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News and updates
Faith, Hope and ...Foodbanks?
First published 14th May 2013With the number of foodbanks rising to cope with growing demand, we take a step back to ask what the root causes might be, and what is the role of the church in its ministry to stand alongside those in poverty.
New Agricultural Project in Northern Uganda
First published 13th May 2013Bristol Diocese has links with three diocese in North West Uganda through the Bristol West Deanery.
Sowing seeds: church/school links
First published 13th May 2013The Department for Children and Young People is refreshing its initiative to encourage congregations across the Diocese to take the fruitful but sometimes neglected opportunity of engaging with schools in their communities.
New book from the Archbishop of Uganda
First published 13th May 2013More than one wife.
Lesson plans: What can we learn from the life and teaching of Jesus
First published 10th May 2013This unit explores aspects of the person, life and teaching of Jesus and how they relate to Christian life, practices, celebrations and the pattern of Christian festivals.
Lesson plans: How should we live and who can inspire us?
First published 10th May 2013This unit explores positive examples of how to live, values and commitments of faith founders, how actions of people of faith have changed the world.
Lesson plans: How do we make moral choices?
First published 10th May 2013This unit explores how religious beliefs affect approaches to moral issues. This series of 9 or 10 lessons is intended to provide a set of learning activities for a Year 4 class (and may be adapted for a Y3 class).
Lesson plans: What is important to me?
First published 10th May 2013This unit explores ideas of what it is to be human and relates them to religious and other beliefs.
Exploring Christian leadership - Voyage 3
First published 28th April 2013Leadership is a major focus for Bristol Diocese, not just encouraging the leaders of our churches to hone their leadership skills, but also helping all those in positions of leadership to reflect on how their faith affects, maybe even drives their leadership.
Bishop's Letter; Finding Home
First published 23rd April 2013This month Bishop Lee reminds us of the thousands of children who have little experience of a loving home and asks how the gospel can help us engage with such a challenge.
Being stretched too thin?
First published 18th April 2013The last 3 or 4 months have been exceptionally busy. As well as doing my own job, I have also been helping to cover the job of a colleague who was away for nearly 3 months on paternity leave.
Insurance for Churches Together groups
First published 14th April 2013PCCs should be aware under what circumstances Churches Together group events are covered by their insurance policies.
Ministers come together
First published 14th April 2013The first round of Clergy Day Conferences and the Chrism Eucharist brought licensed ministers together to be equipped for leading in mission in March 2013.The Chrism Eucharist is the annual opportunity for both lay and ordained licensed ministers to
Student Faith Crawl
First published 12th April 2013In March, the University of Bristol Chaplaincy organised a "Faith Crawl", enabling students from different faith backgrounds to engage with the city's different faith communities.
Welfare support handbook now available
First published 12th April 2013Welfare support - If you do a lot of community work or have several people on benefits you may want to ask the PCC to invest (45) in this to help you guide people through the changes: Welfare Benefits & Tax Credits Handbook.
PCC Guide to Accounting
First published 12th April 2013In our December newsletter we gave details of the new Guide.Many parishes ordered copies and we have sent those out.
Speaking about God in society
First published 12th April 2013Clergy came together at two day conferences in March to explore how to speak about God in today's society.80 per cent of clergy questioned in a recent survey said they no longer had confidence in speaking about God in public.
Ministering in the public gaze
First published 8th April 2013Ordained and lay ministers from across the Diocese once again gathered on Maundy Thursday at Bristol Cathedral for the Chrism Eucharist and to renew their commitment to ministry.
Sharing the Easter Experience
First published 7th April 2013As churches celebrated the heart of the Christian message this Easter, a number of churches have been finding innovative ways to share the story with children and adults alike through interactive Easter events.
The Diagnostic Trap
First published 29th March 2013This past week in the media, I think following a press release from NICE, ( the National Institute of Clinical Excellence), the term conduct disorder has found its way into the public space.
Fear of death
First published 26th March 2013I remember looking down at my blood-soaked trainers and thinking Well.
St Matthew's Church Passion
First published 25th March 2013In an exciting project for Good Friday, St Matthews Kingsdown will be performing a passion play.
Bishop's Letter; It's Friday, but Sunday's a'comin'
First published 22nd March 2013Recently I have heard a number of preachers refer to those periods of Jewish history outlined in the Old Testament and referred to as exile.
Pope Francis I
First published 14th March 2013I am delighted to hear of the election of Pope Francis I.
Millenium Youth Choir goes west
First published 8th March 2013Members of the Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) Millennium Youth Choir will soon be heading to the west of England for a busy Easter course.
Persona dolls - Elizabeth the Christian and her Church
First published 6th March 2013Persona dolls are a great way to introduce young children to ideas like other religions.
Sanctity of Life / What does it mean to be a human?
First published 6th March 2013These two fun exercises are useful starting points for many discussions about how we value different life-forms and how we decide which are better than others.
Facing death without fear, David Stevens' story
First published 5th March 2013As part of our life stories series, we talked with with David Stevens about how his faith has enabled him to face death without fear following a diagnosis with cancer.
Spiritual gifts for Colerne
First published 4th March 2013A member of the congregation at Colerne parish church has put her artistic gifts to good use by creating a series of icons for the church's Lady Chapel.
Mar Thoma Bishop visits Bristol
First published 4th March 2013The Mar Thoma Bishop of North America and Europe, Rt. Rev. Dr. Geevarghese Mar Theodosius, was in Bristol this weekend to visit members of the Mar Thoma parish of St Thomas, who share a building with St Anne's Anglican church, Eastville.
From suicide to salvation, Steve and Sue's story
First published 28th February 2013In local churches thoughout the Diocese of Bristol, people's lives are being changed by the power of God.
Christianity 365?
First published 26th February 2013Reading in the Times sports pages in the light of England's Rugby Union victory over the French side I saw that on the wall of the England team's training camp was the simple slogan, 'England 365'.
Bishops on bicycles
First published 20th February 2013Bishop Lee will cycle 172 milesin two days forChristian Aid on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 April.
Growth: a good problem to have
First published 11th February 2013St Michaels Church in Stoke Gifford is launching a £5.8m project to build a new multi-purpose church and community centre in the parish, following sustained growth in the church over the last decade.
Retirement of Pope Benedict XVI
First published 11th February 2013Bishop Mike has issued the following statement following the announcement that Pope Benedict will retire at the end of February.
Cautious Progress
First published 8th February 2013The House of Bishops met yesterday for a day dedicated to trying to unlock the impasse created by November's vote on women bishops.
Home School Values
First published 7th February 2013A fantastic new resource, Home Schools Values helps schools communicate their Christian values to their parents or guardians and communities.
Soundwell lights up for Candlemas
First published 6th February 2013Over 500 people took part in a community lantern procession organised by members of St Stephen's Church in Soundwell to celebrate the feast of Candlemas on Saturday 2nd February.
The Venerable Kenneth James Clark 1922-2013
First published 5th February 2013The Venerable Kenneth James Clark MA DSC 1922-2013, Archdeacon of Swindon 1982-1992
Over 120 clergy and lay leaders attend Leadership Conferences in Uganda
First published 1st February 2013A team from Bristol Diocese visited Uganda in January 2013 to lead two conferences reflecting on Christian leadership.
Message from The Dean
First published 29th January 2013There are different ways of measuring what it is like to live in a recession.
Swindon churches engage
First published 25th January 2013Bishop Lee has celebrated the results of a survey which demonstrates the extensive engagement of Christians in Swindon with children and young people.
Updates from Uganda
First published 14th January 2013A team from Bristol has just returned from Uganda following the second Christ Centred Leadership Conference for Ugandan Bishops and their leadership teams, which is organised by the Diocese of Bristol in partnership with the Church of Uganda.
Expert solutions for heating churches
First published 14th January 2013Keeping an historic church warm for community use while conserving its heritage features and minimising the environmental impact is a real challenge, especially at a time of rising energy prices.
Last day in Gulu. Tomorrow we are off to...
First published 12th January 2013Last day in Gulu. Tomorrow we are off to visit one of the legacies of the days of war in N. Uganda the huge displacement camp at Amuru.
I think it would be fair to say that many of us look across ...
First published 8th January 2013I 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.
Bishop Mike becomes Chair of Wycliffe Hall
First published 8th December 2012Rt Revd Mike Hill has accepted the invitation of the Council of the Oxford theological college, Wycliffe Hall, to become its Chair.
Chancellor rules on Lacock cup
First published 5th December 2012The Chancellor of the Diocese of Bristol, Revd Justin Gau, has ruled at a Consistory Court held at St Cyriacs Church, Lacock that the parish can sell a piece of silverware known as the Lacock Cup to the British Museum.
MP sees RE makes sense of the world
First published 5th December 2012The MP for Bristol West, Stephen Williams, visited Bristol Cathedral Choir School in November at the invitation of teachers campaigning for a proper understanding of the value of RE.
Diocese and parishes strengthen links with Uganda
First published 4th December 2012As Bishop Mike prepares for his next trip to Uganda to attend the enthronement of Bishop Stanley Ntagali as Archbishop of the Province on 16 December 2012.
Diocesan Synod tells Bishops to effect the will of the Church
First published 1st December 2012The Bristol Diocesan Synod has passed a vote of no confidence in the ability of the General Synod of the Church of England to effect the clear will of the majority of Church members.
Bishop's Letter: Is there any hope for Advent?
First published 28th November 2012In his message for Advent Bishop Lee highlights the challenge of the season for our discipleship. This is the time of the year I find most challenging to be a follower of Jesus.
This week has been the most difficult I ...
First published 25th November 2012This week has been the most difficult I think of my ordained life.
Ian Yemm - House of Laity for Bristol Diocese - so what now?
First published 24th November 2012Well this was quite a week to be a first-timer at the General Synod of the Church of England and the welcome was warm and genuine.
"We are going to need to do a lot of ex...
First published 22nd November 2012"We are going to need to do a lot of explaining." So said Archbishop Rowan as he helped Synod face up to the implications of Tuesday's vote.
Many of us are still reeling after yeste...
First published 21st November 2012Many of us are still reeling after yesterdays General Synod vote.
I was just approaching the turn off to S...
First published 20th November 2012I was just approaching the turn off to Swindon when I heard that the measure to ordain women as bishops had been defeated.
General Synod rejects Women Bishops legislation
First published 20th November 2012The General Synod has failed to agree legislation that would have enabled women to become bishops in the Church of England.
Revd Janet Marker, 1963-2012
First published 19th November 2012Revd Janet Marker died last month after a struggle with illness that had been a constant presence though her ordained ministry.
Who would have thought it? Thursday's e...
First published 17th November 2012Who would have thought it? Thursday's elections for the Police & Crime Commissioners have largely been written off as a 'shambles.'
Re-fuelling rural churches
First published 15th November 2012The Filling Station, which started in the Diocese of Bristol, is supporting and strengthening local churches in rural areas across the country.
Shoebox theology
First published 13th November 2012I had the best afternoon for ages today. I was invited down to the Operation Christmas Child collection centre at Christ the Servant church in Stockwood today by my friend and colleague Sue Farrance.
Working together
First published 13th November 2012The Bristol-Uganda link is committed to working where possible with other partners to maximize the effectiveness of our links.
Church of Uganda welcomes new Archbishop
First published 12th November 20128th November 2012. Rev. Canon George Bagamuhunda, the Provincial Secretary for the Church of Uganda, has issued the following statement in response to the appointment of the Rt. Rev. Justin Welby as the next Archbishop of Canterbury.
Bishops delighted at “inspired†choice for Archbishop
First published 9th November 2012The Bishops of Bristol and Swindon have wholeheartedly welcomed the announcement that Rt Revd Justin Welby will be the next Archbishop of Canterbury.Rt Revd Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol, praised Bishop Justin's exceptional experience.
Church support for Scrap Metal Dealers Bill
First published 3rd November 2012Church of England bishops are calling on MPs to support the Scrap Metal Dealers Bill on 9 November 2012 to curb the epidemic of metal theft that continues to plague churches, war memorials, schools, heritage properties, rail and utility services and even hospitals across the UK.
On November 2nd 1917, 95 years ago today...
First published 2nd November 2012On November 2nd 1917, 95 years ago today, a piece of history was made which has had a profound impact on world politics ever since.
Ian Tweedie-Smith, Purton
First published 2nd November 2012Revd Ian Tweedie-Smith was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Purton, west of Swindon, on 17 October 2012.
Howard Jameson, Patchway
First published 2nd November 2012Revd Howard Jameson is licensed on Wednesday 7 November as Priest-in-Charge of Patchway in north Bristol.Howard writes:
Bishop's Letter; Fit for purpose? Cntd...
First published 28th October 2012I have always admired those people who make a long-term commitment to living a healthy lifestyle.
Bishop's Letter; Fit for purpose?
First published 28th October 2012In this months Bishops Letter, Bishop Mike asks how we can apply what we know we need to do in our physical lives to our spiritual lives.
Poetry Emotion
First published 26th October 2012Poetry Emotion contains a treasure trove of original poems to stimulate a child's observation and deep thinking; to affirm individuality and a sense of belonging; to express a myriad of feelings; and to develop meaningful skills for living.
Primary School Assemblies for Religious Festivals
First published 26th October 2012Here you will find 37 fun and thoughtful assemblies that celebrate the multi-faith make-up of British schools today.
The prospect of elected Police Commissio...
First published 25th October 2012The prospect of elected Police Commissioners is not one that fills me with enthusiasm.
Museveni's Prayer
First published 19th October 2012I wonder how people in the UK would react if David Cameron were to pray a public prayer like this one that President Yoweri Museveni prayed in Namboole as part of the celebrations for 50 years of independence?
Sally Wheeler, Marshfield Benefice
First published 18th October 2012Revd Sally Wheeler was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Marshfield Benefice on 8 October 2012.Sally writes:
Martin Hancock, Hengrove and Whitchurch
First published 18th October 2012Revd Martin Hancock was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Christ Church Hengrove and of St Nicholas Whitchurch on 14 and 15 October 2012.
Third of parishes saving money with Parish Buying Scheme
First published 12th October 2012Parishes throughout the Diocese of Bristol are already saving money by using the Parish Buying Scheme with 65 parishes registered since the service was launched in January.
Further news from Caroline and Sarah in Gulu
First published 11th October 2012A brief update on our adventures in Uganda...Caroline Yandell and Sarah Thomas are spending 3 weeks in Uganda as part of our Diocesan link.
Stepping out in faith
First published 10th October 2012Last month saw churches extending an invitation to people in their communities through Back to Church Sunday and as numerous Alpha courses started.
Regular readers will probably have reali...
First published 8th October 2012Regular readers will probably have realised already that I have very 'low brow' tastes. Not for me the leadership lessons played out in Tolstoy, Shakespeare or Cicero.
Worship on the theme of mental health: a guide for the Church
First published 8th October 2012The Church of Englands mental health group and Revd Eva McIntyre have teamed up with Time to Change to create a pack for churches, providing ideas and resources for churches to plan worship on the theme of mental health.
I must say I have found it very difficult...
First published 5th October 2012I 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.
Latest news from Caroline and Sarah
First published 3rd October 2012Caroline Yandell and Sarah Thomas from St Peter's Church, Henleaze are currently spending three weeks in Uganda dividing their time between Mukono and Gulu, half way through their trip they give a brief update.
£17000. That was the cost the patient in...
First published 2nd October 2012£17000. That was the cost the patient in the bed opposite me had been quoted if he wished to have gone private for his operation.
Bishop's Letter; To sell or not to sell? The messy business of ethical investment
First published 25th September 2012This month Bishop Lee reflects on the work of the Ethical Investment Advisory Group and the decision to sell shares in News Corporation.
A Community of Brokenness held together in the Hand of God.
First published 24th September 2012Stories from a working class congregation. This booklet was put together by Joe Hasler to clarify the challenges and strengths of a group of churches and the available leadership in the area.
Harvest ideas for Early Years and Foundation Stage
First published 19th September 2012A Wet and Windy Harvest for Puddles is a must to support topic work on Harvest celebrations in school or nursery settings.
Climate Change - an alternative view!
First published 17th September 2012Paul Kerensa, resident comedian with Operation Noah, gives a different take on Climate Change... it makes you think!
Doctor and Lawyer visit Uganda
First published 17th September 2012Caroline Yandell and Sarah Thomas from Bristol West Deanery are spending three weeks in Uganda building relationships and sharing learning from the 20th September 2012.
Last Sunday I was delighted to join the ...
First published 12th September 2012Last Sunday I was delighted to join the last morning of the residential weekend which is the start of our new Lay Ministers' Formation Year.
Severnside Churches Celebrate Together
First published 12th September 2012Old Down Manor opened its doors to the Severnside Churches as they hosted an ecumenical Songs of Praise on 9 September.
Bishop calls to support continued growth
First published 10th September 2012Halfway through our Diocesan Strategy, our vision of a growing Church is becoming a reality. This month, parishes are being asked to increase their Parish Share giving to support that growth.
Teresa Taylor, Mangotsfield
First published 9th September 2012Revd Teresa Taylor will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Mangotsfield on Wednesday 19 September.
Linda Fletcher, Park & Walcot
First published 9th September 2012Revd Linda Fletcher was licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Parks and Walcot in Swindon on 16 July 2012.Linda writes:
Sarah Evans, By Brook
First published 9th September 2012Revd Sarah Evans was licensed as Team Vicar of the By Brook Benefice and Associate Minister of North Wraxall on 12 June 2012.
Bill McDougall, Bradley Stoke
First published 9th September 2012Revd Bill McDougall was licensed as Priest-in-Charge and Transition Minister of Holy Trinity, Bradley Stoke North on Wednesday 5 September.
New Diocese-sponsored Academy opens in Bristol
First published 6th September 2012On 2 September, the new Fishponds Church of England Academy in Bristol became the first Academy sponsored by the Diocese, opening its doors for the first year of its new status.
Christian Aid Tax Bus visits College Green
First published 6th September 2012On Monday 3rd September the Christian Aid Tax Bus stopped off in Bristol.
Apparently, I leak quite badly in meetings...
First published 5th September 2012Apparently, I leak quite badly in meetings. My new colleague, Becky Waring, is a great observer of human nature and revealed this fact to me after a recent meeting.