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News
Follow me - but where Lord?
First published 2nd April 2015How does it feel for a wife with two young boys, recently moved house and well settled in a community, to hear her husband say God has spoken to him?This is my third go at producing a piece for 10,000 Voices.
Building community links on the Cheswick estate
First published 18th May 2015Rachel Hepburn is the community link worker at St Michaels, Stoke Gifford in the Diocese of Bristol Diocese, and is funded by a grant from the Church Commissioners for mission in new housing and other development areas.
Passionate about God's Church?
First published 1st September 2015The Church, more than any other social network, employment facility or club, should be leading the way in helping 20-30s find their feet and their faith.Dr Krish Kandiah, President of London School of Theology.
What's in an age?
First published 7th October 2015I have done almost five weeks in this role, and I have already lost count of the number of rooms I've walked into where people have been barely able to contain their surprise that I am Bristol's new DDO (diocesan director of ordinands).
Explore Christmas through baking
First published 3rd December 2015As the memories of 'Great British Bake Off' fade away (can you remember who won it again?)Christmas is a popular time for baking scrumptious treats and I've just discovered a little gem.
Central web resource launched
First published 1st February 2016A website designed to support the occasional offices is available now to all clergy and lay people involved in these important ministries.The Church Support Hub was developed to offer research, free downloads, shared ideas and articles, plus commonly-
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.
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.
"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.
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?
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
DAC Awards for church projects
First published 25th May 2017Four parishes in the Diocese of Bristol have been given recognition in the first round of DAC Awards.
Bristol DAC Awards 2018
First published 7th June 2018Each year the Diocesan Advisory Committee recognises a number of projects through its awards scheme.
Bristol DAC Awards 2019
First published 7th June 2019Church building projects across the Diocese have been honoured by the Diocesan Advisory Committee at a special awards ceremony.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Ugandan Bishops discuss Climate Crisis
First published 16th October 2019As part of their recent visit to the Diocese, two Ugandan Bishops joined a timely conversation on the climate crisis at Cotham Parish Church.
Raising faith
First published 22nd October 2019Just 50% of children growing up in Christian homes will keep their faith as adults.'Raising Faith Inspire' is an easy-to-run 90minute small group discussion to facilitate parents thinking about how to build faith in their children.
Bishop of Bristol makes first speech in House of Lords
First published 22nd October 2019During debate on the Queens Speech on Thursday 17 October, the Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, made her first speech in the House of Lords.
DBE Newsletter Term 2 2019-20
First published 8th November 2019Please click the link below to download the second Diocesan Board of Education newsletter of the year.
The Diocese remembers
First published 5th November 2019Across the Diocese acts of remembrance took place on Remembrance Sunday as those who serve and have fallen to protect our democratic rights are remembered. Thousands joined services across at churches right across our region to participate.
‘Education for Wisdom, Knowledge and Skills' - Diocesan Education Conference 2019
First published 26th November 2019This year's Diocesan Education Conference took place in November. The day was enjoyed by school leaders: headteachers, senior leaders, clergy and church workers who engage with young people and schools.
New Diocesan Cycle of Prayer
First published 19th November 2019Prayer is an amazing gift which strengthens our relationship with God; it has the power to change us and the world around us.
How Eco is your Church?
First published 20th November 2019Four churches across the Diocese have received our first Eco Church awards.
Reflections on Black Friday
First published 29th November 2019Today is Black Friday that moment in the year when shops and websites offer huge savings as they attempt to tempt customers into spending their money.
Videos to promote Christmas services
First published 3rd December 2019Promote Christmas services without the hassle this Christmas…Premier Digital Award winners Go Chatter have launched a new customisable video website.
Encouraging engagement with BAME people in our churches
First published 6th December 2019Revd Dr Cathy Okoronkwo, who was appointed Vicar of All Saints and St Barnabas, Swindon in September, recently represented the Diocese at the CMEAC DLP/MEAC Officers residential conference.
Bristol Faith Leaders' General Election Message
First published 5th December 2019Coordinated by the Bishop of Bristols OfficeAs faith leaders in the city of Bristol, we are proud of this beautiful, diverse and creative city.
Discover the joy of Christmas in new Church of England video
First published 9th December 2019With dragons, talking carrots, and even a surprise comeback for ET all vying for centre stage in the annual festive advertising bonanza.
Stewardship Update Nov19
First published 15th November 2019In this stewardship update; FREE Church Fundraising Guide, an updated Diocesan grants guide, a new parish giving scheme resource and contactless giving deals.Church Fundraising Handbook.
Environment Group calls for greater action on Climate Change across the Church
First published 1st November 2019The Church of Englands Environmental Advisory Group has called for all parts of the Church to recognise the Climate Crisis and step up its action to safeguard God's creation.
Church Action in a Climate Emergency conference
First published 27th January 2020A day conference to support churches in taking further action to care for our shared environment.
A Spaceman Came Travelling
First published 12th December 2019Children will be blasting off for Christmas when an astronaut brings good news to a Swindon church service.
A Green Guide to Christmas
First published 12th December 2019Christmas is a time of giving - but it can also be a time of waste. From the plastic packaging to the piles of wrapping paper and wasted food filling our dustbins, festivities can have an unseen impact on our environment.
The Three Week Christmas Fair
First published 12th December 2019Image by Pete WilsonChurches in Swindon have been working together to put on a three-week Christmas fair.With this year marking the 50th anniversary of the Old Town partnership of churches.
AYF Uganda Choir to play Swindon church
First published 18th December 2019AYF Uganda Choir is returning to the Diocese of Bristol in the New Year for a concert at St Barnabas Church in Swindon.
Christmas Greetings and office opening times 2019
First published 17th December 2019Happy Christmas from the Diocesan Support Services team!
Parish Giving Scheme continues to grow
First published 19th December 2019The Parish Giving Scheme is growing across the Diocese with 66 churches and just under 1,100 donors now using the scheme.
How to ‘Light the Night'
First published 23rd April 2020Light the Night is a beautiful and uniquely peaceful way to honour the memory of loved ones. Light the Night launched in Bristol in 2019 with thousands of candles lit up in St Pauls Graveyard, Bedminster.
A statement regarding the documentary on Bishop Peter Ball
First published 15th January 2020Over the last two nights, BBC2 broadcast Exposed: The Church's Darkest Secret, which looked at the sexual abuse carried out by the former Bishop of Gloucester, Peter Ball, and the attempts to bring him to justice.
Fr Toby Boutle announced as new priest-in-charge of Swindon New Town
First published 19th January 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce the appointment of Fr Toby Boutle as the priest-in-charge of the parish of Swindon New Town.
Gift Aid your donations
First published 21st January 2020As it comes up to the end of the financial year, now is a good time to review Gift Aid, and to make sure that your congregation are making the most of this opportunity.
Bishops' Visitations 2017
First published 19th May 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.The services were led by Bishop Lee and included the legal sw
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.
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.
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.
'Too much politics'
First published 18th May 2017With the up-coming General Election next month, the Revd Canon Professor Martin Gainsborough, Canon Theologian at Bristol Cathedral, shares his thoughts on what we need to live in harmony with others. [Readings: Acts 7: 55 to end
Reflections on Archdeacons' Visitations 2019
First published 22nd May 2019The Archdeacons of Malmesbury and Bristol have had a wonderful couple of weeks, meeting Churchwardens and their clergy around the Diocese.
Youth and Children training responses
First published 22nd May 2017Earlier this month, a number of people took part in The Key, a training session run by Dan Jones, Youth and Children's Adviser at the Diocese of Bristol.
Supporting Safeguarding service
First published 13th June 2017'Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute.' Proverbs 31:8Safeguarding officers and clergy from across the Diocese gathered in St Mary Redcliffe Church yesterday where they were thanked and commissioned by Bishop Mike
Pilgrimage: Ancient Civilisations of Sicily
First published 20th July 2017Bishop Mike and the Archdeacon, Christine Froude, will lead a group of pilgrims on a tour of Sicily next year.Sicily has been conquered and settled by different peoples over thousands of years: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Norma
Connections: Spending a Penny on Poverty
First published 21st September 2017Toilets across Marshfield have been twinned with loos in Uganda through the efforts of church members at St Marys.Organisers of the annual Lenten Lunches had initially wanted to twin the church's two new toilets with ones in the Link Diocese. Donation
Connections: Nook Pods
First published 21st September 2017Members of All Saints Church in Crudwell have found a novel way to create more usable space within the building.The church has started using a Nook Pod a specially built modular space on wheels which can be used for childrens activities, private con
Hope Bristol 2018 Launch Sunday
First published 20th October 2017HOPE Bristol 2018 is a five-day youth led mission (3 to 7 April 2018) partnering local churches with around 800 young people from across the country to show God's love in practical ways across Bristol. Over the five-day mission, teams of yo
Connecting with God through the Lens
First published 26th October 2017Encountering God through the Lens - an accompanied photographic pilgrimage to Uganda 25 January to 5 February 2018Led by Walter Dirks and Chris Dobson, this trip is an opportunity to develop your photographic skills as part of a spiritual j
Advent and Christmas Prayers 2017
First published 21st November 2017Advent is a season of expectation and preparation, as the Church prepares to celebrate the coming (adventus) of Christ in his incarnation, and also looks ahead to his final advent as judge at the end of time.This booklet of daily readings and prayers
Disarmed by the unbelievable truth - Rt Revd Lee Rayfield
First published 11th December 2017As Advent moves to the celebration of Christmas, Bishop Lee reflects on its life transforming nature.Can I understand why so many people find the tenets of the Christian faith impossible to believe? Of course I can. Accepting that there is a Creator
Hope Bristol 2018 - the journey so far
First published 19th December 2017Dan Jones, diocesan youth and childrens adviser for the Diocese of Bristol, reflects on Hope Bristol 2018.To say that things are beginning to hot up at Hope Bristol central is an understatement! With only four months until the five-day event begins,
Revd Chris North appointed Adviser for Ministerial Vocation
First published 24th January 2018Revd Chris North has started as the diocesan Adviser for Ministerial Vocation (DDO).Chris is an experienced parish priest who has previously been ministering in the Diocese of Bath & Wells where he was also a Rural Dean and member of Bishops Coun
The gift of giving
First published 4th February 2018Churches around the Diocese have been demonstrating how good stewardship can make a real difference.St Andrews Castle Combe has been raising money towards its Make History project, which will see a number of improvements to the historic and famous ch
Movement: Chippenham Deanery
First published 4th February 2018Young people from across churches have been gathering to celebrate their faith together.Movement is a new regular worship event that brings together young people from smaller churches in Chippenham and the surrounding area.The idea is to give teenage
Bishop Lee: A message for Holy Week and Easter
First published 21st March 2018A message from Bishop Lee for Holy Week and EasterI am never quite comfortable preparing messages for Holy Week midway through Lent; it seems to shortcut the journey. Keeping some distance between Good Friday and Easter Day seems even more important
Revd Jill Garfitt
First published 30th April 2018It is with deep sadness that we bring the news that Revd Jill Garfitt passed away on Friday 27 April. A service of Thanksgiving will be held in Christ Church at 11 am on Friday 8 June. Light refreshments will be served following the se
400km bike ride for Uganda youth trip
First published 22nd May 2018400km is a long way to travel regardless of the mode of transport but choosing to do it on a bicycle? Who would be crazy enough to do that? Well, Dan Jones our Youth and Childrens Adviser is, and on the 14th June he will be setting off from Weston-su
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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
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 Keyboard Networker appointed
First published 18th April 2019Carmen Carrol has been appointed as the new Keyboard Networker with the Keyboard Trust, Churches Together for Greater Bristol and Together 4 Bristol have announced.The Keyboard Trust aims is to promote a culture of racial justice and equality in
Revd Canon Dr Simon Taylor returns to Bristol as Director of Ministry Development
First published 21st April 2019Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, is pleased to announce the appointment of Revd Canon Dr Simon Taylor as the new Director of Ministry Development.Simon, who was ordained in Bristol Cathedral in 2002, is returning to the Diocese after seven
Free trial of contactless payment device for churches
First published 24th April 2019GoodBox and Christian Aid are offering churches the opportunity to start offering contactless giving without any cost.The contactless payment provider GoodBox has partnered with Christian Aid for a fundraising initiative, with GoodBox providing
Chris Russell announced as keynote speaker for Connected 2019
First published 21st May 2019The speaker for this year's Connected conference has been announced as Revd Chris Russell, Vicar at St Laurence, Reading and Archbishops Adviser for Evangelism and Witness.Chris is the Vicar at St Laurence, where he has been since 2001
Bishop Viv joins faith communities at Grand Iftar
First published 31st May 2019The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, has spoken of her determination to see more done to bring communities together as she attended the grand Iftar meal held for the community in Easton, Bristol.She told the crowd of 6,000 people, who had g
Prayer day at Deanery Academy
First published 29th July 2019Churches from across the Swindon Deanery joined members of the wider community at the new Deanery CE Academy in Swindon to 'pray in' the school earlier in July.The school, which is due to open at the beginning of September, has already been welc
Revd Jeremy Andrew announced as Area Dean for Kingswood and South Glos
First published 14th August 2019The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Jeremy Andrew has been appointed Area Dean of Kingswood and South Glos.Jeremy has the been vicar in Warmley, Bitton and Syston since 2014 and before that was the vicar of four
Difference. The power of faith in a conflicted world
First published 15th August 2019Archbishop Justin Welby has a vision for the church to be a reconciling presence in the midst of conflict. Over the last year, he has brought together leading thinkers on reconciliation to create a timely resource that is designed for Christians to e
Pop-up prayer space at St Michael's School
First published 16th August 2019A pop-up Prayer Space was recently created at St Michael's Primary School in Winterbourne by members of St Michael's Church. Jo Strange, Pastoral Family Liaison Minister at the church, looks back on how pupils and staff engaged with it:"This was
Visitors for Uganda50 in London
First published 1st November 2019Written by Aura Hart, Mothers Union Diocesan PresidentAs part of the Uganda 50 celebration, we who are members of the Mothers Union in the Diocese of Bristol were delighted to have the opportunity to meet up with fellow members from Uganda they were
When a rector moves on...
First published 5th November 2019When a much valued Rector leaves a group of 8 rural parishes to move on to be an Archdeacon there is a temptation to feel things are never going to be as good again. But of course that is not the case.When Revd Christopher Bryan left the Gauzebrook P
31 plastic bottles make a school uniform
First published 20th November 2019As a head teacher, you may expect any number of questions from parents when you launch a new school uniform but does it crinkle? is a rather unusual one! Yet at The Deanery CE Academy in Swindon its a fair question to ask, as the uniforms are partly
Record numbers flock to Cathedral
First published 28th November 2019Englands cathedrals have witnessed their highest Easter congregation numbers in recent years, while visitor numbers increased by a million on the previous year, statistics published today show.Bristol Cathedral has followed the trend seeing more peop
Revd Will Fairbairn announced as new vicar of Redland Church, Bristol
First published 8th December 2019The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Will Fairbairn has been appointed vicar of Redland Church in Bristol.Will has been curate of Ascension Church in Southampton since 2017. Prior to that he spent three years at
Coming to terms with bereavement
First published 14th October 2013This intense feeling of peace came up over me. It was quite extraordinary. I then came to terms with my bereavement.I was widowed very suddenly. I never lost my faith I had been confirmed for 50 years but you feel that youre being tested. It took m
Learning to live with the questions
First published 7th November 2013There are questions, particularly about death, which we will never be able to answer in this life because we dont yet have the benefit of that heavenly perspective.The single date on the headstone is always a stark reminder to me of the day, seven ye
My life changed at a carol service
First published 18th December 2013I was burdened with misconceptions. Without Carols in the Park, or a service like it, I'm not sure I would ever have felt able to walk into a church.A year ago, at an open air carol service, my life changed.I had been brought up in a Christian househ
No longer journeying alone
First published 20th December 2013It's scary to travel a long way from home to a strange, unfamiliar place; but God does not want His people to journey alone.To travel is a part of life, more so than ever in the modern world. Whether, like me, you are a student going to university in
Dean's Letter: Politics and Peace
First published 1st January 2014The Very Revd Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Bristol Cathedral, writes to the diocese at the beginning of the new year.2014 is the Chinese Year of the Horse. It is the European Year of the Brain, the UN Year of both family farming and crystallography. Latvi