December CDN is now available
The December edition of the Chester Diocesan News is now available online as a PDF. This edition includes a reflection from Bishop Mark and information about the new national Church of England Christmas campaign.
News
The Lay Conference is coming
The Lay Conference 2022 will take place during the weekend of 25 March 2022. Titled, "Not just Sunday - Encouraging #EverydayFaith" it is free to attend with accommodation and all meals included.
Inaugural session of the new General Synod
Following their election in October, representatives of the Diocese of Chester attended the inaugural meeting of the new General Synod in November, including Sam Wilson, who is one of Synod's youngest.
Lynne Cullens to be next Bishop of Barking
Downing Street has announced that the Revd Lynne Cullens will be the next Bishop of Barking in the Diocese of Chelmsford. Lynne is currently the Rector of Stockport and Brinnington, a role she has held since 2019.
Bishop of London comments on new variant
The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, has called for everyone to take steps to protect themselves and others following the identification of the new omicron variant of Covid-19. She confirms that new Government guidance is expected.
Bishop Sam marks start of Advent
Bishop Sam has marked the start of Advent with an interview on BBC Radio Manchester. Bishop Sam told Mike Shaft of the joy he has experienced meeting people around the diocese, including Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham.
Carols on the Kop
After the Tranmere Rovers home game on Saturday 18 December, the Kop end of the pitch plays host to a carol concert and readings from the Christmas story. Katie Ritson, will perform a solo.
Church House Blog: Words and action
Jonny Masters shares some thoughts on the role young people can and are playing in keeping the environment and creation on the agenda and helping the Church and wider society to turn words and promises into action.
Called to Serve confirmed for 2022
The flagship diocesan vocations day, Called to Serve, will take place on Saturday 29 January 2022. Fifty places are available to individuals who want to find out more about the different vocations available to them in the Church.,
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Growing Faith Foundation Head appointed
The Church of England’s first Head of its new Growing Faith Foundation has been announced as Lucy Moore. The Growing Faith Concept began in 2019 to promote partnership between the church, school and household.
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School rated "good" for first time
A Church of England High School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted for the first time in its history. Sir Thomas Boteler hosted the bishops on the day Downing Street announced Julie and Sam as the bishops of Birkenhead and Stockport.
A Church Near You for Christmas
Every church can have a presence on A Church Near You, the website platform which is helping churches to share service details with people who might be unfamiliar with Church and seeking a local Christmas service.
At the heart of Christmas
'At the heart of Christmas' is the Church of England's theme for Advent and Christmas 2021. A wide range of resources and support is available for use by churches, including printed and digital materials.
11 year old eco-champion secures church award
Holy Trinity Blacon is celebrating after being awarded a Bronze Eco Church award by the Christian environmental charity A’Rocha. The award is largely down to the efforts of what could be our youngest eco-champion and her mother.
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New beginnings for Church House staff
Church House will bid farewell to three members of staff at the end of this year. Sandra Reynolds, Peter Bacon, and Emily Allen are all moving on to new beginnings after serving parishes across the Diocese of Chester for a number of years.
Church magazine competition
The search is on for Britain's best church magazine. Entries are now invited for the annual competition run by the Association for Church Editors. The deadline for entering is 07 February.
Cranmer Awards return
The regional and national competition in which young people are judged on their delivery of extracts from the Book of Common Prayer, returns this year. The regional heat will take place on 28 November.
Poppies at Christ Church, Bebington
Over the past year, over 100 parishioners have been knitting thousands of poppies for an amazing display at Christ Church, Bebington, to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion poppy appeal.
November CDNÂ is now available
The November edition of the Chester Diocesan News is now available. There's news and events from around the diocese and you can see Rev Lynn Boyle getting on her bike to mark the poppy appeal.
Volunteers sought to assist training delivery
Volunteers are being sought to assist the diocese in delivering safeguarding training to parishes. The volunteers must be suitably qualified and experienced with a willingness to assist the lead trainers in a co-working capacity.Â
Church launches consultation on Net Zero
The Church of England is to consult dioceses, cathedrals, national institutions, parishes, schools, and other interested parties on a proposed route map to achieve net-zero carbon by 2030.
Motorbike ride-out pays tribute to the fallen
The Revd Lynn Boyle joined 100 bikers on a ride-out from St Paul’s, Compstall to mark the centenary of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal. Each motorbike carried the name of a soldier who had died in battle.
Christian social enterprise opens in Poynton
Just-Ice, Poynton opened its doors to the public in October. The ice cream shop and community hub in the centre of the village is run on Christian values, where “all are welcome" and aims to offer employment to survivors of slavery.
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More keynote speakers announced
The planning team behind next year's Clergy Gathering has announced two more keynote speakers. The conference will take place between 16 and 19 of May 2022 at Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire.
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What are you doing for the planet?
A new video resource has been sent to all Church schools to help start a conversation about the small things we can do in our everyday lives to help protect the planet from environmental damage.
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Knitted Bible in Hartford
In November, St John's Church in Hartford is excited to be hosting an exhibition of The Knitted Bible. The exhibition will be visited by school children and is also open to the general public to enjoy.
Chester Cathedral given a helping hand
Chester Cathedral is to benefit from a £198,599 grant, towards restoring Chester Cathedral’s historic, Grade 1 listed Abbey Gateway. It will undergo much-needed conservation and maintenance.
Bishops Sam and Julie grilled by Archdeacons
Bishop Sam Corley and Bishop Julie Conalty have each had their Welcome Services in the last week. They were asked some very searching and personal questions by the Archdeacons who gave no quarter in their grillings.
Church bells to ring ahead of COP26
Churches across the country are planning to ring their bells on the eve of COP26. Churches will join in the Ring Out for Climate initiative at 18:00 for 30 minutes on Saturday 30 October.
Clergy Gathering speaker confirmed
The planning team behind next year's Clergy Gathering has confirmed the name of one of its key note speakers. The conference will take place between 16 and 19 of May 2022 at Hayes Conference Centre, Swanwick, Derbyshire.
