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
Author: Natalie Sansom
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
Introducing 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,
Heritage Open Days – 11 to 20 September 2026
What are you doing for Heritage Open Days this year? Heritage Open Days returns from 11 to 20 September, and we’d love to hear what churches are getting involved with. If
Mission Grant Fund – 2026 deadlines
There are a couple of funding opportunities available to help support projects in local churches and communities, with three deadlines coming up over the next few months. Whether you’re looking
A year of Promise and Hope
A year after launching at St Paul’s, Parkend, the Promise and Hope bereavement café has become a valued support for people living with loss across the community.
General Synod July 2026 – Representatives’ Report
This report gives an overview of the July meeting of General Synod, highlighting some of the key issues, discussions and decisions considered during the meeting. It brings together contributions from
Sportily blog: Year 5 and 6 residentials
Sportily is a Christian sports and physical activity organisation based in Gloucestershire, creating fun and welcoming spaces where people of all ages can get active, build friendships and explore faith
A safe space for Winchcombe’s young people
Sometimes the simplest ideas can make the biggest difference. That’s certainly true of The Beacon, a parish-led project in Winchcombe that offers young people a warm, welcoming place to spend
A year of Lives of Colour projects
Over the past year, Lives of Colour has been working with young people across Cheltenham to explore themes of identity, belonging, racial equity and community. They have produced a recent
Building Management Portal
The Church of England is introducing the Building Management Portal, a new national digital system for managing applications relating to works on churches, their contents, and churchyards. The portal will
How churchyards are building community
A gathering exploring how churches can manage their churchyards for biodiversity has highlighted another important role these spaces can play – bringing communities together. More than 20 people from ten
