News

Please find all the latest news from the Diocese of Bristol


Lesson plans: How do people express their beliefs and identity?

First published 14th May 2013

This unit explores how religions and beliefs employ signs, symbols and the arts to express aspects of human nature.


Letting go of your worries

First published 17th October 2017

Ven Christine Froude, Archdeacon of Malmesbury, writes on holding on to worries:A young woman confidently walked around the room while carrying, in her raised hand, a glass of water.


Sign up to the Church of England's Digital Charter

First published 4th July 2019

The Church of England is encouraging Christians and churches to sign up to its pledge to make social media and the web a more positive place.


Lesson plans: Why do religious books and teachings matter? THE BIBLE

First published 14th May 2013

This unit explores how the Christian religion and beliefs express values and commitments in written form and how value is attached to the writings.


Listening to children and young people

First published 9th June 2015

Don't assume you know what's best for us without our opinions. You don't.


Lesson plans: What does it mean to belong to a religion? SIKHISM

First published 14th May 2013

This unit explores aspects of Sikh festivals, celebrations, practices and communities and the beliefs to which they relate.


Thank you

First published 26th June 2013

I was so grateful to everyone that came to the service on Saturday evening at Bristol Cathedral to mark the 10th anniversary of my time as Bishop of Bristol.


Running 125 miles for One25

First published 20th December 2017

Over the course of November, four members of the Diocesan Office decided to run, walk, row, swim, cycle - or even crawl - 125 miles to raise money for the One25 project.


The Syria Conundrum

First published 14th June 2013

News coming in overnight is that the American administration now confirms, what we have had circumstantial evidence of for a while, that the Syrian Government has used chemical weapons on its own people.


How enabling is your church?

First published 25th June 2013

The Church needs to learn from the experience, insight and gifts of disabled people, writes Revd Canon Gill Behenna, Chaplain with the Deaf Community in Bristol and National Adviser for Deaf Ministry.


Lesson plans: What can we learn from the life and teaching of Jesus

First published 10th May 2013

This 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.


Could you or someone you know represent the Diocese at General Synod?

First published 19th August 2020

There is an opportunity for someone to represent the Diocese in the General Synod for one year.


Holy Trinity, Stapleton to share in funding payout from the National Churches Trust

First published 26th August 2020

Holy Trinity, Stapleton was been awarded a £15,000 National Churches Trust Cornerstone Grant to help fund roof repairs in their Grade II listed building.


Revd Steve Dyson announced as Associate Vicar in the Kingswood and Hanham Team Ministry

First published 15th July 2020

The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd Steve Dyson has been appointed as Associate Vicar in the Kingswood and Hanham Team Ministry.


Revd Canon Dr Rod Symmons announced as Interim Minister for the Bradley Stoke Parish

First published 31st July 2020

The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd Canon Dr Rod Symmons has been appointed as Interim Minister for the Bradley Stoke Parish.


Church buildings might be open but church is happening outside

First published 17th August 2020

Across the region, churches have been holding services outside in a variety of places.


Local church hosts special drive-in service for worshippers, in Sainsbury's car park

First published 29th July 2020

St Michael's Church, Stoke Gifford, teamed up with Sainsbury's East Filton, to put on a drive-in church service on Sunday 26 July.


Bringing wildness to the suburbs

First published 10th August 2020

While the church has been closed during the coronavirus lockdown, members of St Peter's Henleaze have taken the opportunity to transform their church grounds into a more welcoming environment for wildlife and neighbours alike. 


Local Minister's community garden featured on BBC Gardener's World

First published 27th July 2020

On Friday 24 July, a film clip of the Rev Hazel Trapnell's garden was featured on BBC Gardeners World.


Worms and worship at St Mary's

First published 10th August 2020

St Mary's Marshfield is working towards an Eco Church award, as they thoughtfully extend their Christian stewardship activities to care for the planet and for each other.


Lesson plans: How should we live and who can inspire us?

First published 10th May 2013

This 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: What is important to me?

First published 10th May 2013

This unit explores ideas of what it is to be human and relates them to religious and other beliefs.


Woolwich. Jesus Christ stood for unity and love. So do we.

First published 25th May 2013

Bishop Mike HillWe wish to express our deep condolences to the family of Drummer Lee Rigby.


Welfare support handbook now available

First published 12th April 2013

Welfare 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 2013

In our December newsletter we gave details of the new Guide.Many parishes ordered copies and we have sent those out.


‘This, then, is how you should pray…'

First published 21st May 2013

Prayer draws us more closely into relationship with God, has an impact on the world and energises our Christian lives.


Christian Aid Week - video of the 'Bishops on Bikes' tour

First published 14th May 2013

Bishop Ed Condry (Bishop of Ramsbury) and Bishop Lee Rayfield (Bishop of Swindon) cycled a gruelling 180 miles around Wiltshire in 2 days in April 2013, stopping off in 16 Christian Aid groups along the way.


Faith, Hope and ...Foodbanks?

First published 14th May 2013

With 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.


Sowing seeds: church/school links

First published 13th May 2013

The 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.


Lesson plans: How do we make moral choices?

First published 10th May 2013

This 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).


Bishop's Letter; Finding Home

First published 23rd April 2013

This 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 2013

The 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.


Ministers come together

First published 14th April 2013

The 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 2013

In 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.


Ministering in the public gaze

First published 8th April 2013

Ordained 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.


The Diagnostic Trap

First published 29th March 2013

This 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.


Pope Francis I

First published 14th March 2013

I am delighted to hear of the election of Pope Francis I.


Fear of death

First published 26th March 2013

I remember looking down at my blood-soaked trainers and thinking Well.


St Matthew's Church Passion

First published 25th March 2013

In an exciting project for Good Friday, St Matthews Kingsdown will be performing a passion play.


Bishop of Bristol Appoints New Advisor on Racial Justice

First published 16th July 2020

The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull has appointed Revd Dr Catherine Okoronkwo to the position of Bishop's Advisor on Racial Justice.


10 ideas for rethinking Sunday School with youth

First published 29th March 2011

This is a challenging article from the wonderful RETHINKING YOUTH MINISTRY.


“Mixed economy” yields growth in Almondsbury

First published 4th February 2011

As part of our Growth in Numbers series, Revd Philip Rowe tells how a "mixed economy" approach in Almondsbury, north of Bristol, has seen more people engaging in the life of the church.


Bishop's Letter; To sell or not to sell? The messy business of ethical investment

First published 25th September 2012

This month Bishop Lee reflects on the work of the Ethical Investment Advisory Group and the decision to sell shares in News Corporation.


Hearing God's call, Chris Owen's and Helen Baber's stories

First published 11th May 2010

Each year, dozens of people in the Diocese of Bristol are putting themselves forward for ordination or Licensed Lay Ministry.


Canon Nick Hay

First published 30th November 2009

Nick Hay was one of a number of clergy starting new roles in the Diocese over November 2009.


Key Stage 2 lesson plan: What can we learn from the life and teaching of Jesus?

First published 22nd March 2012

Ten lesson plans to cover KS2 Unit 2: What can we learn from the life and teaching of Jesus? for the Awareness, Mystery and Value scheme of work.


The Lord's Prayer

First published 15th April 2011

These two PowerPoints present the Lord's Prayer, one traditional and the other a modern take on Jesus's words in Luke 11:1-4.


A policy for Relationships and Sex Education

First published 4th February 2011

This is a sample policy about Relationships and Sex Education which Church Schools can take and adapt.


Lesson plans: What does it mean to belong to a religion? ISLAM

First published 14th May 2013

This unit explores aspects of festivals, celebrations, practices and communities and the beliefs to which they relate.


An all-age Easter talk

First published 13th April 2011

An inclusive All-age Easter talk involving children and young people...Buy some plastic Easter Eggs - the kind that open so that you can put things inside.


Gospel reflection

First published 14th April 2011

This reflective podcast for young people was recorded for Clifton Diocese in Lent 2011. It is based on John 5.


Accessible confirmation service in Chippenham

First published 19th May 2016

Three people have been confirmed at an accessible confirmation service at St Peter's Church, Chippenham.


Thank Your Vicar Week

First published 27th July 2016

Church 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.


Annual C in the Park service brings churches together

First published 18th July 2016

Churches from across Bristol have taken part in an annual open air church service in a Downend park.


Bidding for Success - securing funding for your church project

First published 9th July 2019

Reports and resources from the day.


Lessons from the Peloton

First published 27th July 2016

In this lighter summertime piece, Bishop Lee looks at the sport of road cycling to draw some parallels with what is expected of Christian disciples.


A Season of Invitation begins

First published 15th September 2016

This month sees the start of A Season of Invitation, with people being encouraged to invite friends and families to special services at their church.


A time to speak

First published 27th July 2016

There 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.


Bishop's Letter: Protecting our children: the dark arts of negative influence…

First published 28th April 2015

My heart skipped a beat when I heard on the radio earlier today that 10% of 12-13 year old children fear that they may have an addiction to pornography and a similar proportion have actually taken part in a sexually explicit video clip.


Sanctity of Life / What does it mean to be a human?

First published 6th March 2013

These 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.


Spiritual gifts for Colerne

First published 4th March 2013

A 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 2013

The 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.


A difference to everyday life

First published 13th October 2013

My faith in God makes a very real difference to everyday life. The Alpha Course set my entire life on a new course and I wake up each morning and thank God.


Finding a way to worship

First published 7th October 2013

Normally we pencil in Monday and Tuesday in the week after chemotherapy as fragile days and avoid any diary commitments.


A little story of growing numbers: building Messy Church

First published 9th July 2013

Following our article of events and initiatives in the Diocese that promote welcome, hospitality, inclusivity or partnership, Alison Paginton tells us of a little story of growth from St Christophers Brislington.


Everesting challenge for church

First published 15th June 2017

Determined cyclist Rich Wiles-Teoh has cycled the height of Everest to raise funds for St Andrews Church in Castle Combe.


Grief & Loss: Post Script

First published 10th November 2013

This article is an addendum to Bishop Lee's letter on grief and loss found here. In the EHS Daily Office there were a number of reflections that stood out and to which I found myself frequently returning.


Synod returns to Women Bishops

First published 8th November 2013

General Synod meets later this month, returning not only to women bishops but also intentional evangelism, Church Schools and how the Synod is elected and conducts its business.


Starting a journey

First published 1st October 2013

I started a journey, of understanding who Jesus is, and who I am. Knowing Jesus has truly transformed my life.


Back to Church School Sunday

First published 9th October 2013

A group of parishes in North Wiltshire developed their links with local schools by having a schools celebration service on Back to Church Sunday.


Of sleep and kind truth

First published 1st October 2013

As I have mentioned elsewhere, chemotherapy has had a massive impact on my sleep patterns. Knowing this was on the cards Liz decamped to the spare room the evening I had my first dose.


Christmas Starts with Christ

First published 27th November 2013

The Diocese of Bristol is at the heart of a major campaign to remind people that Christmas starts with Christ this Advent and the difference it makes to the world we live in.


Prince one of many baptisms

First published 22nd October 2013

As the Archbishop of Canterbury prepares to christen HRH Prince George today, he will do so in the company of priests across our diocese who are welcoming individuals, families, children and adults into their parish churches this week.


A peace that passes understanding

First published 1st October 2013

This is what has been missing from my life, this is the way that I want to live my life.


Is this plan radical enough?

First published 19th September 2015

Watch here Here is Bishop Mike's inaugural address given at the first meeting of the new Diocesan Synod on Saturday 19 September.


Joy replaces pain

First published 30th September 2013

I began to become aware of a joy and peace within that I never imagined. To my relief, depression, nightmares and unexplained illnesses in my body gradually faded.


Access to water changing lives

First published 9th May 2014

In 2013, six visitors from North Wiltshire Deanery spent time with the Kigezi Diocese Water & Sanitation Programme in Kabale.


Bishop's Letter; Are we good news?

First published 19th October 2013

Bishop Mike encourages us to build our confidence in sharing our faith.The only purpose of the Church is to go out to tell the world the good news about Jesus Christ.


Bishops donate to charity instead of sending cards

First published 16th December 2016

The Bishop of Bristol has opted to give money to charity rather than sending Christmas cards to clergy this year.


Update from Bishop Lee

First published 26th September 2013

I confess I wasn't looking forward to my first doses of chemotherapy but the session went very well.


John Robinson Commemoration Day

First published 11th November 2013

Around 70 people gathered at St Ambrose, Whitehall on 21 September for a Commemoration Day for Bishop John Robinson.


Bishop Mike's Christmas Message

First published 20th December 2016

Unforgiveness and Bitterness. As I write, the Pope has just pulled down the curtain on his year of mercy.


Week of prayer and fasting for social action

First published 21st December 2016

During 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.


Equip Christians to share their faith

First published 23rd September 2013

Bishop Mike encouraged churches to build their confidence in evangelism at Diocesan Synod and announced an Alpha initiative for 2014 when Archbishop Justin Welby visits the Diocese.


Bishop Lee talks about his fight against cancer

First published 4th November 2013

Bishop Lee has appeared on ITV West talking on his experience fighting cancer.


Transforming minds with distinctive values

First published 22nd October 2013

What does Christian education look like and how is it better?


Bristol youth workers share faith in Germany

First published 23rd September 2013

Four youth workers from the Diocese of Bristol travelled to Northern Italy to broaden the link with the Lutheran Church in Bavaria over the August Bank Holiday Weekend.


If you want to Go fast, Go alone. If you want to go far, Go together.

First published 18th October 2013

I continue to be staggered and overwhelmed by the messages, cards and letters that are coming our way.


Bishop Lee blessed by the good doctors Mayo and Kermode

First published 20th September 2013

Checkout today's BBC R5 Live Movie Review


Rebels

First published 20th September 2013

Are rebels good or bad? The answer to this question will depend on your point of view.


17th September: Update from Bishop Lee

First published 17th September 2013

I am now 14 days into my first course of chemotherapy and it has been something of a roller-coaster.


Response to the death of Daniel Pelka

First published 18th September 2013

Jeanette Plumb, Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, writes: "Daniel is another child who will take his place in the text books on safeguarding alongside Victoria Climbie, Peter Connelly and others.


The pile driver

First published 10th September 2013

Sitting on the balcony, most of the time I find it very easy to filter out the sounds of the motorway and the construction of the new housing.


Update from Bishop Lee

First published 6th September 2013

I confess I wasnt looking forward to my first doses of chemotherapy but the session went very well.


Bishop Lee: Health, paradox and gift

First published 2nd September 2013

On return from his holiday Bishop Lee received the news that he has Hodgkin Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system.


Bishop's Letter; Who are we?

First published 24th July 2013

Should the Church support liberal social and ethical reforms?


Bishop Lee diagnosed with cancer

First published 2nd September 2013

Rt Revd Dr Lee Rayfield, the Bishop of Swindon, has been diagnosed with Hodgkin Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system and will receive treatment in the months ahead.


Bishop's Letter; ‘Them', ‘Us', and what it means to be the Local Church

First published 1st July 2013

This month Bishop Lee reflects on the Church of England's understanding of what it means to be the local Church.


Best practice for developing young leaders

First published 17th July 2013

A recent article in the Church Times highlighted some of the realities and challenges faced by church interns.


Bring faith to life in schools

First published 15th July 2013

Its not always easy to know how to make the Christian faith known and real to children and young people in their school context.

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