Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol
News
Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme
First published 16th May 2017The Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme (GASDS) allows parishes to claim a Gift-Aid style repayment to be received on small cash and contactless donations of 20 or less.
Thy Kingdom Come - Ten Days to Go
First published 12th May 2017Every day around the world God's people raise their voices in prayer for the coming of the Kingdom. It is for this we long for.
Hands project marks 1,300 years of church
First published 12th May 2017A community project marking the 1,300th anniversary of Holy Trinity Church in Westbury-on-Trym is nearing its final stages with the help of the villages primary school children.
Connections: Growing Leaders
First published 8th May 2017As people learn to serve and follow Christ, they will be looking for practical opportunities to use their gifts.
Connections: Lent Course
First published 5th May 2017Small groups are a great chance in the life of the church for people to share the opportunities and challenges they face in following Christ in all of life.
Connections: Season of Invitation
First published 5th May 2017Most people would not now come to church without an invitation from a friend - even if they had attended in the past.
Connections: Messy Church
First published 5th May 2017One challenge facing churches is how to provide services that engage with families and which are fun and creative.
Connections: Alpha Course
First published 4th May 2017The Alpha course, which invites people to explore what the Christian faith means for them, has recently introduced The Alpha Film Series and Youth Film Series to engage with new people attending the sessions.
Safeguarding audit emphasises Diocese's culture and progress
First published 3rd May 2017An independent audit into safeguarding arrangements within the Diocese has highlighted the Dioceses culture of getting safeguarding right, commitment to ongoing improvement and quality of support to parishes.
Connected conference 2017
First published 29th April 2017Below you'll find videos of the main speakers from the day - Revd Dr Sam Wells, Very Revd Heidi Kinner, Mary Hawes, Jimmy Dale and Rt Revd Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol.
Godparents' Sunday boosts family service
First published 28th April 2017Godparents Sunday is a response to research undertaken on behalf of the Archbishops Council looking at parents real experiences and expectations around the baptism of their child.
Obituary: Revd Pauline Wall
First published 25th April 2017Revd Canon Gwyn Owen has written a few words about Pauline Wall, who died recently: Revd Pauline Wall was a faithful servant of the Church. She was a Deacon for many years before ordained priest at Bristol Cathedral in 1994.
Changes to the Heritage Lottery Fund grants
First published 24th April 2017The Heritage Lottery Fund has announced major changes to the way in which churches apply for funding, including the closure of the Grants for Places of Worship scheme later this year.
Obituary: Tim Berry 1945 - 2017
First published 20th April 2017Tim Berry, the former registrar for the Diocese of Bristol, has died following a short illness. Tim was articled to the late Charles Wyndham Harris, and became a partner in Harris & Harris upon qualification as a solicitor in 1970.
The Great Get Together in honour of Jo Cox
First published 20th April 2017Churches, faith groups and community organisations are being invited to team up with Church Urban Funds Near Neighbours programme to host street parties, picnics and bake-offs in tribute to the late MP Jo Cox.
Rt Revd Michael Francis Perham 1947-2017
First published 19th April 2017The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Mike Hill, writes: Many including myself will be very sorry to hear of the death of Michael Perham who died earlier this week.
Bishop Mike: Everything matters
First published 18th April 2017I just got back from a teaching schedule in a variety of contexts which has been fascinating.
Social Justice Network
First published 12th April 2017Social Justice Network. Join us to see the bigger picture.
The Caller
First published 12th April 2017Early on one summer morning
New book commemorates Bristol casualties in WW1
First published 10th April 2017In August 2014, Bristol Cathedral began telling the stories of some of the men from the Diocese of Bristol who died during the First World War, one for every month of the conflict.
Statement following explosions at Coptic Churches in Egypt
First published 10th April 2017The Bishop of Bristol and all in the Diocese of Bristol offer their sincere condolences to His Grace and Coptic Christians throughout the world in the light of the bombing of Coptic Churches in Egypt.
An Invitation from the Church of England Youth Council
First published 31st March 2017The Church of England Youth Councils next event is in just 22 days time. This April CEYCs event is titled Thy Kingdom Come.
Kampala and Luwero, a tale of two contrasting cities.
First published 29th March 2017The Adventures of the Magnificent Seven.
Martin Luther & the 500th Anniversary of the Start of the Reformation
First published 29th March 2017Martin Luther & the 500th Anniversary of the Start of the Reformation Bristol Anglo-German Society is pleased to invite you to hear the Right Revd Dr Graham Tomlin, Bishop of Kensington.
Religious extremism and the shadow it casts
First published 29th March 2017In our culture it has become axiomatic to assert that religion has been the cause of wars throughout the ages.
Foundation Governor case study: Christ Church Infants School, Downend
First published 23rd March 2017In my working life as a primary school teacher I had never expected or wanted to be a governor.
Foundation Governor case study: Bristol
First published 23rd March 2017Being a Foundation Governor at St Michael on the Mount Primary is, first of all, enjoyable and stimulating, above all through meeting and getting to know the staff and some of the pupils.
Foundation Governor case study: Stoke Bishop CE Primary
First published 23rd March 2017I became a Foundation Governor for the first time when I became Vicar of St Mary's in Stoke Bishop.
Foundation Governor case study: St Michael's-on-the-Mount
First published 23rd March 2017I had little idea that people became foundation governors outside their own parishes until a colleague asked me to replace him at St Michael's-on-the-Mount as he was moving away.
Aggy Palairet : God's calling
First published 21st March 2017Hello Im Aggy; I am a mum of 2, currently a member in the Lee Abbey Knowle West small missional community and working part time for the NHS as a Clinical Data Team Co-ordinator.
HOPE at Easter
First published 20th March 2017HOPE is helping churches to make Jesus known this Easter with a new book, a short video and an explorers course.
Diocesan Synod Report, March 2017
First published 17th March 2017The Diocesan Synod met on 4 March 2017 at Freshbrook Church Swindon.
Obituary: John Lloyd
First published 17th March 2017John Lloyd who was the Bishop of Bristols Press Officer until 2010, as well as the Diocesan Communications Officer for a number of years, died earlier today after a long battle with illness.
Lucy Nagel: God's calling
First published 16th March 2017Who are you, where are you and what do you do?Hi! Im Lucy, I am currently the curate at Redland Parish Church in Bristol.Being a curate means lots of different things primarily, I am training to be a vicar, but that happens in lots of different ways
Trev Meardon: God's calling
First published 16th March 2017My name is Trev Meardon and Im currently serving my curacy in Southmead at St Stephens church. Its a great community with a variety of things going on in the church and wider community. As the curate Im trying to get involved in as much as I can to g
Sam Sheppard : God's calling
First published 16th March 2017My name is Sam Im 22 years old and in my third year of training for ordination at Ripon College Cuddesdon. Ive come from Kingswood where Id been working with the churches in Kingswood Team Ministry, mostly with the Church plant All Souls Southey Park.
Michelle Martin : God's calling
First published 16th March 2017My name is Michelle and I am 33 years old. I am currently the assistant curate in the East Bristol Partnership a role which I started in 2014. I work in a benefice of three different churches, joining in with the ministry and mission happening in t
Thy Kingdom Come - Take Part
First published 15th March 2017Thy Kingdom Come 25 May to 4 June 2017Join the global wave of prayer: Praying as churches, families and individuals that people come to know Jesus Christ.
Starting with the end in mind
First published 9th March 2017Bishop Lee asks whether we can make Lent a season to create habits which help us form a more Christ-like character.
Obituary: The Revd Barry Trotter
First published 6th March 2017Many of you who have been in the Diocese for many years will be sad to hear that the Revd Barry Trotter died on 24 February 2017, aged 83.
Diocese of Bristol Peer Review
First published 1st March 2017The Diocese of Bristol participated in a peer review process in November 2016.
Women's World Day of Prayer
First published 1st March 2017This Thursday (2 March) marks the annual Women's World Day of Prayer when more than 5,000 services will be held across the country on the theme of Am I Being Unfair to You?
Statement from the Bishop of Bristol and Dean of Bristol
First published 21st February 2017A statement from the Rt Revd Mike Hill, Bishop of Bristol, and the Very Revd David Hoyle, Dean of Bristol, in response to the debate at General Synod on the Bishops' report following the shared conversations.
Could your church building raise more income for your ministry?
First published 20th February 2017According to a new report from the Centre for Theology and Community (CTC), churches across the UK may be missing out on millions of pounds of potential income because church buildings are being left empty for most of the week.
Bristol Diocese to join Parish Giving Scheme
First published 20th February 2017In September, Bristol Diocese is joining this nationwide scheme to support church giving.
Fight of the century - Global v National?
First published 13th February 2017As somebody once quipped: The future ain't what it used to be!To state the obvious, 2017 has certainly started with some glaring uncertainties.
Whole Life Discipleship Workshops
First published 10th February 2017Whole-Life Discipleship for Churches New Programme of Workshops for Churches launching in September.Prioritising Making disciples.
Engaging with Younger Generations Training Opportunities
First published 10th February 2017As part of the 'Creating connections' vision we have prioritised afresh Engaging with younger generations.
Thy Kingdom Come resources launched
First published 10th February 2017Thy Kingdom Come - 25 May to 4 June 2017 Join the global wave of prayer: Praying that people come to know Jesus Christ.
Creating connections...where next?
First published 10th February 2017How is your parish Making disciples, Growing leaders and Engaging with younger generations?
Let's Talk About … Dementia
First published 8th February 2017There are some subjects we try not to talk about one is dementia.
Messy Baptism
First published 7th February 2017Four children made the pledge in front of friends and family at St Barnabas Church in Gorse Hill, Swindon as they committed to following Jesus as part of a Messy Baptism service.Messy Church has been running at the church for the last four years.
Sunday Sessions @ The Hare - St Paul's, Bristol
First published 7th February 2017Once a month, a south Bristol pub opens its doors to the church.
Knitted Crib Pilgrimage - St Andrew's, Chippenham
First published 7th February 2017Woolly mementos of the Nativity found their way into homes across Chippenham last Christmas.
All Creatures Great and Small
First published 7th February 2017The Revd Ness Whiffin, curate at the Marshfield Benefice, has recently introduced a pet service at the church.
Special Offer at St Luke's, Bristol
First published 7th February 2017People living close to St Luke's Church have been given a special offer by the congregation.
Update on St Michael on the Mount without
First published 3rd February 2017Representatives from the Diocese of Bristol, the Church Commissioners, Historic England and Bristol City Council met again at the end of January to progress work and plans on St Michael on the Mount without following the fire in October 2016.
Join the Sanctuary Tent at Glastonbury
First published 1st February 2017Glastonbury Festival is one of the iconic summer gatherings known across the world.
Bishop of Bristol announces retirement
First published 24th January 2017The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Mike Hill, has announced his retirement with effect from 30 September 2017.
Safeguarding news January 2017
First published 20th January 2017Safer Recruitment guidance National guidance in respect of safer recruitment has changed from July 2016. It is available on the C of E website.
Llamas stop traffic as they make their way to church service
First published 20th January 2017Llamas carrying wise men took part in a special service at All Saints Church, Bristol. The animals were part of the Epiphany celebrations at the Clifton church.
Engaging younger generations - challenges facing the Church
First published 20th January 2017At September 2016 Diocesan Synod, Dan Jones (Youth and Children's Adviser) presented to members the challenges facing the Church of England in relation to engaging with younger generations.
New Warden of Readers appointed
First published 20th January 2017The Revd Becky Waring has been appointed as the new Warden of Readers for the Diocese of Bristol.Becky will replace the Revd Helen Collins in the role.
A new year, and it's time to think big!
First published 20th January 2017As January rolls around again, many of us put our mind to planning for the year ahead dreaming of all that wed like to achieve, and how were going to make it happen.
Responding to Creating Connections
First published 20th January 2017The Diocesan Synod has endorsed a strategic plan focused on activity at diocesan level to support our Creating connections vision and priorities.
Mission Areas receive national funding
First published 20th January 2017The Diocese of Bristol has been successful in its application to the Church of England's Strategic Development Fund for 950,000 in support of its Mission Areas programme.
Mobilising our Front-Line
First published 12th January 2017In his address to Diocesan Synod in December, Matthew Frost asked us what one thing we might do as a diocese to best equip Christians to be disciples in every sphere of life, not just in church life.
Bishops' Visitations 2017
First published 6th January 2017Churchwardens from across the diocese gathered at three Visitations services during May to celebrate and affirm their ministry and formally take up their offices for another year.
Thousands of Bristol children given Christmas story
First published 5th January 2017The Mothers Union has helped share the Christmas story with thousands of children in Bristol.
Humility and Hope for 2017
First published 5th January 2017Bishop Lee reflects on why taking the risk of mending a broken relationship can be a sign of hope for the future.
Heart & Soul for Ministry: Sheldon Retreats in 2017
First published 5th January 2017As you look ahead into the new year, have you thought about planning a retreat into your diary?
Yarn-bombed Christmas tree doubles as blankets for homeless
First published 21st December 2016Knitters from a church in Bristol have not only created their own Christmas tree from yarn but when the decorations come down they're recycling it into blankets for local homeless charities.
Week of prayer and fasting for social action
First published 21st December 2016During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Together4Bristol and Christian Action Bristol have called for a week of prayer and fasting to prepare for transformation of our city through engaging in social action.
Bishop Mike's Christmas Message
First published 20th December 2016Unforgiveness and Bitterness. As I write, the Pope has just pulled down the curtain on his year of mercy.
Telling the right story
First published 16th December 2016If you go to church over Christmas, you will almost certainly hear a history lesson.You will almost certainly hear St Luke say something like: In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus. Luke reminds us of a history full of terrible kings
Bishops donate to charity instead of sending cards
First published 16th December 2016The Bishop of Bristol has opted to give money to charity rather than sending Christmas cards to clergy this year.
Funding boost for St Andrew, Castle Combe
First published 14th December 2016St Andrew, Castle Combe is set to benefit from a 596,000 rescue funding package from the National Churches Trust, the UKs church repair and support charity.
City Deanery visit to Uganda, May 2017
First published 8th December 2016Would you like a chance to visit the Dioceses of Central and West Buganda, to makenew friends, experience a different pace and style of life, discover vibrant worship and a warm welcome, explore the beauties of the natural world and meet God afresh?
Latest newsletter from Richard Rukundo
First published 7th December 2016The Diocese of Bristol has been delighted to welcome the Provincial Children's Worker, Richard Rukundo, who visited the diocese earlier this year in partnership with the Church Mission Society.
The joys of hospitality and a little miracle
First published 7th December 2016Rev Jennifer Luwum from Kitgum with the Rev Charles Okello from Northern Uganda in the background.
Ordinations at Christ Church Clifton 2016
First published 2nd December 2016Jill Garfitt and Richard Pendlebury were both ordained as OLM at Christ Church Clifton by Bishop Mike.
Experience the joy of Christmas
First published 1st December 2016The Church of England has launched its #JoyToTheWorld Christmas campaign with www.AChristmasNearYou.org and four special videos.
Statement regarding St Mary Redcliffe Primary School
First published 29th November 2016It is clear from this Ofsted report that there are areas of weakness at St Mary Redcliffe Primary School.
Rehabilitation Marketplace
First published 24th November 2016Sixty-One is coordinating an event showcasing the work of 10 local charities who work with offenders, a number of local prisons and probation.
Competition to find innovative community projects in churches
First published 18th November 2016The National Churches Trust and the Marsh Christian Trust are inviting entries for the Marsh Awards for Innovative Church Projects.
Bring #JoyToTheWorld with www.AChristmasNearYou.org
First published 18th November 2016This Christmas the Church of England is launching a new website inviting people across the country to attend local parish services at Christmas.
The Advent Journey
First published 18th November 2016Advent is a season of expectation and preparation, as the Church prepares to celebrate the coming of Christ.
The Bristol DAC Awards Scheme
First published 16th November 2016The Diocesan Advisory Committee forms a key part of the process by which parishes develop proposals for their buildings and obtain consent to carry out work.
Shrouds of the Somme tribute to fallen
First published 14th November 2016An iconic installation commemorating soldiers who fell on the first day of the Battle of the Somme has come to Bristol.
A Kingdom where nobody should be forgotten
First published 10th November 2016A house divided against itself cannot stand. These were words which came to mind as I woke up to the news that we had voted to leave the EU on Thursday 23 June 2016.
Sharing the Word of the Lord
First published 10th November 2016Bristol South Deanery are providing bibles for Confirmation candidates in Ugandan Confirmation Candidates hold their bibles in the air to show to the bishop.
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.
