News - Diocese of Chester

Pray for our new lay ministers

Please pray for the 16 men and women who are due to be licensed into lay ministry roles at Chester Cathedral on 8 October 2022. Pray for them, their new ministries, and for the parishes in which they will serve.

Farmers grow congregation at Cathedral

It was the National Harvest Service at Chester Cathedral on Sunday 25 September. The service was well-attended, not least because a number of farmers from across the diocese came together to give thanks to God and rejoice in the splendor that nature has provided them.

How church volunteers are helping, simply by listening

The Church House officers behind the Here to Listen project have told how they were prompted to act after hearing about a suicidal school child who had been told they could not access support for eight months. In November, the team behind the project will offer training to new church volunteers.

What are 'subjugated knowledges' anyway?

Women’s Voices, the event that promotes theology from a women’s perspective, is now into its 8th year and is due to take place on 15 October. The event description has been catching the eye of would-be-attendees, particularly the phrase "subjugated knowledges", a term coined by French philosopher Michel Foucault.

Church administrator's art exhibition launches in Ellesmere Port

Charmaine Maw, administrator at St Thomas & All Saints Church, Ellesmere Port is an artist who appeared on the television programme Joe Lycett: Summer Exhibitionist, after one of her pieces of art was shortlisted for the Royal Academy exhibition.

National Harvest Service at Chester Cathedral

Chester Cathedral has been chosen as the venue for this year’s National Harvest service, which will be taking place this coming Sunday 25 September, and will include a farmers market. The National Harvest service is organised by ‘Love British Food’ and was first held in Westminster Abbey in 2013.

Introducing Julie Okundaye

Julie Okundaye is the new Chair of the diocesan Race and Ethnicity Forum. Here she speaks with Archdeacon Ian Bishop about the role on the eve of Black History Month, the event held in recognition of the contribution and achievements of those with African or Caribbean heritage.

Autumnal maintenance of church buildings

The summer is officially over, and we are now into autumn, a season that brings with it certain weather conditions and natural phenomena that can cause damage to church buildings. If left unchecked and unresolved, damage can become much more of an issue come winter, costing more money and time to fix.

Called to Serve confirmed for February 2023

The Director for Vocations in the Diocese of Chester has confirmed that Called to Serve, will go ahead on Saturday 04 February 2023. The flagship event will be held at Foxhill and is an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to consider what it is God might be calling them to be and do.

Queen's Christian discipleship honoured at Everyday Faith deanery event

In the week when the nation mourns the passing of our monarch, the Everyday Faith team made some changes to its planned deanery event in Elworth to honour the example of Christian discipleship and everyday faith set by Queen Elizabeth.

'I always went away afterwards feeling affirmed as a person'

The Revd Canon Ian Davenport, someone well known to the Diocese of Chester, reflects on being a chaplain to the Queen and what he says was “the greatest privilege" of his life. It's a role he held until her passing on 08 September 2022.

Proclamation ceremonies take place across the diocese

Ceremonies to proclaim the accession to the throne of King Charles III have taken place across the Diocese of Chester. From Sandbach to Stockport, Neston to Northwich, people came to hear the news and to hold the King and the Royal Family in prayer.

Cathedral to lead services of thanksgiving ahead of funeral

Services of thanksgiving at Chester Cathedral and other locations around the diocese will be held this week ahead of the state funeral for the late Queen on Monday 19 September. Parishes are encouraged to list their services on A Church Near You.

Parishes encouraged to list services of thanksgiving on ACNY

Parishes are encouraged to list services of thanksgiving for the late Queen on A Church Near You. It only takes a few moments to update your details and doing so will ensure anyone searching for details of a local service can easily find them.

Proclamation of the king

Click for a list of ceremonies taking place around the diocese at which Charles III will be proclaimed king. The Queen's funeral will take place on Monday 19 September. 2022.

Bishop Mark talks with BBC Radio Merseyside

Following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, Bishop Mark talks with Lisa Marrey from BBC Radio Merseyside about her legacy and the impact that she had around the world. For Mark, who was born in Canada, she was also the Queen of his homeland.

A diocese in mourning

The bishops of the diocese and other senior leaders, as well as clergy and lay leaders around the Diocese of Chester have been offering prayers and tributes to Her Late Queen Elizabeth II, and staff at Church House briefly interrupted their work to pray in the chapel.

Churches open books of condolence following death of Queen Elizabeth II

Parish churches, cathedrals, and chapels across the country have been open for prayer and reflection. Queues of people have been filing into Chester Cathedral and parish churches to pay their respects.

Called to Serve confirmed for 2023

Called to Serve, the flagship diocesan vocations event, will take place in February 2023. The Revd Canon Sarah Fenby confirmed that it will take place on 04 February at Foxhill. The day is an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to consider what it is God might be calling them to be and do.

Prayers following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II

The Bishop of Chester has offered prayers for Queen Elizabeth II and her family following the news of her passing on 08 September 2022. He says: "We look to you, her Lord and ours, her saviour and ours."

Church bells to toll and prayers said as nation enters mourning

Church bells are expected to be tolled across England tomorrow following the announcement of the death of Queen Elizabeth II. Guidance from the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers recommends tolling bells for one hour from noon tomorrow.

Bishop Mark pays tribute to Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Bishop Mark has paid tribute to the Queen, saying: "We pray with gratitude for her long, wise, and compassionate reign. We pray for our nation and the Commonwealth. We pray for the Royal Family in their loss and grieving. And, in particular, we pray for our King."

General guidance for parish churches

General guidance for parish churches on marking the passing of the Sovereign is and is being shared with parishes. It contains advice on flying flags at half-mast and opening books of condolence.

Vision development process set for diocesan-wide launch

The start of the new season heralds the unveiling of an exciting new project at the end of the month when the Bishop of Chester will launch the vision development process for the Diocese of Chester. The grassroots consultation promises to "cast the net wide"

Church makes community links and raises money through half-marathon

For the second year in a row, St Michael’s Church in Middlewich partnered with its local running group, Run Middlewich, to organise a charity half-marathon event. In total, 42 runners ran the half-marathon, starting and finishing in the churchyard.

Knife Angel sculpture and volunteer chaplains praised

An art installation and the volunteers that helped make it a success in Birkenhead have been praised for the impact it has had. According to Wirral Council, the Knife Angel had a "phenomenal" impact on local residents and visitors from far and wide.

Ministry hardship fund reopens for second round of applications

A ministry hardship fund to help clergy with the cost of living has reopened for the second round of applications. If you are experiencing hardship and would like to be considered for a grant, apply here no later than 07 October.

Buildings for Mission Advisor joins Church House team

Sheena Wilson has joined the team at Church House where she has begun her role as Buildings for Mission Advisor working in the Outreach Team

Creamfields Church Tent is 'genuinely AMAZING!'

Volunteers from churches around Warrington and Runcorn have been supporting young Creamfields festival goers by offering support, space and conversation. Now into its fourth year one festival goer described the volunteers as "inspirational".

Churches to continue support for abuse victims following successful pilot

The Church of England will be continuing to provide support for victims of church-based abuse, following a successful two-year pilot of the Safe Spaces service. Since the service began in September 2020, a team of trained support advocates has supported more than 300 victims.