Celebrating 30 years of women priests
On 12 March 1994, the Church of England held an ordination service like never before. The service, at Bristol Cathedral was a historic moment that would see women priests accepted into the Church of England.
News
Wirral faith groups deliver over £8 million of support
In a recent audit, it was discovered that faith groups in Wirral play a crucial role in supporting local communities. They engage in a wide-range of social action activities, including operating food banks, providing debt advice, and assisting families.
£73,190 from Digital Giving
Last year, the National Church allocated 50 devices to the Diocese of Chester to distribute to parishes across our diocese. Now, six months on since the churches received the devices, the churches collectively have received £73,190.
Get Ready for Thy Kingdom Come
Thy Kingdom Come is a global ecumenical prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray from Ascension to Pentecost for more people to come to know Jesus. This year TKC takes place from 9-19 May.
'How I Came to Faith' - Mike Holt
In this story of 'How I Came to Faith', we hear from Mike Holt. He recalls the very moment when Jesus Christ became real to him while watching a black and white TV in his bedroom.
Heating the People, Not the Church
Revd David Page, from St. Peter’s Church in Elworth, shares how their innovative heating system has significantly improved the experience for attendees during church services.
Could you be an Occasional Worship Leader?
The Diocese of Chester is launching a new initiative to help equip and enable lay people to lead worship. The course will run twice a year in spring and autumn, with the dates for 2024 starting in May.
Energy Footprint Tool now open for churches
The Church of England’s Energy Footprint Tool is now open for churches to enter fuel and power use from 2023. The data collected from the tool will help your church understand its carbon footprint and will mean you may be eligible for grants to help kickstart your net zero projects.
Revd Joe Kennedy announced as next Bishop of Burnley
The Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner warmly welcomes the appointment of the Revd Dr Joe Kennedy as the next Bishop of Burnley in the Diocese of Blackburn.
World Water Day
To commemorate World Water Day (March 22), Reverend Mike Loach met with Mark Booth from United Utilities to discuss the vital care of what may be the most crucial resource in God’s creation.
'How I Came to Faith' - Jackie Jones
In this story of 'How I Came to Faith', we hear from Jackie Jones, who used to go to church as a teenager, but hadn't connected with God or her faith ever since, that is, until she had a conversation in a local cafe.
Seeking Trustees for a new Multi Academy Trust
Chester Diocesan Board of Education has published its strategy as a response to the move towards a fully academized education system for all schools, not just across the Diocese but across the country. As part of the strategy, a second Diocesan Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) will be created, led by a new team of Trustees.
A Church Near You - Get ready for Easter
Help people find your church during Easter by adding your Easter services and events to AChurchNearYou.com.
Sundays @ 7
On the first Sunday of most months, St Mary's Upton holds an in-depth interview with a prominent Christian who has a story about how God has been at work in their life. The event is very popular, often attracting nearly 200 people regularly.
The extraordinary, ordinary work of churches
It’s always great to hear about churches that have done something a little different - It makes good news copy. But what about the churches that we never really hear about, the ones that are doing great work in their community each and everyday, connecting with people in their community and making a real difference to people’s lives.
The Dangers of Using Copyrighted Images Online
An increasing number of churches are finding themselves embroiled in copyright disputes because they have been using images on their website and social media pages without the consent of the copyright holder. Is your church next?
Chair of Partners in World Mission
Bishop Mark has appointed Lesley Bentley to be Chair of Partners in World Mission in the Diocese of Chester, a new post that she will occupy as a volunteer.
St Bert’s Completes Community Hub
St Bert's church in Norton, Runcorn, has finished the building work on their church, transforming it into a place for the whole community. On Friday 16 February, they celebrated their achievement with an official opening ceremony followed by lunch and a community event.
'How I Came to Faith' - John Bentley
In the first of our 'How I Came to Faith', series, we hear from John Bentley, who speaks openly about how his Father died when he was only eleven years old. John remembers the transitional moment when he became a Christian at fifteen years old while painting a fence.
Lent theme for 2024 is Watch and Pray
The Church of England’s Lent theme for 2024 is Watch and Pray: Wisdom and hope for Lent and life. It draws on the wisdom of Black Spirituality, particularly the practice of “tarrying” (waiting) as a community to draw closer to Jesus and to each other.
Next Archdeacon of Macclesfield announced
Following a period of discernment, The Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner, is pleased to announce that the Reverend Jane Proudfoot has been appointed as the next Archdeacon of Macclesfield.
A Chaplaincy with the RNLI
Revd Paul Rossiter is the Vicar of St Hildeburgh's Parish Church, Hoylake and also the Chaplain for the town's RNLI Lifeboat station. We asked him what it means to be a chaplain for the RNLI and how this part of his ministry sits alongside being a vicar for the local church.
Men's Breakfast feeds the soul
Christchurch in Moreton runs a Men's Breakfast on the third Saturday of every month. It's a chance for men to talk, share thoughts, hear a short talk and enjoy a big hearty full English.
A Prayer Space re-imagined
When Revd Hannah Amner arrived as the Chaplain for Bishops' Blue Coat C of E High School, Chester in the middle of last year, she felt that the neutral colours of the walls in the prayer space could do with brightening up a bit. Undecided about what creative direction to take she put the task in the hands of those that it would make the most difference to, the students.
How could you serve God? Book for Called to Serve
As we explore together how God is calling us all to bless the 1.5m in this diocese, are you thinking how God might be calling to serve? If that’s you, then the Called to Serve event at Foxhill on Saturday January 27th could be what you need to help you explore the next step.
‘Discovery’ to illuminate Chester Cathedral
‘Discovery’ is a spectacular sound and light experience event coming to Chester Cathedral In February. Themed around ‘Science and Space’ the installation, a first for Chester, invites people to ponder our relationship with our planet and beyond.
The Well Celebrates Bishop's Mission Order
The Well, a new church congregation established in June last year at Wirral Waters, the huge housing development in Birkenhead, has recently been granted a Bishop's Mission Order by Bishop Mark. They
St James, Millbrook - The power of faith
Curate, Revd Charlie Laver, explains how faith has given a new sense of energy and rejuvenation to St James, Millbrook, a church facing some very difficult decisions just a couple of years ago.
A Christmas message from Bishop Mark
In the last of a series of four Advent Sunday messages from our three Bishops, Bishop Mark talks about one of the core themes of our vision, 'Engage locally, in loving generosity'.
A Christmas message from Bishop Sam
In the third of a series of four Advent Sunday messages from our three Bishops, Bishop Sam talks about one of the core themes of our vision, 'Transformative service in practice'.
