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News and updates
New church building in Swindon opens for live worship on Sunday
First published 18th September 2020Pattern Church is a new church in the historic Great Western Railways Pattern Store building in the centre of Swindon.
‘Deconstructed' environment conference online this October
First published 17th September 2020The planned Church Action in a Climate Emergency conference fell into the beginning of lockdown. But now it's moving online as a ‘deconstructed' conference throughout late October & early November.
Churches celebrating the Season of Creation
First published 17th September 2020We are now over half way through the Season of Creation, and many churches have planned services focusing on God's creation and our shared environment.
Bishop Viv's week in the House of Lords
First published 4th September 2020Parliament returned from recess this week and met on Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 September.
Re-imagining the church of today and tomorrow: In conversation with Ben Lindsay
First published 26th August 2020Ben Lindsay, author of We Need To Talk About Race comes to the Cathedral in October for a series of workshops with church leaders in the Diocese of Bristol.
Mothers Union Wave of Prayer 7 - 9 September 2020
First published 26th August 2020This September, the Bristol Mothers Union (MU) is inviting members of the Diocese of Bristol to join them in three days of prayer.
Ride+Stride given go ahead for Saturday 12 September 2020
First published 26th August 2020Over 40 churches in the Diocese of Bristol are excited to join with 90 churches in Salisbury in this years Wiltshire Ride+Stride.
Holy Trinity, Stapleton to share in funding payout from the National Churches Trust
First published 26th August 2020Holy 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 Kat Campion-Spall announced as Dean of Women's Ministry
First published 25th August 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to appoint Revd Kat Campion-Spall as Dean of Women's Ministry.
Revd Mary Gubbins announced as SSM Team Vicar in the Greater Corsham and Lacock Team
First published 23rd August 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd Mary Gubbins has been appointed to the post of part-time SSM (Self-Supporting Minister) Team Vicar in the Greater Corsham and Lacock Team.
Mini Festival, Friendly Stage, to take place in Bristol churches during August Bank Holiday Weekend
First published 21st August 2020The ‘Friendly Stage Mini Festival' is a miniature Greenbelt-like event over three days, on the theme of ‘A Better World is Possible'.
Could you or someone you know represent the Diocese at General Synod?
First published 19th August 2020There is an opportunity for someone to represent the Diocese in the General Synod for one year.
Learning through the Pandemic
First published 17th August 2020Diocese of Bristol learning event for clergy and church leadership.
Church buildings might be open but church is happening outside
First published 17th August 2020Across the region, churches have been holding services outside in a variety of places.
Worms and worship at St Mary's
First published 10th August 2020St 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.
Bringing wildness to the suburbs
First published 10th August 2020While 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.
Revd Canon Dr Rod Symmons announced as Interim Minister for the Bradley Stoke Parish
First published 31st July 2020The 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.
Bishop of Bristol appointed in national safeguarding role
First published 30th July 2020It was announced yesterday that the Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull has been appointed a deputy lead bishop for safeguarding.
Local church hosts special drive-in service for worshippers, in Sainsbury's car park
First published 29th July 2020St Michael's Church, Stoke Gifford, teamed up with Sainsbury's East Filton, to put on a drive-in church service on Sunday 26 July.
Season of Creation - September 2020
First published 28th July 2020This September marks the Season of Creation. A wonderful opportunity for us all to pay special attention to the responsibility of humanity for the earth and for all that lives upon it.
Caring for the environment during this time of distancing
First published 28th July 2020The coronavirus outbreak has changed daily life for us all. This article gives 5 top tips to help us consider our environmental impact at this time.
Local Minister's community garden featured on BBC Gardener's World
First published 27th July 2020On Friday 24 July, a film clip of the Rev Hazel Trapnell's garden was featured on BBC Gardeners World.
Churches in Avonside come together for a virtual afternoon tea and prayer
First published 24th July 2020On 12 July, members from local churches hosted a virtual afternoon tea and prayer event.
Bishop of Bristol asks question in the House of Lords
First published 17th July 2020Yesterday in the House of Lords, the Lord Bishop of Bristol asked the government what assessment they have made of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human trafficking.
Bishop of Bristol Appoints New Advisor on Racial Justice
First published 16th July 2020The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull has appointed Revd Dr Catherine Okoronkwo to the position of Bishop's Advisor on Racial Justice.
New free Relationship, Sex and Health Education materials launched
First published 16th July 2020Goodness and Mercy, the new website and resources aimed primarily at Church of England Schools, is launching this week.
The Church and the Diocese beyond 2020
First published 15th July 2020An address from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol and Oliver Home, Diocesan Secretary
Bishop Viv's Address to Diocesan Synod Tuesday 14 July
First published 15th July 2020Last night, Bishop Viv addressed Diocesan Synod, reflecting on the last three months in lockdown.
Revd Steve Dyson announced as Associate Vicar in the Kingswood and Hanham Team Ministry
First published 15th July 2020The 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.
Bishop Lee; Seeing more clearly
First published 15th July 2020Bishop Lee discusses how journaling can enable us to reflect on our past and guide our future.
General Synod July 2020 report
First published 14th July 2020Sophie Mitchell, a member of General Synod, reflects on Saturday's Synod, conducted over Zoom!
Two local couples among the first to marry
First published 10th July 2020On Saturday 4 July two couples in the Diocese of Bristol were among the first couples to celebrate their wedding day since lockdown.
Bishop Lee; Running on fumes
First published 9th July 2020Bishop Lee reflects on how God has been at work during the lockdown.
Licensing of ordinands as Lay Workers
First published 8th July 2020The Right Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, licensened ten ordinands as Lay Workers on Sunday 5 July.
Bishop of Bristol to license ten soon-to-be-vicars
First published 3rd July 2020The Right Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, will license ten ordinands this Sunday 5 July, via Zoom.
Bishop Lee; The complexity of the season
First published 30th June 2020Bishop Lee reflects on the impact that his cycling accident had on his wellbeing.
Soulscaping
First published 26th June 2020SoulScaping is an art led practise that enables you to hone three incredible God Given gifts.
Church online in the next phase - advice and considerations
First published 24th June 2020Church online has presented us with a number of new opportunities, and some technological challenges.
Racial justice and the work to be done.
First published 23rd June 2020A message from Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, about racial justice and the work to be done.
Bishop Lee; How long O Lord
First published 23rd June 2020In my last piece - Sacred Space - I said I would write more about the significance of an app and the radio in journeying through a prolonged confinement.
Bishop Lee; Sacred Space
First published 23rd June 2020I am not sure whether finding or going to your personal ‘happy place' was referred to often before the Lockdown, but I have certainly become more conscious of it in recent days.
Radical Pressence: A conversations course from Green Christian
First published 22nd June 2020Green Christian have launched a new discipleship resource to help Christians consider the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the world from a fresh perspective.
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.
Considering the next phase of online church - An online event
First published 19th June 2020As Lockdown eases we begin look to a future where churches services will once again be able to take place, in one form or another, within our church buildings.
Braydon Brook Zoom Pet Service
First published 18th June 2020On Saturday 6 June, Braydon Brook Benefice had its first ever Zoom Pet Service. The idea was formed, posters created, zoom invites sent.
Avonmouth church community expands its emergency food parcel service and outreach work
First published 18th June 2020In Avonmouth, a local church group has been awarded £125,000 in community grants for an aspirational woodworking workshop “Space4Makers†and a store room to expand its Foodbank and HomeBank service.
‘The Time is Now' virtual lobby on Tuesday 30 June.
First published 16th June 2020Will you join thousands across the UK and speak to your MP on Tuesday 30 June as part of the first ever 'virtual lobby' created by the Climate Coalition.
STATEMENT FROM THE BISHOP OF BRISTOL, BRISTOL CATHEDRAL, ST MARY REDCLIFFE CHURCH AND THE DIOCESE OF BRISTOL
First published 16th June 2020Work was carried out yesterday to remove a number of prominent references to Edward Colston in the windows of Bristol Cathedral and St Mary Redcliffe Church.
Prayers during the pandemic. Led by the Bishop of Bristol.
First published 15th June 2020Individuals and churches can now be led in prayer by Bishop Viv as we continue to respond to the challenges our society faces. Recorded at Diocesan Synod, June 2020.
Revd Adam Beaumont announced as new rector of Gauzebrook
First published 14th June 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Rev'd Adam Beaumont has been appointed as Rector of Gauzebrook.
Virtual Fun Days and Prayer Spaces
First published 12th June 2020Social distancing options for fun days and community prayer spaces.
A personal response to #BlackLivesMatter
First published 11th June 2020A personal response to #BlackLivesMatter by Revd Dr Catherine Okoronkwo.
Statement from the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol
First published 11th June 2020Statement from the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol in response to the #BlackLivesMatter protests in Bristol.
One man's walk reaches a whole community
First published 5th June 2020Rev Malcolm Strange goes on a prayer walk around Fromeside
Faith at Home
First published 3rd June 2020Faith at Home is a national campaign that builds on the work of Growing Faith and Everyday Faith to support the faith development and pastoral care of children and young people.
NEW DEAN OF BRISTOL ANNOUNCED
First published 3rd June 2020Her Majesty The Queen has approved the appointment of Canon Dr Mandy Ford as the new Dean of Bristol.
Big take up for innovative new giving options
First published 28th May 2020As lockdown continues and church services continue take place online, new services to support parishes in continuing to encourage generosity are having a significant and positive impact.
Under-fives key to significant church growth
First published 22nd May 2020New research shows that young families with children under five could be a vital element for church growth.
Faith without walls.
First published 20th May 2020To support 'Life groups' in his benefice, Revd Mark Terry has produced 10 sessions titled 'Faith without walls'.
Despite the effects of the pandemic Musician and Composer finds a new connection with God.
First published 15th May 2020For such a time as this, Roger has successfully built on the contribution of our rich liturgy.
Finding our way as a diocese in the time of Covid-19
First published 14th May 2020Bishop Viv explores what impact Covid 19 might have on the diocese, the church and the future. This was originally written for a Bishop's Council meeting on Thursday 7 May.
Bishop of Swindon back in the saddle and raising money for Christian Aid
First published 12th May 2020On Sunday 10 May, the Bishop of Swindon began a 120 mile cycle ride that he will complete over this Christian Aid Week 10 - 16 May 2020.
Thy Kingdom Come - Online in 2020!
First published 12th May 2020Due to Covid-19 Thy Kingdom Come is going to look slightly different this year, but we are still uniting, across the globe to pray 'Thy Kingdom Come'
What is your church's energy footprint?
First published 12th May 2020If you've wondered what the size of your church's energy footprint might be, help is now at hand. The Church of England has launched a new, simple tool to measure the amount of carbon produced annually by heating and lighting your church buildings.
Sue Gent announced as Adviser for Ordinands and Vocations (Diocesan Director of Ordinands)
First published 12th May 2020The Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce the appointment of the Revd Sue Gent.
Receive telephone donations via the Parish Giving Scheme
First published 12th May 2020While our church buildings are closed, it's more important than ever to offer people different ways to give money to support the church.
Advice on stewardship in this time of distancing
First published 12th May 2020One aspect of Covid-19 that is in almost every news bulletin is the financial impact that it will have, what should you do?
Caring for the environment during this time of distancing
First published 12th May 2020The coronavirus outbreak has changed daily life for us all. Some of us are serving as frontline keyworkers, others are still travelling to and from work whilst maintaining social distancing.
Easter Day Message from Bishop Lee
First published 12th May 2020his message from Bishop Lee was broadcast on Easter Sunday 2020 on BBC Radio Wilts.
An Easter Pledge 2020
First published 12th May 2020With Easter this weekend, YourNeighbour.org wants to get the message far and wide that the Church is here for the nation.
Holy Week and Easter
First published 12th May 2020Archdeacon of Bristol, The Venerable Neil Warwick offers a messages for Palm Sunday and a call for us all to reconnect with God.
Top tips on how to use your Church Fundraising Handbook
First published 12th May 2020Your church has been given a Church Fundraising Handbook, but is it gathering dust on a shelf?
Going Digital - resources to help the Church stay connected
First published 12th May 2020There are a range of new and existing Christian resources available for people to engage with at this difficult and challenging time in the life of the nation and the world.
Lighting Candles of Kindness
First published 12th May 2020Candles have been burning in windows across the Diocese as Christians pray for all those affected by the Coronavirus.
Revd Elveen Mead announced as new priest-in-charge of Stratton
First published 11th May 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd Elveen Mead has been appointed vicar of Stratton.
From the Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of England. 24 March 2020
First published 11th May 2020Following the Prime Minister's announcement last night, it is imperative that for the health of the nation and in order for the National Health Service itself to manage the increase in those requiring medical help.
Revd Raymond Adams announced as Acting Area Dean for Swindon
First published 11th May 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that Revd Canon Raymond Adams has been appointed Acting Area Dean of Swindon, effective from 1 April.
Churches find new ways of practically serving their communities
First published 11th May 2020Churches are stepping up to help thousands of worshippers and the many others who looking for spiritual, practical and emotional support as they face the challenge of the coronavirus.
Day of Prayer and Action: light a candle March 22
First published 11th May 2020Church leaders in Britain and Ireland have called on Christians to take part in a National Day of Prayer and Action about Coronavirus on Sunday 22 March.
How the season is unfolding - An update from Bishop Lee
First published 11th May 2020While out cycling in January, Rt Revd Lee Rayfield, Bishop of Swindon, came off his bike after hitting a patch of black ice.
Faith Manifesto sets out aspirations for Bristol
First published 11th May 2020Representatives of different faiths in Bristol - including the Anglican Church - have launched a Faith Manifesto that shares five goals that they believe will contribute to the future well-being of the city.
Coronavirus - Guidance for Parishes
First published 11th May 2020We appreciate that there has been growing concern within the Diocese about the spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
#LiveLent - Six week eco challenge for North Wilts churches
First published 11th May 2020Five congregations in North Wiltshire have taken on a challenge to go green this Lent.
Parish Share Thank you 2019
First published 11th May 2020Our grateful thanks for your church gift of Parish Share in 2019
#LiveLent - Churches take first steps towards saving energy
First published 7th May 2020A Bristol church has been finding ways of cutting its carbon footprint with an Energy Audit of its building.
HOPE Prayer Spaces
First published 7th May 202041% of practising Christians say that a spiritual experience or an experience of the love of Jesus was a key influence in their coming to faith - so if we help more people to experience God's love and presence, more of them will come to know him for themselves.
Rural Giving Day
First published 7th May 2020Hosted by North Wiltshire Deanery Tuesday 24 March 10.am to 2.30pm at St Mary's Hullavington.
Beating the drums for Ghana Day
First published 7th May 2020At the end of January 2020, Langley Fitzurse Church of England School, near Chippenham, held a Ghana Day to raise money for the young woman they sponsor. It was bit different from the usual cake sale!
Rod Symmons announced as Adviser for Curacy
First published 7th May 2020The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, is pleased to announce that as part of the re-shaping of the Ministry Development Team, Revd Dr Rod Symmons is to take the role of Adviser for Curacy.
General Synod sets 2030 Net Zero carbon target
First published 7th May 2020The Church of England's General Synod has set new targets for all parts of the church to work to become carbon ‘net zero' by 2030.
Local Business Network breaks down church barriers
First published 7th May 2020Reaching out to the community can mean different things in different contexts. Fr Charles Sutton, Vicar at All Saints Clifton, reflects on how the church is offering the Christian message to the shops and businesses in Clifton.
Bristol Church creates new monastic community in heart of the city
First published 7th May 2020A Bristol church is bringing together a group of four Christians to experience a modern monastic lifestyle in the city.
Contactless Giving at St Andrew's Castle Combe
First published 7th May 2020St Andrews Church Castle Combe has recently started using the Goodbox Core to help it fundraise through contactless giving. Michael Constable, treasurer at the church, reflects on its impact.
Bishop Viv's Lent Reflections at Bristol Cathedral
First published 7th May 2020On Tuesdays in Lent, the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, will offer a series of reflections at Bristol Cathedral on the climate crisis, drawing on the Archbishop of Canterbury's Lent Book 2020 Saying Yes to Life by Ruth Valerio.
Bishop Lee: "Trusting God in every season"
First published 7th May 2020While out cycling in January, Rt Revd Lee Rayfield, Bishop of Swindon, came off his bike after hitting a patch of black ice, and needed a five hour operation on his leg and now faces the slow process of recovery. He shares his experience and reflects on how God is speaking to him through the accident.
The Invitation to Heal
First published 7th May 2020In his new book ‘invitation to heal', Michael Harvey considers the scientific links between the act of invitation and healing, drawing from Luke 9 where Jesus sends the disciples out to preach the Good News and to heal.
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.
News
First published 21st April 2020News from the Diocese of Bristol
Diocesan Synod Report - March 2020
First published 25th March 2020Synod report from March 2020
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.