Yesterday someone thanked me
In this Church House Blog, Stephen Freeman, Design and Communications Officer and "avid user of techno gadgetry" offers his thoughts on communication following a recent conversation with a member of the clergy.
News
The light shines in the darkness
As we look ahead to public worship again, Archdeacon Ian says we should "return with a greater awareness that Christ is not locked down in a building" and reminds us that his light reaches far beyond the church walls.
Banns for forthcoming weddings
Lisa Moncur, Diocesan Registrar, has written directly to all clergy advising that when a church reopens for Sunday services, banns for forthcoming weddings should be read in the usual way as required by law.
Plas Newton church supports school in Zambia
St. Michael's in Plas Newton has been supporting a school in Zambia by helping to pay for state school fees and midday meals for the children. Recently, they have been helping to provide food to those affected by COVID-19.
Bishop Mark grilled by youths
Young people from around the diocese met online with the next Bishop of Chester recently to chat and ask him some very searching questions about his faith and what he has in store for the diocese upon his arrival.
Reopening of buildings for public worship
A statement from the Church of England following the Government announcement that church buildings can reopen for public worship from 04 July. Detailed advice for parishes will be updated and circulated in the coming days.
Quizzing with Bishop Mark
The Bishop-elect of Chester, Mark Tanner, will face questions from young people of Cheshire this evening in two online events. They will discuss a range of topics, from the fun to the serious. All are welcome to join in.
"Bring an end to racial injustice"
Following the recent protests around the world, senior clergy in the Diocese of Chester, including the Bishop of Birkenhead and the Archdeacon of Chester, have signed an open letter asking God to "bring an end to racial injustice".
End the sin of racism
The Church of England’s online weekly service will hear a call for action to build a fairer world ahead of a minute’s silence to lament the racism experienced by the Windrush generation and other black and UK minority ethnic people.
Deacons-to-be commissioning service
A service to commission 23 deacons-to-be to public ministry in their title parishes in the Diocese of Chester will take place on Thursday 02 July at 7pm. Family, friends, and parishioners are warmly invited to join in.
Black lives, like any other lives, do matter
The Revd Canon Lameck Mutete, Vicar of Tattenhall, Cheshire has produced this short video, reflecting on the death of George Floyd in the US, which sparked global demonstrations of justice and equity for all.
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Update on clergy housing matters
Following the easing of lockdown measures, the Property Team based at Church House has issued an update detailing which work can resume at this time, and which work will remain on hold for now.
Parishes gifted £2,000 boost
All parishes in the Diocese of Chester will receive a grant of £2,000 to help towards the new missional challenges following the coronavirus crisis. Church House staff will begin transferring the money to parishes from today.
Church House Blog: Fundraising update
In this Church House Blog, Emily Allen, Church Buildings Missioner, updates parishes on the fundraising opportunities available to them, including new grants from Christian organisations as well as local authorities.
A reflection from lockdown
As church buildings begin to open again, we wanted to share with you a reflection, written in lockdown, about everyday discipleship and how we are called by the Holy Spirit to action or inaction at different times.
Weddings in churches
With churches now beginning the process of reopening initially for individual private prayer and funerals, church weddings, however, are still not permitted at present under the Government’s restrictions.
Fresh guidance from the national church
Fresh guidance from the national church brings together various previous documents about re-opening buildings and includes some revised guidance in the light of the Government guidance from yesterday morning.Â
The institution of Revd Karen Brady
Despite the Coronavirus lockdown, the institution of Revd Karen Brady still took place, over Zoom, on 10 June 2020. People were able to watch online and send their messages during the ceremony.
Government guidance for places of worship
A guidance document has been published by the Government setting out in detail what activities are permitted in a church building and how we can ensure the safe use of churches during the pandemic.
Cathedral to re-open for private prayer
Preparations are underway and measures are being put in place at Chester Cathedral so it can re-open its doors and welcome people back into the building safely for private prayer and reflection.
Funerals in churches from 15 June
The House of Bishops today discussed a range of issues and approved further advice on funerals, the celebration of Holy Communion, and ordinations. The guidance advises that funerals are permitted from 15 June.
Archbishop lays down his crozier
The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu, accompanied by his wife, the Revd Margaret Sentamu, laid down his crozier of office on the high altar of York Minster on Sunday 7 June, his last act as Archbishop of York.
Royal Cheshire County Show goes virtual
In place of the annual live show, there will be an online event taking place over two days on 16 and 17 June. It promises to provide entertainment, education and the judging of livestock. What's more, it's totally free.
Take a virtual tour and raise money
In lieu of its usual Summer Fair activities, a church in Cheshire has offered an online tour of its ancient tower in support of the Neonatal Ward at Leighton Hospital. The tour is dedicated to the memory of baby George Whitney.
Archdeacon Ian on Trinity Sunday
Archdeacon Ian reminds us that God is the Father, God, and the Holy Spirit and in this shared commitment of one God in three persons, we find a model for a supportive, affirming, life-giving body that we call Church.
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Webinar to mark World Environment Day
The Diocese of Chester has hosted a webinar to mark World Environment Day. It explored Eco-Church, an award scheme run by environment charity A Rocha, which encourages parishes to be mindful of the environment.Â
Archbishop to lead CofE Sunday service
The Archbishop is to be joined by representatives of charities he founded in the weekly online service for the Church of England marking his last day as Archbishop of York. The service is available from 9am.
New appointment for St Mary’s Sandbach
We are delighted to announce the appointment of the Reverend Briony (Bee) Boyde as the next vicar of St Mary’s Sandbach. This is subject to all legal formalities being fulfilled. We look forward to Bee joining us in the very near future.
June CDN is now available
The June edition of the Chester Diocesan News is now available online as a PDF. This edition covers the announcement on 12 May, that Mark Tanner is to become the next Bishop of Chester.
Fundraising during COVID-19 and beyond
In this Church House Blog, Emily Allen, Church Buildings Missioner, suggests a number of resources where you can find help and information on fundraising during the pandemic and beyond.
