Finding bats roosting in your church building can be a cause for concern, particularly when dealing with the mess and damage caused by droppings. But, as Oliver Mitchell, Church Buildings
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A Christmas message for everyone in Gloucestershire and beyond, from Bishop Rachel
A Christmas message for everyone in Gloucestershire and beyond, from the Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek Scroll down to the bottom of the page for the full
A Christmas message to clergy, lay leaders and all in our worshipping communities, from the Bishop of Gloucester
Thank you to those who lead and organise, and all who participate in different ways — whether it’s about our worship, or the activities which engage with people and places in your context – seeking the flourishing of children, young people and adults, and the flourishing of place and creation, thank you.
Message from Bishop Robert, 12 December 2023
We are now firmly in these days that are Christmas and yet, of course, not quite Christmas yet. In church, there are still two more candles to light on the Advent crown, while already we welcome so many to sing carols and hear again the message of the angels.
A Christmas message for children and families from Bishop Rachel
Please share this video Christmas message for 2023 with children and families that you know. The words that Bishop Rachel says are written below the video. I hope
Severn Towers Benefice pilgrims carry light to Tewkesbury in annual Advent walk
On a cold and foggy Saturday, a group of pilgrims from Severn Towers Benefice in north Gloucester embarked on a Advent walk from Gloucester Cathedral to Tewkesbury Abbey. Meeting at
Sharing the ‘charism of chaplaincy’ at new network for chaplains
Chaplains are people who step out in faith to listen, show compassion and be alongside people in their joys, sadness and ordinary lives. Sometimes serving prisons, schools, hospitals or sports
‘Follow the Star: Join the Song’ Advent and Christmas resources for churches to engage with all ages
The Church of England has produced a range of fun resources – in print and online – to help everyone, from tiny tots to older people, ‘Follow the Star: Join
Diocese of Gloucester solving the challenge of decline in church funerals
Nationally, the number of Church of England funeral services has declined by a further 19% since 2018. Yet, the Diocese of Gloucester may be one of the only dioceses in
The Big Mission Weekend with the Archbishop of Canterbury: 24 to 26 May 2024
We are delighted to announce that the Archbishop of Canterbury will be with us in this diocese for the weekend of Friday 24 May to Sunday 26 May 2024. This is part of his programme of evangelistic weekends in different dioceses.
Message from Bishop Robert, 5 December 2023
You may remember that I have shared my love of a Christmas light before – the more colourful the better! It is such fun as I travel around this Diocese looking out for shops, offices and houses lit up with the light bright and piercing the darkness of these winter nights.
What’s happening in and around the Diocese of Gloucester this Christmas
Advent has officially begun! There is lots happening across the Diocese of Gloucester – for people of all ages. Whether you are looking for something fun to do with the
Cousins baptised together at outdoor family service
On Sunday 19 November, in a tent in the churchyard of St Mary’s Kempsford, three young candidates experienced a special baptism service. During the pandemic restrictions, when people were allowed
Growing spiritual muscles
‘Hey! Christmas has come early for you!’ It was an understandable conclusion for someone to make as my arms were filled with branches of pinecones and a tin of spiced
Worshipping community ‘join the song’ and create new Christmas carols
This year, the Church of England’s Christmas campaign is ‘Follow the Star: Join the Song’. St Catharine’s Church in Gloucester has invited everyone to get involved in not only singing
Message from Bishop Rachel, 28 November 2023
Last week, in my role as Pro-Chancellor of the University of Gloucestershire, I had the joy of presenting Nick Gazzard with an Honorary Fellowship. It has been a privilege to get to know Nick over the years, and many of you will be aware of his inspirational work with the Hollie Gazzard Trust.
The Diocese of Gloucester’s 2023 visit to Dornakal, India
In October this year Archdeacon Phil Andrew, the Revd Gary Grady, the Revd David Bowers and Penny Fayter left the UK for a partnership visit to two of our International
COP28: How Christians in the Diocese of Gloucester can get involved
COP28 is the 28th meeting of the Conference of Parties on climate change, which starts on 30 November and runs for 12 days. This year, the United Nations climate change
Mothers’ Union on 16 days of activism against gender-based violence
The Mothers’ Union is taking part in the 16 days against gender-based violence with its ‘No More 1 in 3’ campaign against domestic abuse and gender-based violence. The organisation has
Community Hot Lunch brings fresh hope in Cheltenham
On 13 November, a community café in Cheltenham began a new venture, opening once a week to offer hot food and a warm, welcoming space to the vulnerable and lonely.
Bishop Emmanuel shares stories of Tanzania with Clearwater Academy pupils
Bishop Emmanuel Bwatta, from the Diocese of Western Tanganyika, Tanzania, visited Clearwater Academy to find out about the school and meet the children and staff. Clearwater Academy is linked with
Message from Bishop Rachel, 21 November 2023
A Song of the Wilderness, with words from Isaiah 35, will be used in the coming days and weeks as we move into Advent, and will be part of my prayer as I spend three days at the end of this week on retreat, staying in a hermitage in the grounds of a religious community. It will be my time of ‘going into the desert’ to be with God. I delight in solitude and silence to pray, reflect and dwell in scripture, and I am expectant for God to water those places within me which have become parched.
Indoor fireworks display delights visitors at St Barnabas, Gloucester
A silent fireworks display brought over 400 people to St Barnabas Church in Gloucester on Fireworks Night. The event – a computer-generated projection show – was organised by husband and
New trees planted at Gloucester Cathedral to mark King’s Coronation
On Tuesday 14 November – the 75th birthday of His Majesty King Charles III – members of the Gloucestershire Lieutenancy and representatives from Gloucester Cathedral gathered on Cathedral Green to


