Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol
News
INSPIRE conference: A huge success
First published 28th March 2019We had an amazing turn-out for our INSPIRE conference in March 2019 with 150 delegates from churches across the Diocese, learning how our churches can be a blessing to schools and colleges.
Creating connections - encouraging progress being made
First published 28th March 2019To support our diocesan vision and priorities, we have, for the third consecutive year, undertaken a survey to help us understand parish mission and ministry during the year.
New creative prayer ideas for engaging younger generations
First published 25th March 2019Prayer is an amazing gift which strengthens our relationship with God; it has the power to change us and the world around us. When we pray at all times, in all circumstances and for all things, we see God's Kingdom come.
Bristol Churches City Fund: Funding for St Lukes Barton Hill
First published 25th March 2019The Bristol Churches City Fund was set up in early 2018 to enable churches and individuals to demonstrate "extreme generosity", over and above their normal giving, in support of projects related to homelessness; refugees; food poverty; and debt support.
Brexit thought on the 25th March. Bishop Viv
First published 25th March 2019In the coming days our Members of Parliament will continue to face enormous pressure, and have to make decisions which will have a far reaching impact on our nation.
Martin Gainsborough announced as Residentiary Canon at Bristol Cathedral
First published 24th March 2019Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is pleased to announce that the Lord Chancellor has approved the appointment of Revd Canon Dr Martin Gainsborough as a Residentiary Canon at Bristol Cathedral following the resignation of Revd Canon Derek Ch
NEW 'Your SHAPE for God's Service' resource
First published 22nd March 2019For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepared in advance for us to do.
Latest Stewardship and Giving News
First published 21st March 2019Fundraising Training Are you planning a fundraising appeal?
Playfully Serious - how Messy Churches create new space for faith
First published 19th March 2019A new report by Church Army has revealed how Messy Churches create new space for faith. The report found that Messy Churches are reaching families who are new to church; 61% of attenders at Messy Churches in the research were from non-church backgrounds.
Resources for prayer and conversation for Brexit
First published 19th March 2019A message from Bishop Viv as she calls on churches and communities to come together in prayer for the country and the Brexit process.
Climate Change and the Church - a young person's response
First published 15th March 2019Climate change is one of the biggest challenges we are currently facing. Strongest among those demanding action is the voice of our young people, calling on leaders from all walks of life to make a decisive response to the issue.
Celebrations mark 25 years of women's ordination to the priesthood
First published 12th March 2019Events are taking place to mark a quarter of a century of women's ordination to the priesthood in the Church of England.
"Best Diocesan Synod Ever" - March 2019 Diocesan Synod report
First published 12th March 2019In an engaging Synod on 2 March, which was described by a number of people as the best Diocesan Synod they had attended, members participated with energy and generated a lot of questions.
Bishop Viv's Diocesan Synod Address - March 2019
First published 5th March 2019In her address to Diocesan Synod on 2 March 2019, Bishop Viv spoke of how our churches can be safe places in times of turmoil and uncertainty, and the spiritual gift of lamenting.
Lent resources 2019
First published 19th February 2019For Christians, Lent is one of the most important times of year. It is a time when we can prepare to remember Jesus' life, death and resurrection at Easter.
Statement by the Bishop of Bristol on the closure of Swindon's Honda plant
First published 19th February 2019Following the announcement that Honda will be closing its Swindon plant in 2021, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, has offered the support of the church community to those facing redundancy.
Stewardship and Funding Updates - February 2019
First published 19th February 2019New Stewardship and Funding Updates. At the Giving to God workshops last year you told us that you wanted more regular stewardship and funding updates.
Journey of Generosity
First published 18th February 2019As we explore what it means to encourage generosity, Naomi Buckler, Giving and Resources Adviser for the Diocese, considers the Journey of Generosity sessions.
The Invitation Cross
First published 12th February 2019I wouldnt have taken myself off to church without an invitation church has become an important part of my life....changed my life.... feel I have grown so much.
'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.
We wont stop until poverty stops
First published 25th January 2019Tearfund is marking its 50th year with a new campaign - We won't stop until poverty stop.
Coaching to Create a Culture of Invitation
First published 22nd January 2019To equip you to lead your congregation into a culture of invitation, remote coaching with Michael Harvey of Unlocking the Growth is available to Diocese of Bristol church leaders for free.
Recent increase in roof metal theft
First published 22nd January 2019Over the past few weeks the Secretary to the DAC has received reports of metal theft, which has affected a number of churches in the Diocese of Bristol. This is not just a local problem.
Serving God at the Glastonbury Festival
First published 22nd January 2019Revd Chris North, Acting Head of Ministry Development, volunteers each year in the Sanctuary Tent at the Glastonbury Festival:Glastonbury Festival is one of the most iconic summer gatherings and is known across the world and as such it is amazing place.
Inspire Conference 2019 - Being a blessing to schools and colleges
First published 22nd January 2019Working in partnership with schools can be rewarding. Inspire will explore different ways that people in churches can support children and young people in schools.
New booklet to help toddler groups create connections
First published 22nd January 2019Toddler groups are among the most exciting and significant starting places for mission for both adults and children.It is estimated that between a third and a half of all children in this country, aged under three, regularly attend a church-run toddler group.
Thy Kingdom Come 2019 - Get involved
First published 17th January 2019Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement, which invites Christians around the world to pray between Ascension and Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus Christ.
Journey of Invitation
First published 17th January 2019The Journey of Invitation has been created in response to requests for practical resources to support the six key practices of Making Disciples in Your Parish.
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.
A Christmas message from Bishop Viv
First published 20th December 2018This Christmas message was originally given as at the Christmas Day Eucharist at Bristol Cathedral 2019.
Christmas Greetings and office opening times
First published 20th December 2018Happy Christmas from the Diocesan Support Services team! Thank you to all who work so hard in our churches and communities - may you have a peaceful and blessed Christmas.
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
Liz Townend appointed next Diocesan Director of Education
First published 13th December 2018Liz Townend has been appointed as the next Diocesan Director of Education and will take up her post on 1 March 2019, following the retirement of John Swainston.
Way Open for Social Justice Projects in Avonside
First published 13th December 2018Its amazing how God opens doors! Recently, the Anglican churches of the Avonside Mission Area threw open their doors for their annual Lent Course.
Connections: Positive Parenting
First published 12th December 2018Being a parent is one of lifes greatest joys, but it is also one of its biggest challenges. There's hardly a mum or dad on earth who, at times, is not overawed by the task of parenting.
Advance2020 - the gift of evangelism and a year of outreach
First published 12th December 2018Through Evangelist Group Mentoring Advance2020 are committed to equipping and empowering those who have a desire to prioritise the sharing of the gospel, be it from a stage or a one-to-one conversation.
Understanding Faith Journeys
First published 12th December 2018God with us. The 2018 Faith Journeys research, conducted by 9DOT for the Church of England, explores how people become aware of God's presence, are attracted to it, respond to it and are ultimately transformed by it.
Church looking for groups to develop community hub in Bristol
First published 5th December 2018Organisations and charities are being invited by a Bristol church put forward ideas of how it can develop a hub for the city.Members of St Stephen's Church's PCC want to hear from groups who would be interested in forming a partnership with them
Celebration to mark launch of new Swindon church
First published 28th November 2018Community and church leaders will celebrate the launch of a new church for Swindon this week.The civic service will take place at Pattern Church, which will be housed in the former Pattern Store. Services will take place at the location throughout De
Revd Christopher Bryan appointed Archdeacon of Malmesbury
First published 25th November 2018Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is delighted to announce the appointment of Revd Christopher Bryan as the new Archdeacon of Malmesbury.
Parish Share 2019
First published 21st November 2018Diocesan Synod agreed overwhelmingly that Parish Share must continue to be a priority for parishes if the Diocese of Bristol is to achieve its ambitions for ongoing ministry across the Diocese.
Podcast connects people with God in everyday life
First published 21st November 2018A new podcast and video series aims to help Christians grow as disciples in their daily walk with God.The fortnightly podcast, called Connection, has been created by Revd Hywel Snook, Associate Vicar in Yate, and Justin Blackett.
Diocesan vision and mission gets Synod backing
First published 20th November 2018Members of Diocesan Synod have overwhelmingly backed the plans and priorities for mission in the Diocese of Bristol for 2019.
Cycle of Prayer for the ministry of the Diocese
First published 20th November 2018Prayer is an amazing gift which strengthens our relationship with God; it has the power to change us and the world around us.
Demonstrating the heart of Mothers' Union in Prisons
First published 16th November 2018To mark Prisons Week last month, members of the Bristol branch of Mothers' Union have been sharing how they have been working in different ways through the Prison Service.
Walk and Pray in Your Community
First published 15th November 2018When did you last take a walk through your parish, praying for the people whose homes you pass and asking God to open hearts?
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'.
