‘Don’t build more prisons, provide more support, facilities and opportunities for young people’.
Month: November 2025
Children’s Ministry Essentials
Anticipation, excitement, a twinge of anxiety, so many feelings as we launched the first learning hubs for the Children’s Ministry Essentials (CME) programme in Gloucester and Newent, but hurrah!, we
Open The Gospel – 7 December – The Second Sunday of Advent, Matthew 3.1–12
7 December – The Second Sunday of Advent, Matthew 3.1–12 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, 2‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come
DWT welcomes over a thousand children to Christian camp
Our partner Diocese of Western Tanganyika brought together more than a thousand children for a five-day Christian camp that blended learning, worship and fellowship. Initially planned for 900 participants, the
Listening well to those who have experienced abuse
The Diocese of Gloucester, in partnership with the National Safeguarding Team, hosted a Safeguarding Good Practice Participation Forum in October. Here we share some of the key learning from that
Clips, cribs, and community: Advent at Sodbury Vale
This year, Sodbury Vale Benefice is spreading seasonal cheer online with their digital Advent calendar – inviting everyone to share in the hopes, memories, and joy of Christmas as seen
A greener and warmer winter for St Mary’s
St Mary’s Church, Lower Slaughter is looking forward to a greener and warmer winter thanks to the installation of a new electric heating system, funded through a combination of a
Message from Bishop Robert, 25 November 2025
Today, Tuesday 25 November, marks White Ribbon Day. It is followed by a call to 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, part of a powerful call to end violence
Open The Gospel – 30 November: First Sunday of Advent, Matthew 24.36-44
30 November: First Sunday of Advent, Matthew 24.36-44 ‘But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 37For as
New guidance to help churches prove due regard to Net Zero Carbon
The Diocese of Gloucester’s Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) has published new guidance to help churches pay due regard to Church of England’s Net Zero Carbon ambition when making decisions or
Clearwater teachers visit our Tanzanian partners
Clearwater C of E Primary Academy teacher Judith Manns and headteacher Kate Moss have visited two primary schools in our link Diocese of Western Tanganyika in Tanzania. Judith shared her
Message from Bishop Rachel, 18 November 2025
In recent days I have again been in a variety of settings with different people, including: meetings and conversations with diocesan colleagues and other bishops; time with clergy; a debate
Faith and finance – a financial wellbeing conference
‘Faith and finance’ will be taking place in the first half of 2026. It’s a new diocesan event designed to help us think more clearly, confidently, and faithfully about money,
‘The hymn books have sung again’
When St Mary’s Tetbury realised their 350 retired hymn books were not suitable for donation and could not be sold, the church sought a more imaginative solution than just sending
Open The Gospel – 23 November: Christ the King, Luke 23.33-43
23 November: Christ the King, Luke 23.33-43 When they came to the place that is called The Skull, they crucified Jesus there with the criminals, one on his right and
This Sunday is Safeguarding Sunday
Safeguarding Sunday is on 16 November and this year’s theme, ‘action speaks louder’, encourages people to move beyond talking about safeguarding and take meaningful steps towards creating safer spaces. Bishop
Message from Bishop Robert, 11 November 2025
Stepping into the role of Lead Bishop for Safeguarding
Bishop Robert to be new Lead Safeguarding Bishop
Bishop Robert is to be the Church of England’s new Lead Safeguarding Bishop, taking over from Bishop Joanne Grenfell who leaves the role at the end of March 2026, when
Grace Network launches ethical Christmas hamper
The Grace Network, based in The Old Department Store in Cirencester, is offering a thoughtful way to give back this Christmas with a hamper that supports communities both locally and
We’re moving office
We’re delighted to let you know that on Monday 1 December, the diocesan staff and teams currently based in College Green in Gloucester will be relocating to a new office
Open The Gospel – 16 November: Second Sunday before Advent, Luke 21.5-19
16 November: Second Sunday before Advent, Luke 21.5-19 Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him 28and asked him a question, ‘Teacher, Moses wrote for us that
‘Ageing Gracefully’ available in new online format
When Dr Ian Donald first launched ‘Ageing Gracefully’ in 2023, his aim was to help people confront the realities of ageing through both medical understanding and Christian faith. Drawing on
Engaging with COP30, 10 to 21 November
From 10 to 21 November, world leaders will gather in Belém, Brazil, for COP30, the 30th annual UN climate conference. As the date draws near, there are lots of opportunities
St Laurence gains lottery support for building restoration work
Support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund brings new hope for saving Stroud’s historic St Laurence Church. Up to £225,636 in development funding has been awarded to St Laurence’s project,
