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
Author: Natalie Sansom
National month of prayer for toddler groups – June 2026
‘Send a Sheep!’ June is the national month of prayer for toddler group ministries. Organised by 1277 Make Them Count – a Network of church-based Toddler Group leaders – the
Churches Count on Nature 2026
Churches across England and Wales are being encouraged to take part in Churches Count on Nature 2026, which will take place from Saturday 6 June to Sunday 14 June as
Shifting gears: How to nourish ourselves
The Net Zero Carbon Project Manager for the Diocese of Gloucester, Erica Siddall, reflects on the hope she has found through the Laudato Si’ Movement, which connects faith, hope, and
Sanctuary Sunday
Every year on 20 June, the UNHCR marks World Refugee Day. This was established in 2001 on the 50thAnniversary of the Geneva Convention of the Rights of Refugees. The Convention
Climate leadership survey for Oxford University research
Church leaders, Divinity students or those in ministerial training, and congregation members are invited to take part in a research project exploring climate leadership within the Church, being undertaken through
Record retention schedule: New best practice guide on record and information management
A new document sets out best practice on what paper and digital records your church should keep, for how long, and which can be disposed of or archived. It’s called
Message from Bishop Rachel, 12 May 2026
On Thursday 14 May we will celebrate Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter Day. Following his resurrection, Jesus spoke with his disciples about continuing to live and share his teachings;
News from The Diocese of Dornakal
The Diocese of Gloucester is in partnership with the Diocese of Dornakal in India. These links across cultures allow friendships to develop, helping people to understand one another better while
St Cyr’s Church set for major revamp
New plans unveiled to revitalise St Cyr’s Church, are designed to secure its future and enhance its role at the heart of Stonehouse. The proposed improvements include the creation of
Ideas for parishes to take action for racial justice
The West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative (WMRJI) has shared a new resource: Creativity for Belonging: 10 Parish Actions for Racial Justice It offers a range of simple and practical ideas
Grants for church wildlife gardens
To help churches care for their churchyards as spaces of welcome, wellbeing and biodiversity, grants of up to £250 are available to support simple, practical environmental projects.
Creation Care: Recommended reads from Craig Bishop
The Revd Canon Craig Bishop, Rector of St James’ Church, Chipping Campden, shares a selection of books that have informed his thinking on Creation Care. In the reflections that follow,
Message from Bishop Robert, 28 April 2026
There is nothing quite like coming home. Coming home at the end of a long day working, or from a trip away, or even a short break or holiday. The activities we were engaged in may have been joyful or challenging, uplifting or discouraging, but coming home promises a space to relax, to be oneself, and to recuperate, recalibrate, and rest.
Wild Worship at Tewkesbury Abbey
Connecting with God’s creation is key to Wild Worship sessions happening in the grounds of Tewkesbury Abbey.
GDBF supports affordable housing at Innsworth
The Diocese of Gloucester is proud to have supported the official opening of the Church Housing Association’s first housing scheme at Innsworth.
Donkey joins Palm Sunday procession
There was a very special guest at St Lawrence, Barnwood this Palm Sunday. She had four legs, a gentle nature, and plenty of charm.
On our way to net zero carbon
The concept of net zero carbon can sometimes seem complicated, hard to reach, and a little overwhelming. However many worshipping communities in the Diocese of Gloucester are already well on
Synod backs sustainable church flowers
A motion encouraging the use of sustainable church flowers has been passed by General Synod.
St Peter’s Eco Church Silver
St Peter’s Church in Stratton, Cirencester has achieved the Silver Eco Church award, recognising the church’s growing commitment to caring for creation
Faith stories: Barnaby’s transformation
“I no longer feel alone. My heart’s been completely transformed. I’ve got so much joy in what I do now.”
‘Courage to care’ safeguarding day
A healthy church community is a space where people feel safe, valued, and comfortable exploring faith together. It’s deeply embedded in our calling as Christians to love and care for
Children to bury time capsule at St Lawrence
Children at St Lawrence Church, Lechlade have gathered materials to fill a time capsule to bury under the new floor as part of Project Inspire restoration and reordering scheme. The
General Synod February 2026 – Representatives’ Report for Deaneries
This report summarises the key discussions, decisions, and outcomes from the February 2026 sessions of the General Synod, highlighting matters of interest arising from representatives’ contributions. Introduction “This was another
