Remarkable young cartoonist meets Bishop Viv
First published 5th April 2023Bishop Viv and David Stephenson, Bishop's Chaplain, met with creative young people last Sunday as part of St Michael's Highworth's Palm Sunday celebrations.
News
"I believe we will see more young people in our churches again" - meet youth leader Lydia Chancellor
First published 21st March 2022Lydia is the new Youth and Children's Missioner for Yate and Fromeside Mission Area
New canon begins ministry at Bristol Cathedral
First published 24th August 2021The Revd Jonnie Parkin was installed as Canon Missioner at Bristol Cathedral on Sunday 22 August 2021 at 3.30pm by the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull
LecDeck goes digital!
First published 14th October 2020New app launched to encourage young people to explore the Bible in new ways.
It's Your Move 2020
First published 22nd June 2020It's Your Move is a hugely impactful book brimming with advice, activities and real-life testimonies produced by Scripture Union. Over 1.6 million children moving to secondary school have received It's Your Move, supporting them through that move.
AMPLIFY: The Young Evangelists Academy
First published 17th January 2020Amplify is a partnership between; Hope Together, The Message, Youth For Christ, Pais Movement, Church Of England, Scripture Union, Alpha, Luis Palau, Redeemed Christian Church Of God and the Evangelical Alliance.
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.
Growing Faith - what next after Connected 2019?
First published 8th October 2019At Connected 2019 this year, we focused on the key themes outlined within Growing Faith - a vision set out by the House of Bishops.
Youth-focused lectionary resource launched
First published 3rd October 2019One of the glories of the Church of England is its liturgical worship and the patterns, forms and words through which public worship is conducted.
The Kitchen Table project: Inspiring faith in the home
First published 9th September 2019Just 50% of children growing up in Christian homes will keep their faith as adults parents and carers are the most important influence on children developing a faith that lasts.
YouVersion Bible App for kids
First published 9th September 2019YouVersion partnered with OneHope to develop the Bible App for Kids, designing it specifically to engage children with Bible stories on an age-appropriate level. The Bible App for Kids is a free app for Android, Apple, and Kindle devices.
Raising Faith - A livestream event from Care for the Family
First published 9th September 2019Sign up for the Raising Faith livestream on October 15 from Care for the Family.Join Katharine Hill and Andy Frost from the comfort of your own home as they deliver Raising Faith via livestream.
Grant awarded for research into Messy Churches
First published 30th August 2019Messy Churches in the Diocese of Bristol are among the congregations to benefit from new research being funded by the Church of England.A grant of 100,000 has been awarded to the Church of Englands Evangelism and Discipleship Team.
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
Connections: Growing Young Leaders
First published 13th June 2019Church of England Youth Council Sophie Mitchell is keen to see churches invest in helping young people to become leaders.
Appeal for foster carers from church communities
First published 6th June 2019Christians in Bristol are being called on to help fill the shortage of foster carers in the city.In 2017-18 over 900 children and young people spent time in care in Bristol.
Sharing the gospel through Adventure Church
First published 6th June 2019Becky Fisher is the Rural Schools and Churches Worker for the eight parishes in the Gauzebrook Group. Here she explains how the countryside around North Wiltshire is helping share about God's kingdom with families:
New course to help parishes grow young leaders
First published 10th April 2019The Diocese of Bristol is committed to engaging with younger generations and to growing leaders of all ages to serve in both the church and the world.
New creative prayer ideas for engaging younger generations
First published 25th March 2019Prayer is an amazing gift which strengthens our relationship with God; it has the power to change us and the world around us. When we pray at all times, in all circumstances and for all things, we see God's Kingdom come.
Playfully Serious - how Messy Churches create new space for faith
First published 19th March 2019A new report by Church Army has revealed how Messy Churches create new space for faith. The report found that Messy Churches are reaching families who are new to church; 61% of attenders at Messy Churches in the research were from non-church backgrounds.
Serving God at the Glastonbury Festival
First published 22nd January 2019Revd Chris North, Acting Head of Ministry Development, volunteers each year in the Sanctuary Tent at the Glastonbury Festival:Glastonbury Festival is one of the most iconic summer gatherings and is known across the world and as such it is amazing place.
Inspire Conference 2019 - Being a blessing to schools and colleges
First published 22nd January 2019Working in partnership with schools can be rewarding. Inspire will explore different ways that people in churches can support children and young people in schools.
New booklet to help toddler groups create connections
First published 22nd January 2019Toddler groups are among the most exciting and significant starting places for mission for both adults and children.It is estimated that between a third and a half of all children in this country, aged under three, regularly attend a church-run toddler group.
Connections: Positive Parenting
First published 12th December 2018Being a parent is one of lifes greatest joys, but it is also one of its biggest challenges. There's hardly a mum or dad on earth who, at times, is not overawed by the task of parenting.
Youthwork Sunday launched
First published 17th September 2018Do you want to get your church thinking and praying about young people?Do you want them to join in with celebrating what God is doing in young people's lives, and dream about what else might be possible?
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
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
Breakfast Church
First published 4th May 2018Lots of families struggle to attend church because Sunday mornings become filled with taking children to sporting activities, going shopping and other regular activities.
How can we all be inclusive?
First published 23rd April 2018As a church family we want to include children, young people and adults of all abilities and needs in all aspects of church life, but the truth is that many of us struggle to make this a reality.
Engaging younger generations - Revd Adam Beaumont
First published 5th March 2018Revd Adam Beaumont, team vicar of Greater Corsham and Lacock and Deanery Missioner for Schools, Children and Families, asks why we put such a focus on young people.
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
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.
Church toddler group proves hit after first session
First published 22nd May 2017A new toddler group at St John the Baptist, Colerne, is already proving a success after its first session. This month the church launched Sparkles, aimed at children under five, and has already seen 26 children come along.
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
Creative Ideas for Wild Church
First published 12th October 2016This innovative and imaginative resource offers learning and worship activities and whole service outlines to help churchesand schools engage with the outside world and increase connectedness with the communities where they are placed.
Discounted 'Light' materials for churches
First published 15th September 2016Scripture Union is a name known forproducinga wealth of resourcesthat support churches in their ministry and mission with children and young people.
Supporting students in their faith
First published 5th September 2016A new term has begun and thousands of young people will be heading off to university for the first time.
"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.
Young people voice thoughts on 'church'
First published 24th August 2016Young people from churches in Swindon Deanery were invited to be part of a consultation to find out their views on faith and church life.
Jonathan, 10, on connecting with God
First published 29th July 2016God can connect with us in unexpected ways as Jonathan Bryan can testify.
Pokemon Go: Why churches need to know about it
First published 27th July 2016First of all, what is Pokmon GO? Pokmon GO is a mobile and tablet app game which lets players find Pokmon (Animated creatures, first created in the 90s, which players have to catch, train and battle with).
Youth resource about 'awkward' issues
First published 27th May 2016When looking for bible studies for youth groups the range of resources that cover biblical themes, characters and the basics are pretty much catered for.
Nurturing a resilient faith in children
First published 26th May 2016I've just finished flicking through past editions of Childrenswork magazine and an interview with Rob Parsons (founder of Care for the Family).
Does the Church really receive them with joy?
First published 17th March 2016Anita Dobson, from Christ Church Downend, recently went to the Baptism Matters day. Here she writes her thoughts on the event:We so want to be welcoming to each and every person who comes through the church door.
Skate park returns to Malmesbury Abbey
First published 22nd February 2016Hundreds of skateboarders headed to Malmesbury Abbey as it held its eighth annual skate festival.
Young people, drugs and alcohol...
First published 13th January 2016Substance misuse among under-18s in the UK is always a cause for concern with stories of teenagers drinking alcohol, smoking cannabis, or using drugs never far from the headlines.
Growing Faith through Generosity
First published 13th January 2016We are all on a journey of faith; wherever we are on that journey, and no matter how far we have travelled, we are seeking to be Disciples of Christ.
Christmas Through the Keyhole
First published 17th December 2015Christmas Through The Keyhole is a multi-sensory, interactive re-telling of the Christmas story for primary school pupils.
One Baby (video)...
First published 15th December 2015'One Baby' is a great short animated film produced by Bath Youth for Christ that explains the significance of the baby born at Christmas: Jesus!
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.
Why including little ones is good
First published 2nd December 2015As a regular subscriber.
'Learn 2 Listen' makes an impact
First published 23rd November 2015On Tuesday 17th November 2015, church leaders from across the diocese met at Hillside House to explore how churches can be more effective in hearing to the voice of children and young people.
Christmas 'all-age' ideas
First published 18th November 2015As the countdown to Advent gets ever closer the time to start thinking about the all-age Christmas services will arrive quicker than you think!
30k students, 4k staff, 1 CofE Chaplain...
First published 22nd October 2015With the mayhem of Freshers weeks and fairs kicking off the new HE academic years at UWE and Bristol University, it'd be easy to miss the essential roles of our Anglican Chaplains at the centre of the goings-on.
Life to the Max - Joel's story
First published 6th October 2015For Joel, growing up in a vicarage is very different to the home life his peers experience.
Germans thrive at Soul Survivor
First published 5th October 2015During August, a group of young people from Augsburg in Germany visited to develop links and relationships between the Diocese of Bristol and the Lutheran Church in Bavaria.
Holy fire at Soul Survivor
First published 21st September 2015Taking a group of young people to Soul Survivor can be an amazing experience.
Helping young people grow in faith
First published 16th September 2015The vast majority of Christians say they made their first commitment to Christ under the age of 21.
Connecting children to God
First published 15th September 2015Becky Fisher has been the Rural Schools and Churches Worker for the eight parishes in the Gauzebrook Group in North Wiltshire since 2011.
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.
Children's Society launches Seriously Awkward campaign
First published 17th August 2015The Children's Society is calling for changes to the law to protect 16 and 17 year old's from harm, abuse and neglect.
Bye Buy Childhood
First published 22nd July 2015Bishop Mike Hill, together with Archbishop Justin Welby, Bishop Stephen Cottrell and Bishop Paul Butler, was amongst those who came to hear and give support to the Mother's Union debate at the General Synod.
Planning a holiday club?
First published 1st July 2015Youth & Children's Adviser, Dan Jones writes, I have had the privilege of organising, leading, helping and visiting a wide variety of holiday clubs and what have I learned?
Godventure is worth a look…
First published 1st July 2015I stumbled upon this website www.godventure.co.ukyesterday when asked to recommend good sites for inspiration.
Free 'app' that helps young people cope with stress
First published 1st July 2015Stressheads a clever new mobile app has been launched by YouthNet to help 16-25 year olds to cope with stress.
Listening to children and young people
First published 9th June 2015Don't assume you know what's best for us without our opinions. You don't.
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.
My Wild Crafty Cathedral
First published 5th May 2015On Wednesday 27 May, Bristol Cathedral will host Crafty Cathedral a fun day for children and families to get arty and creative during the half term holiday.
Our Journey to the Cross 2015
First published 31st March 2015Revd Howard Jameson built on the Experience Easter at his local primary school by matching the Stations of the Cross with photographs of familiar local places.
Keeping children safe online
First published 18th February 2015CEOPs website www.thinkuknow.co.uk is a brilliant resource for children, young people, parents, carers and teachers on everything that is online.
Young people celebrate faith in Christ
First published 20th October 2014On Thursday 27 November young people from across the Diocese of Bristol are invited to say YES and celebrate their faith in Jesus Christ.
The challenge to go ‘One Step Beyond'
First published 16th October 2014On Saturday 11 October two hundred leaders and volunteers gathered to be nurtured and challenged at 'One Step Beyond - the triennial Youth and Children's Work conference hosted by the dioceses of Bristol and Bath & Wells.
Clergy kids weekend
First published 26th September 2014Over the weekend of 19-21 September, 30 young people from clergy families in the dioceses of Bristol and Bath & Wells travelled to the Devon coast for the 12th Life to the Max.
Who is my Neighbour?
First published 3rd June 2014The Cathedral's project for Church schools, 'Who is My Neighbour?' saw the Travelling Chest make its way around nine of the Diocese's Church schools. On 21 May, over 220 children met in the Cathedral for a creative day of celebration and worship.
Practical Love: The Noise
First published 30th April 2014The May bank holiday weekend (3-5 May 2014) was a big one for churches in Bristol.View our photos from the weekend The Noise is all about showing God's love in practical ways.
Sixth year for Malmesbury Abbey Skate
First published 6th February 2014Malmesbury Abbey Skate returns for a sixth year later this month (17, 19-21 Feb), with an expanded festival for young people of all ages.
The greatest gift of all
First published 3rd December 2013Our story begins in Galilee just over 2000 years ago. With two lovely people called Mary and Jo...This re-writing of the Christmas story is great for reading out at a Crib or family service.
All-age Advent
First published 26th November 2013A four-part all-age service for Advent from Roots magazine called 'The beginning and the end'.
Messy Cathedral celebrated
First published 24th October 2013On Saturday 19 October, Bristol Cathedral buzzed with the controlled mayhem of an up-scaled Messy Church event.
Prince one of many baptisms
First published 22nd October 2013As 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.
Clergy kids live life to the max
First published 13th October 201330 young people from clergy families in the dioceses of Bristol and Bath & Wells had a fantastic weekend in North Devon last month, part of the whole life support we offer to clergy families.
Bristol youth workers share faith in Germany
First published 23rd September 2013Four 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.
Thrive - 6 'free' Bible studies for teens
First published 6th August 2013Are you looking for a practical, fun and easy-to-use resource to learn about the Christian faith with your youth group? "Thrive" may be the answer: six sessions which explore key aspects of the Christian faith.
A little story of growing numbers: building Messy Church
First published 9th July 2013Following 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.
Who is my friend? A social networking lesson
First published 3rd November 2011What impact does social networking have on our self worth and relationships? How can social networks enhance our lives, and what boundaries need to be set to keep us safe and build healthy relationships?
Come to us, or go to them?
First published 12th July 2011Here's an excellent video for your youth group.
Creative prayer ideas
First published 26th June 2011Are you in need of ideas for making prayer time during all-age services and children's work more engaging?
Gospel reflection
First published 14th April 2011This reflective podcast for young people was recorded for Clifton Diocese in Lent 2011. It is based on John 5.
10 ideas for rethinking Sunday School with youth
First published 29th March 2011This is a challenging article from the wonderful RETHINKING YOUTH MINISTRY.