O still, small voice of calm
As Foxhill, House and Woodlands re-opens to all in the diocese, its Director, the Revd Jonathon Green offers a reflection on finding that moment of calm amidst the urgency and business of life.
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As Foxhill, House and Woodlands re-opens to all in the diocese, its Director, the Revd Jonathon Green offers a reflection on finding that moment of calm amidst the urgency and business of life.
The September edition of the Chester Diocesan News is now available. It focusses on our retreat centre, Foxhill House and Woodlands. Based in Frodsham, Foxhill, is re-opening to guests for day visits and overnight stays.
Bishop Julie and Bishop Sam have safely arrived in the diocese over the summer and have formally taken up their roles, beginning with parish visits to Bidston and Stretton respectively.
All Saints Thelwall is the first church in our diocese to adopt a Burial Ground Management System (BGMS) – an interactive, web-based map using the latest technology to hold and protect burial records and locations.
19,000 churchyards are to be surveyed as part of a Church of England project to create a free digital map of every grave and feature in every churchyard in the country. St Bega in the Diocese of Carlisle is the first churchyard to be scanned.
Two weeks ago thieves stole the path stones leading up to the entrance to St Mary's Lymm. It was the second time this has happened in just over a year. At the time the Vicar asked if we could delay the story until she had better news.
The process of elections to General Synod has now commenced with the period for nominations now open. The Nomination period will close at 12 noon on Wednesday 8 September 2021.Â
St Alban’s, Tattenhall recently brought together their community with a church fete that helped raise much-needed funds. Revd Canon Lameck Mutete talks about the welcome return of the fete to their church.
St. Mary’s Parish Church are hosting a Lego model of their building this Summer as part of the ‘Landmarks of Stockport Summer Challenge'. The church will be open on Saturday mornings for people to come and view it.
The August edition of the Chester Diocesan News is now available online as a PDF. This edition includes pictures from the consecration of Bishops Julie and Sam, along with a reflection and events.
As many prepare to take a break for the summer, the Revd Christine Broad, Rector of Woodchurch and Dean of Women in Ministry reflects on the idea of "Sabbath" and says "the gift of Sabbath is a gift of love."
Jonny Masters, Youth, Children and Families Missioner, provides an update for parishes on Living in Love and Faith, which explores the themes of identity, relationships, sexuality and marriage.
As restrictions are lifted, the Church has issued guidance about opening and managing church buildings safely. The Bishop of London has also urged churches and individuals to continue to take precautions to protect the vulnerable.
A massive model railway has come to life at Chester Cathedral today, the result of the Cathedral’s two-year collaboration with lifelong railway enthusiast Pete Waterman OBE.
Parishes can claim a bundle of well-produced, accessible booklets produced by HOPE Together to share with others. The booklet, Hope in Uncertain Times has been written as a resource for churches. Claim a bundle of 50 today.
The Revd Timothy Hupfield has been appointed as a diocesan Healing Adviser. He was invited to take on the new voluntary role by Bishop Mark. He will remain Vicar of the parish of St Martin, Low Marple, and will be licensed on 21 July.
The Revd John Hellewell has begun his new role as a diocesan Mission Adviser. John will be working to support parishes with their missional objectives and says he's looking forward to getting to know people in the parishes.
Bishop Mark has said he is "very disappointed" by the House of Commons decision on international aid and says that vital work, in communities we "know and love" in our link dioceses around the world, risks being cancelled.
An in-person conference in the days following World Mental Health Day has been announced by Church House. The event will be an opportunity for people to step back and reflect on the mental health challenges we face at the end of 2021.
Jonathan Masters, Youth, Children and Families Missioner, highlights that, amidst the uncertain and rapid changes we are experiencing, some brilliant new faith resources for families to use at home have been developed.
Liz Shercliff and Kate Bruce have written a new book called 'Out of the Shadows', which looks at the women in the Bible with the aim of helping preachers to focus on these women when the opportunity arises.
The July edition of the Chester Diocesan News is now available online as a PDF. This edition includes photos from the ordinations of deacons and priests and a reflection from the Director of Vocations, Sarah Fenby.
Julie Conalty, currently Archdeacon of Tonbridge, will be consecrated as the Bishop of Birkenhead, and Sam Corley, currently Rector of Leeds will be consecrated as the Bishop of Stockport on Monday 19 July at York Minster.
The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, who chairs the Church of England’s Covid Recovery Group, has paid tribute to the sacrifices of many amid the pandemic as the Prime Minister outlined plans to lift most restrictions from July 19.
Revd Robert Icke and his friend Professor Simon Piaseck have recently completed a pilgrimage from Chester Cathedral to Lichfield Cathedral. Simon, recorded their conversations, which will form part of a collection of papers on pilgrimage.
Director of Vocations, Sarah Fenby, writes in this Church House Blog about the ways in which we can all play our role in encouraging vocation in ourselves and others around us through relationship, conversation and listening.
A collaboration between Chester Cathedral and Church House has led to hundreds studying the Bible and engaging in discussion. The project was the brainchild of Canon Jane Brooke, Vice-Dean of the Cathedral.
St Michael’s Church in Middlewich partnered with their local running group to organise a charity half-marathon event. The event raised funds but also served as a way to re-engage with the community after a difficult 18 months.
Ten men and women will be made deacon on Sunday 04 July. Please pray for all of these individuals and for their future training. Sunday's ordination service will be live-streamed on YouTube. Download the order of service here.
We’re pleased to announce that the Revd Simon Chesters is to be the next Director of Ministry in the Diocese of Chester. Simon is currently the Director of Vocations in the Diocese of Liverpool. He is due to begin his role in September.