Join in with the #prayerjarchallenge
School children across the Diocese of Chester are being encouraged to take part in the #prayerjarchallenge, a fun competition to see who can come up with the most exciting and creative prayer jar.
News
Love in a time of Corona
A couple from Wistaston were married on Monday afternoon, hours before the Prime Minster announced strict measures to close all church buildings. Alana and Joe were due to be married on 04 April in front of some 100 guests.
"The church of Jesus Christ is never closed"
In an open letter to the diocese, following the Prime Minster's address to the nation, the Acting Bishop of Chester, Keith Sinclair says "the church of Jesus Christ is never closed" and through technology, "the church is more open than ever."
Diocesan advice on parish finances
The Diocesan Secretary, George Colville, has written to parishes to explain what measures are being put in place by the Diocese of Chester and the National Church to support parishes during this time of uncertainty.
Financial measures for parishes
The UK Government has issued financial measures and a package of support for businesses, including charities, through the period of disruption caused by Coronavirus. The national Church has published guidance for parishes.
A letter from the Archbishops
The Archbishops have issued a letter in response to the Prime Minister's decision to close all places of worship. The letter says: "it is imperative...the Church of England strictly observes the new guidelines".
Bishop and the Dean: "regrettable" but "necessary"
The Acting Bishop of Chester, Keith Sinclair, and the Dean of Chester, Tim Stratford, have offered their support for the Prime Minister’s decision to close all places of worship.
Archbishops and Bishops: stay at home
The Archbishops and Bishops of the Church of England have urged everyone to follow the instructions given by the Prime Minister to stay in their homes in a national effort to limit the transmission of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Lambeth Conference postponed till 2021
Archbishop Justin Welby has announced the postponement of the Lambeth Conference. Writing in a letter to the Bishops of the Anglican Communion, he said: "God is calling us to be ‘God’s Church for God’s World’ in new and responsive ways."
Mothering Sunday baptism joy
Sisters Olivia and Ella Williams were baptised at St Bartholomew’s, Thurstaston on Mothering Sunday. It was just one of a number of baptism services that took place across the diocese and the country.
Mothering Sunday sermon from Bishop Keith
In his Mothering Sunday sermon, Bishop Keith refers to John 19:25-27 to remind us that this moment at the cross is one of the moments in which the Church is formed. We are given to each other as brothers and sisters, mothers and fathers.
Coronavirus: Are you a Key Worker?
The Diocese of Chester has issued guidance following the announcement that the Government has put in place an arrangement for children of those deemed to be Key Workers to continue to be accommodated at school.
Coronavirus Blog: Youth and families
Jonathan Masters, Youth, Children and Families Missioner highlights some useful resources, and shares some thoughts on the current situation and how it is affecting those that work with younger people in our diocese.
Coronavirus and the use of church halls
The Diocese of Chester has issued guidance on the use of church halls. PCCs should consider how the church hall is being used and whether it is appropriate in the present crisis we face.
Changes to the APCMs in 2020
For 2020, the time for holding a meeting of parishioners to choose churchwardens is extended until 31 October (instead of 31 May). Read an explanatory note on what this means for parishes.
Archbishops update their advice
The Archbishops have so far written twice to all clergy in parishes across the Church of England. They first wrote on Tuesday and then again on Thursday. Read both letters in full here.
Important update on clergy housing
Church House has issued some guidance to clergy households advising that although there is reduced service at this time, members of staff are on hand to provide whatever support they can.
Bishop Keith: "Join together in prayer"
The Bishop of Birkenhead, and Acting Bishop of Chester, Keith Sinclair, has written an open letter to the diocese thanking people for their response to the crisis and highlighting a national day of prayer this Sunday.
Archbishop to lead first national virtual service
Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby is to lead a national broadcast in response to the challenge of becoming a “different sort of church†in the face of the coronavirus crisis. The service will be broadcast on BBC radio on Sunday.
Bishop to pray for school staff and pupils
On the eve of school closures across the diocese, the Bishop of Birkenhead, Keith Sinclair, has written to head teachers to offer personal prayer and encouragement for all affected by the situation.
Updated guidance on weddings and baptisms
Guidance on weddings and baptisms during the current period of restrictions on public gatherings to combat coronavirus has been updated by the Church of England today (19 March).
Church House staffing
Church House has closed until further notice. A skeleton staff at Church House will continue to carry out urgent and essential functions and all contact details for staff at Church House and those working remotely can be found here.
Church of England to become radically different
Archbishops call for Church of England to become radically different as public worship put on hold to help stem spread of coronavirus. The archbishops said it was necessary to put public services on hold.
Diocesan Synod cancelled
Saturday's Diocesan Synod has been cancelled due to the developing Coronavirus situation. The decision was communicated by the Diocesan Secretary in consultation with the bishop and the Chairs of the Houses of Laity and Clergy.
Parishes to take urgent continuity planning
The Archdeacons of Macclesfield and Chester are requesting parishes to take urgent action to put into place the necessary steps to plan for further development of the Coronavirus situation.
Students offer prayer for appointment process
Students from Sir Thomas Boteler C of E High School have written prayers for all involved with appointing the next Bishop of Chester. The CNC is due to meet on Monday and Tuesday to interview candidates.
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.
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.
