Christingle with a twist
First published 1st December 2021The pandemic showed us that there are many creative ways to hold Christingles, and that innovation has continued this year as churches across the diocese hold a variety of celebrations.
News
Bishop of Bristol appoints new Diocesan Secretary and CEO
First published 25th October 2021The Bishop of Bristol and the Chair of the Bristol Diocesan Board of Finance are delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Leaman as the new Diocesan Secretary and CEO.
Prisons Week: By Revd Tricia Roberts, Chaplain at HMP Bristol
First published 12th October 2021Revd Tricia Roberts writes about HMP Bristol, and makes suggestions on how to pray for the prison. Resources for Prisons Week are also included.
Homeless Sunday, 10 October 2021
First published 6th October 2021On Homeless Sunday, churches and individuals take time to reflect upon homelessness and the issues surrounding homelessness in the UK.
Advent and Christmas Resources 2021
First published 15th September 2021‘At the heart of Christmas' is the Church of England's theme for 2021, and a range of digital and print content has now been released.
Bishop of Bristol appoints three new Honorary Canons
First published 19th July 2021The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that three new canons have been appointed for the College of Canons in the Diocese of Bristol.
Revd Sam Sheppard appointed Priest in Charge of Christ Church Hengrove and St Augustine's Whitchurch
First published 19th July 2021The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd Sam Sheppard has been appointed as Priest in Charge of the parishes of Christ Church Hengrove and St Augustine's Whitchurch.
Wild Church established in North Wiltshire Mission Area
First published 17th June 2021Wild Church enables people to worship and engage with God in a fresh way through creation.
Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust Celebrates 40th Anniversary
First published 1st June 2021The Trust is aiming to raise an extra £1,000 for each of its 40 years, including Ride+Stride in September, and is publishing Simon Jenkins' 'Favourite Churches of Gloucestershire and Bristol.'
South Gloucestershire church leads worldwide celebration of unique invention
First published 20th May 2021This June, churches around the world will mark the 200th anniversary of the Ellacombe Chimes, invented at St Mary's Church in Bitton
Diocese of Bristol welcomes new guidance to help address questions of ‘contested heritage'
First published 11th May 2021The guidance for parishes and cathedrals addresses concerns over memorials with links to slavery and other ‘contested heritage'.
Diocese of Bristol participates in Messy Church research study
First published 6th May 2021Findings released from national research into non-traditional church gatherings
Three parishes awarded Culture Recovery Fund grants
First published 27th April 2021Three parishes in the diocese have been awarded grants as part of the second round of the Culture Recovery Fund.
Post-lockdown boost for St Sampson, Cricklade
First published 22nd April 2021St Sampson Church, Cricklade, is to share in a funding payout from the National Churches Trust to fund repairs.
Faith manifesto launched for Bristol mayoral elections
First published 19th April 2021Bristol Diocese is part of a multi-faith group that has released a faith manifesto in the lead-up to the Bristol mayoral election this May.
Bristol Diocese Maundy Nominations 2021
First published 1st April 2021The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Rev'd Vivienne Faull, nominated John Bishop and Jean James from the Diocese of Bristol to receive Maundy money at this year's service.
Holy Week 2021: from darkness to light
First published 25th March 2021Holy Week this year takes us from loss to a new dawn.
Ten years of the Bristol North West Foodbank
First published 24th March 2021A message from Foodbank Manager Emma Murray.
Next priest-in-charge announced of the Upper Thames Benefice
First published 7th March 2021The Bishop of Bristol is delighted to announce that the Revd Canon Debbie Dewes will be the next priest-in-charge of the Upper Thames Benefice.
The Beacon on the Hill celebrates 170th Anniversary of Christ Church Swindon
First published 25th January 2021The book provides a comprehensive study of how this historic place of worship ties into the growth and development of Swindon itself.
Covid-19 Update: adapting in times of adversity
First published 22nd January 2021Since the most recent lockdown was announced, some churches have made the difficult decision to close their buildings and offer digital services only until restrictions ease
Rev'd Steve Wilkinson announced as new Area Dean of North Wiltshire Deanery
First published 21st January 2021The Bishop of Bristol is pleased to announce the appointment of Rev'd Steve Wilkinson as the new Area Dean of North Wiltshire Deanery.
Rev Runned Challenge raises almost £6,000
First published 14th January 2021Rev'd Dr Janet Anderson-MacKenzie ran the overall distance of a marathon to raise money for the Lidbrook Group of Churches in Wiltshire, of which she is the Priest in Charge.
Dr Stephanie Hayton appointed as Adviser for Lay Ministry and Warden of Readers.
First published 14th January 2021The role of the Adviser for Lay Ministry is to encourage and develop good practice in all kinds of lay ministry in the Diocese of Bristol.
Rev'd Melanie Otto announced as Priest in Charge of St Agnes and St Anne's
First published 11th January 2021The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Rev'd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Rev'd Melanie Otto will be the new Priest in Charge of the churches of St Agnes and St Anne's.
New Interim Co-Area Deans for City Deanery Announced
First published 16th December 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Rev'd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Rev'd Lizzie Kesteven and Rev'd David Stephenson will be the Interim Co-Area Deans for the Bristol City Deanery.
Fromeside church appeal raises over £11,500
First published 3rd December 2020A Christmas appeal from the Together 4 Fromeside churches has raised over £11,500 to support vulnerable families in eight local primary schools.
Revd Trudie Wigley announced as Area Dean of Swindon
First published 2nd December 2020The Bishop of Bristol is pleased to announce that Revd Trudie Wigley has been appointed Area Dean of Swindon.
Advent and Christmas 2020
First published 26th November 2020Christmas services are going to be looking different this year, but there is still comfort and joy to be found.
Bristol Diocese wins prestigious Eco Diocese award
First published 19th November 2020The Diocese of Bristol is excited to announce that it has been awarded two awards as an Eco Diocese— Silver for its operations, and Bronze in recognition of its wider engagement— from the national environmental charity A Rocha.
Race, ministry and me
First published 12th November 2020The Revd Aggy Palairet, curate at St Mary Redcliffe Church, writes about her experiences of race and ministry.
Cathedral bell rings call to prayer during lockdown
First published 5th November 2020From today, Thursday 5 November, Bristol Cathedral will ring a bell at 6pm every evening as a call to prayer for the city.
Transforming church. A message from the Bishop of Bristol.
First published 4th November 2020The Bishop of Bristol announced a new focus of work for the upcoming months, to shape the future of the Diocese of Bristol.
Race, ministry and me
First published 20th October 2020The Revd Anjali Kanagaratnam writes about her experiences of race and ministry.
Introducing our new lay ministers
First published 19th October 2020Seven new lay ministers were licensed in Bristol Cathedral on Saturday 17 October.
Introducing our new priests
First published 16th October 2020The Right Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, ordained 13 new priests over four services in Bristol Cathedral on Saturday 10 October.
Chaplain for the Arts supports creatives in new ways during the pandemic
First published 16th October 2020Artists and creatives from Bristol and surrounding areas have been meeting virtually since April to share their experiences of lockdown.
LecDeck goes digital!
First published 14th October 2020New app launched to encourage young people to explore the Bible in new ways.
St. Andrew's, Castle Combe receives lifeline grant
First published 12th October 2020Almost 450 heritage organisations in England, including St. Andrew's Church have been awarded cash from the first round of the Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage.
Introducing our new deacons and Assistant Curate
First published 12th October 2020The Right Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, ordained 10 new deacons over four services in Bristol Cathedral on Sunday 11 October.
Diocese of Bristol to ordain 23 people in a weekend of celebration
First published 8th October 2020During eight services in Bristol Cathedral over the coming weekend, the Bishop of Bristol and the Bishop of Swindon will ordain 23 candidates as priests and deacons.
Soon to be vicar successfully crowdfunds for ordination stole in remembrance of father
First published 6th October 2020Mark Nam, Assistant-Curate at St. Anne's in Oldland and United Church in Longwell Green, will be ordained as a Deacon on Sunday 11th October in Bristol Cathedral.
Installation of the Revd Canon Dr Mandy Ford as Dean of Bristol marks a first for the Church of England
First published 24th September 2020On Saturday 3 October at 3.30pm, the Revd Dr Mandy Ford will be instituted and installed as the 43rd Dean of Bristol.
South Bristol church offers support to local food bank
First published 24th September 2020St Martin's Church, Knowle is now running the food bank set up by Knowle Park Primary school at the start of lockdown.
New church building in Swindon welcomes live worship for the first time
First published 23rd September 2020Pattern Church celebrated their first live worship services in the building on Sunday 20 September 2020.
Village raises £250 for local church with a lockdown veg box initiative
First published 23rd September 2020During lockdown, residents in Slaughterford started a village vegetable box, raising money for St Nicholas Church, after teaming together to create thriving allotments.
BAME Clergy in Bristol Diocese - Who are they?
First published 22nd September 2020You are probably aware that there are a number of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (“BAMEâ€) clergy in Bristol Diocese. If, however, I was to ask you to identify some of them, you might struggle.
New church building in Swindon opens for live worship on Sunday
First published 18th September 2020Pattern Church is a new church in the historic Great Western Railways Pattern Store building in the centre of Swindon.
Re-imagining the church of today and tomorrow: In conversation with Ben Lindsay
First published 26th August 2020Ben Lindsay, author of We Need To Talk About Race comes to the Cathedral in October for a series of workshops with church leaders in the Diocese of Bristol.
Mothers Union Wave of Prayer 7 - 9 September 2020
First published 26th August 2020This September, the Bristol Mothers Union (MU) is inviting members of the Diocese of Bristol to join them in three days of prayer.
Ride+Stride given go ahead for Saturday 12 September 2020
First published 26th August 2020Over 40 churches in the Diocese of Bristol are excited to join with 90 churches in Salisbury in this years Wiltshire Ride+Stride.
Holy Trinity, Stapleton to share in funding payout from the National Churches Trust
First published 26th August 2020Holy Trinity, Stapleton was been awarded a £15,000 National Churches Trust Cornerstone Grant to help fund roof repairs in their Grade II listed building.
Revd Kat Campion-Spall announced as Dean of Women's Ministry
First published 25th August 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to appoint Revd Kat Campion-Spall as Dean of Women's Ministry.
Revd Mary Gubbins announced as SSM Team Vicar in the Greater Corsham and Lacock Team
First published 23rd August 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd Mary Gubbins has been appointed to the post of part-time SSM (Self-Supporting Minister) Team Vicar in the Greater Corsham and Lacock Team.
Mini Festival, Friendly Stage, to take place in Bristol churches during August Bank Holiday Weekend
First published 21st August 2020The ‘Friendly Stage Mini Festival' is a miniature Greenbelt-like event over three days, on the theme of ‘A Better World is Possible'.
Could you or someone you know represent the Diocese at General Synod?
First published 19th August 2020There is an opportunity for someone to represent the Diocese in the General Synod for one year.
Church buildings might be open but church is happening outside
First published 17th August 2020Across the region, churches have been holding services outside in a variety of places.
Revd Canon Dr Rod Symmons announced as Interim Minister for the Bradley Stoke Parish
First published 31st July 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd Canon Dr Rod Symmons has been appointed as Interim Minister for the Bradley Stoke Parish.
Local church hosts special drive-in service for worshippers, in Sainsbury's car park
First published 29th July 2020St Michael's Church, Stoke Gifford, teamed up with Sainsbury's East Filton, to put on a drive-in church service on Sunday 26 July.
Local Minister's community garden featured on BBC Gardener's World
First published 27th July 2020On Friday 24 July, a film clip of the Rev Hazel Trapnell's garden was featured on BBC Gardeners World.
Churches in Avonside come together for a virtual afternoon tea and prayer
First published 24th July 2020On 12 July, members from local churches hosted a virtual afternoon tea and prayer event.
Bishop of Bristol Appoints New Advisor on Racial Justice
First published 16th July 2020The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull has appointed Revd Dr Catherine Okoronkwo to the position of Bishop's Advisor on Racial Justice.
New free Relationship, Sex and Health Education materials launched
First published 16th July 2020Goodness and Mercy, the new website and resources aimed primarily at Church of England Schools, is launching this week.
Two local couples among the first to marry
First published 10th July 2020On Saturday 4 July two couples in the Diocese of Bristol were among the first couples to celebrate their wedding day since lockdown.
A personal response to #BlackLivesMatter
First published 11th June 2020A personal response to #BlackLivesMatter by Revd Dr Catherine Okoronkwo.
One man's walk reaches a whole community
First published 5th June 2020Rev Malcolm Strange goes on a prayer walk around Fromeside
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Pattern Church thanks Allchurches Trust for Grant Award
First published 13th November 2019In late May Pattern Church in Swindon was awarded a significant Allchurches Trust grant for which the church and the Diocese is extremely grateful.
Revd Becky Waring announced as next Area Dean of Bristol South
First published 8th November 2019The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Becky Waring has been appointed Area Dean of Bristol South. Becky has the been vicar of St Martins Knowle since 2016. Previous to her ministry at St Martins, Becky was a Lice
The Diocese remembers
First published 5th November 2019Across the Diocese acts of remembrance took place on Remembrance Sunday as those who serve and have fallen to protect our democratic rights are remembered. Thousands joined services across at churches right across our region to participate.
When a rector moves on...
First published 5th November 2019When a much valued Rector leaves a group of 8 rural parishes to move on to be an Archdeacon there is a temptation to feel things are never going to be as good again. But of course that is not the case.When Revd Christopher Bryan left the Gauzebrook P
ASMA Ventures into new territory
First published 1st November 2019Stimulated by the Avonside Mission Area, members of St Marys Stoke Bishop, St Marys Shirehampton, St Edyths Sea Mills, St Peters Lawrence Weston and St Andrews Avonmouth have all been encouraged to form missional communities.
ASMA Prayer Celebration
First published 24th October 2019Members of Avonside Mission Area gathered for a prayer celebration on Wednesday 16 October.There were 75 people present who followed the 4Ws of the Mission Area.
Morning Evangelism in Avonside
First published 24th October 2019In February, Avonside Mission Area started a weekly Tuesday morning prayer meeting. This forms part of their Evangelism Mission Shaped Community, hosted by Revd Hartmut Kopsch.
CAP Sunday - working through debt
First published 20th September 2019On Sunday 13 October, churches across the Diocese will be hosting CAP Sunday: a special service to invite people to look again at poverty in their community.
God was nudging me to invite
First published 9th September 2019As part of the Journey of Invitation remote invitational coaching has been available with Michael Harvey of Unlocking the Growth to help leaders to explore what it means to lead an invitational church.
Pattern Church launches afternoon service
First published 30th August 2019Swindon's Pattern Church is launching a new afternoon service on Sundays. Pattern Church, which launched last December, is adding the 4.30pm service with the aim of attracting young people and those in their 20s.
Celebrating Bristol NW CAP Debt Centre
First published 22nd August 2019Celebrating the work of the Bristol NW CAP Debt Centre .
St Johns Parks and Walcot Community Choir
First published 21st August 2019The parish of Parks and Walcot, Swindon is amongst the 10% most deprived in the country and receives Lowest Income Communities Funding. This has supported them in developing a ministry amongst unchurched women on the estate.
Inspire Youth Pilgrimage
First published 20th August 2019In May sixteen young people and eight adults from across the Yate and Fromeside Mission Area set off on a 62-mile pilgrimage walking from St Peters Frampton Cotterell to the Cathedral in Sailsbury.
Kingdom Come: Seeking God's Kingdom in Bristol
First published 15th August 2019This October, young people from across Bristol will gather together at St Nicholas to seek God at 'Kingdom Come'.
Welcoming in the community at St Barnabas Church's Open Day
First published 21st June 2019Community groups from across North Swindon were invited into St Barnabas Church as part of an open event aimed. Crafts, cakes and a mini train ride were among the treats on offer to the public.
Sign up to Ride+Stride 2019
First published 20th June 2019Ride+Stride is a sponsored bike ride or walk in which people all over England walk or cycle between churches, exploring and enjoying the countryside from Cornwall to Northumberland.
Bristol DAC Awards 2019
First published 7th June 2019Church building projects across the Diocese have been honoured by the Diocesan Advisory Committee at a special awards ceremony.
Hundreds join in with The Noise 2019
First published 6th June 2019Churches across Bristol partnered with The Noise last month to show their love to the city.
St Nicholas Bristol thanks All Churches Trust
First published 7th May 2019It has been just over four months since St Nicholas Bristol reopened its doors, following the first phase of refurbishment of a building previously used by Bristol City Council as an archive space.
Archdeacons' Visitations 2019
First published 2nd May 2019Churchwardens will be gathering this month at seven Visitation services across the Diocese to celebrate and affirm their ministry as they formally take up their offices for another year.
Taking SHAPE in Avonside
First published 15th April 2019Avonside Mission Area has recently completed the Your SHAPE for God's Service sessions produced by the Diocese.
Pattern Church receives planning approval
First published 3rd April 2019In late March 2019, Pattern Church in Swindon received its planning permission from Swindon Borough Council to adapt and convert the old Great Western Railway Pattern Store into a new worship space.
Yate and Fromeside podcast bringing encouragement and hope
First published 1st April 2019Last Easter, Yate and Fromeside Mission Area started experimenting with podcasting. Nearly one year later it has proven to be a success.
'Creative Family Focused Expressions of Church made simple' resource launched
First published 29th January 2019Many churches in the Diocese of Bristol and across the country have found that Messy Church has provided them with an excellent way to connect with families and people of all ages in a creative act of worship.
The Journey - theatrical telling of the Christmas story
First published 22nd December 2018On the 9 December, people from across Swindon gathered for two performances of an immense, immersive theatrical telling of the Christmas story.
St Andrew's reopens doors after major refurbishment
First published 13th December 2018Community groups, childrens clubs and those just after a decent cuppa will be able to make use of St Andrews Church when it reopens next week. The building in Avonmouth had suffered from water damage over the years and was in need of a new lease of l
