"Argh, I can't do that!"
As we approach the flagship diocesan event, Called to Serve, Bishop Mark, reflects on his own calling to be a bishop and reminds us that with God's help we can grow to be the person God wants us to be.Â
News
New Director of Outreach begins
The Revd Peter Froggatt has begun his new role as Director of Outreach. Peter leads the new department of Outreach which incorporates the work of the previous departments of Mission and Social Responsibility.
Leaving your "dream job" for the priesthood
The Revd Simon Stride says he has always been passionate about three things: Jesus, church, and music. Approaching his 30s, he left his “dream job†working in a recording studio to follow a call to the priesthood.
New appointment for Judge David Turner
Judge David Turner, who is the Diocesan Chancellor, has been named as the new Deputy Chair of the Clergy Discipline Commission replacing Sir Mark Hedley, who retired in December 2020.
Prince Charles presents his Earth Charter
In his virtual address to the One Planet Summit on 11 January, Prince Charles called upon businesses and organisations to fight against the climate crisis, something our own environment forum is working towards.
David Bowie, the praying man
It's been five years since the death of the enigmatic English singer-songwriter, David Bowie. In a tribute concert for the late Freddie Mercury, he paused during his performance to do something that took everyone by surprise.
The appointment of two new bishops
The Diocese of Chester has been given permission to appoint two new suffragan bishops. Following a consultation, Bishop Mark is now beginning the appointment process.
Additional clergy support groups available
The Diocese of Chester is creating additional clergy support groups which any member of the clergy can join. The announcement of the additional clergy support comes following a challenging Christmas.
She's in the Army now
The Revd Ailsa Whorton has successfully passed an intensive training course at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst and remains a self-supporting minister with PTO in the Diocese of Chester.
Bishop of London responds to new restrictions
Following Prime Minister, Boris Johnson's statement detailing new restrictions in England to control the spread of Covid-19, the Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, who chairs the Church of England’s Covid Recovery Group, has issued a response.
A reflection from the Archdeacon of Chester
In the first of this year's reflections, Mike Gilbertson, The Archdeacon of Chester, imagines how things might be different if each one of us were to grow closer to Jesus in 2021 in both prayer and in our daily lives.
Chester Diocesan News now available
The January edition of the Chester Diocesan News is now available. It includes a reflection from Archdeacon Mike Gilbertson, an article on being 'Called to Serve', and a list of forthcoming events.
A message from Bishop Mark at Christmas
The Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner, has recorded a short Christmas message for the whole diocese in which he reminds us that even in "this strangest of years, Christ is with us."
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Clergy housing emergency cover
Church House will be closed from lunchtime on Wednesday 23 December and will re-open on Monday 4 January 2021. In the event of a clergy housing emergency, please contact one of the two named contractors.
Comfort and Joy across the diocese
As Christmas approaches, we wanted to give you a taste of some of the different ways parishes around the Diocese of Chester are sharing comfort and joy with congregations and the wider community.
Everyday prayer in a pandemic
How have parishes adapted their prayer lives during the pandemic? Archdeacon Mike and Emily Allen, Church Buildings Missioner, discuss this and hear from three parishes about the ways they've shared prayer in 2020.
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Thanks for supporting our young people
In this Church House Blog, Jonathan Masters, Children and Families Missioner, thanks those who have worked with and supported children, young people and families with their parish this year.
Can I pray for you?
Emily Allen, Church Building Missioner, says prayer is a gift we can all give freely with those we love and know, as well as those we don’t, and encourages us to be bolder and braver in offering prayer to others this Christmas time.
Macclesfield church opens food club
Churches are increasingly involved in running and supporting food clubs – often known as pantries – helping families to cut their food bills amid the long-term economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic.
Christmas reflection from Archdeacon Ian
Writing in the December edition of Chester Diocesan News, the Archdeacon of Macclesfield, Ian Bishop, finds there is comfort and joy to be found this Christmas if we put our faith in God.
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Starry Starry Night at Chester Cathedral
A magnificent art installation called 'Starry Starry Night ' by Peter Walker, designed as a stunning visual interpretation of the Star of Bethlehem is now open to the public at Chester Cathedral.
Driving a Drive-in Carol Service
This was to be a story about a simple carol service, but instead, it turned out to be a great example of how a church that engages with the community on a long term basis can be very worthwhile for both the church and for the community.
Chester Diocesan News out now
The Christmas edition of the Chester Diocesan News is now available, which includes a reflection from The Archdeacon of Macclesfield and a feature on the 'Comfort and Joy' Christmas campaign.
Bishop and wife read story for adopted children
Bishop Mark and his wife Lindsay have recorded themselves reading a children's book in support of "Your Christmas", the Christmas campaign from adoption agency and children's charity, Adoption Matters.
Cathedral Christmas Tree Festival sees stars
Chester Cathedral's famous Christmas Tree Festival returns, with over 40 trees decorated by schools, local businesses and charities. The Dean says he wants it to bring "joy and hope" to Chester and beyond.
Outdoor congregational carol singing permitted
The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, has welcomed guidance from the Government permitting outdoor singing for places of worship in all tiers in England from 02 December.
Wallasey Unleashed
On Friday 27 November, the Revd Elaine White, curate in Liscard, Wallasey and her team, broadcast their inaugural TV show, 'Wallasey Unleashed'. Watch a recording of the live stream again on YouTube.
The ultimate online advent calendar
To bring some Christmas cheer this Advent, the dioceses of Chester, Manchester and Sheffield have teamed together to launch the Ultimate Online Advent Calendar, to be used in youth groups and schools.
A poem for advent
The Revd Steve Sheridan, the vicar of Chester St Oswald & St Thomas of Canterbury, has composed a poem for Advent about the symbolism of the Advent candles. The poem is titled "The Advent Wreath"
Public worship permitted from 02 December
The Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, has welcomed the publication of the Government's Covid-19 Winter Plan, detailing that places of worship will be permitted to reopen for public worship from 02 December.