Updated guidance in relation to Common Cup
The archbishops have written to all clergy to inform them that updated guidance has been issued in relation to the suspension of the Common Cup in response to Coronavirus Covid-19.
News
Safeguarding "due regard", what does it mean?
The Church of England has issued a note to explain what "due regard" means in relation to safeguarding policy. It is a legal duty of clergy, readers, lay workers, churchwardens and PCC's to have "due regard" to safeguarding guidance.
The everyday faith of the MU in our diocese
This week, Wendy Sykes marks the first anniversary of her three-year term as local Mothers’ Union President. She leads the 72 branches in our diocese which are supporting our communities, especially families and those who are lonely.Â
New Director of Studies for Pastoral Workers
The Revd Jenny Bridgman has this week taken up her role as Director of Studies for Pastoral Workers in the Diocese of Chester. Jenny will be familiar to many in the diocese from her previous role as Assistant Director of Ordinands.
Ash Wednesday in Crewe
Revd Catherine Cleghorn, a curate of three churches in Crewe, St Andrew's, All Saints and St Peter's, ventures out onto the streets of the town to offer 'Ashes To Go' to people on Ash Wednesday.
Church House closed on Thursday 27 February
Church House will be closed to all visitors on Thursday 27 February. All Church House staff are taking part in a training day at Foxhill. We're sorry for the inconvenience this may cause.
40 small steps and prayers to protect creation
Thousands of people are expected to take part in the CofE's Lent campaign, a set of 40 daily reflections, actions and prayers. #LiveLent 2020 is based on the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent Book, Saying Yes to Life, by Dr Ruth Valerio.
How are you observing Lent this year?
As Christians, Lent and the Easter story are at the heart of our faith. But the way in which we observe this important festival varies depending on your church tradition and orthodoxy. Here are a few things happening around the diocese.
Bishop urges abuse survivors to come forward
The Bishop of Birkenhead is urging anyone with information regarding church-related abuse to report it. The request comes as an independent review of safeguarding files gets underway in the diocese.
General Synod round up
Following the meeting in February 2020 of the General Synod, the national assembly of the Church of England here is a round-up of what was discussed and voted on. The news is taken from the national media office.Â
Guidance for parishes on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Church of England’s Mission and Public Affairs division has published advice to parishes on practical steps to reduce the risk of infection from Coronavirus (COVID-19).
General Synod: Apology for racism
The General Synod voted today to apologise for racism experienced by black and minority ethnic people in the Church of England since the arrival of the Windrush generation.
CNC holds its first meeting
The Crown Nominations Commission has held its first meeting. The CNC is made up of six elected members from the diocese, six members of the General Synod, and the two archbishops.
How do you live out your faith day-to-day?
As Christians, we are called to live out our faith through our words, deeds and actions. Two Christians in our diocese share their thoughts on how they live out their faith day-to-day.
Reflection: What is God’s plan for you today?
The Archdeacon of Chester, Mike Gilbertson, reflects on the importance of living out our faith every day of the week, as we go about our own business. This was first published in February's CDN.
Bishop statement on quarantined Brits
The Bishop of Birkenhead, Keith Sinclair, has issued a short statement ahead of the arrival of 83 Britons from China to Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral, where they will be quarantined for two weeks.
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Bishop announces details of safeguarding review
The Bishop of Birkenhead has announced details of Past Case Review 2 (PCR2), a new national past case review into the handling of safeguarding files in the Church. Â
Passion returns to Chester this Easter
The outdoor production of Chester City Passion, is once again going to be performed in Chester after a three year break. A huge turnout is predicted on the day of the performance, which takes place on Good Friday, 10 April 2020.
Young People’s Poetry Competition
Chester Cathedral’s Poet-in-Residence has announced the Cathedral’s very first Young People’s Poetry Competition, which is open to 16-25 year olds. Poems are to be based on the Cathedral’s 2020 theme of ‘Journeys’.
Called to Serve
Come along and explore your potential vocation at this special event on 25 January 2020. What is God calling you to be and do with your life? Find out by booking on to Called to Serve.
Praying for the diocese
Bishop Keith Sinclair has begun the New Year with an invitation to all in the Diocese of Chester to join him in prayer, for the diocese, the CNC, and the person God is calling to be the next Bishop of Chester.
Meet the new Head of Counselling Services
The counselling service is available to everyone in the Diocese of Chester via a team of dedicated counsellors, led by the recently appointed Head of Counselling Services, the Revd Peter MacKriell.
100s of Christmas gifts donated to prisoners
After 14 months, Journey into Light the exhibition has come to an end, but the journey continues for many who are feeling brokenhearted and lost in our prisons and communities.Â
Malpas family make one of world’s largest Christingles
Two young siblings from Malpas in Cheshire have made one of the largest Christingles in existence for their local church service to raise money for The Children’s Society. Â
Bishop Stephen Cottrell to be the next Archbishop of York
The Queen has approved the nomination of the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell as the next Archbishop of York, Downing Street has announced.
Journey into Light on Radio 4
The exhibition of prisoner art that has been touring the diocese for the last year was featured on Radio 4 this weekend and includes an interview with the Archdeacon of Stockport.
A Christmas Tree for Life, not just for Christmas
The tree, made up of 500 plastic bottles, rounds off the Cathedral’s year of ‘waves’ – a year of special events themed around the theme of water, which sought to provoke thought about how we care for the world.
Tree-cycled Festival opens at Cathedral
Chester Cathedral’s Christmas Tree Festival has returned for its seventh year, allowing visitors to lose themselves in the cloisters - beautifully transformed into tree-lined winter walkways.
Real-life stars feature in Christmas advert
With dragons, talking carrots, and ET all vying for centre stage in the annual festive advertising bonanza, the Church of England is putting real-life stars at the heart of its campaign to invite more people to church this Christmas.
Diocese announces plans for the Lay Conference 2020
The Lay Conference Planning Team has announced details of the Lay Conference 2020. It will be held on the weekend of 15 to 17 May and is open to all lay church members.
