On Saturday 28 September, Parish Officers from across the Diocese gathered at Pattern Church, Swindon, for a day of community, workshops, worship and an opportunity to speak and connect with members of the diocesan support staff. The day also included a homily from Bishop Neil and an excellent lunch!
The event was the second edition of the annual Church Teams Day and was attended by around 70 dedicated Church Officers. Following worship with Bishop Neil, attendees had the option to attend various workshops, each one centred around a different theme to help Church officers thrive in their roles. Ecclesiastical Insurance led a practical workshop focused on helping churches keep their buildings safely open, whilst Archdeacon Becky Waring and Rosy Ashley, Advisor for Parish Development, offered guidance on navigating current cultural shifts. The National Churches Trust and Lydia Nash, Philanthropy & Partnerships Manager, shared insights on how churches can become fundraising-ready. Meanwhile, Geralyn Meehan, Diocesan Director of People and Safeguarding, provided church officers with essential advice on ensuring full compliance with employment law.
Church Officers also had the opportunity to meet some members of the diocesan support staff teams in person, allowing them to put faces to familiar names from email exchanges, get answers to their questions and discover the many ways the support staff can assist them in their roles. In addition to diocesan support staff, there were representatives from multiple funders including the Benefact Trust and other organisations such as Kids Matter and Christian Aid.
One Church Officer said:
“Church Teams day was wonderful! It was informative, interesting and useful! The hospitality and welcome were lovely, the lunch was fab, and everything had been thought of. The Marketplace was an inspired idea, and I got lots of very helpful advice from several of the people. I did the insurance open church workshop in the morning, and Joseph was a mine of information - and entertaining, too! The fundraising workshop in the afternoon was interesting, and Lydia from the team has reassured me that help will be forthcoming with our church roof troubles.”
The Transforming Church. Together team would like to say a massive thank you to all the volunteers who made the day possible and to all those who attended, they are already looking forward to next year's event, which will take place on Saturday 17 October 2026.
Several informative video resources were shared during the day and can be found by clicking the links below.
Intergenerational Worship: St Stephen’s Southmead
Being a Young Preacher: St Peter’s Penhill
A Volunteer Experience: St Luke’s Barton Hill
Bubble Church: St Peter’s Bishopsworth