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.
News
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.
The April CDN is now available.
The April edition of the Chester Diocesan News is now available. The Dean of Chester Cathedral writes an Easter-themed reflection titled 'Glimpses of Resurrection in which he draws parallels with the Covid pandemic.
Postal delivery of Royal Maundy
Brenda Baxendale, Joan Sears, John Freeman and Vincent Whitehead are this year's diocesan Maundy Recipients. They each received the gift by post after the traditional Royal Maundy Service was cancelled.
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Archbishop Justin to lead Easter Sunday worship
As churches and cathedrals prepare to celebrate Easter, the Archbishop of Canterbury will for the first time give his Easter sermon across BBC television, local and national radio, and the Church of England digital platforms.
An Easter Message
The Bishop of Chester, the Rt Revd Mark Tanner, delivers his Easter message for 2021 from his back garden. You can watch his video here, in which he talks of hope being born and how we can look forward with confidence.
Churchyard garden transformation
A neglected area of a churchyard in St. Mary’s in Partington, a large social housing estate on the outskirts of Manchester, has been transformed to create a spiritual reflection garden with biblically inspired planting.Â
The Kingdom Come resources
The Thy Kingdom Come team are relasing new resources for 2021, including an escape room resource for young people; daily videos; and an updated Digital Family Prayer Adventure Map. They are also giving away 100,000 prayer journals.
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Memorial Spiral unveiled in Chester Cathedral
A ‘memorial spiral’ created from a variety of stones has been unveiled inside Chester Cathedral to coincide with the National Day of Reflection, today, 23 March. The installation has been constructed in the nave.
Earth Hour
Revd Mike Loach, from Christ Church, Higher Bebington talks about Earth Hour, an event held every year where millions of people across the world join in raising awareness of the issues facing our planet.Â
Synod welcomes launch of Growing Faith
Diocesan Synod has welcomed the launch of Growing Faith, a national initiative to reorientate mission back towards children and young people by encouraging partnership working between schools, churches and households.
Exploring Eco-Church in Higher Bebington
In this short video, Vicar of Higher Bebington and co-chair of the environment forum, Revd Mike Loach, shares some of the small environmental projects they're pursuing as part of the Eco-Church scheme.
National Day of Reflection: Get involved
The Church of England has published 12 ideas to help churches take part in the National Day of Reflection on Tuesday 23 March. Bishop Mark says the day is a moment to "note how far we have come and look forward with hope."
Bishop Mark: "Look forward with hope"
Bishop Mark has said the last 12 months have been "unexpected, harrowing and lonely for so many" but that the National Day of Reflection on Tuesday 23 March is a moment to "note how far we have come and look forward with hope".
Robot cat goes to good home
The Sycamores care home in Newton, Hyde, has a new resident, Freddie the Robot cat, which was donated by the local church, St Mary's, also in Newton. The vicar, Revd Sheila O'Flaherty, and the congregation raised the £100 needed.
Millions access online worship
The Church of England’s national online services alone have attracted more than 3.7 million views since the first restrictions on gatherings for public worship to limit the spread of Covid-19 were introduced almost a year ago.
"Thank You" from Keith and Rosie Sinclair
Following his leaving service on 07 March and subsequent retirement on 08 March, former Bishop of Birkenhead, Keith Sinclair, and his wife Rosie, have written a letter of thanks to the dicoese.
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National Day of Reflection
A National Day of Reflection is due to take place on Tuesday 23 March. Chester Cathedral will hold a service and will also install a new sculpture in the nave to encourage prayer and reflection born out of the experience of lockdown.
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Two poems by the Revd Alec Brown
The Revd Alec Brown has written two sonnets. One, titled; 'The roadmap unfolding' 'is in response to the Prime Minister's roadmap for easing lockdown restrictions in England.
