Safeguarding Hubs provide parishes with a simple, secure and practical way to manage safeguarding administration in one place. Designed specifically for the Church of England, the Hub helps churches stay
Author: Natalie Sansom
Every life remembered: Lessons from 1,000 funerals
After leading more than 1,000 funerals Phil Jaekel has learned that no life is ordinary. As a Reader and Lay Funeral Minister in the Diocese of Gloucester, Phil has stood
Message from Bishop Robert, 29 September 2026
Last week I had the privilege of preaching at St Paul’s Cathedral, at a special service recognising and celebrating the ministry of Parish Safeguarding Officers from across the Church of
Common Ground Award 2026 to 2027
There’s an opportunity for us to invest in the life of our church and the wider community. The Common Ground Award 2026 to 2027 is now open, with applications closing
Message from Bishop Rachel, 22 September 2026
Last week, Bishop Robert and I spent four days in Oxford with the bishops across the Church of England. A lot of our time was spent with several distinguished speakers
The Racial Justice Action Group
The Racial Justice Action Group (RJAG) is the advisory body leading on racial justice across the Diocese of Gloucester. Racial justice is part of our everyday life as Christians and
Church seeks art and community future
St Stephen’s Cheltenham is looking at how its building could have a wider role in the community, while continuing to hold regular worship. A team at the church are exploring
Sportily backs call to transform PE
Sportily is supporting a campaign encouraging primary schools to rethink physical education, championing a more inclusive, play-based approach that helps every child experience the joy of movement. As part of
New tool to streamline funding applications
If you are a churchwarden, PCC secretary or volunteer who has been asked, ‘could you see if there are any grants we can apply for?’, you will know that finding
Arson incidents
Whilst the increase in arson incidents seen in recent months has not been specific to churches, it serves as a useful reminder of the importance of reviewing measures to protect
A quick note about carbon survey approaches
We’ve recently heard from a parish that was contacted by an organisation called NECRA CIC, offering a carbon survey and certificate for their church building. After looking into the information
Sharing faith on Tiktok: Faith in Glos
Young people across the Diocese of Gloucester are sharing what faith means to them through a new TikTok channel, Faith in Glos. The channel gives young people a chance to
The Gift of Christmas – resources for Advent and Christmas
The Church of England’s Advent and Christmas theme for 2026 is The Gift of Christmas, inviting us to celebrate, receive and respond to the gift of God in Jesus Christ.
‘Love Tuffley’: Celebrating community
A recent mission weekend in Tuffley showed how Christians can share faith through hospitality, community and building relationships.
Disability Awareness Sunday: One body, many parts
Worshipping communities are invited to take part in Disability Awareness Sunday (DAS) on 27 September. This year’s theme, One Body, Many Parts, is based on 1 Corinthians 12 and reminds
Remember a Charity Week
We’ll all be remembered for something. A funny moment. A much-loved hobby. Our unique quirks. Or that one story everyone knows. Across the Diocese of Gloucester, our churches are part
Building Management Portal: what you need to know
You may already have heard from the national Church of England about the introduction of the new Building Management Portal, which will replace the Online Faculty System. We know that
Heritage Open Days 2026
Heritage Open Days return this year from 11 to 20 September, offering free opportunities to discover the history, heritage and culture found across the country. With plenty of events happening
Bishop Senam Raj installed as Bishop of Dornakal
The Right Reverend Dr K Senam Raj was installed as Bishop of the Diocese of Dornakal, India, on 2 August, following the retirement of Bishop Padma Rao in June 2026.
Message from Bishop Rachel, 1 September 2026
“We … will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord and his might and the wonders that he has done. … that the next generation might
Liz Kitch appointed new Senior Churches and Pastoral Transitions Officer
Liz Kitch will join the Diocese of Gloucester as its new Senior Churches and Pastoral Transitions Officer in early December. Liz joins from the Diocese of Oxford, where she has
Orchids of Hawaii: Lisa-Jayne’s story
This September marks 25 years since the attacks of 11 September 2001. For Lisa-Jayne Lewis, Financial Giving Advisor at the Diocese of Gloucester, the anniversary brings back memories of an
Heritage meets sustainability at St Lawrence
What does it mean to care for creation in a 15th century church? At St Lawrence, Lechlade, the answer is taking shape in limecrete, insulation, solar panels and a radically
St Peter’s Leckhampton achieves Eco Church Gold Award
St Peter’s, Leckhampton, has been awarded the Eco Church Gold Award by A Rocha, recognising the church’s commitment to caring for creation through its worship and teaching, buildings, church land,
