News - Diocese of Bristol

#ChristmasMeans 2014 : All I want for Christmasâ€¦

First published 8th December 2014

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

Pokemon Go: Why churches need to know about it

First published 27th July 2016

First of all, what is Pokmon GO? Pokmon GO is a mobile and tablet app game which lets players find Pokmon (Animated creatures, first created in the 90s, which players have to catch, train and battle with).

Sam Sheppard : God's calling

First published 16th March 2017

My name is Sam Im 22 years old and in my third year of training for ordination at Ripon College Cuddesdon. Ive come from Kingswood where Id been working with the churches in Kingswood Team Ministry, mostly with the Church plant All Souls Southey Park.

The changing patterns of ministry

First published 17th November 2014

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

Statement from the Bishop of Bristol and Dean of Bristol

First published 21st February 2017

A statement from the Rt Revd Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol, and the Very Revd David Hoyle, Dean of Bristol, in response to the debate at General Synod on the Bishops' report following the shared conversations.

This is not just about Jimmy Savile and his posthumous reputation

First published 19th October 2011

I must say I have found it very difficult to understand those who call in on radio phone-ins to voice their displeasure at those who have come out and spoken of their abusive experiences in the Jimmy Savile scandal.

Messy Baptism

First published 7th February 2017

Four children made the pledge in front of friends and family at St Barnabas Church in Gorse Hill, Swindon as they committed to following Jesus as part of a Messy Baptism service.Messy Church has been running at the church for the last four years.

undivided: Windows on the Reformation

First published 1st June 2017

Following on its successful programme, Windows on Medieval Devotion, Bristol Cathedral is running a new programme of lectures titled Windows on the Reformation. This year marks a significant anniversary.

Canon Gill Behenna appointed National Adviser for Deaf Ministry

First published 29th May 2013

The Revd Canon Gill Behenna has been appointed as part-time National Adviser for Deaf Ministry. Canon Behenna is Chaplain with the Deaf Community in the Diocese of Bristol and will continue in this role alongside her national responsibilities.As Nat

I think it would be fair to say that many of us look across ...

First published 8th January 2013

I think it would be fair to say that many of us look across the Atlantic with a measure of disbelief when we think about their Constitution and their valued 2nd Amendment which hands citizens the right to bear arms.

"As a family it says to us that our children are valued"

First published 24th October 2016

As a diocese, encouraging and equipping ordained clergyin their ministries is paramount in fulfilling the diocesan values and priorities.

Sunday Sessions @ The Hare - St Paul's, Bristol

First published 7th February 2017

Once a month, a south Bristol pub opens its doors to the church.

DAC Awards for church projects

First published 25th May 2017

Four parishes in the Diocese of Bristol have been given recognition in the first round of DAC Awards.

Supporting students in their faith

First published 5th September 2016

A new term has begun and thousands of young people will be heading off to university for the first time.

Who is my friend? A social networking lesson

First published 3rd November 2011

What impact does social networking have on our self worth and relationships? How can social networks enhance our lives, and what boundaries need to be set to keep us safe and build healthy relationships?

Bishop of Swindon's address to Synod

First published 25th September 2016

This morning I would love to take you through the history of the Church of Englands involvement with education since 1811 and how it is that 20% of all schools and over 850 000 children attend schools with a Church of England foundation.

A Kingdom where nobody should be forgotten

First published 10th November 2016

A house divided against itself cannot stand. These were words which came to mind as I woke up to the news that we had voted to leave the EU on Thursday 23 June 2016.

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

First published 10th November 2014

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

One Ministry

First published 17th November 2014

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

#ChristmasMeans 2014 : Christmas lights

First published 4th December 2014

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

The spark

First published 25th February 2015

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

Climate change and mission: an opportunity

First published 16th September 2015

At the July meeting of the General Synod there wasa discussion on combatting climate change and a motion was passed committing us to various work in support of the pursuit of a low carbon future.

Helping prisoners lead meaningful lives

First published 21st March 2016

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor.

Annual C in the Park event brings churches together

First published 27th July 2016

Churches from across Bristol have taken part in an annual open air church service in a Downend park.

Two new benefices of Fromeside and Frenchay and Stapleton

First published 28th July 2016

A Pastoral Scheme creating two new benefices of Fromeside and Frenchay and Stapleton has been made.

Bishop's letter: Growing the Church ~ From Peru with Love

First published 26th May 2012

This month Bishop Lee describes how the Anglican Church in Peru has been growing and asks what we might learn from them here in the Diocese of Bristol.

Educating to Challenge Hate Crime

First published 23rd August 2016

In August 2016 The Home Office published their Action Against Hate.

A Pilgrimage to Greece

First published 23rd August 2016

Following in the footsteps of St Paul, a group of pilgrims will be travelling through Greece this September.

"An amazing week" at Soul Survivor 2016

First published 24th August 2016

When Julie and Chris hear dabout the Diocesan camp at Soul Survivor this year, the volunteer youth leaders from St Thomas a Becket (Pucklechurch) jumped at the opportunity to take their small youth group along to the popular Christian youth gathering.

Yet for your sakeâ€¦

First published 13th June 2017

As I write the Church remembers St. Barnabas referred to by St Luke as a son of encouragement. The background is as simple as it is challenging.

We need to talk about money

First published 13th September 2016

The Rt Revd Lee Rayfield, Bishop of Swindon, writes about our approach to handling our finances.

The vital role of chaplains in education

First published 1st September 2016

Are you an existing chaplain who needs to reflect on your role? Are you someone who might consider this an area of voluntary work which you could fulfil?

God became like me

First published 5th November 2019

A third of children and young people don't know that Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, let alone the extraordinary significance that this has for their lives.

Discounted 'Light' materials for churches

First published 15th September 2016

Scripture Union is a name known forproducinga wealth of resourcesthat support churches in their ministry and mission with children and young people.

Chaplain to the deaf wins Funeral Award

First published 6th September 2016

The Revd Canon Gill Behenna, Chaplain with the Deaf Community, has been named Minister of the Year at the Good Funeral Awards. Gill won the honour at the annual awards ceremony in Porchester Hall, Bayswater, on Thursday (8 September).

Chores done for struggling Bristol residents

First published 12th September 2016

Christians in Bristol have been carrying out chores in the homes of people struggling with their housework. Members of St Peters Church, Lawrence Weston, have formed a cleaning team and are offering their skills to anyone who is having difficulty.

Bishop Mike: Everything matters

First published 18th April 2017

I just got back from a teaching schedule in a variety of contexts which has been fascinating.

Growing leaders

First published 3rd November 2016

The Revd Becky Waring, who became vicar of St Martins Knowle earlier this year, said that she owed a lot to her first church for their willingness to take risks in giving her opportunities as she took the step towards ordained ministry.

Tea party for retired clergy

First published 27th September 2016

Retired clergy in the Diocese of Bristol celebrated with a special tea party. Paul Denyer, who attended the event, looks back on it.

Reflections on a Greek pilgrimage

First published 30th September 2016

During September, a group of 30 pilgrims travelled to Greece to follow in the footsteps of St Paul.

Sour Grapes and my need to blame

First published 10th October 2016

The season of Advent is almost upon us again.I have to say that the older I get, the more I have come to value the Church's penitential seasons.

New social justice seminars at Bristol Cathedral

First published 6th October 2016

This autumn, Bristol Cathedral launches a new evening seminar programme called undivided: stories and social justice.

Church leaders urge Christians to help refugees

First published 11th October 2016

The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Mike Hill, has joined eight church leaders from across the city to renew their efforts to help refugees.

Prisons Week Visit to HMP Bristol

First published 13th October 2016

On Monday October 11th 2016,Sixty-One, with the help of the prisons Coordinating Chaplain Muhammed Foulds, took 10 church leaders around HMP Bristol as part of its ongoing work to help offenders live lives free from crime.

Remembrance Sunday 2016

First published 14th October 2016

Churches around the Diocese will be marking Remembrance Sunday on 13 November 2016.

A visit to Uganda

First published 18th October 2016

Rod Symmons, Area Dean of the City Deanery, reflects on a visit that included the Consecration of Henry Katumba-Tamale as Bishop of West Buganda. 24 - 31 August 2016.

Fire at St Michael on the Mount Without

First published 18th October 2016

Many will have heard about the fire that devastated St Michael on the Mount Without in Bristol on Sunday 16th October and be concerned about how this tragic event happened.

Service replaces heavenly choirs with heavy metal

First published 25th October 2016

A unique service of Holy Communion is happening in Bristol the night before Halloween with Bristol's first ever Metal Mass.

Lecture: Is Stephen Hawkings closer to God than he thinks?

First published 31st October 2016

Professor Keith Ward will be taking the latest lecture for Christians in Science as he considers whether Stephen Hawkings theories put him nearer to God than he thinks.

Foodbank calls for help to repair its warehouse

First published 31st October 2016

Bristol North West Foodbank is calling for help from the community to repair one of their warehouses following serious water damage.

Bishop to lead Remembrance in Clifton

First published 2nd November 2016

The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Mike Hill, will lead this months Whiteladies Road Annual Act of Remembrance at the St Johns war memorial on the junction of Apsley Road and Whiteladies Road in the Clifton area of Bristol on Armistice Day.

Bishop Lee helps youngsters mark first communion

First published 25th April 2016

Children at St Christopher's in Brislington have celebrated their first communion with help from the Bishop of Swindon.

Advent Sleepout Challenge

First published 2nd November 2016

Will you give up a night of comfort so that someone else doesn't have to?

Bishop's Letter: A season for curiosity, time and courage

First published 18th January 2016

As we are invited to make Lent a particular season for prayer across the diocese, Bishop Lee reflects on our struggles to listen to God and how we might grow in our practice of prayer.

24/7 Christianity

First published 10th August 2016

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

Messy Cathedral celebrated

First published 24th October 2013

On Saturday 19 October, Bristol Cathedral buzzed with the controlled mayhem of an up-scaled Messy Church event.

Thy Kingdom Come 2017

First published 14th September 2016

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are inviting every parish, fresh expression of Church, school, chaplaincy, retreat house, and praying community to join in ten days of prayer for evangelism and witness in the run up to Pentecost 2017.

Connections: Messy Church

First published 5th May 2017

One challenge facing churches is how to provide services that engage with families and which are fun and creative.

Bacon, Eggs and Bishop Mike

First published 7th November 2016

Q: What do you get if you cross a bishop, a golf club and a full English?A: The perfect recipe for the Christ Church Downend Mens breakfast. A group of 37 men of all ages gathered at the Kendleshire Golf Club to enjoy food.

Are you just ticking over?

First published 6th June 2018

The following article is taken from the CPAS Lead On monthly email and was written by James Lawrence; CPAS Leadership Principal.

Bill McDougall, Bradley Stoke

First published 9th September 2012

Revd Bill McDougall was licensed as Priest-in-Charge and Transition Minister of Holy Trinity, Bradley Stoke North on Wednesday 5 September.

Bishop's letter: Issues of Image

First published 6th June 2016

Some years ago in the USA, I preached a sermon to nine million people! Admittedly all but about 2,000 of those people were listening in on radio.

New approach to Parish Share

First published 19th July 2016

Parish Share: take responsibility | be generous | have faith. Next year sees the introduction of our new approach to Parish Share as agreed by Diocesan Synod.

Home sweet home

First published 20th July 2016

We spoke to the two newest members of the Property Team to find out more about what they do and why they do it. From traditional rectories to modern vicarages, clergy in the Diocese of Bristol live in a variety of different houses.

New Mission Areas launched

First published 20th June 2017

Two new Mission Areas have been launched in the Diocese of Bristol.

Baby Jesus Rocks in Westbury Park

First published 12th December 2017

Hand-painted stones featuring a sleeping baby Jesus have been left scattered around Westbury Park. The miniature artwork is the brain-child of Revd Emma Langley, vicar of St Alban Westbury Park.

#ChristmasMeans 2014 : Enjoying life at its simplest

First published 16th December 2014

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

Exploring our faith: stories from our churches

First published 5th March 2015

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

Nurturing a resilient faith in children

First published 26th May 2016

I've just finished flicking through past editions of Childrenswork magazine and an interview with Rob Parsons (founder of Care for the Family).

Youth resource about 'awkward' issues

First published 27th May 2016

When looking for bible studies for youth groups the range of resources that cover biblical themes, characters and the basics are pretty much catered for.

Opportunities to serve

First published 31st May 2016

As we mark the beginning of Volunteer Week, the Rev Simon Jones, Team Rector at St Michael's Stoke Gifford, explains how the church found new ways of encouraging people to serve.Churches love notices!

Cathedral celebrates Queen's 90th

First published 31st May 2016

Bristol Cathedral will mark the official birthday of HM the Queen with a week of celebrations, including a special Sunday morning service and a Flower Festival.

Finding support for carers

First published 2nd June 2016

This year National Carers' Week runs from 6 to 12 June - but unless you happen to be a carer it may well pass you by.

In memory of Bruce McKay

First published 8th June 2016

Canon Trevor Denley remembers Bruce McKay, who died last Friday aged 74.Bruce McKay 1941 - 2016.

Useful apps for smartphones

First published 9th June 2016

Modern technology means that there are new ways of deepening our relationship with God. We've put together a number of Christian resources now available for Android and iPhones which we hope people will find useful in their daily walk.

Time to work together

First published 27th June 2016

A message from Bishop Mike following the EU Referendum: Where does one start? In the night (I was in the USA) news came through that the UK had voted for a Brexit.

Invitations to Grace

First published 9th June 2016

Yesterday afternoon I was due to meet a colleague for coffee. I had rushed from one meeting to the next all morning and arrived on time to find my usually prompt colleague was not there.

Archbishops respond to Orlando shootings

First published 14th June 2016

Archbishops of Canterbury and York have called for solidarity with LGBTI people after the attack in Orlando.

Generous Giving Project

First published 16th June 2016

A new blog aimed at encouraging more generous giving is being produced by our colleagues in Durham.

iSingPOP at Ashton Keynes Primary

First published 16th June 2016

Children at Ashton Keynes Primary School have put on a special concert for the Bishop of Swindon. The pupils had taken part in the iSingPOP project, which had culminated in two concerts at Holy Cross Church during May.

Churchwardens commit to Creating Connections

First published 16th June 2016

Churchwardens from across the diocese gathered at seven deanery Visitations services during May to celebrate and affirm their ministry and formally take up their offices for another year.

Knitted Crib Pilgrimage - St Andrew's, Chippenham

First published 7th February 2017

Woolly mementos of the Nativity found their way into homes across Chippenham last Christmas.

A time to speakâ€¦

First published 15th July 2016

There is no doubt that the events in Nice that have emerged overnight have sickened and horrified the people of this Diocese and the people of this nation.

How to develop an action plan

First published 16th June 2016

Developing a parish action plan, strategy or vision document is a process designed to help churches to prayerfully consider the mission and ministry that God is calling them to.

The next step in answering God's call

First published 16th June 2016

The summer is an exciting time of transition within the Ministry Development department BAP candidates become ordinands; ordinands become deacons; deacons become priests; formation year students prepare to become Licensed Lay Ministers.

Details of General Synod in July 2016

First published 20th June 2016

Members of the General Synod will gather in York on Friday 8 July until Saturday 9 July.

Battling holiday hunger in Bristol

First published 20th June 2016

Can you volunteer to combat food poverty in Bristol this summer?

All Creatures Great and Small

First published 7th February 2017

The Revd Ness Whiffin, curate at the Marshfield Benefice, has recently introduced a pet service at the church.

The Queen's birthday celebrations

First published 20th June 2016

Churches across the Diocese of Bristol held parties as they helped to mark the 90th birthday of HM The Queen.

Exploring your parish's vision

First published 20th June 2016

All Saints Clifton has recently gone through a process of exploring its vision and identity.

Church of England Vision for Education

First published 27th June 2016

Please see the below document produced by The Church of England Education Office and endorsed by members of the House of Bishops.

Simply Collective Worship

First published 27th June 2016

Simply Collective Worship is a fully planned four year scheme of assemblies and thoughts for the day.

Good safeguarding integral to mission of Church

First published 1st July 2016

A resource to help local churches do some theological thinking around safeguarding has been published by the Faith and Order Commission (FAOC).

How to report hate crime and abuse

First published 14th July 2016

Following the EU referendum vote on 23 June there has sadly been a rise in people reporting stories of hate crime and racist and anti-immigrant abuse, both in Bristol and nationally.

Response to shared conversations

First published 14th July 2016

Following the meeting of General Synod at the beginning of July, members met in an informal setting in which they listened and were heard as they reflected together on scripture and a changing culture in relation to their understanding of human sexuality.

News and updates