough
First published 17th September 2018Revd Canon Prof Martin Gainsborough, Canon Theologian at Bristol Cathedral, asks how God acts.I want to tell you about Carol not her real name. Carol is in her 30s.
Youthwork Sunday launched
First published 17th September 2018Do you want to get your church thinking and praying about young people?Do you want them to join in with celebrating what God is doing in young people's lives, and dream about what else might be possible?
Bristol Cursillistas attend annual National Ultreya
First published 17th September 2018Four Cursillistas from Bristol Anglican Cursillo attended the annual National Ultreya in Chelmsford during September. Angela Smith, Lay Director, reflects on the gathering.
Bishops adopt international definition of antisemitism
First published 13th September 2018The bishops of the Church of England have formally adopted the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) working definition of antisemitism.
Street Pastors looking for new volunteers
First published 11th September 2018Could you take to the streets of Bristol on a Friday or Saturday night to help those enjoying an evening on the town? Street Pastors in Bristol is looking for more volunteers to join them as they patrol the city's streets.
Time for a Change - Revd Dr Emma Ineson
First published 7th September 2018As we enter a new season, Revd Dr Emma Ineson, Principal of Trinity College Bristol and Bishop Designate of Penrith, thinks about life's many changes.Change is in the air.
Hundreds turn out for first Big Green Picnic
First published 5th September 2018Picnickers packed up their hampers for the first Big Green Picnic in Bristol this summer. More than 200 people headed to College Green to tuck into their environmentally-friendly lunches and to hear from speakers.
Photo exhibition at Cathedral captures poignance of war graves
First published 24th August 2018Bristol Cathedral will be hosting a significant photography exhibition this autumn, remembering those who lost their lives in the First World War.
New website to help keep historic churches safe
First published 24th August 2018MaintenanceBooker is a new website set up to help keep historic churches safe for the future. Set up by the National Churches Trust and 2buy2, MaintenanceBooker helps churches to prevent problems such as leaking roofs and crumbling stonework. Churche
Running the Race - Revd Canon Nicola Stanley
First published 21st August 2018Following a summer of sport, Revd Canon Nicola Stanley, Precentor of Bristol Cathedral, reflects on the link between Christians and athletes.
Becoming a Dementia-Friendly Church
First published 20th August 2018A new resource pack has been put together by Churches Together in Bristol which aims to bring together a variety of tools and information which may be of use in helping churches to become more dementia friendly.
Journey's End - Remembrance film screening for churches
First published 17th August 2018As part of the British commemoration of the First World War centenary, a film adaptation of the play Journey's End by R. C. Sherriff was filmed and released.
New resource to support Stats for Mission Annual Return
First published 17th August 2018Behind every statistic captured by the National Church's Annual Return is a human being encountering and worshipping God.
School opera celebrates church bells in Almondsbury
First published 17th August 2018Pupils at two schools have performed a new opera celebrating the restoration of the set of bells in St Marys Almondsbury.
Have your say on plans for growth at Frenchay CE Primary
First published 16th August 2018South Gloucestershire Council is asking for comments on plans to expand Frenchay CE VC Primary School and transfer it to a new site.There are currently proposals to increase the number of places available at the school from 140 to 420 with
Saying Goodbye service
First published 16th August 2018A special service for parents to remember children who have been lost is taking place at Malmesbury Abbey in September.The Saying Goodbye Services are remembrance services for people who have lost a child at any stage of pregnancy, at birth or in inf
Things I have learned - Chris Priddy
First published 14th August 2018Chris Priddy took up the post of Head of Parish and External Relations at the Diocese of Bristol on 1 September 2015. Here he reflects on his experience during the last three years.
Lament and the Rawness of Pain - Revd Sheila Melot
First published 13th August 2018In our latest blog, Revd Sheila Melot, Seniors Minister at B&A Church, explores the experience of grief:The Christian faith embraces Good Friday and Easter Sunday: grief and death, then joy and new life. But sometimes ones personal experienc
Become a governor at a Church of England School
First published 9th August 2018Could you volunteer and become a school governor? Do you want to make a difference to the lives of children, young people and your local community? Do you enjoy working as part of a team? Are you willing to challenge and ask questions?
Alpha and Omega - Canon David Froude
First published 8th August 2018Canon David Froude, Chair of the House of Laity, Bristol Diocesan Synod, reflects on endings - and new beginnings. I know someone who hates goodbyes. So much so that often those words are avoided, face to face is minimised, and we move on quickly.
Autumn and Winter Aid Appeal for Syria, Lebanon and Iraq
First published 7th August 2018During September The Church in Westbury Park is asking for peeople to bring items and money to be sent to those in the most dire need in refugee camps in Syria and Iraq.Below is a list of those items which are needed.
Ride and Stride 2018
First published 7th August 2018This year's annual Ride+Stride event, which takes place throughout Wiltshire on Saturday 8 September, is the perfect chance to visit some of the county's beautiful churches.
Ability Sunday 2018 - Celebrating Gifts
First published 7th August 2018Churches are being invited to join together and mark out 9 September for Ability Sunday a special day in their community.
Revd Canon Michael Roden announced as new Canon Chancellor
First published 6th August 2018Bristol Cathedral has announced the appointment of Revd Canon Michael Roden as Canon Chancellor.
Bristol's Big Green Picnic
First published 30th July 2018Working with Bristol Cathedral were hosting an environmentally-friendly picnic on College Green and wed love for you to join us! 11.30AM - 2PM WEDNESDAY 29 AUGUST 2018 College Green, Bristol.
A new Heaven and a new Earth - Canon Professor Martin Gainsborough
First published 25th July 2018Canon Professor Martin Gainsborough, a member of General Synod for the Diocese of Bristol, assesses General Synods vote on disinvestment.
Life to the Little Max
First published 24th July 2018Back in June, a small group of clergy children from Bristol Diocese met others from Bath and Wells for a fun day out at Crealy Adventure Park in North Devon.Called Little Max, the day trip was organised to build on the current pastoral supp
Celebrating all God's people - Revd Mat Ineson
First published 12th July 2018Revd Mat Ineson, Vicar at St Mary's Stoke Bishop, on equipping the people of God to minister to the world. The beginning of July was special for Bristol Diocese. We celebrated ordinations to the offices of Deacon, Priest and Bishop.
Consecration of Vivienne Faull as Bishop of Bristol
First published 12th July 2018The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull was consecrated as the 56th Bishop of Bristol by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, in a service at St Paul's Cathedral, London, on 3 June.
New worship and prayer materials to commemorate First World War
First published 27th June 2018The Church of England has launched new worship and prayer resources to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War.
Where are we on our Parish Share journey?
First published 25th June 2018Over the coming weeks your church will receive its Parish Share request for 2019. So how far have we come as a Diocese, and where are we heading on our shared Parish Share journey?
New book tells colourful history of All Saints Church
First published 18th June 2018A new book tracing the history of All Saints Church, Clifton - once dubbed the Anglo-Catholic cathedral of the South West - has just been published.
Ordinary times - Revd Kat Campion-Spall
First published 18th June 2018In our latest blog, Revd Kat Campion-Spall, Associate Vicar of St Mary Redcliffe Church, Bristol, considers the blessing of living in 'ordinary times'.
Archdeacon's Visitation Charge to Churchwardens
First published 18th June 2018"Searching through my bedside cabinet I came across an old birthday card from my parents the last one I received that they had both signed."
Safeguarding News - June 2018
First published 8th June 2018Welcome to the latest news from the Safeguarding team. Here you will find all the news, resources and training from Adam Bond and the team.
Drivers urged to join fight against modern slavery at car washes
First published 7th June 2018Anti-slavery campaigners and other key agencies, including the police and councils, are backing the Safe Car Wash App, launched by The Clewer Initiative, the Church of Englands campaign against modern slavery.
Bristol DAC Awards 2018
First published 7th June 2018Each year the Diocesan Advisory Committee recognises a number of projects through its awards scheme.
Are you just ticking over?
First published 6th June 2018The following article is taken from the CPAS Lead On monthly email and was written by James Lawrence; CPAS Leadership Principal.
South West Youth Ministry Training Day
First published 31st May 2018A day of inspiration, keynote sessions and expert workshops for line managers, mentors, youth workers and children's workers.
Church Planting to be discussed at Diocesan Synod
First published 25th May 2018We are inviting anyone interested in finding out more about Diocesan Synod to come along to the next meeting on Saturday 9 June and see for themselves the role that it plays in the running of the Diocese.
Remembrance 100
First published 25th May 2018100 years
Lectio Musica: Songs from scripture
First published 25th May 2018A new song, written especially for Lectio Musica by Matthew David is featured.
The Shrine Of Our Lady Of Walsingham Youth Pilgrimage
First published 25th May 2018Founded by the Lady Richeldis in 1061, destroyed by Henry VIII in 1538, restored in 1922 by Father Hope Patten, the Anglican Vicar of Walsingham the Shrine has had an eventful history across nearly a thousand years.
Pray for toddler groups
First published 25th May 2018Just imagine if your church discovered a way to effectively engage with over 50% of the local community. Just imagine if half of the young families in your area came along every week.
Diocesan Synod Elections 2018
First published 24th May 2018In the coming months, representatives from across the Diocese will be encouraged to stand for election as members of the new Diocesan Synod for the next three years.
400km bike ride for Uganda youth trip
First published 22nd May 2018400km is a long way to travel regardless of the mode of transport but choosing to do it on a bicycle? Who would be crazy enough to do that? Well, Dan Jones our Youth and Childrens Adviser is, and on the 14th June he will be setting off from Weston-su
Viv Faull: a pioneer who will be a bishop for everybody
First published 18th May 2018On the day of her announcement as the next Bishop of Bristol, we learn more about Viv Faulls ministry and why she was appointed to the Diocese.
Very Revd Vivienne Faull announced as the Bishop of Bristol
First published 15th May 2018Her Majesty the Queen has appointed the Very Revd Vivienne Faull, currently Dean of York, as the 57th Bishop of Bristol.
Iconic railway works building to become new church for Swindon
First published 14th May 2018The former Pattern Store in Swindon is to be turned into a new church for the town.It is part of a plan by the Diocese of Bristol to support the regeneration of the area, while also connecting with people across Swindon who are not part of a church.
Holy Habits Missional Discipleship Resource
First published 10th May 2018Missional discipleship resources for churches.
Mission in a changing world
First published 9th May 2018Mission in a changing world.
Revd Dr Emma Ineson announced as Bishop of Penrith
First published 9th May 2018Revd Dr Emma Ineson, principal of Trinity College, has been announced as the Bishop of Penrith in the Diocese of Carlisle.
Breakfast Church
First published 4th May 2018Lots of families struggle to attend church because Sunday mornings become filled with taking children to sporting activities, going shopping and other regular activities.
'Apprentice': New CPAS resource
First published 3rd May 2018Apprentice is a daily discipleship resource for individuals and groups helping them to explore the life of Jesus more fully.Day by day, week by week, you will explore four spiritual rhythms.
Making disciples in your parish resources
First published 2nd May 2018At our Connected conference in April 2018 we launched the Making disciples in your parish resource.
Revd Jill Garfitt
First published 30th April 2018It is with deep sadness that we bring the news that Revd Jill Garfitt passed away on Friday 27 April. A service of Thanksgiving will be held in Christ Church at 11 am on Friday 8 June. Light refreshments will be served following the se
Why use a card reader in church?
First published 24th April 2018Many people no longer carry cash, and so it's becoming increasingly important to provide other ways for people to give. One solution is getting a card reader for your church, which works alongside a smart phone or tablet.
80 mile bike ride to raise funds for Youth Trip to Uganda
First published 24th April 2018A group of 14 young people and youth leaders will be cycling from Avonmouth to Swindon over the May Bank Holiday to raise money towards a trip to Uganda this July.
How can we all be inclusive?
First published 23rd April 2018As a church family we want to include children, young people and adults of all abilities and needs in all aspects of church life, but the truth is that many of us struggle to make this a reality.
Derek Chedzey to become next Archdeacon of Hereford
First published 23rd April 2018The Diocese of Hereford has announced that Derek Chedzey is to become the next Archdeacon of Hereford.
Six ways to get involved in Thy Kingdom Come
First published 23rd April 2018Six ways your church can get involved with Thy Kingdom Come: Initiate a prayer station (see Bright ideas for your church for examples).
Being a dementia-friendly church
First published 19th April 2018Most of our churches are experiencing increasing number of people living in with dementia, both within their congregations and in their local communities.
The Church and the Environment: Getting Real about Creation Care
First published 18th April 2018On Saturday April 14, the Bristol Diocese Environment Group in conjunction with the Diocese Social Justice Network hosted a day conference on the environment.
Hope Bristol 2018 - Building Bristol as a City of Hope
First published 18th April 2018Hundreds of young people from churches across the UK gathered in Bristol to help transform the city earlier this month.
Even more tea, vicar?
First published 17th April 2018A Wiltshire vicar is taking her tea drinking to a new level during her 13 week sabbatical this Spring - and she cant stop talking about it.
Revd Canon Michael Johnson appointed Acting Archdeacon of Bristol
First published 6th April 2018Revd Canon Michael Johnson has been appointed as the Acting Archdeacon of Bristol.
Fire-damaged Bristol church to reopen as museum and events venue
First published 5th April 2018A 200-year-old former church in Bristol city centre is being restored to create a new events museum and venue.
What makes your heart sing? - Revd Trudie Wigley
First published 4th April 2018Revd Trudie Wigley, Priest-in-Charge of Dorcan Swindon, considers the outrageous love of our God.The buzzer goes. The chair spins round.
Detectives wanted to solve murder mystery in Swindon church
First published 4th April 2018'Thou shall not kill' may be one of the Ten Commandments, but a church in Swindon will find itself breaking that command when it hosts a murder mystery evening later this year.
The Church and the Environment: Getting Real about Creation Care
First published 29th March 2018On Saturday April 14, the Bristol Diocese Environment Group in conjunction with the Diocese Social Justice Network hosted a day conference on the environment.
Bidding for Success: securing funding for your church project
First published 26th March 2018Are you planning a major repair project?
Pastoral letter from the Archbishops following the IICSA hearings
First published 26th March 2018The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) concluded its first hearing into the Anglican Church in England and Wales on Friday 23 March.
A Marathon effort to raise money
First published 23rd March 2018On Sunday 22 April 2018, Chris Priddy, Head of Parish and External Relations, will be putting on his trainers to run the London Marathon as he raises funds to support mission and transformation in the Avonside and Yate & Fromeside Mission Areas.
Experiencing the first Easter - Revd Christopher Bryan
First published 23rd March 2018Revd Christopher Bryan, Rector of Gauzebrook and Area Dean for North Wiltshire, reflects on is an event which has changed the world.
Messy Church toolkit launched
First published 22nd March 2018A new toolkit has been created by the Diocese of Bristol, working in partnership with Messy Church, to help Messy Church teams review their journey so far.
GDPR forum - dispelling the myths
First published 22nd March 2018Many of you will be aware of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which comes into force at the end of May.
Bishop Lee: A message for Holy Week and Easter
First published 21st March 2018A message from Bishop Lee for Holy Week and EasterI am never quite comfortable preparing messages for Holy Week midway through Lent; it seems to shortcut the journey. Keeping some distance between Good Friday and Easter Day seems even more important
Countdown to Thy Kingdom Come
First published 21st March 2018As this years Thy Kingdom Come fast approaches, we are keen as many churches and individuals as possible involved.
Safeguarding News - March 2018
First published 9th March 2018Welcome to the latest news from the Safeguarding team. Here you will find all the news, resources and training from Adam Bond and the team.