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News and updates
Bacon, Eggs and Bishop Mike
First published 7th November 2016Q: 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.
Growing leaders
First published 3rd November 2016The 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.
Advent Sleepout Challenge
First published 2nd November 2016Will you give up a night of comfort so that someone else doesn't have to?
Bishop to lead Remembrance in Clifton
First published 2nd November 2016The 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.
Foodbank calls for help to repair its warehouse
First published 31st October 2016Bristol North West Foodbank is calling for help from the community to repair one of their warehouses following serious water damage.
Lecture: Is Stephen Hawkings closer to God than he thinks?
First published 31st October 2016Professor 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.
Service replaces heavenly choirs with heavy metal
First published 25th October 2016A unique service of Holy Communion is happening in Bristol the night before Halloween with Bristol's first ever Metal Mass.
"As a family it says to us that our children are valued"
First published 24th October 2016As a diocese, encouraging and equipping ordained clergyin their ministries is paramount in fulfilling the diocesan values and priorities.
Area Dean reflects on a recent visit to Uganda
First published 21st October 2016Rod Symmons, Area Dean of the City Deanery in Bristol, recently visited Uganda to attend the consecration of the new Bishop of West Buganda, Henry Katumba-Tamale.
Fire at St Michael on the Mount Without
First published 18th October 2016Many 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.
A visit to Uganda
First published 18th October 2016Rod 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.
Remembrance Sunday 2016
First published 14th October 2016Churches around the Diocese will be marking Remembrance Sunday on 13 November 2016.
Prisons Week Visit to HMP Bristol
First published 13th October 2016On 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.
Creative Ideas for Wild Church
First published 12th October 2016This innovative and imaginative resource offers learning and worship activities and whole service outlines to help churchesand schools engage with the outside world and increase connectedness with the communities where they are placed.
Church leaders urge Christians to help refugees
First published 11th October 2016The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Mike Hill, has joined eight church leaders from across the city to renew their efforts to help refugees.
Sour Grapes and my need to blame
First published 10th October 2016The 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 2016This autumn, Bristol Cathedral launches a new evening seminar programme called undivided: stories and social justice.
Practice makes disciples
First published 4th October 2016If practice makes perfect, then it takes a lot of hard work and commitment to become a better follower of Jesus and we sometimes need a little help from others along the way.
Growing future leaders
First published 4th October 2016The 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.
Reflections on a Greek pilgrimage
First published 30th September 2016During September, a group of 30 pilgrims travelled to Greece to follow in the footsteps of St Paul.
Tea party for retired clergy
First published 27th September 2016Retired clergy in the Diocese of Bristol celebrated with a special tea party. Paul Denyer, who attended the event, looks back on it.
Diocesan Synod Report - Sept 2016
First published 27th September 2016The Diocesan Synod met on 24 September 2016 at Holy Trinity Bradley Stoke.
Bishop of Swindon's address to Synod
First published 25th September 2016This 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.
Discounted 'Light' materials for churches
First published 15th September 2016Scripture Union is a name known forproducinga wealth of resourcesthat support churches in their ministry and mission with children and young people.
A Season of Invitation begins
First published 15th September 2016This month sees the start of A Season of Invitation, with people being encouraged to invite friends and families to special services at their church.
Thy Kingdom Come 2017
First published 14th September 2016The 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.
We need to talk about money
First published 13th September 2016The Rt Revd Lee Rayfield, Bishop of Swindon, writes about our approach to handling our finances.
Chores done for struggling Bristol residents
First published 12th September 2016Christians 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.
Chaplain to the deaf wins Funeral Award
First published 6th September 2016The 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).
Supporting students in their faith
First published 5th September 2016A new term has begun and thousands of young people will be heading off to university for the first time.
The vital role of chaplains in education
First published 1st September 2016Are 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?
"An amazing week" at Soul Survivor 2016
First published 24th August 2016When 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.
Young people voice thoughts on 'church'
First published 24th August 2016Young people from churches in Swindon Deanery were invited to be part of a consultation to find out their views on faith and church life.
A Pilgrimage to Greece
First published 23rd August 2016Following in the footsteps of St Paul, a group of pilgrims will be travelling through Greece this September.
Educating to Challenge Hate Crime
First published 23rd August 2016In August 2016 The Home Office published their Action Against Hate.
Church schools need Church people
First published 11th August 2016Church schools emphasise educating the whole child but need the support of Foundation governors can you help?
24/7 Christianity
First published 10th August 2016Therefore 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.
Exploring Beliefs Through Art
First published 4th August 2016isay:usay:wesay is an interactive teaching resource for RE/Citizenship at Key Stage 3 & 4, which explores beliefs through art.
Churches Helping Communities Competition
First published 4th August 2016Ecclesiastical Insurance is looking for churches to tell them about how they are connecting with their communities.
Open Heritage Days
First published 3rd August 2016Churches are being urged to fling open their doors and invite people in to 'treasure your treasures' during the annual Heritage Open Days in September.
Call to fight disability hate crime
First published 3rd August 2016Alice Kemp, Disability Adviser, considers how churches should respond to hate crimes against disabled people. This morning I heard an article on BBC Radio Bristol about disability hate crime in Bristol.
Shakespeare in 24 hours
First published 3rd August 2016Members of St Augustine Church, Swindon are calling on the town to lend them their ears for a special Shakespeare-inspired fundraiser.
Life on the ocean wave
First published 2nd August 2016The Revd Martin Gainsborough reflects on two weeks at sea with the Royal Navy:I have recently returned from a fortnight at sea with the Royal Navy in my capacity as a chaplain in the Reserves.I was shadowing a regular chaplain in one of the final pie
50 Things to do in a Church
First published 29th July 201650 Things to do in a Church celebrates the many and diverse uses of church buildings and asks the public to share their favourite things to do in a church or chapel.
Church Leaders deeply saddened
First published 29th July 2016Statement in response to the killing of Fr Jacques Hamel in Rouen, France.
Jonathan, 10, on connecting with God
First published 29th July 2016God can connect with us in unexpected ways as Jonathan Bryan can testify.
Two new benefices of Fromeside and Frenchay and Stapleton
First published 28th July 2016A Pastoral Scheme creating two new benefices of Fromeside and Frenchay and Stapleton has been made.
Pokemon Go: Why churches need to know about it
First published 27th July 2016First 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).
Annual C in the Park event brings churches together
First published 27th July 2016Churches from across Bristol have taken part in an annual open air church service in a Downend park.
Mossy Church brings families closer to God and nature
First published 27th July 2016Families have been getting back to nature as they celebrated a new church service in the great outdoors.Children and adults from Wroughton Parish Church ventured into Kings Farm Wood on Sunday as they looked to encounter God through the natural world.
A time to speak
First published 27th July 2016There 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.
Lessons from the Peloton
First published 27th July 2016In this lighter summertime piece, Bishop Lee looks at the sport of road cycling to draw some parallels with what is expected of Christian disciples.
Thank Your Vicar Week
First published 27th July 2016Church of England parishes and primary schools are getting Thank Your Vicar Week 16-23 October in the school or parish diary, when they will be celebrating the vital contribution their clergy make to the community.
Statement regarding the tragic events in Rouen
First published 27th July 2016Following the tragic murder of Father Jacques Hamel in Rouen yesterday, the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Mike Hill, and the Bishop of Swindon, the Rt Revd Lee Rayfield, have offered their prayers to the people of France.
Christmas Through the Keyhole
First published 21st July 2016Christmas Through The Keyhole
Church of England Professional Qualification for Headship (CofEPQH)
First published 21st July 2016What is the CofEPQH?
Home sweet home
First published 20th July 2016We 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.
Thank Your Vicar Week
First published 19th July 2016Church of England parishes and primary schools are getting Thank Your Vicar Week 16-23 October in the school or parish diary, when they will be celebrating the vital contribution their clergy make to the community.
New approach to Parish Share
First published 19th July 2016Parish Share: take responsibility | be generous | have faith. Next year sees the introduction of our new approach to Parish Share as agreed by Diocesan Synod.
Annual C in the Park service brings churches together
First published 18th July 2016Churches from across Bristol have taken part in an annual open air church service in a Downend park.
A time to speak…
First published 15th July 2016There 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.
Response to shared conversations
First published 14th July 2016Following 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.
How to report hate crime and abuse
First published 14th July 2016Following 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.
Mossy Church brings families closer to God and nature
First published 14th July 2016Families have been getting back to nature as they celebrated a new church service in the great outdoors.Children and adults from Wroughton Parish Church ventured into Kings Farm Wood on Sunday as they looked to encounter God through the natural world.
Good safeguarding integral to mission of Church
First published 1st July 2016A resource to help local churches do some theological thinking around safeguarding has been published by the Faith and Order Commission (FAOC).
Simply Collective Worship
First published 27th June 2016Simply Collective Worship is a fully planned four year scheme of assemblies and thoughts for the day.
Church of England Vision for Education
First published 27th June 2016Please see the below document produced by The Church of England Education Office and endorsed by members of the House of Bishops.
Time to work together
First published 27th June 2016A 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.
Exploring your parish's vision
First published 20th June 2016All Saints Clifton has recently gone through a process of exploring its vision and identity.
The Queen's birthday celebrations
First published 20th June 2016Churches across the Diocese of Bristol held parties as they helped to mark the 90th birthday of HM The Queen.
Diocesan Synod Report - May 2016
First published 20th June 2016The Diocesan Synod met on 7 May 2016.
Battling holiday hunger in Bristol
First published 20th June 2016Can you volunteer to combat food poverty in Bristol this summer?
Details of General Synod in July 2016
First published 20th June 2016Members of the General Synod will gather in York on Friday 8 July until Saturday 9 July.
The next step in answering God's call
First published 16th June 2016The 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.
How to develop an action plan
First published 16th June 2016Developing 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.
Generous Giving Project
First published 16th June 2016A new blog aimed at encouraging more generous giving is being produced by our colleagues in Durham.
Churchwardens commit to Creating Connections
First published 16th June 2016Churchwardens 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.
iSingPOP at Ashton Keynes Primary
First published 16th June 2016Children 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.
Learning to live the Whole of Life together
First published 15th June 2016I wasnt blown away by an array of new ideas I have come away thinking, Wow, this is awesome, and I really think we can achieve this!Anita Dobson, from Christ Church Downend, looks back at the first day of the Bristol Learning Hub.
Archbishops respond to Orlando shootings
First published 14th June 2016Archbishops of Canterbury and York have called for solidarity with LGBTI people after the attack in Orlando.
Invitations to Grace
First published 9th June 2016Yesterday 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.
Useful apps for smartphones
First published 9th June 2016Modern 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.
In memory of Bruce McKay
First published 8th June 2016Canon Trevor Denley remembers Bruce McKay, who died last Friday aged 74.Bruce McKay 1941 - 2016.
Bishop's letter: Issues of Image
First published 6th June 2016Some 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.
Finding support for carers
First published 2nd June 2016This year National Carers' Week runs from 6 to 12 June - but unless you happen to be a carer it may well pass you by.
Cathedral celebrates Queen's 90th
First published 31st May 2016Bristol 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.
Opportunities to serve
First published 31st May 2016As 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!
Youth resource about 'awkward' issues
First published 27th May 2016When looking for bible studies for youth groups the range of resources that cover biblical themes, characters and the basics are pretty much catered for.
Nurturing a resilient faith in children
First published 26th May 2016I've just finished flicking through past editions of Childrenswork magazine and an interview with Rob Parsons (founder of Care for the Family).
We don't believe in ordinary
First published 24th May 2016Creating Connections with God, with each other, and with our communities. What a great vision for us as a diocese. But how can we get better at this?
Accessible confirmation service in Chippenham
First published 19th May 2016Three people have been confirmed at an accessible confirmation service at St Peter's Church, Chippenham.
More salt please!
First published 18th May 2016Last week, I was talking with a candidate about the difficulties he was having with friendships.
Children of Bristol, just like me
First published 18th May 2016Children of Bristol, just like me,is a project that was initially conceived and inspired by PeterOverton, Head teacher at Easton CE Academy in conjunction with Bristol Schools Connection (a charity that is passionate about creating intentional spaces.
Connected conference 2016 videos
First published 18th May 2016Did you miss the Connected conference last month? Do you want to hear what our speakers had to say?
Who are you inviting?
First published 17th May 2016In May we were joined by Michael Harvey from Season of Invitation to help us explore what it looks like to be an invitational church.
HM the Queens 90th Birthday Celebrations
First published 13th May 2016To celebrate HM the Queens 90th birthday every parish church and Church school are being encouraged to organise some sort of celebration or event to mark the occasion.
Connected: 'A sense of purpose and excitement'
First published 12th May 2016Revd Sally Wheeler, area dean for Chippenham and Priest in Charge of Marshfield Benefice, gives her thoughts on the Connected day conference.
Open to everyone
First published 11th May 2016Working closely with groups in your community can open up plenty of new opportunities, as the Revd Lee Barnes at St Stephens Bristol can attest.
More tea and toast, vicar?
First published 11th May 2016Putting the kettle on and eating toast has helped give a group of mums the chance to meet and share together in church
Bristol Diocesan ministry training "sound and secure"
First published 11th May 2016The Licensed Lay Ministry training programme in the Diocese of Bristol has been labelled sound and strategically led in its first annual Periodic External Review (PER).
