All parishes in the Diocese of Chester will receive a grant of £2,000 to help towards the new missional challenges following the coronavirus crisis. Church House staff will begin transferring the money to parishes from today.
As church buildings begin to open again, we wanted to share with you a reflection, written in lockdown, about everyday discipleship and how we are called by the Holy Spirit to action or inaction at different times.
With churches now beginning the process of reopening initially for individual private prayer and funerals, church weddings, however, are still not permitted at present under the Government’s restrictions.
In this Church House Blog, Emily Allen, Church Buildings Missioner, updates parishes on the fundraising opportunities available to them, including new grants from Christian organisations as well as local authorities.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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".
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.
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.
