The Beacon Benefice in the Cotswolds is branding its all-age services with a friendly sheep called Sherlock to make its offering instantly recognisable. Part of the Benefice’s current focus isContinue reading
Month: February 2024
Barrie Voyce blogs on gender identity and mental health
Barrie Voyce, Senior Youth Connector in the Diocese of Gloucester, blogs about what the real issues are facing young people today. This article originally appeared in the Winchcombe Parish Magazine.Continue reading
Festival of Wonder brings people together in Stroud
St Laurence church has hosted three days of music, dance, circus performance, workshops and laughter, as the town gathered for Stroud’s epic Festival of Wonder. Bryan Court, who chaired theContinue reading
General Synod backs action to tackle biodiversity crisis
General Synod has been told that the UK is one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and has pledged to tackle the biodiversity crisis.
“People are surprised to see a DJ in a clerical collar”
A vicar from Tetbury is using his love for music to share God’s love through DJing at festivals and events. The Revd Steve Bullock shares how he developed his ‘musical ministry’ and the reactions he gets from listeners.
Message from Bishop Rachel, 27 February 2024
Throughout the gospels we are repeatedly confronted with Jesus Christ’s encounters with individuals and with groups of people. Often, we get a glimpse of an individual’s story and the way they view life from the context in which they are embedded, and we see Jesus engage with who they are. Our reactions probably range from disturbance through to curiosity and delight.
Research participants wanted
Research participants wanted: Christian theology and child protection practices in the Church of England. Brett Riches, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser, is conducting research for his dissertation as part of an MScContinue reading
Your Diocesan Synod needs you
Have you ever considered becoming a member of the Gloucester Diocesan Synod? This summer, we will be seeking newly elected members to represent a broad spectrum of our diocesan-wide communitiesContinue reading
Organists come together to raise funds for Cranham’s church organ
15 different organists will be playing in St James the Great Church in Cranham on Saturday 9 March in a non-stop ‘Organathon’ from 9am to 6.15pm. This all-day performance isContinue reading
Bishop Rachel speaks out on sentencing
As we venture towards a General Election at some time this year, the prison population is approaching 90,000 underpinned by a rhetoric of ‘being tough on crime’ …
Bream CofE celebrating ‘good’ results for first time in 22 years
Bream Church of England Primary School, near Lydney, has just been awarded a ‘good’ rating across all areas in its latest Ofsted inspection. Under new headteacher Nicky Brice, it’s progressedContinue reading
Mark: “A higher power was helping with the melodies”
Cinderford vicar Mike Barnsley and musician Mark Venus have started a song-writing partnership that they feel is divinely inspired.
‘The air we breathe’ sustainability festival comes to Cheltenham church
On 3 February, Pip and Jim’s Church in Leckhampton hosted the annual From the Ground Up sustainability festival. Participants and speakers focused on the theme, ‘The air we breathe’, withContinue reading
Nominations open for awards that celebrate local heroes
Do you, or those you work around, know someone who’s deserving of an award? Maybe an unsung hero who deserves recognition for their voluntary efforts or a brilliant group thatContinue reading
New talent sought to tackle racism in the C of E
“Racism has no place in the Church of England, but we must face the fact that it still exists. As West Midlands bishops, meeting on Stephen Lawrence Day, we stronglyContinue reading
Anna Chaplaincy – bringing God’s love to people in later life
12 people have been commissioned as ‘Anna Chaplains’ at a special service at Holy Apostles’ Church, Cheltenham, specialising in spiritual support for older people. The men and women have completedContinue reading
Café and shop in Amberley church breathe new life into building
A café and coffee shop set up in an Amberley church have brought new life to the church building and united the community. As a result of this community-owned and run venture, Holy Trinity is now a bustling hub of activity with people using the building seven days a week.
Teachers’ marathon effort to raise money for City Farm
In April, two members of staff at St James’ Church of England Primary School in Gloucester will be taking part in the London Marathon. Ahead of the big day, theyContinue reading
Message from Bishop Robert, 13 February 2024
It’s a rather wonderful clashing of Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day this week. I might wish otherwise, but I suspect that the sales of roses and chocolates will outweigh those of ash… indeed I fear that it will be a one-sided contest…
10:10 Circle pilot begins: helping churches bring outreach projects to life
The Diocese of Gloucester is just about to begin a pilot for its pioneering project, the 10:10 Circle – an interactive programme aimed at helping members to explore their ideasContinue reading
Bee sculpture made of weapons coming to Gloucester Cathedral
A thought-provoking bee sculpture will be displayed around Gloucester from 16 – 20 February to spark discussions with young people about the dangers of weapons and violence. Made from weaponsContinue reading
Five new Funeral Ministers licensed in special service
On Monday 22 January, five new funeral ministers were licensed at Gloucester Cathedral by Bishop Robert. The candidates completed their training through the Funeral Project last year, which consisted ofContinue reading
Message from Bishop Rachel, 6 February 2024
On Saturday, Bishop Rachel addressed the Diocesan Synod, encouraging us to keep ensuring that the big vision always precedes our planning and strategising.
Bishop Rachel’s presidential address to Synod is published here.
Gloucester youth visit Global Epiphany event in Sweden
At the beginning of January Youth Connector Charlotte Butcher-Barnard and four young people (Ella and Amelia Bishop from Chipping Campden and Isaac Davies and Daniel Ward from Tewkesbury) traveled toContinue reading