13 May TKC: Rachel Hsuan
Rachel Hsuan from St Mary's Church, Upton, shares a short video to mark the beginning of Thy Kingdom Come. Individuals from parishes across our diocese are sharing daily prayers as part of the global prayer initiative.
News
Elections to the Diocesan Synod
The Diocesan Secretary, George Colville, says the process for elections to the Diocesan Synod is due to start with the issue of nomination papers to Deanery Synod members on 17 May. The deadline for returning them will be 11 June.
Register now for LLF taster days
Commending the Living in Love and Faith (LLF) materials, Bishop Mark asks everyone to engage in the process. Two taster days in June will offer people an overview of the LLF materials and help parishes hold conversations locally.
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90 laps of the City Walls by 90 year old
The Reverend Canon John Stanley, OBE, who is 90 on 20 May has challenged himself to walk the City Walls of Chester 90 times by his birthday. He aims to complete his goal on Thursday 20 May 2021.
New guidance on contested heritage
The Church of England has published guidance for parishes and cathedrals to consider the history of their buildings and congregations and potentially address concerns over memorials with links to slavery and other contested heritage.
Bishop Mark pays homage to the Queen
The Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner, has paid homage to the Queen, paving the way for his installation on 26 June at Chester Cathedral. Speaking afterward, Bishop Mark said he was "honoured".
All change in the Ministry Team
Both the Director of Ministry, the Revd Canon Dr Christopher Burkett, and the Continuing Ministerial Development Adviser, the Revd David Herbert, are due to retire on 31 July after many years of combined service.
"Communicate the love of Jesus"
The Revd Elaine White is the Curate at St Mary's Liscard, Wallasey, an urban area of deprivation. In the lead-up to Thy Kingdom Come, she offers two prayers that have been inspired by the sense of community she has witnessed.
"That’s when I come out changed"
Writing in the May edition of the Chester Diocesan News, Bishop Mark Tanner, is urging the whole diocese to join in with Thy Kingdom Come, the global prayer movement, which begins on Thursday 13 May.
"Preach the kingdom of heaven"
Paul Nelson, Churchwarden at St Andrew's, West Kirby, prays that he and his parish are able to preach the kingdom of heaven out in the streets to the whole community and not just to those "in our fine church buildings".
Chester Diocesan News is out now
The May edition of the Chester Diocesan News is now available. It focuses on 'Thy Kingdom Come' (global prayer movement) which will happen from 13 - 23 May 2021. Bishop Mark writes the introduction.
Higher Bebington features in national report
More than 4,000 Church of England parishes are estimated to have stepped up their support to local communities according to a national report, which features a case study on Higher Bebington.
A secret out in the open
The Revd Lynn Boyle was emotionally burdened for decades by the memories of abuse she suffered in childhood. She finally sought support from her family and parish and with God's help has come through the process a stronger person.
"We're going to pray for our children"
John Mason, Treasurer, and worshipper in Bunbury, shares some of the things he and his parish will be praying for during Thy Kingdom Come, the global initiative in which Christians are called to pray from Ascension to Pentecost.
TLT gets fresh funding to continue
Transforming Lives Together has been successful in obtaining funding from the Cheshire Community Fund and the Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation to continue supporting churches to provide food to vulnerable people.
St Chads Romiley on Songs of Praise
When married couple Nigel and Rachael Stephens decided to change their lives, by leaving the Estate agent business behind to concentrate on what God wanted them to do, things just grew and grew beyond their expectations.
Christian intent or impact?
Ahead of Thy Kingdom Come, the Revd Lynne Cullens offers a short prayer for her parish. She prays that people will go out to the community with good Christian intentions but also make an impact for the common good too.
Anti-Racism Taskforce calls for urgent changes
The Archbishops’ Anti-Racism Taskforce has published its report From Lament to Action proposing a suite of changes to begin bringing about a change of culture in the life of the Church of England.
What is the biodiversity of your churchyard?
Hundreds of churches have signed up for a week-long ‘nature count’ occurring this summer, which will encourage people to record what they see within the "National Park" of churchyards we enjoy.
"Help us to build meaningful relationships"
As we plan for Thy Kingdom Come beginning 13 May, individuals from around the diocese are sharing prayers. Today, Denise Price, a community worker in Birkenhead asks God to "help us to build meaningful relationships".
Outdoor Connections
The Diocese of Chester is working with the organisation 'Caring for God’s Acre' to support parishes to get the most out of churchyards – to reconnect with your community and enrich the environment.
Church of England People System
The new people system is due to go live in May 2021. Clergy will receive a letter by email regarding actions that need to be taken. It is a substantial piece of work that will bring together people and data.
"Take the vaccine when offered"
The Chair of the Race and Ethnicity Forum in the Diocese of Chester has voiced concern at the statistical trend indicating a lower vaccine uptake in areas of the country with a larger proportion of ethnic minority people.Â
Fundraising in a Box
Ecclesiastical Insurance has presented an online webinar called 'Fundraising in a Box' which is a simple step-by-step guide to fundraising. If you missed the live presentation you can watch it here online.
Beating the bounds for Christian Aid
The new Rector of the Parish of Congleton, the Revd Ian Enticott, and the Treasurer, Mike Laurence, are running the 16 miles of the parish boundaries to raise money for the Christian Aid Week appeal.
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A service of thanksgiving
Watch the service of thanksgiving from Chester Cathedral that took place on 11 April at 3.30pm. Due to the ongoing restrictions attendance at the service was by invitation only, however, the service can be viewed via YouTube.
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Dean Tim pays tribute to the Duke of Edinburgh
The Dean of Chester has paid tribute to HRH the late Duke of Edinburgh in a short video message recorded at Chester Cathedral. AÂ service of thanksgiving will take place on Sunday at 3.30pm and live-streamed via YouTube.
Bishop Mark offers his prayers and condolences
The Bishop of Chester has offered his prayers and condolences to her Majesty the Queen in a message recorded at Bishop's House this afternoon following the announcement of the death of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh.
His Royal Highness the late Duke of Edinburgh
His Royal Highness, the Duke of Edinburgh has died, aged 99, Buckingham Palace has said. In a statement released shortly after midday, the Palace said: "His Royal Highness passed away peacefully this morning at Windsor Castle."
Diocese joins up with Caring for God's Acre
The Diocese of Chester is to join up with environmental charity Caring for God's Acre to provide a webinar series aimed at encouraging churches to make better use of their churchyards as places of ecological and social significance.
