Time for rest?
As many prepare to take a break for the summer, the Revd Christine Broad, Rector of Woodchurch and Dean of Women in Ministry reflects on the idea of "Sabbath" and says "the gift of Sabbath is a gift of love."
News
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Living in Love and Faith
Jonny Masters, Youth, Children and Families Missioner, provides an update for parishes on Living in Love and Faith, which explores the themes of identity, relationships, sexuality and marriage.
New Church guidance as restrictions due to lift
As restrictions are lifted, the Church has issued guidance about opening and managing church buildings safely. The Bishop of London has also urged churches and individuals to continue to take precautions to protect the vulnerable.
Huge model railway at Chester CathedralÂ
A massive model railway has come to life at Chester Cathedral today, the result of the Cathedral’s two-year collaboration with lifelong railway enthusiast Pete Waterman OBE.
1,000 booklets up for grabs
Parishes can claim a bundle of well-produced, accessible booklets produced by HOPE Together to share with others. The booklet, Hope in Uncertain Times has been written as a resource for churches. Claim a bundle of 50 today.
Diocesan Healing Adviser appointed
The Revd Timothy Hupfield has been appointed as a diocesan Healing Adviser. He was invited to take on the new voluntary role by Bishop Mark. He will remain Vicar of the parish of St Martin, Low Marple, and will be licensed on 21 July.
Mission Adviser takes up Church House role
The Revd John Hellewell has begun his new role as a diocesan Mission Adviser. John will be working to support parishes with their missional objectives and says he's looking forward to getting to know people in the parishes.
Bishop Mark "very disappointed" by aid decision
Bishop Mark has said he is "very disappointed" by the House of Commons decision on international aid and says that vital work, in communities we "know and love" in our link dioceses around the world, risks being cancelled.
Conference to mark World Mental Health Day
An in-person conference in the days following World Mental Health Day has been announced by Church House. The event will be an opportunity for people to step back and reflect on the mental health challenges we face at the end of 2021.
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Faith resources for families
Jonathan Masters, Youth, Children and Families Missioner, highlights that, amidst the uncertain and rapid changes we are experiencing, some brilliant new faith resources for families to use at home have been developed.
Out of the Shadows
Liz Shercliff and Kate Bruce have written a new book called 'Out of the Shadows', which looks at the women in the Bible with the aim of helping preachers to focus on these women when the opportunity arises.
The July edition of the CDN is now available
The July edition of the Chester Diocesan News is now available online as a PDF. This edition includes photos from the ordinations of deacons and priests and a reflection from the Director of Vocations, Sarah Fenby.
Julie and Sam to be consecrated at York Minster
Julie Conalty, currently Archdeacon of Tonbridge, will be consecrated as the Bishop of Birkenhead, and Sam Corley, currently Rector of Leeds will be consecrated as the Bishop of Stockport on Monday 19 July at York Minster.
Bishop of London pays tribute to Covid sacrifices
The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, who chairs the Church of England’s Covid Recovery Group, has paid tribute to the sacrifices of many amid the pandemic as the Prime Minister outlined plans to lift most restrictions from July 19.
Two friends complete 93 mile talk
Revd Robert Icke and his friend Professor Simon Piaseck have recently completed a pilgrimage from Chester Cathedral to Lichfield Cathedral. Simon, recorded their conversations, which will form part of a collection of papers on pilgrimage.
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Church House Blog: Let's talk vocations
Director of Vocations, Sarah Fenby, 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 relationship, conversation and listening.
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Collaboration leads to many studying the Bible
A collaboration between Chester Cathedral and Church House has led to hundreds studying the Bible and engaging in discussion. The project was the brainchild of Canon Jane Brooke, Vice-Dean of the Cathedral.
How to run a church
St Michael’s Church in Middlewich partnered with their local running group to organise a charity half-marathon event. The event raised funds but also served as a way to re-engage with the community after a difficult 18 months.
Pray for our deacons
Ten men and women will be made deacon on Sunday 04 July. Please pray for all of these individuals and for their future training. Sunday's ordination service will be live-streamed on YouTube. Download the order of service here.
Simon Chesters to be new Director of Ministry
We’re pleased to announce that the Revd Simon Chesters is to be the next Director of Ministry in the Diocese of Chester. Simon is currently the Director of Vocations in the Diocese of Liverpool. He is due to begin his role in September.
Watch Bishop Mark's sermon
Bishop Mark delivered his sermon at his enthronement service and called on the diocese to "commit ourselves on this day and in this time, that above all we will be the beginning of good news of Jesus Christ, the son of God."
Clergy support groups
Another reflective practice group is forming to support clergy in their ministries, using a well-established model that enables clergy to reflect upon life and ministry, in an atmosphere of trust.
Archbishop sends greetings from Melanesia
The Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, Leonard Dawea, has sent greetings via video message to Bishop Mark ahead of his enthronement on Saturday. The service will be live streamed via YouTube.
Bishop Mark's enthronment approaches
Bishop Mark Tanner will be formally enthroned at Chester Cathedral on Saturday 26 June at 2pm in a service that will be live-streamed on YouTube.The symbolic service marks the final stage in the appointment process.
Pray for Boga following violence
Boga, one of our link dioceses, is currently under real stress caused mostly by violence from rebel groups that has left dozens dead, a hospital destroyed and thousands of refugees running for their lives.
Please pray for our ordinands
As we approach the ordination services in the Diocese of Chester, please hold in your prayers all those who are to be ordained priests and deacons at Chester Cathedral on 19 June and 4 July, respectively.
Church buildings case study report
Bishop Mark has welcomed a case study report, published by Church House, featuring 14 parishes in the Diocese of Chester that have each redeveloped their church buildings and halls to support their local vision for mission.
Coronavirus restrictions Church statement
Following the Prime Minister’s statement on the coronavirus restrictions, the Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, who chairs the Church of England’s Covid Recovery Group, has published a comment in response.
Chester Diocesan News out now
The June edition of the Chester Diocesan News is now available. We introduce the next Bishops of Birkenhead and Stockport, the Venerable Julie Conalty and the Revd Canon Sam Corley.
Surivivors of abuse welcome Julie Conalty
Survivors of church-related abuse have welcomed the news that Julie Conalty is to be the next Bishop of Birkenhead describing her as “one of very few senior figures who recognise that corruption in the Church needs to be faced.â€
