Fresh guidance from the national church
Fresh guidance from the national church brings together various previous documents about re-opening buildings and includes some revised guidance in the light of the Government guidance from yesterday morning.Â
News
The institution of Revd Karen Brady
Despite the Coronavirus lockdown, the institution of Revd Karen Brady still took place, over Zoom, on 10 June 2020. People were able to watch online and send their messages during the ceremony.
Government guidance for places of worship
A guidance document has been published by the Government setting out in detail what activities are permitted in a church building and how we can ensure the safe use of churches during the pandemic.
Cathedral to re-open for private prayer
Preparations are underway and measures are being put in place at Chester Cathedral so it can re-open its doors and welcome people back into the building safely for private prayer and reflection.
Funerals in churches from 15 June
The House of Bishops today discussed a range of issues and approved further advice on funerals, the celebration of Holy Communion, and ordinations. The guidance advises that funerals are permitted from 15 June.
Archbishop lays down his crozier
The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu, accompanied by his wife, the Revd Margaret Sentamu, laid down his crozier of office on the high altar of York Minster on Sunday 7 June, his last act as Archbishop of York.
Royal Cheshire County Show goes virtual
In place of the annual live show, there will be an online event taking place over two days on 16 and 17 June. It promises to provide entertainment, education and the judging of livestock. What's more, it's totally free.
Take a virtual tour and raise money
In lieu of its usual Summer Fair activities, a church in Cheshire has offered an online tour of its ancient tower in support of the Neonatal Ward at Leighton Hospital. The tour is dedicated to the memory of baby George Whitney.
Archdeacon Ian on Trinity Sunday
Archdeacon Ian reminds us that God is the Father, God, and the Holy Spirit and in this shared commitment of one God in three persons, we find a model for a supportive, affirming, life-giving body that we call Church.
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Webinar to mark World Environment Day
The Diocese of Chester has hosted a webinar to mark World Environment Day. It explored Eco-Church, an award scheme run by environment charity A Rocha, which encourages parishes to be mindful of the environment.Â
Archbishop to lead CofE Sunday service
The Archbishop is to be joined by representatives of charities he founded in the weekly online service for the Church of England marking his last day as Archbishop of York. The service is available from 9am.
New appointment for St Mary’s Sandbach
We are delighted to announce the appointment of the Reverend Briony (Bee) Boyde as the next vicar of St Mary’s Sandbach. This is subject to all legal formalities being fulfilled. We look forward to Bee joining us in the very near future.
June CDN is now available
The June edition of the Chester Diocesan News is now available online as a PDF. This edition covers the announcement on 12 May, that Mark Tanner is to become the next Bishop of Chester.
Fundraising during COVID-19 and beyond
In this Church House Blog, Emily Allen, Church Buildings Missioner, suggests a number of resources where you can find help and information on fundraising during the pandemic and beyond.
Pentecost Sunday 2020 with Bishop Keith
On Pentecost Sunday, the Church celebrates the Holy Spirit being given. In this short video, Bishop Keith reminds us of the power of the Holy Spirit and and encourages us to open our hands, hearts, and minds to the gift of the Holy Spirit today.
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Ordinary people, extraordinary things
Ordinary people doing extraordinary things during the pandemic are to be honoured by The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester to publicly acknowledge the amazing acts of thoughtfulness and kindness.
Birkenhead generosity in lockdown
Over the last couple of weeks, with the generosity of hundreds of people, Make it Happen, a community shop and hub in the heart of Birkenhead, has received over 1000 bags of donations.
Ministry Bursary Awards invite applications
The Ecclesiastical Ministry Bursary Awards (MBAs) are once again open for applications, to provide financial support for sabbatical breaks and projects planned for 2021. Application forms should be submitted by by 30 September 2020.
Bereavement resources
The Diocese of Chester is launching a series of bereavement resources for parishes to use to support people experiencing a family bereavement. The resources can be downloaded here for immediate use.
How are you doing?
A reminder that support for your wellbeing is available to everyone in the diocese who might need it. There is an acknowledgment that this time is affecting people in a myriad of ways and support is available.
Archdeacon Mike on Ascension Day
On Ascension Day 2020, Archdeacon Mike talks about the challenges we face through the separation of loved ones and reminds us that though Jesus really is ascended, he is deeply and profoundly with us right now.
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Church House Blog: Thy Kingdom Come
The 21 May is the start of 'Thy Kingdon Come'. The Director of Foxhill, Jonathon Green, reflects on the past weeks and gives us some helpful tools to help us to focus as we enter this season of prayer.
Church House Blog: Shock absorbing resources
Revd Canon David Herbert, Continuing Ministry Development Officer, offers some helpful resources to ministers who are often there to help ease and guide people through life's circumstances that can impact us, sometimes unexpectedly.
"Undertake one act of kindness" today
Chester Cathedral is promoting Mental Health Week (18-23 May) by inviting people to "undertake one act of kindness" for someone. Canon Jane Brooke says: "Any act of kindness brings us together".
#WeAreChesterDiocese
What do you want to see God doing among us? In one of Bishop Mark Tanner's recent video messages, he mentions an idea that he hopes will help to shape his mission in the Diocese of Chester.
A diary of what happened on Tuesday 12 May
On Tuesday 12 May, Downing Street announced that Mark Tanner is to be the next Bishop of Chester. Hopefully, Mark and his wife Lindsay have found time to breathe as his diary for the day was totally packed. Here's how the day went.
Mark Tanner named as next Bishop of Chester
The Rt Revd Mark Tanner has been named by Downing Street as the next Bishop of Chester, succeeding the Rt Revd Dr Peter Forster who retired in September 2019. Bishop Mark is currently the Bishop of Berwick in the Diocese of Newcastle.
Special announcement
On Tuesday 12 May, Downing Street is due to announce who will be the next Bishop of Chester. Following the announcement, everyone is welcome to join in with a series of live-streamed events and "meet" the Bishop-designate.Â
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Great meals delivered in Great Meols
As soon as the lockdown was announced the vicar at Great Meols, Rev Gillian Rossiter, gathered a small team together to provide soup and sandwich lunches to local people who are isolated and vulnerable.
Crewe parishes appoint Nigerian archdeacon
The Revd Dr Oliver Chimeze Igwe has been appointed as the next Priest in Charge of St Andrew, St Peter and All Saints' Crewe. Oliver is currently a Senior Lecturer at Abia State University, Uturu, and is a former archdeacon.
