A safeguarding note from the NST
The National Safeguarding Team has issued further helpful advice and guidance for parishes. This follows on from conversations the NST has had with charities and other organisations during this challenging time.
News
Church House Blog: God is still calling
In this Church House blog, Jenny Bridgman looks at how the current Covid situation might shape our work across the diocese and how we can adapt and shape ourselves to what may lie ahead.
New guidance on closed church buildings
The Church of England's Cathedrals and Church Buildings Division has issued a revised version of its guidance on caring for closed church buildings, reflecting the decision of the government to extend the lockdown.
Domestic abuse incidents increase
The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser has provided a list of support organisations for those concerned by domestic abuse and says the number of domestic incidents has "increased significantly".
Melanesia emergency fund launched
Melanesia Mission UK (MMUK) has today launched an emergency appeal following Cyclone Harold which has caused widespread destruction, killing people and damaging buildings and growing lands.
New coronavirus prayer resource from CofE
The Church of England has announced that its coronavirus prayers are now available as a booklet to order, or as a PDF to share digitally or print locally. Over the past four weeks, the prayers have been accessed widely.
TalkRadio ask about online worship
In a time of coronavirus, a number of our churches have embraced new technology and thrown themselves into live-streaming worship and prayer, and it is not going by unnoticed with the media.
Church House Blog: Parochial giving
In this Church House Blog, Martin Smith writes about the importance of encouraging church members to continue their giving during the coronavirus crisis and shares some tips for sustaining giving.
Virtual PCCs now permitted
The Church of England's legal team has issued new guidance that states it is now permissible to hold PCCs via Zoom or other "virtual means". This change in policy will help parishes with the continuity of key decisions and discussions.Â
Support for vulnerable individuals
Local authorities across the Diocese of Chester are working in partnership to support individuals and households who may be vulnerable during this period of restricted travel and social distancing.Â
Online St George's Day sing-along
This month the parish of St Matthew’s, Stretton, will host a Facebook party with a St George's Day theme to mark the second anniversary of its monthly ukulele sing-along, Singing Kettle.
Easter Week reflection from Archdeacon Ian
In Easter Week, the Archdeacon of Macclesfield, Ian Bishop offers a reflection and asks will we live in fear or embrace the new reality that is offered to us through Jesus Christ's resurrection.
Bishop Keith's Easter Day sermon
In his Easter Day sermon, Bishop Keith Sinclair reminds us that we are known to God by name and asks us to “listen out for his word of invitation to his new beginning†through Jesus Christ.Â
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Holy Saturday with Archdeacon Mike
Archdeacon of Chester, Mike Gilbertson, reflects on the "desperate" words of Psalm 142 and encourages us not to rush to Easter Day but to stop and "remember that the Bible speaks of every kind of human experience".
"Give thanks, and pray for those who can’t"
The Dean of Chester, Tim Stratford, used his Maundy Thursday sermon to highlight the differences the coronavirus was having on the rich and the poor and to call on all those in relative comfort to be thankful.
Domestic abuse and Covid-19
Domestic abuse may affect anyone at any time, but the isolation resulting from Covid-19 is particularly affecting victims of domestic abuse. On this page is advice and signposting to support, for you or someone you know.
Sing Resurrection
This coming Easter Sunday many believers will be connecting with their churches via livestream in their own homes, but a new initiative called Sing Resurrection aims to get them out of their houses for a few minutes.
Diocesan Maundy Thursday service 11am
The Diocesan Maundy Thursday service from Chester Cathedral will premier here at 11am. Bishop Keith is due to take part from home, and the Dean, Tim Stratford is due to preach. The service was recorded yesterday afternoon.
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The Week That Changed the World
The Week That Changed the World, is an audio journey through Holy Week. You can listen via the web and people without internet access can listen over the phone by simply dialing in from home.
Bishop of Boga's message to the diocese
Bishop William Bahemuka, the Bishop of Boga in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has shared a Holy Week video message with the Diocese of Chester in which he encourages us to trust in the Lord.Â
Chester Mystery Plays go online
The renowned Chester Mystery Plays will be streamed on YouTube on Good Friday for the first time in its 700-year history. The live recordings will be broadcast at 10.30am and remain available online to view for eight weeks.
Fraud warning for Treasurers
The Diocesan Secretary, George Colville, has issued a warning to parishes to be on guard for people trying to take advantage of the current situation by fraudulently requesting payments from them.
Two Cheshire churches receive £15k grant
St Mary the Virgin Church, Bosley, and St Philip Church, Kelsall will both receive £15k grants from the National Churches Trust. The churches are two of 31 churches and chapels that will receive a share of £330,000.
Fundraising opportunities
Emily Allen, Church Buildings Missioner, offers some practical signposting to potential streams of income and fundraising in this Church House Blog. Not everyone will be eligible for the funding, but they may be worth investigating.
New Associate Minister for Stockport parish
The Revd Jess Piper has been appointed to the role of Associate Minister for the parish of Stockport St Mary, Stockport St Thomas and Brinnington St Luke. Jess will take up her post sometime over the summer.
Parishes are reaching out with video
More and more parishes are taking advantage of social media and video technology to take their worship online, engaging with their local communities and some unexpected far-off places.
Holy Week worship at the Cathedral
The Diocese of Chester and Chester Cathedral have announced a schedule of live-streaming worship and music to mark Holy Week. As the symbolic centre of the diocese, it is hoped people from across the diocese will join in.
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Palm Sunday with Archdeacon Ian
A Palm Sunday sermon from Archdeacon Ian in which he says: "We're the resurrection people and through the pain of the days ahead we have, as Jesus had, a hope that is born in the promise of eternal resurrection life."
Ministerial Development Review for Clergy
Clergy should now have received notice that this year’s cycle of MDR conversations will be postponed until 2021. The decision was taken due to the fact that clergy are of necessity and having to focus on the immediate pressures of ministry.
Funeral fees
Owing to the fact that an increasing number of funerals are being conducted at crematoria, a number of people have asked about funeral fees. The Diocesan Secretary has requested that the usual fee arrangements continue.
