In our diocesan Bulletin I wrote of the danger of seeing the world through a simple binary lens, and I included the situation in Israel-Palestine. The details of the evilContinue reading
Author: Kelly Owen
Message from Archdeacon Phil, 17 October 2023
One of the questions we sometimes ask candidates being interviewed for clergy posts in the Diocese runs along the lines of ‘What, for you, is the heart of the good news of the Gospel, and is there a Bible verse that is central to this?’ … I am always struck by the range of responses and find myself reflecting on what my answer would be.
Trinity Cheltenham celebrates Eco Church Silver Award
Congratulations to Trinity Cheltenham for obtaining their Eco Church Silver Award after a three-year-long ‘eco’ journey led by their Operations Manager, Marion David. Marion says, ‘Within our church environmental team, weContinue reading
Green Church Awards will showcase best of church eco projects
The 2024 Green Church Awards, launched by The Church Times, will recognise the urgent environmental crisis and the efforts being made by Christian organisations and communities, churches and church schoolsContinue reading
Message from Bishop Rachel, 10 October 2023
In the midst of all the different strands of my ministry at present, I continue to reflect on a world in which oversimplistic binary views are so prevalent and so easily shape the way people view the world, yet the truth is that stories and lives are far messier than that.
Animals receive blessing in special service in Quedgeley
Forty people and their pets took part in a special service of blessing at Saint James’ in Quedgeley on Sunday 8 October. The blessing of animals service was conducted byContinue reading
DAC Secretary speaks on heritage and climate change at European summit
Adam Klups, Gloucester DAC Secretary, took part in a European heritage and climate action forum in Italy, sharing how the Church of England and the Diocese are working towards theContinue reading
The First Nowell – new carol for Christmas
A message from Archbishop Justin Welby and Archbishop Stephen Cottrell Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, We are writing with an invitation for you to be part of the premiereContinue reading
Message from Archdeacon Hilary, 3 October 2023
I come from a family of teachers. Both my parents and my oldest brother were teachers. It felt inevitable and right that I would follow in their footsteps and I taught across a number of schools over 17 years prior to ordination. Thursday 5 October marks World Teachers’ Day. It commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the 1966 UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
What it’s like to go on a Mental Health First Aider training course
In September, Jo Sanders, from St Catharine’s, Gloucester, attended the Mental Health First Aider training course, run by the Diocese of Gloucester. Having completed Safeguarding training, led by Becca Faal,Continue reading
Prayer resources for Prisons Week 2023
Prisons Week begins with Prisons Sunday on 8 October. For nearly 50 years, Prisons Week has encouraged Christians everywhere to pray for prisoners and their families, victims of crime andContinue reading
St Peter’s Leckhampton going for Eco Church Gold
Where would you look for creeping Jenny? Do you know where to find Aaron’s beard? Would you like some garlic mustard? Thanks to a recent on-site survey, these plants canContinue reading
Good Childhood Report findings reflect anxieties in children across the Diocese
The Children’s Society has published its 12th annual Good Childhood Report. The report shows the latest trends in children’s wellbeing across the UK, and reflects how the cost of livingContinue reading
Vicar voices podcast sharing Christian perspectives on life
Alongside supporting a new parish ministry in Bishop’s Cleeve, the Revd Nat Garrett produces a weekly podcast for a digital project pioneered by the Church of England. As the voiceContinue reading
Message from Bishop Rachel, 26 September 2023
For many years October has been marked out as Black History Month, during which black contributions to British society are highlighted and celebrated. There are specific opportunities to hear stories and insights and to look through a different lens not only as we promote and celebrate racial diversity and culture but also as we shine a light on racial justice.
New film released for Black History Month
October is Black History Month, a time to recognise and celebrate the contributions black people have made throughout our country’s history and culture. This year, a new film offers aContinue reading
A fond farewell to Ugly Duckling Company CEO Sharon Lanfear
On Thursday 21 September, the team at Ugly Duckling Company (UDC) said farewell to their CEO, Sharon Lanfear. The Ugly Duckling Company is a Christian charity that creates resources andContinue reading
Jayne retires from 25-year Children and Families’ Ministry role
For the past 25 years, Jayne Seward has played a key role in the life of the worshipping community at St Matthew’s and the Minster in Cheltenham. On 10 September,Continue reading
The Difference course – being a reconciling presence in the midst of conflict
Do you know what real difference you could make to the people you encounter in your day-to-day life? The Difference course, developed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, explores what itContinue reading
Message from Dean Andrew, 19 September 2023
Following on from a busy summer, September has got off to an excellent start.
Young people celebrate faith and friendship at summer party
Sunday 17 September saw children and young people from the worshipping community at St James’ Quedgeley come together to celebrate the end of the summer holidays. The children were allContinue reading
“Climate change is a ‘together’ challenge” – the Revd Mark Siddall
This autumn, the Revd Dr Mark Siddall, Priest-in-Charge of St James’ Church Kingsway and Quedgeley, is leading a series of seminars to help clergy, ministers and readers understand the scriptural, theological and missional imperative to care for God’s Creation.
Message from Bishop Rachel, 12 September 2023
Increasingly in my ministry, not least in my ministry with prisons and criminal justice, I reflect on the reality that all the brokenness in our world is rooted in broken relationship: Relationship with God, with neighbour and with self, and of course with the earth and the whole of creation. This is echoed in our failure to keep those commandments, underlined by Jesus Christ, to ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength’ and to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’.
David Thorpe steps down as CEO of Sportily
A message from Chair of Sportily, Kevan Taylor. “After four years as Project Director and then CEO of Sportily, David Thorpe has decided to step down as CEO at theContinue reading
