It’s been two years since we focused the spotlight of our LIFE vision into the five areas of the LIFE Together vision.
We’re seeking to live ‘life in all its fullness’ and are connecting with God’s work through the LIFE vision statements:
- Leadership: Committed to transformation
- Imagination: Opening new paths to faith
- Faith: Living as adventurous followers of Jesus Christ
- Engagement: Living out Christ’s love and hope
This year, has seen all these areas flourish in and around the Diocese and we couldn’t resist sharing a round-up of some of our favourite stories for the year.
Nurturing everyday disciples
We shared stories from all stages of life and faith.
Investing in people and programmes which excite young people to explore and grow in faith
Our Under 5s and Flourishing conference saw 100 people come together to explore how to build strong brain foundations in young children. Sportily has been connecting with even more young people, through holiday and after school clubs.
Encouraging new and courageous ways of worshipping in different places which connect with more people
Lee Barnes was one of a team who annually set out to Glastonbury to minister to festival-goers.
“The headline for me was being with people in need.” Lee’s Glastonbury Festival experience
Being advocates for flourishing through initiatives that combat injustice…
In February, Bishop Rachel led a ceremony to mark the arrival of the Knife Angel at Gloucester Cathedral, to raise awareness of violent and aggressive behaviour issues. Bishop Rachel also spoke out on the conflict in Israel-Palestine.
Ceremony marks Knife Angel’s month-long installation at Gloucester Cathedral
combat environmental destruction…
The Revd Dr Cate Williams shared her experience attending Christian Climate Action’s London demonstration, a peaceful and lawful climate protest which took place in April.
combat exclusion…
Members of St Catharine’s Gloucester provided free bike repairs to refugees with the Bike Repairs Project.
St Catharine’s bike repair initiative helps refugees stay on the road
and combat isolation…
Bishop Rachel welcomed guests at Saturday Kitchen in St Matthew’s Cheltenham.
Getting young voices heard in parliament
Young people from The Cotswold School and All Saints Academy joined Bishop Rachel at an event in the House of Lords for the Liedentity campaign.
Investing in funeral ministry
We licensed six people as funeral ministers – an exciting new initiative at the Diocese that aims to support families to plan a funeral service, lead the funeral service and follow up with bereavement support.
Diocese of Gloucester celebrates first licensed funeral ministers
Celebrating the Coronation of King Charles III
We welcomed HRH The Princess Royal to Gloucester Cathedral during the weekend of the King’s Coronation in May.
HRH The Princess Royal visits Gloucester Cathedral for The Big Help Out
Developing diverse lay and ordained leaders
We shared the testimonies of some of our new Deacons and Priests at the 2023 Ordinations.
Lucy’s ordination story: “I was pioneering before I knew the term existed.”
This is just a snapshot of some of the projects you have been working on over the year. It’s wonderful to see how people are living life in all its fullness as they seek to follow Jesus and to join in with what God is doing in their area.
If you have a story to tell about the work that’s happening in your area, we want to hear from you. Send your stories to ku.gr1728043349o.coi1728043349dsolg1728043349@newo1728043349k1728043349" class="broken_link">ku.gr1728043349o.coi1728043349dsolg1728043349@newo1728043349k1728043349
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