March CDN is available
The March edition of the Chester Diocesan News is now available. It's a 'Farewell' special edition, marking Bishop Keith's retirement on 08 March. Here he writes in the CDN for the final time as the Bishop of Birkenhead.
News
New bishop for the environment
The Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, is to lead the Church of England’s Environment Programme. His remit is to lead bold, deliberate, collaborative action across the Church to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss.
World Day of Prayer
This year’s World Day of Prayer is on 05 March in Vanuatu, an island of Melanesia, which is one of our linked Dioceses. They invite you to join them in prayer, which you will be able to do online this year.
Wedding numbers set to increase
The number of people permitted to attend weddings and funerals is set to increase incrementally, according to the Government "roadmap" out of lockdown. Further detailed advice will be made available in the weeks ahead.
2021 APCMs can take place online
The Bishop of Chester has given his permission to allow Annual Parochial Church Meetings to take place online in the year 2021. The decision has been taken to improve the safety and accessibility of APCM's in this emergency period.
Coroanvirus reopening roadmap
Following the Prime Minister’s statement to Parliament, the Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, who chairs the Church of England’s Coronavirus Recovery Group, has issued a statement on behalf of the Church.
Dear England - A Book by the Archbishop of York
"Stephen Cottrell writes about Christ as if he were here now. As if redemption were possible for all of us, as if the void that threatens to engulf us all could be filled by a personal relationship with Christ in the present."
Environment Forum record podcast
Members of the diocesan Environment Forum have recorded an episode of the diocesan podcast Chester Box. In it they talk about the diocesan environment-foccussed Lent campaign and their hopes for the diocese.
Christian fellowship across the seas
The Melanesian Sisters in the Solomon Islands and their friends in Chester held their first online service and meeting earlier this month. They joined for morning prayer and then to share news from the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
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General Synod to discuss challenges
General Synod is to hold a special online meeting later this month examining challenges facing the Church and the world in light of the coronavirus pandemic followed by a formal session in the spring.
A poem for Ash Wednesday
The Revd Steve Sheridan, the vicar of Chester St Oswald & St Thomas of Canterbury, has composed a poem for Ash Wednesday. Poetry continues to have an enduring quality through these times of crisis and challenge.
Forward steps on carbon reduction target
The first findings from a nationwide study to capture carbon impacts in the Church of England have been published, a year on from a vote committing the Church to net-zero carbon emissions by 2030.
Archdeacon Ian: "The Earth is damaged."
Archdeacon Ian Bishop, is today launching a Lenten journey and you're invited to take part. The focus for Lent this year is God's creation and the environment, an issue close to Ian's heart and one which is important to the Christian faith. Â
Diocese of Hanuato appoints new Bishop
Hanuato has strong links with the Diocese of Chester. Over the years, representatives from each diocese have visited each other's countries and enjoyed mutual support and hospitality.
A Poem for Time to Talk Day
The Revd Stephen Sheridan, from Chester St Oswald & St Thomas of Canterbury, has written a poem for Time to Talk Day, which is today. 04 February 2021. It's written from the perspective of someone who has poor mental health.
Saying farewell to Bishop Keith
Bishop Keith Sinclair will retire as Bishop of Birkenhead on the 07 March after 14 years in the post. In a letter to the diocese, Bishop Mark invites us all to prepare for his retirement and participate in plans for his farewell.
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The gift of life
In this reflection, first published in the Chester Diocesan News, the Archdeacon of Macclesfield, Ian Bishop, offers his thoughts on environmental issues and calls on all Christians to be at the forefront of tackling environmental issues.Â
February CDN is available
The February edition of the Chester Diocesan News is now available. It includes a personal reflection from The Archdeacon of Macclesfield and articles on 'The relentless lockdown', and 'Time to talk day'.
Prayer for the Nation
In response to reaching the terrible milestone of 100,000 deaths from COVID-19, the Archbishops invite all to call on God in Prayer. Starting on 1 February we invite you to set aside time every evening to pray, particularly at 6pm each day.
Time to Talk Day 2021
Time to Talk Day 2021 is on February 4th and takes the theme “The Power of Smallâ€. Our contribution to Time to Talk Day is a service presented by members of the diocese’s Mental Health Forum.
Remember 100,000 people 'known to God'
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York are issuing a call to the nation to pause and reflect to remember the more than 100,000 people across the UK who have died after contracting Covid-19 and all those who know and love them.
Bishop calls for tougher environment law
The Bishop of Chester is calling on the Prime Minister to introduce legally binding targets to cut plastic pollution. He’s joined others in writing to Boris Johnson to ask for the measures to be included in the Environment Bill.
Christians worldwide gather in prayer for unity
In normal times we would have a Cheshire United Service on the Sunday of the Week of Prayer. This year a group from Alsager Churches Together has gathered to record the service.
Poems of our time
The Revd Alec Brown, vicar of Aston-by-Budworth and Great Budworth, has written two poems, that have taken their inspiration from the times we are in. They are titled 'Lockdown 3' and 'Winter walking'.
The reality of home schooling
In this Church House Blog, the Revd Jenny Bridgman shares her personal account of the challenges of homeschooling and urges us all to reach out to friends, family and neighbours and "be the calming presence" they might need.
"Argh, I can't do that!"
As we approach the flagship diocesan event, Called to Serve, Bishop Mark, reflects on his own calling to be a bishop and reminds us that with God's help we can grow to be the person God wants us to be.Â
New Director of Outreach begins
The Revd Peter Froggatt has begun his new role as Director of Outreach. Peter leads the new department of Outreach which incorporates the work of the previous departments of Mission and Social Responsibility.
Leaving your "dream job" for the priesthood
The Revd Simon Stride says he has always been passionate about three things: Jesus, church, and music. Approaching his 30s, he left his “dream job†working in a recording studio to follow a call to the priesthood.
New appointment for Judge David Turner
Judge David Turner, who is the Diocesan Chancellor, has been named as the new Deputy Chair of the Clergy Discipline Commission replacing Sir Mark Hedley, who retired in December 2020.
Prince Charles presents his Earth Charter
In his virtual address to the One Planet Summit on 11 January, Prince Charles called upon businesses and organisations to fight against the climate crisis, something our own environment forum is working towards.
