The number of people permitted to attend weddings and funerals is set to increase incrementally, according to the Government "roadmap" out of lockdown. Further detailed advice will be made available in the weeks ahead.
The Bishop of Chester has given his permission to allow Annual Parochial Church Meetings to take place online in the year 2021. The decision has been taken to improve the safety and accessibility of APCM's in this emergency period.
Following the Prime Minister’s statement to Parliament, the Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, who chairs the Church of England’s Coronavirus Recovery Group, has issued a statement on behalf of the Church.
"Stephen Cottrell writes about Christ as if he were here now. As if redemption were possible for all of us, as if the void that threatens to engulf us all could be filled by a personal relationship with Christ in the present."
Members of the diocesan Environment Forum have recorded an episode of the diocesan podcast Chester Box. In it they talk about the diocesan environment-foccussed Lent campaign and their hopes for the diocese.
The Melanesian Sisters in the Solomon Islands and their friends in Chester held their first online service and meeting earlier this month. They joined for morning prayer and then to share news from the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
_1613559506.png)
General Synod is to hold a special online meeting later this month examining challenges facing the Church and the world in light of the coronavirus pandemic followed by a formal session in the spring.
The Revd Steve Sheridan, the vicar of Chester St Oswald & St Thomas of Canterbury, has composed a poem for Ash Wednesday. Poetry continues to have an enduring quality through these times of crisis and challenge.
The first findings from a nationwide study to capture carbon impacts in the Church of England have been published, a year on from a vote committing the Church to net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Archdeacon Ian Bishop, is today launching a Lenten journey and you're invited to take part. The focus for Lent this year is God's creation and the environment, an issue close to Ian's heart and one which is important to the Christian faith. Â
Hanuato has strong links with the Diocese of Chester. Over the years, representatives from each diocese have visited each other's countries and enjoyed mutual support and hospitality.
The Revd Stephen Sheridan, from Chester St Oswald & St Thomas of Canterbury, has written a poem for Time to Talk Day, which is today. 04 February 2021. It's written from the perspective of someone who has poor mental health.
Bishop Keith Sinclair will retire as Bishop of Birkenhead on the 07 March after 14 years in the post. In a letter to the diocese, Bishop Mark invites us all to prepare for his retirement and participate in plans for his farewell.
_1602687435.JPG)
In this reflection, first published in the Chester Diocesan News, the Archdeacon of Macclesfield, Ian Bishop, offers his thoughts on environmental issues and calls on all Christians to be at the forefront of tackling environmental issues.Â
The February edition of the Chester Diocesan News is now available. It includes a personal reflection from The Archdeacon of Macclesfield and articles on 'The relentless lockdown', and 'Time to talk day'.
In response to reaching the terrible milestone of 100,000 deaths from COVID-19, the Archbishops invite all to call on God in Prayer. Starting on 1 February we invite you to set aside time every evening to pray, particularly at 6pm each day.
Time to Talk Day 2021 is on February 4th and takes the theme “The Power of Smallâ€. Our contribution to Time to Talk Day is a service presented by members of the diocese’s Mental Health Forum.
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are issuing a call to the nation to pause and reflect to remember the more than 100,000 people across the UK who have died after contracting Covid-19 and all those who know and love them.
The Bishop of Chester is calling on the Prime Minister to introduce legally binding targets to cut plastic pollution. He’s joined others in writing to Boris Johnson to ask for the measures to be included in the Environment Bill.
In normal times we would have a Cheshire United Service on the Sunday of the Week of Prayer. This year a group from Alsager Churches Together has gathered to record the service.
The Revd Alec Brown, vicar of Aston-by-Budworth and Great Budworth, has written two poems, that have taken their inspiration from the times we are in. They are titled 'Lockdown 3' and 'Winter walking'.
In this Church House Blog, the Revd Jenny Bridgman shares her personal account of the challenges of homeschooling and urges us all to reach out to friends, family and neighbours and "be the calming presence" they might need.
As we approach the flagship diocesan event, Called to Serve, Bishop Mark, reflects on his own calling to be a bishop and reminds us that with God's help we can grow to be the person God wants us to be.Â
The Revd Peter Froggatt has begun his new role as Director of Outreach. Peter leads the new department of Outreach which incorporates the work of the previous departments of Mission and Social Responsibility.
The Revd Simon Stride says he has always been passionate about three things: Jesus, church, and music. Approaching his 30s, he left his “dream job†working in a recording studio to follow a call to the priesthood.
Judge David Turner, who is the Diocesan Chancellor, has been named as the new Deputy Chair of the Clergy Discipline Commission replacing Sir Mark Hedley, who retired in December 2020.
In his virtual address to the One Planet Summit on 11 January, Prince Charles called upon businesses and organisations to fight against the climate crisis, something our own environment forum is working towards.
It's been five years since the death of the enigmatic English singer-songwriter, David Bowie. In a tribute concert for the late Freddie Mercury, he paused during his performance to do something that took everyone by surprise.
The Diocese of Chester has been given permission to appoint two new suffragan bishops. Following a consultation, Bishop Mark is now beginning the appointment process.
The Diocese of Chester is creating additional clergy support groups which any member of the clergy can join. The announcement of the additional clergy support comes following a challenging Christmas.
