The Church of England has welcomed the agreement with the Government over the future funding of alterations and repairs to its 12,500 listed buildings, which will provide £30 million a year extra money. This is on top of the £12 million already in the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS).

The Bishop of London described this as an acknowledgment from Government of the unique heritage value to the nation of cathedrals and churches and the way in which these alterations are enabling them to servetheir local communities in a range of ways alongside being centres of worship.

Despite not persuading the Government that maintaining zero rated VAT for alterations is the best way forward, church leaders today said that the £30 million a year extra money that the Chancellor has committed to the LPWGS will enable the equivalent to the VAT bill to be paid out on all alterations and repairs to listed church buildings. The Scheme pays out to those denominations and faiths with listed buildings

The LPWGS will in future be ring fenced and no longer vulnerable to cuts in departmental budgets and it is planned to re-introduce monthly pay outs from October. The scheme will be guaranteed for the duration of this Parliament. Parishes have shown they need a much greater degree of certainty in the funding they receive and this will now be met by ironing out some of the more unhelpful characteristics of the current LPWGS.

The Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Richard Chartres who chairs the Cathedrals and Church Buildings Division and who led the discussions with the Treasury said “We owe a debt of gratitude to the Second Church Estates Commissioner Tony Baldry, for his role in brokering this agreement, and to Anne Sloman, and Janet Gough who have worked tirelessly in a very short window of opportunity but the Chancellor made it very clear that he was moving to ease the impact on the churches in recognition of the massive contribution made by congregations up and down the land to the life of their communities”.

Anne Sloman, Chair of the Church Buildings Council said, “the fact that the Treasury offer went from £5million to £30million is a recognition of the tremendous value for money to the nation as a whole that our buildings represent. We are grateful to parishes up and down the land who have lobbied so hard since the Budget to bring this point home to the government, and even more grateful for the massive contribution volunteers make by their efforts, week in and week out, to keep our beautiful churches in good repair for worship and adapted to serve the community in so many creative ways.”

Q & A Listed Places Worship New Grants Scheme

1. What are the new arrangements?
• HM Treasury has guaranteed an extra £30 million per year for the rest of this Parliament for the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme – in addition to the £12 million per year – for alterations and repairs to listed places of worship. I.e. the total annual value of the new scheme will be £42 million.

2. When does this come into effect?
• From 1 October 2012.

3. What does this mean for claimants?
• From 1 October 2012 all claimants should receive a full payout on the equivalent of the VAT they have incurred on repairs and alterations to listed places of worship. The scheme will be reviewed in October 2013 to check it is on target, we hope no adjustments will need to be made but it is very difficult to estimate demand at this stage and the fund is cash limited.
• The aim is to move to monthly disbursements (current quarterly payments) for the new scheme.

4. What protections are in place for this new scheme?
• The Government has promised ring-fenced funding of at least £42million per year, guaranteed by HM Treasury and the DCMS for the rest of this Parliament.
• The LPWGS will be protected from any further spending reductions affecting the current Spending Review period.
• The scheme will be reviewed every six months from October 2013.

5. What are the transitional arrangements to protect projects at an advanced stage?
• The Government has stated that all projects with a signed contract by Budget Day i.e. 21 March 2012 will be honoured under the current arrangements (zero rate VAT on alterations to listed buildings).
• As part of a consultation it is prepared to consider other criteria to identify projects at an advanced stage and also to accommodate large projects by extending the period within which these projects must be completed.
• The Cathedral and Church Buildings Division has proposed that the transitional period be extended to March 2014 to accommodate larger projects and that the granting of a faculty or other planning permission and/or a written application for funding be accepted as indicators that projects were at a sufficiently advanced stage on Budget Day to qualify for zero rating on alterations to listed buildings.
• The HMRC consultation closes 18 May 2012. We have been promised “generous transitional arrangements”. As soon as we know what that means in practice we will disseminate details.

6. Who will manage the new LPWGS?
• A “dual key” is being set up with details of the scheme and subsequent changes needing formal sign off by HM Treasury and DCMS ministers.
• The funding for and operating the scheme will continue to flow via DCMS.

7. What is included under the new scheme?
• The new scheme will retain the current restrictions on which VAT costs associated with the repair and maintenance of listed places of worship are not eligible for compensation – i.e. professional fees, organs, bells, and clocks and other listed buildings owned by cathedrals and churches.
• These categories will be kept under discussion in future six monthly reviews.

Are you a forward-thinking minister, committed to engaging with a truly collaborative form of ministry? This is an opportunity to have an impact on the community of Bradley Stoke at an exciting time of change and transition.

Bradley Stoke is a suburb in the north of Bristol with huge opportunities. It has developed over the last 25 years and is a hub for the South West’s transport network, some of its largest employers and adjacent to Cribbs Causeway retail centre. In the next few years, the Deanery propose to form a new Parish of Bradley Stoke that will include both Holy Trinity and Christ the King.

The Priest-in-Charge will lead Holy Trinity as it makes the transition to the new parish, partnering with the leadership at Christ the King and ecumenical partners. It is a time limited post to be reviewed after three years.

Holy Trinity is a thriving LEP with a strong base of children’s and youth work and a Church of England primary school attached.

This is a half-time post (0.5 stipend and pension contributions) with the provision of a house. The postholder will be fully committed to the life of the church and the transition process.

If you would like further details about this post, please contact the Area Dean, the Reverend Simon Jones on 0117 979 1656, for informal conversation.

Application deadline: 8 June 2012
Interview date: 27 June 2012

Download the Holy Trinity, Bradley Stoke Profile >>
Download the Person Specification Description & Download the Role Description >>

Download the Application Form >>
Download the Guidance Notes for completing the Application Form >>

Alternatively, to receive the full details and application documents by email or post, please email helen.rees@bristoldiocese.org or phone Helen Rees on 01454 777728.

Completed applications must be received by 8 June 2012 by email (helen.rees@bristoldiocese.org) or by post (Helen Rees, Bishop of Bristol’s Office, 58a High Street, Winterbourne, Bristol, BS36 1JQ).

ISR: Churches for Work and Social Justice bring you news, events and resources to help you and your church engage with issues of social and environmental justice, social responsibility and faith in the workplace.

Benchmarking your church: shrinking your footprint
If you are finding it difficult to know where to begin with climate change, then perhaps ISR’s benchmarking service can provide some hope. If you want to reduce the carbon footprint of your church building(s), then it is clearly essential to know the current situation. ISR can help by giving you a snapshot of how good you are. It requires that you know how much energy you’ve consumed recently, how many people use the building and how big it is. ISR do the rest.
If you’d like to find out more, visit ISR’s environment pages or call/email us (simon@ccisr.org.uk or simontopping@ccisr.org.uk, 0117 955 7430).
 

Disability Access Conference
ISR, together with St Stephen’s Church in Bristol recently co-organised a day of conversation, sharing and exploration around the theme of ‘disability access in church buildings’. The day was billed as a chance to learn more about this often complex issue, and to meet people who can advise on how your church – people and building – might be more aware of the challenges to being open and accessible to all.
You can find a brief summary of the day on the ISR website: www.ccisr.org.uk/access
 

B.friend
B.friend is a new project being developed through ISR by Sam Sayer. It is a faith-based project that trains volunteers to befriend asylum seekers and refugees. Volunteering with b.friend provides people with an opportunity to meet and support someone from another culture and gives them the tools to do this.
Sam is delivering the training, and you can find out a bit more about what she offers at the new (but growing) web site. If you are interested in finding out more, you can email Sam: sam@b-friend.org.uk
 

Eye of the Needle – Biblical Clues to a New Economy
Follow up material to the conference held in March is now available on the ISR website. This includes a full audio recording of the two keynote addresses from Professor Ulrich Duchrow and Professor Molly Scott Cato, plus the script of Professor’s Duchrow’s address and the PowerPoint presentation of Professor Scot Cato.
Simon Topping has written an article reflecting on some of the issues emerging from the conference entitled “Eco-friendly economics –is it possible?” which is available on the ISR website.  A follow up conference, Responsible Capitalism is also taking place in Swindon on 9th June.
 

BIG Green Week
The week from 9th June to 17th June this year is BIG green week in Bristol. The festival programme features one hundred events over nine days in Bristol, and Bristol Cathedral is very much involved.
BIG Green Week is all about raising awareness, giving hope, and encouraging action. It is a city-wide opportunity to share in how we respond to the challenge of climate change. Further details of the whole festival can be found at the main website - biggreenweek.com, with other ideas and contributions appearing on the ISR web site in due course.
 

Hope on the Streets
Church Army has launched a new campaign, Hope on the Streets, in response to last year’s riots, which have been highlighted again following the publication of an independent report. www.churcharmy.org.uk/pub/HopeontheStreets
 

Further events:

Swindon Churches Together are running Flame 87.7FM throughout May >>
Spectrum: 19th May, Bristol Cathedral >>
Disarming Denial – Operation Noah’s Annual Supporters’ Conference >>
Striving for Sanctuary – Churches’ Refugee Network Conference >>

The week from 9th June to 17th June this year is BIG green week in Bristol. The festival programme features one hundred events over nine days in Bristol, and Bristol Cathedral is very much involved. BIG green week is all about raising awareness, giving hope, and encouraging action. It is a city-wide opportunity to share in how we respond to the challenge of climate change.

The programme being organised by the cathedral is still being planned, but it will be based on these particular events (11am to 12 noon):

Monday: ‘These three, Faith, Hope and Planet’ -  City Canon Tim Higgins & Simon Bale
Tuesday: ‘Dialogue with Nature’ - Mary Colwell, BBC broadcaster, writer on faith and environment.

Wednesday: ‘Sacred Land’ Martin Palmer, Alliance of Religions and Conservation
Thursday:  ‘Inspiring Responsibility’ , David Shreeve, Conservation Foundation Co-Founder and Adviser to the Archbishop’s Council
Friday: ’Faith in Creation’ David Hoyle, Dean of Bristol

Further details of the whole festival can be found at the main website – biggreenweek.com, with other ideas and contributions appearing on the ISR web site in due course. More information is available from simon@ccisr.org.uk.

 June 23 11-4.00pm
Venue: Wesley Memorial Church, New Inn Hall Street, Oxford OX1 2DH. More details at: www.operationnoah.org/disarming-denial

Swindon Churches Together are running Flame 87.7FM, a community radio station, throughout May. There is a full schedule of daily programming (details at www.flamefm.co.uk) , so if you are in the Swindon area, do tune in. In particular, on 27th May there is a live audience event which you may like to attend: Sunday May 27^th 7.30pm “An Evening with Paul Fields”. For more details and tickets contact office@flamefm.co.uk

Striving for Sanctuary – Climbing the Mountain of Integration, Churches’ Refugee Network Conference
Saturday 19 May, 11.00 am – 3.30 pm at Carrs Lane Church Centre, Birmingham B4 7SX

Whether you are working regularly with refugees and asylum seekers or are someone concerned about the issues and wanting to know more, you are warmly invited to attend the annual CRN conference. Keynote speakers: Revd Professor Nicholas Sagovsky (University of Roehampton); Julian Prior (Chief Executive, Action Foundation). Workshops: Housing, Education, Employment, Equipping Volunteers (indicate your choice when booking). Full details including booking form, programme and flyer at:  www.ctbi.org.uk/592

Entitled “Responsible Capitalism?”, Revd Andrew Studdard-Kennedy will be giving the keynote address. Further details are available from the ISR office.

A morning conference to consider the economic crisis and what needs to change to build a fairer economy for the future .

Venue: Christ Church, Cricklade Street, Swindon SN1 3HG 

Saturday June 9th 10.00am – 1.00pm 

Responsible Capitalism booking form >>

New initiatives are springing up all over the diocese as parishes engage with ‘Releasing the Energy’ and roll out their growth plans.

As part of our Growth Programme series we highlight just a few examples in various contexts and ask how and why they’re making a difference in their communities.

Partnership: Context-based training in North Wiltshire >>

More from our Partnership series

Influence: Church and Primary Academy in Westbury-on-Trym

More from our Influence series

Numbers: Outreach in east Bristol >>

More from our Numbers series

Commitment: Cafe church in Gloucestershire >>

More from our Commitment series

The Diocese of Bristol’s Diocesan Office will be relocating later in the summer (2012) following motions by the Diocesan and Deanery Synods and in accordance with the Diocesan Strategy.

It is expected that diocesan staff will move to a new office within walking distance of Bristol Parkway station in Stoke Gifford to the north of Bristol at the end of August. This will bring together employees currently based at Church House in Great George Street and the All Saints Centre on one floor under one roof.

The proposal to explore relocation was stated in the Diocesan Strategy and brought forward following a number of motions from Deanery Synods which were endorsed by Diocesan Synod in May 2010.

It was widely accepted that Church House is no longer an appropriate working environment, presenting challenges for communication, disabled access and meetings. Central Bristol is difficult to access for many people in the Diocese and, following the Diocesan Synod motion, a working group set out criteria and parameters for a new office.

In November 2011, a search was authorised by the Bishop’s Council for a new office to be leased and Church House to be sold. An ideal office has been found on the Parkway North business park. Within walking distance of Bristol Parkway station, it is close to the M4 and M32 and has ample parking. The new office will have a flexible, open plan working environment, a number of small private meeting rooms and a large meeting and training room available for diocesan meetings, saving money on meeting room hire and which will be available for other meetings.

The Board of Finance has decided to lease rather than buy a new office. The lease came in under budget and will be funded from ring fenced investment income from the sale of Great George Street (which is under offer) and other properties that have not been used to house parochial clergy. As a result, the new office will neither be funded from Parish Share nor will it affect expenditure on parochial clergy and support.

The Diocesan Board of Education is developing proposals as to how the Resource Centre can continue to serve schools and churches when the department’s office relocates from All Saints.

“I am delighted that we have been able to secure such a good office and meeting base in line with the wishes of Diocesan Synod,” said Bishop Mike.

“Our desire is to serve parishes and schools in this diocese better and the new office will serve both as a hub from which diocesan officers can easily get to the whole of the Diocese and a convenient place the clergy and laity can come for meetings and training.”

Lesley Farrall, Diocesan Secretary, continued:

“I am greatly looking forward to bringing diocesan staff together in one space and making the most of the fact that we are a compact team.

“We are very pleased with the office we have secured although it will be sad to be leaving Great George Street and All Saints. I am grateful for the openness, willingness and commitment of all my colleagues to make this transition and hope that our support to parishes will not only be undiminished as we make the move this summer but also be enhanced as a result of it.”

At the present time, it is anticipated that the move will take place in the second half of August to minimise disruption. Further details will be circulated when confirmed.

The Noise 2012 took place over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend across Bristol, in the communities of Barton Hill, Horfield, Lawrence Weston, Little Stoke, Lockleaze, Manor Farm, Sea Mills, Southmead and Upper Horfield.

870 people from 50 different churches and groups gave nearly 8000 volunteer hours working on a wide variety of different locally based projects and activities showing God’s love in different but very practical ways.

Over 90 specific community projects were completed over the weekend, including building a shelter in a community allotment in Barton Hill, rubbish and bramble clearance at Lawrence Weston Community Farm, work in the grounds of local schools in Horfield and Lockleaze, and many different individual garden projects across all communities.A local resident from Manor Farm said “I am so grateful for the gardening work which was done last Saturday.  What a transformation from a ‘jungle’ to a garden again!  The friendly people worked so hard, and it was a pleasure to hear their happy laughter and chatter as they worked.  Thank you so much.”

Noise volunteers are aged from as young as 5 years old, right up to 80, with a significant majority aged between 12-18.  Whatever their age, everyone has a great time over the weekend.  One youth group leader commented, “I just wanted to say that this was our first time doing this kind of event and all of us really enjoyed ourselves and had a fantastic time.  And we can’t wait till next year!!  Thank You.”

While some Noise volunteers were working on the practical projects, others were setting up and hosting 8 different Family Fun Afternoons that took place over the 3 days.  Hundreds of people came out to enjoy all the free activities on offer, from the face painting to the football coaching, the climbing wall to the café area – and even in the rain on Monday!
On the Sunday, The Noise also hosted 3 different events for Senior Citizens, a three course dinner in Horfield and Southmead, and a cream tea in Sea Mills.  Each event had a great atmosphere as everyone enjoyed meeting new people, eating good food, and being entertained.

The Noise is really grateful for the support of, and partnerships with the Council, Police, and many other community workers and organisations, that make the work and events of the weekend possible, and ensuring there is a positive and long term impact.

The Noise believes that when Jesus told us to ‘Love your Neighbour’ He was talking about a love that required action, and He didn’t just mean this for a three day weekend either.  Many Noise volunteers are involved in similar work within their local communities all year round, with children and young people, the elderly, and those looking to get more support and help in connecting with organisations and services.  The Noise aims to encourage this more and more, and that the desire to ‘Show God’s love in practical ways’ will become a mark of who we are as Christians 365 days a year.

What’s so inspiring?
Every month, 40+ adults and about ten children take part in Café Church in Doynton, a rural village of just 360 inhabitants.

Who’s involved?
Holy Trinity, Doynton (Kingswood & South Gloucestershire Deanery).

What was the thinking behind it?
Faced with a family service that had no families taking part, the congregation at Doynton bravely acknowledged the need to do something new if they were not to be the last generation of this ancient worshipping community. A small, new housing development in the village prompted them to pray about ways they could engage with the new householders and encourage them into the life of the church. It transpired that four of the new families were committed Christians worshipping elsewhere in lively churches in Bath and Bristol, but who accepted the invitation to join a House Group in the village when asked. This group became the driving force for the current Café Church, which has now led to yet another new, informal service which began in January 2012.

What was the key?
“Café Church is a huge success not only because it draws in new people to our church, but also because it is supported by the older established members of the church. It has depended on sustained prayer and a willingness to try something new and build links with our new neighbours in ways that speak powerfully to them.” Revd Tim Bell, Priest-in-Charge of Doynton

What’s so inspiring?
A heart for Jesus and proactive outreach to the local community is delivering growth in attendance, awareness and giving at St. Aidan’s in east Bristol.

Who’s involved?
Ministry team, PCC and congregation of St. Aidan’s (City Deanery).

What was the thinking behind it?
The parish has a two-pronged approach to mission: it aims to draw people into the life of the church both by making its building(s) available for activities and events but also by taking ministry out into the community at large. In the community, St. Aidan’s is now involved in outdoor services in the shopping precinct four times a year, leading assemblies, running ‘church experience days’ and providing support with reading, gardening and other skills in the local school (which is not, incidentally, a Church school) and regularly leading worship in the three local elderly people’s homes. Closer to home, the church building hosts an annual community fair for local organisations to showcase their services and a renowned programme of monthly concerts. As a result, worshipping numbers are up and the parish has been able to start a programme of giving to external missions as well as increasing its pledge to the diocese for the third year running.

What was the key?
“Our vision as a church is to be the hands, the feet, the eyes, the ears, the mouth and the heart of Christ in our area. Everything we do or achieve flows from this.We are focused on the community we serve and our growth is not just about numbers in pews on a Sunday, but about building connections with local people in all sorts of ways so they can begin to feel this is their church.We have also developed strong ecumenical links with our two neighbouring Methodist churches and work together to deliver some of our initiatives. When you walk through the neighbourhood and a seven-year-old boy shouts ‘Hello Rev Trev’, you know you’re doing something right!” Revd Trevor Denley, Ministry Team Leader at St. Aidan’s

What’s so inspiring?
In Westbury-on-Trym, the parish church and CofE primary school (the first in the diocese to convert to academy status) are working together to provide a distinctively Christian education and ethos for local families.

Who’s involved?
Holy Trinity,Westbury-on-Trym (Bristol West deanery); Westbury-on-Trym Church of England Academy; Diocesan Dept. for Children and Young People.

What was the thinking behind it?
Westbury-on-Trym has been rated consistently highly by both Ofsted and diocesan inspections for the quality of its provision and has always striven to be at the forefront of new advances. So when the opportunity of academy status was presented by central government, staff and governors immediately felt this was something they should explore because of the potential it offered to cultivate their ethos further still. The partnership between church and academy manifests itself in regular visits by pupils to the church throughout the year for whole-school services or for curriculum-based work on history, art or music. Equally, there is a strong pastoral presence in the school itself with parish priest, Andre Hart, leading two assemblies a week, as well as providing support to staff and chairing a new Ethos Committee with oversight of all aspects of the school’s activity and relationship to the wider community.

What was the key to its success?
“As the first primary in the diocese to convert, we very much paved the way and I have appreciated the discussions with members of the diocesan department as well as other head teachers as we have navigated the way forward and learned the ropes together. I am sure those networks will now continue and stand us in good stead for the future.” Pam Derham, Head Teacher “Working with our Church school has obviously been central to our mission strategy at Holy Trinity from the outset, but the quality of the relationship we’ve built up has depended on putting in a lot of the effort and spending quality time working with the staff, governors and students. Just like the yeast in the mound of flour, it has been an ongoing process of growth, but we’re now seeing real results.” Fr Andre Hart, Vicar of Holy Trinity

What’s so inspiring?
Students from Trinity College in Bristol have been working together with parishioners in North Wiltshire to breathe new life into rural ministry.

Who’s involved?
The Woodbridge Group of Churches (NorthWilts deanery); context students from Trinity College Bristol.

What was the thinking behind it?
Four years ago, Richard East, then the vicar of three parishes, began discussions with Trinity College about an idea to develop a training programme for clergy coming into rural ministry which would deal with the specific challenges and components of leading churches in the countryside. Out of these discussions was born the Woodbridge Context, which offers a cohort of Trinity students each year an opportunity to work in a group of (now) six rural parishes outside Malmesbury.

The partnership has been embraced enthusiastically by both local church members and students who have worked together on fresh expressions of faith, new mission initiatives and theological debate. Among other things, they have developed the ‘Week inWoodbridge’ mission week, run dance, drama and children’s activities, experimented with café church, led Alpha and Lent courses and engaged in many other activities.

What was the key to its success?
“The openness with which the parishes and the students accepted each other has been a joy and a pleasure. The parishes embraced the initiative from the word ‘go’ and have made the most of the new ideas and challenges the students have brought. Equally, the students have been willing to learn and have knuckled down to some hard work on the ground, which has really paid off. It has been an unbelievable experience and has brought great vitality to the churches and communities in this area.” Revd Canon Richard East, Vicar in the Woodbridge Group

Course material to use one-to-one with an older person has been added to the Ministry Development section of this website.

The purpose of the course is to help someone look back on their life and take stock of it, look at their life here today and embrace it in all its potential, and look forward to life after death in hope and trust. The course has also been used fruitfully with older Christians, and can be adapted for working with a small group, rather than one-to-one.

The Rich Pattern of Life course >>

Back by popular demand – West Kington hosts its Open Garden Afternoon on Sunday 17 June 2012.

West Kington has a reputation in Wiltshire for some fabulous private gardens. And with good reason since four garden designers live in the village alongside two landscape gardeners, a specialist topiary nursery, a wholesale plant nursery and a bevy of keen flower and veg enthusiasts.

Designed as a fund-raiser for the village’s beautiful St Mary the Virgin church, the Open Garden Afternoon also features a raffle in aid of Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

Other highlights include home made cream teas, an impressive plant sale, a village produce stall, an ice cream parlour and a lemonade stand. And there is plenty of well-organised free parking.

If you have any questions or comments about the Open Garden Afternoon please contact Ali Paterson at alipaterson@aol.com

Most parishes in the Diocese are experiencing a growth in numbers during a clerical “vacancy” following a leadership development process, countering the general assumption that parishes decline during vacancies.

On average, attendance rose by 5% in the first 15 benefices who have participated in the process, with parishes maintaining or growing their numbers in two out of three of instances.

In addition, voluntary income grew on average by 3%, with parishes maintaining or growing their income in four out of five cases.

“We are heartened by the fact that this development work is helping many parishes to grow during a vacancy,” said Ven Tim McClure, who oversees vacancies in the Diocese, “but this is only part of the intention of the work – every parish will have different experiences, challenges and opportunities.

“Our Leadership Development Advisers are variously supporting parishes through a transition period, encouraging lay leaders to grow in confidence, helping them identify the gifts required in a new priest. We are learning and changing how we support parishes during this important and, let’s be honest, sometimes difficult period.”

Since 2009, parishes in the Diocese of Bristol have been participating in a developmental process during a vacancy as part of the Diocesan Strategy.

The impact of the work has been published in the Church of England’s Resourcing Mission bulletin following an internal review in the summer of 2011.

The review pointed to areas where the implementation of the process could be improved. Managing the expectations of parishes, procedural efficiency and better evaluation of the leadership development component have all since been addressed.

Ven Bob Jackson’s research has shown a correlation across the Church of England between vacancies longer than six months and a decline in church attendance and parish finances. This correlation was reflected prior to 2009 in the Diocese of Bristol when numbers declined on average by 6.5% during vacancies.

“Decline can and does obviously happen in a vacancy,” concludes Tim, “but a vacancy need not be the cause of decline. In this diocese, many parishes are growing in a variety of ways and it is no surprise that we are seeing that reflected during vacancies.

“It is great credit both to the legacy of a previous incumbent’s ministry and also the ongoing leadership of other lay and ordained people that this is happening. But ultimately it is people’s openness to the disturbing and empowering Spirit of God that really counts, and that cannot be boiled down to attendance statistics and the collection plate.”

Download the Resourcing Mission Bulletin >>

Are you a church-visitor to a school? Do you have a heart for serving your local school? Introducing the new Diocesan initiative that aims to train, equip and officially commission ‘Be the Link’ school visitors…

Through regular visits to Church of England primary schools in the Diocese heads and staff have, in many instances, described how wonderfully supported they feel by their local churches. But in other contexts contact and support is minimal or even non-existent. Too often the incumbent is left solely responsible for establishing and building relationships with the local school.

With open doors, schools provide endless opportunities for people – lay and ordained – to support children’s and young people’s development as well as their families. There are people in church congregations who have a heart for serving their local school but, to date, they are undiscovered.

The Department for Children and Young People (DCYP) provides an extensive range of services, training and support to all those who work with children and young people in the Diocese of Bristol. ‘Be the Link’ is the new initiative from the Diocese which aims to find volunteers, unlock their gifts, train and equip them, and officially commission them as ‘Be the Link’ Diocesan school visitors. Schools are places where churches can build partnerships and ‘release the energy’.

If you are interested in exploring how you can serve your local school, please download the ‘Be the Link’ information booklet here which explains the scheme’s role and how it works. The booking form is also available to download. For further information please contact Youth and Children Adviser Dan Jones  by email (danielj@bristoldiocese.org) or by telephone (0117 906 0100).

Full time 35 hours

Salary £53,000 – £ 55,000 p.a.

The Diocese is seeking to appoint an exceptional and inspiring leader to have strategic responsibility for the Diocese work with Schools and academies, and work with children and young people in parishes and deaneries.

You will lead a dedicated and talented team which supports and nurtures our family of schools and academies bringing Christian values to their hearts.

An Occupational Requirement exists for the postholder to be a communicant member of the Church of England or a member of a church within Churches together in Britain and Ireland.

An enhanced CRB Disclosure will be required for the successful candidate.

Closing date: 24 May 2012

Interview date: 13 & 14 June 2012

Download Job description >>

Download Person Specification >>

Download information on The Diocese of Bristol Academies >>

Find out more about The Department of  Children and Young People

Return to vacancy page to download Application Form

Current advice is that churches can best help by speaking to your individual members and contacts to discover if they have experienced any impact from the changes and whether this brings hardship that you as a church need to be aware of.

A very practical way to support is to offer help with filling in forms as many claiming benefits are having to reapply and be reassessed.

Related: Safeguarding team >>

Revd Richard Hovey has been appointed the Spiritual Drector (clergy lead) of Cursillo in the Diocese of Bristol.

Cursillo is an international movement of Christians which provides resources within individual dioceses to encourage and support people to live and grow in their Christian life. This is focused around prayer, study, and action. We’ve been doing this in Bristol Diocese, through weekend events and regular small group reunions, since 2001 complementing other parish and diocesan activities. The word “Cursillo” is Spanish for “short course” – think of paella when you pronounce it!

Richard is a self supporting minister who lives in Corsham. He is passionate about seeing people thrive in their life and work and as his day job he runs coaching and consultancy business Finding True North to help leaders grow in effective business management. He is also a keen yachtsman.

We find Cursillo is valued especially by smaller parishes which can find it difficult to resource events and small groups to help people to grow in faith. As a priest I’ve found the ongoing nourishment and supportive community helpful too.

For more information email richard@richardhovey.co.uk or visit the Cursillo website www.anglicancursillo.co.uk

Arise Bristol and beyond is city-wide initiative to gather the whole Church of Greater Bristol together on the afternoon of Pentecost Sunday afternoon (27th May 2012) at the Ashton Gate stadium.

Representatives of the Church in Bristol will lead worship, intercession and repentance. Attendees will be invited to rededicate their lives and the City to God, be recommisioned as the Body of Christ and be sent out.

More information about Arise Bristol >>

An exciting opportunity to explore from CMS how we engage in mission with the people and places around us. CMS currently has 13 mission partners working in the UK. You are invited to come and meet those mission partners and exchange ideas with others who are committed to living out God’s mission in Britain today.

“You are Here” is a day of training and discovery – a time to exchange resources and relationships that support local mission.

Practical workshops will include:

• Mission among a generation who don’t do ‘church’
• Working with British Asians
• Growing Together - mission through and to God’s creation
• Creative ways to connect with spiritual seekers
• Mission among UK refugees
• Mission among young people in the UK
• Pioneering Training – dreamers who ‘do’

Saturday 9 June 9.30am – 4pm
Bookings: by May 25^th to Mike Burke, Tel: 01865 787515
Email:  michael.burke@cms-uk.org

For more information: Click here and download the flyer.

Course – Discover Christian Living Part One – A Study of the Letters of Paul (Part One)

Evening and Lunch Time Course – Discover Life – A Study of the Gospel of John

Starting Monday 30 April at 7.30pm – Tutor Revd Dr David Hart

(and starting Wednesday 2 May at 1pm – Tutor Jessica Cheetham)

An evening for young people from the age of 11-18 Kainos is a well established youth event drawing young people from across the city. Chill out with friends at the coffee shop before an evening of music, dance and fun.

For more info visit: http://www.bristol.anglican.org/churches/uganda/?page_id=2331 

6pm-9pm, 20th May.

The Uganda Fire will be playing a gig as part of the Southbank Arts Trail on Saturday 19th May

The AYF choir will sing at St Paul’s Church, Southville between 2.00 and 3.00 pm on Saturday 19th May. Coffees and teas available this will be an opportunity to come along and enjoy some great gospel music in a relaxed setting.

An evening concert by the Uganda Fire Choir on Friday May 18th, featuring special guest, Johnson Gakumba, the Bishop of Northern Uganda.

A fantastic opportunity to learn more about our link with Uganda, to discover how God is at work in people’s lives and to be challenged and encouraged. The AYF have been together many years and have toured in the UK, the US and across Africa and have touched many people’s lives with their music and faith.

7.30pm-9.30pm
For info contact: Ricky Winn, 01179624723 or email thewinns@blueyonder.co.uk

An evening of music, fun and faith with the Uganda Fire Choir and two local choirs, the Marshfield Bach Singers and the Marshfield Male No-Voice Choir. 7.30pm-9.30pm

To book, please call: Andrew Gammie, 07789958451 / 01225 892392

Invite a friend to come with you for an inspiring evening of music, dance, stories and faith with the AYF Choir from Uganda. One of the leading gospel choirs in Uganda they have toured regularly in the UK and America as well as leading worship and missions in Jerusalem and across Africa. 7.30pm-9.30pm

Special guest concert featuring the AYF choir from Uganda, music and stories of faith in the beautiful surrounds of the Abbey. 7.30pm-9.30pm Bring a friend.

Speaker: Leila Sansour who is from a Palestinian Christian family.

She will be showing clips from her film which was made over four Christmases.  It shows the life of Bethlehem as hundreds of concrete slabs are lowered inplace to create a wall that will seal the city from the outside world.

Leila is the founder of Open Bethlemhem

LEILA SANSOUR information poster >>

www.openbethlehem.org

Multi-Media Sports Quiz with buffet and licensed bar. Friday 11th May at 7.30pm

Warm up for Euro 2012 and the London Olympics with this multi-media sports quiz. Tickets cost £5 including buffet. Licensed bar.

Organised by churches in Downend and World Sports Ministries.

To reserve a place for an individual or a team of 4-6 people, call Paul on 07939 125375.

Sports Quiz poster >>

Please contact St Denys Retreat Centre to book.

Tel: 01985 214824 or email stdenys@ivyhouse.org

Join in with this opportunity to bless the nation through prayer. Passing through the region ahead of the flame, this is a prayer network event.

You are invited to a public time of prayer as we receive prayers from Taunton and then send Bristol Prayers to Gloucester

Notice from the Home Office: Changes in Registration Fees, valid from April 2012

The Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages (Fees)(Amendment) Order 2012, which revises some of the fees payable under the Marriage and Registration Acts, has been laid before Parliament. The Order will come into operation on 1 April 2012 and all the increases will take place from that date.

Full document, Fees April 2012 >>

Bishop Lee’s sermon at the 2012 Diocesan Chrism Eucharist is now available as an audio download. To play the recording, simply click the link below. You can also save this recording by right-clicking the link and saving the MP3 to your computer.

Chrism sermon audio recording (click here)

A Leading Edge Events entitled “Meetings Matter” will take place on Wednesday 23rd May at Legge House near Swindon. Leading Edge events are run by CPAS in partnership with Diocese of Bristol to help those in ministry explore church leadership.

The average church leader will have 564 meetings a year. That is 20,304 hours in 25 years, the equivalent of 846 days of their life! Does that excite you or depress you?

This day will look at how we can make the most of every meeting, with practical insights into everything from the PCC to a pastoral occasion, from a supervision to a gathering of the WI. Meetings matter because meetings are ministry.

For: Open to all
Cost: £28 per person (£22 for each additional person from the same church*). CPD fundable for clergy and LLMs within the Diocese of Bristol.
To Book: Please email Rachel Williams at rachel.williams@bristoldiocese.org stating the title of the event you wish to book onto, your name, email address, telephone number and any special dietary requirements.

* For the discount to apply you will need to make a group booking