"Vital" strategic vacancy opens
The Diocese of Chester is seeking to appoint someone to help build a new vision and strategic direction for the diocese. Please share details across your networks with those who might feel called to apply.
News
Members sought for new Photography Guild
The Diocese of Chester is seeking talented local photographers to help capture the Christian faith in the diocese. If you’re interested and would like to expand your photography portfolio, please get in touch.
Eight million stitches to create the world
Threads Through Creation, a spectacular display of twelve huge silk panels retelling the creation story from the first pages of the Bible opened at Chester Cathedral this week and will run until March.
42 dioceses pledge to become an “Eco Dioceseâ€
All 42 dioceses in the Church of England have signed up to become an “Eco Diocese†as part of their commitment to reach carbon net-zero by 2030. Parishes can also pledge to become Eco Churches as part of the A Rocha scheme.
12 spaces remain for Called to Serve
Final preparations are being made for the vocations event Called to Serve, which takes place on Saturday 29 January at Foxhill. 12 spaces still remain on the one-day event for those wishing to explore God’s call on their lives.Â
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Three recent arrivals at Church House
Jane Gerrard, Bessia Kanengoni and Laura Howard have recently joined the staff team at Church House where they will be supporting our work in helping parishes across the Diocese of Chester.
Church House Blog: Let's talk vocations
The Director of Vocations writes in this Church House Blog about the ways in which we can all play our role in encouraging vocation, in ourselves and others around us, through relationships, conversations, and careful listening.
Youth Speak Christmas get together
Four young people from around the Diocese of Chester got together at Foxhill in December to discuss with Bishop Julie their thoughts on the topic of "inclusion" as part of a regular meeting of Youth Speak.
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More music festival chaplaincy work for Lynn
Although the Revd Lynn Boyle retires as Vicar of St Paul’s, Compstall on 31 December, after more than a decade in parish ministry, she fully expects to continue her chaplaincy work at the Buckle and Boots Country Music Festival.
Hundreds turn out for Carols on the Kop
Hundreds of football fans enjoyed a post-match carol concert at Prenton Park on Saturday 18 December at what is fast becoming a much-loved tradition and missional opportunity in Birkenhead.
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Christmas radio messages from Julie and Mark
Bishop Mark and Bishop Julie delivered their Christmas messages as part of the Daybreak programme on BBC Radio Merseyside on Sunday 19 December. Listen to their Christmas messages here.
Clergy housing emergency cover
Church House will be closed from lunchtime on Thursday 23 December and will re-open on Tuesday 4 January 2022. In the event of a clergy housing emergency (e.g. escape of water, total loss of power), emergency cover is available.
'None of us are safe until we're all safe'
Dr Michael Beasley, Bishop of Hertford and an epidemiologist, writes of the urgent need to vaccinate the world on the first anniversary of vaccines being administered in the United Kingdom.
Talking Jesus
A new online course called Talking Jesus will inspire you to share your faith and will give you practical suggestions to help you to be natural and relevant as you talk about Jesus with the people you meet.
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Thanking the NHS at the Cathedral
Chester Cathedral will give thanks for the work of the NHS at a special Christmas Celebration on Sunday 12 December starting at 3pm. Expect jolly Christmas carols as well as reflections on the last year.
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Bishop Mark writes for Cheshire Life mag
Writing in December's edition of Cheshire Life magazine, Bishop Mark has shared a Christmas message for the people of Cheshire and confirms that it is OK to eat chocolate before breakfast on Christmas Day.Â
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Christian entrepreneur guided by God
Jerry Marshall, a member of St Mary's Church, Weaverham, always wanted to be financially successful but has since sensed God calling him to take a different road and "deal" with his "financial ambitions".
A time for sharing, love and faith
The Church of England has launched a film that explores what is at the heart of Christmas, which forms the centrepiece of the Advent and Christmas campaign #AtTheHeartOfChristmas
December CDN is now available
The December edition of the Chester Diocesan News is now available online as a PDF. This edition includes a reflection from Bishop Mark and information about the new national Church of England Christmas campaign.
The Lay Conference is coming
The Lay Conference 2022 will take place during the weekend of 25 March 2022. Titled, "Not just Sunday - Encouraging #EverydayFaith" it is free to attend with accommodation and all meals included.
Inaugural session of the new General Synod
Following their election in October, representatives of the Diocese of Chester attended the inaugural meeting of the new General Synod in November, including Sam Wilson, who is one of Synod's youngest.
Lynne Cullens to be next Bishop of Barking
Downing Street has announced that the Revd Lynne Cullens will be the next Bishop of Barking in the Diocese of Chelmsford. Lynne is currently the Rector of Stockport and Brinnington, a role she has held since 2019.
Bishop of London comments on new variant
The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, has called for everyone to take steps to protect themselves and others following the identification of the new omicron variant of Covid-19. She confirms that new Government guidance is expected.
Bishop Sam marks start of Advent
Bishop Sam has marked the start of Advent with an interview on BBC Radio Manchester. Bishop Sam told Mike Shaft of the joy he has experienced meeting people around the diocese, including Greater Manchester Mayor, Andy Burnham.
Carols on the Kop
After the Tranmere Rovers home game on Saturday 18 December, the Kop end of the pitch plays host to a carol concert and readings from the Christmas story. Katie Ritson, will perform a solo.
Church House Blog: Words and action
Jonny Masters shares some thoughts on the role young people can and are playing in keeping the environment and creation on the agenda and helping the Church and wider society to turn words and promises into action.
Called to Serve confirmed for 2022
The flagship diocesan vocations day, Called to Serve, will take place on Saturday 29 January 2022. Fifty places are available to individuals who want to find out more about the different vocations available to them in the Church.,
Growing Faith Foundation Head appointed
The Church of England’s first Head of its new Growing Faith Foundation has been announced as Lucy Moore. The Growing Faith Concept began in 2019 to promote partnership between the church, school and household.
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School rated "good" for first time
A Church of England High School has been rated "Good" by Ofsted for the first time in its history. Sir Thomas Boteler hosted the bishops on the day Downing Street announced Julie and Sam as the bishops of Birkenhead and Stockport.
A Church Near You for Christmas
Every church can have a presence on A Church Near You, the website platform which is helping churches to share service details with people who might be unfamiliar with Church and seeking a local Christmas service.
