Church House Blog: Church Halls
In this Church House Blog, Emily Allen, Church Buildings Missioner, looks at how Church Halls, that usually play a vital role in binding the community together, are responding to the Covid-19 crisis.
News
The power of poetry
Three members of clergy in the Diocese of Chester who enjoy writing poetry held a conversation via Zoom to explore why it is that poetry still has such an appeal and a power. Listen to their conversation.
The truth that underlines the Christian faith
In this season of Eastertide, Archdeacon Mike Gilbertson reflects on John 10 and Psalm 23, and the truth that underlines the Christian faith. But what does that mean in a time of suffering and sadness for our nation and the world?
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Food for the frontline
The Revd Elaine Chegwin Hall has been working with local coffee shop, the Funky Monkey, to serve local frontline workers with food. On Monday they delivered food to funeral directors and crematorium staff.
Church House Blog: Communications
In this Church House Blog, Jim Butterworth, Director of Communications in the Diocese of Chester provides updates on a range of national and diocesan resources that are rolling out to parishes now.Â
Big Picnic for Hope
To mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May 2020 a number of cathedrals are uniting in a project to remember heroes of the past and present. The Big Picnic for Hope is an opportunity to be part of a virtual get together.
A pillow case study
Strategic thinking isn't the sole domain of big companies and high-flying executives. The Revd Canon Paul Dawson, Vicar of St Mary's, Whitegate, recently applied his problem-solving ability to a small manufacturing operation.
Statement from the Diocese of Chester
A statement from the Diocese of Chester in response to media reports of residents in Winsford “cleaning†churchyard headstones and memorials. Permission must be sought before any intervention can take place.
Vocations Sunday is this Sunday
Vocations Sunday is fast approaching and this year the Diocesan Director of Vocations, Sarah Fenby, says she is most encouraged by the examples of the ways in which people and parishes are exploring God's calling.
Archbishop launches worship phone line
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has launched a free national phone line as a simple new way to bring worship and prayer into people’s homes while church buildings are closed.
Archbishop to stream to pupils
On Thursday 30 April, The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, will deliver a message of hope to school pupils across the country in the first assembly at Oak National Academy, it was announced today.
Praying for our frontline workers
The Diocese of Chester want to support frontline workers with prayer and are asking for people to send us a little information that will help guide our prayer team in their thoughts and prayers for you.
Clubbing with Christianity
Currently an ordinand at St Mary Magdalene Church, Sale, Simon Stride's combined interests in theology and dance music have helped guide his spiritual direction through his adult life.
Church House Blog: Staying connected
In this Church House Blog, Jim Butterworth shares a selection of resources and training to help parishes get the most out of their new role keeping people connected in a society forced to be apart.
Learning to lament
The Revd Dr Steve Torr reflects on what it means to lament. He says that in recent years the practice "has been largely overlooked" but suggests now is the time to (re)introduce ourselves to it.
A safeguarding note from the NST
The National Safeguarding Team has issued further helpful advice and guidance for parishes. This follows on from conversations the NST has had with charities and other organisations during this challenging time.
Church House Blog: God is still calling
In this Church House blog, Jenny Bridgman looks at how the current Covid situation might shape our work across the diocese and how we can adapt and shape ourselves to what may lie ahead.
New guidance on closed church buildings
The Church of England's Cathedrals and Church Buildings Division has issued a revised version of its guidance on caring for closed church buildings, reflecting the decision of the government to extend the lockdown.
Domestic abuse incidents increase
The Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser has provided a list of support organisations for those concerned by domestic abuse and says the number of domestic incidents has "increased significantly".
Melanesia emergency fund launched
Melanesia Mission UK (MMUK) has today launched an emergency appeal following Cyclone Harold which has caused widespread destruction, killing people and damaging buildings and growing lands.
New coronavirus prayer resource from CofE
The Church of England has announced that its coronavirus prayers are now available as a booklet to order, or as a PDF to share digitally or print locally. Over the past four weeks, the prayers have been accessed widely.
TalkRadio ask about online worship
In a time of coronavirus, a number of our churches have embraced new technology and thrown themselves into live-streaming worship and prayer, and it is not going by unnoticed with the media.
Church House Blog: Parochial giving
In this Church House Blog, Martin Smith writes about the importance of encouraging church members to continue their giving during the coronavirus crisis and shares some tips for sustaining giving.
Virtual PCCs now permitted
The Church of England's legal team has issued new guidance that states it is now permissible to hold PCCs via Zoom or other "virtual means". This change in policy will help parishes with the continuity of key decisions and discussions.Â
Support for vulnerable individuals
Local authorities across the Diocese of Chester are working in partnership to support individuals and households who may be vulnerable during this period of restricted travel and social distancing.Â
Online St George's Day sing-along
This month the parish of St Matthew’s, Stretton, will host a Facebook party with a St George's Day theme to mark the second anniversary of its monthly ukulele sing-along, Singing Kettle.
Easter Week reflection from Archdeacon Ian
In Easter Week, the Archdeacon of Macclesfield, Ian Bishop offers a reflection and asks will we live in fear or embrace the new reality that is offered to us through Jesus Christ's resurrection.
Bishop Keith's Easter Day sermon
In his Easter Day sermon, Bishop Keith Sinclair reminds us that we are known to God by name and asks us to “listen out for his word of invitation to his new beginning†through Jesus Christ.Â
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Holy Saturday with Archdeacon Mike
Archdeacon of Chester, Mike Gilbertson, reflects on the "desperate" words of Psalm 142 and encourages us not to rush to Easter Day but to stop and "remember that the Bible speaks of every kind of human experience".
"Give thanks, and pray for those who can’t"
The Dean of Chester, Tim Stratford, used his Maundy Thursday sermon to highlight the differences the coronavirus was having on the rich and the poor and to call on all those in relative comfort to be thankful.
