A glorious day for the Ordination of Priests
On Saturday 12 men and women were ordained as priests at Chester Cathedral. The sun was out in full splendour which made for some great photos of the ordinands in the Bishop's garden and outside of the Cathedral after the service.
A huge thank you to Roy Hawkins who kindly took the photographs on the day. See the photos here.
Please hold the newly ordained priests in your prayers as they go forward to do God's work in our diocese.
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A year after becoming a deacon
It's been a year since we first filmed the Revd Jonny Frost shortly before he was made deacon in July 2021. We caught up with him recently to see how he's been doing as a Curate at Holy Trinity Church, Hurdsfield. Jonny became a priest on Saturday. Watch the video
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'Amazing' initiative opens up to all
A Deputy Headteacher in Birkenhead has described how a diocesan initiative has transformed the mental health of her students and has had "the most amazing impact".
Sophie Ellison says: “It really has had the most amazing impact on our students, especially those who are suffering at home. After talking one-to-one with a volunteer they return to the classroom with the weight of the world lifted off their shoulders. It’s just amazing; Here to Listen has been invaluable to us.”
Here to Listen links volunteers from churches to local schools to provide children and young people with a listening ear.
After an initial pilot period, Church House is now offering the initiative to schools and churches around the diocese. The next session is due to run on 07 July at Foxhill. Sign up here.
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Refugee Week 2022
With refugees and asylum seekers still in the headlines, this is an opportunity to join together in prayer and raise awareness of the needs of refugees. A series of five reflections from people within our diocese, and a link to church resources are available on our website.
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Help new arrivals into the UK
A new course has been released that is encouraging churches to lead the way in welcoming arrivals in the UK from Hong Kong on the Government’s British National (Overseas) Visa scheme. The Welcome Course is an interactive 6-week alpha-like series all about the culture of the UK. The course is presented by Dr. Krish Kandiah, founder of UKHK, and has been developed by Welcome Churches specifically to help new arrivals find friends and feel supported as they settle into their local churches and communities.
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How to nurture a faith-sharing culture
Clergy attending the Clergy Gathering in May may have picked up a CPAS resource titled: How to nurture a faith-sharing culture. If so, good for you, as they were in hot demand and there wasn't enough there to go round! The good news is that more are available. If you are the leader of an Anglican church, Fresh Expression or church plant and do not have your copy of the book already, follow this link to complete a brief form to access your free copy. In addition to the book, by signing up to CPAS you will receive exclusive resources relating to the book, including webinars, help sheets, videos, and stories about Anglican leadership.
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Everyday Faith deanery events - Has your parish booked?
Parishes are continuing to book spaces at the next two Everyday Faith deanery events. They are shaping up to be well attended and should be a great place to share ideas and learn from one another. Please sign up to avoid disappointment as there are limited spaces at each event:
07 July: Birkenhead, Wallasey and Wirral North REGISTRATION OPEN
18 July: Chadkirk, Stockport and Mottram REGISTRATION OPEN
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The latest Melanesia newsletter
The June edition from Melanesia Mission UK includes details of a Festival Day at St Martin in the Fields, Trafalgar Square on 13 August, and a personal reflection from the Revd Fr. Wilfred Kekea reminds us of the ongoing challenge of COVID in a region that was until the beginning of 2022 COVID free. Do continue to pray for all those affected in Melanesia and for the work of MMUK and the Anglican Church of Melanesia.
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New Eco Church Officer for the North
Christian conservation charity A Rocha UK has announced the name of its new Eco Church officer for the North of England. The appointment underscores A Rocha UK’s commitment to supporting Eco Churches in the Northern Province. Read more about the appointment here.
Still wondering what Eco Church is and how your church can become one? The answers to your questions are here.
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Four Readers gain theology degrees
Congratulations to Readers Belinda Priestley, Debbie Rowlands, Andrew Bradley-Gibbons, and Les Hutchinson who have each just been awarded BTh Honours degrees in Theology.
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How to use your Facebook page to serve your church and community
On 28 June 2022, Church of England Digital Labs are running a short webinar to help people brush up their social media skills. Find out more.
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List your events on our website
DID YOU KNOW: You can list your church event on our website by filling in a simple form. Once approved, it will be published on our Event calendar page for all to see.
Here's a recently submitted event....
Art for the Soul Hoylake, 16 July 2022
Calling all Christian creatives! You're invited to come and hear about Art for the Soul Hoylake, a project led by a lay pioneer at St Hildeburgh's Church in Hoylake
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23 June 2022- Foxhill, Frodsham
By Still Waters: A day to be still before God and find rest, even in the busyness of life. This day is for anyone who would value setting time apart to be still before God, and to come away and be refreshed in these beautiful surroundings.
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25 June 2022 - Online
This two-hour course will explore and reflect upon the safeguarding dimensions involved in the ministry of those who hold PTO, but whose role does not meet the leadership pathway training criteria.
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30 June 2022 - Church House, Daresbury
This four-session course is designed for those who are exploring or already involved in leading worship in church, but are not ordained or Readers.
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05 July 2022 - Foxhill, Frodsham
Find out how churches can work with church schools to develop spirituality. Aimed primarily at schools, this morning will equip you to support your local school more effectively.
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05 July 2022 - Foxhill, Frodsham
This is an opportunity for churches and schools to come along together to find out how they can collaborate to run effective prayer spaces.
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07 July 2022 - Foxhill, Frodsham
Here to Listen is an initiative from the Diocese of Chester that links volunteers from churches to local schools to provide children and young people with a listening ear.
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07 July 2022 - St Stephen’s Church, Prenton
An evening event to learn more about how the local church can encourage people to live out their faith in everyday life.
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16 July 2022 - Daresbury
The Archdeacons invite all new Churchwardens to a training session to learn what is required in their role. Talks will be given by both Ian Bishop and Mike Gilbertson and other diocesan staff including Caroline Hilton, DAC Secretary.
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Parish Vacancies
If your parish has a vacancy, please let us know so that we can advertise the role on our website. Just email your vacancy to stephen.freeman@chester.anglican.org. Please remember to include all relevant information about the role, such as contact details and closing date.
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Cheadle Hulme, St Andrew and Emmanuel
We are looking for a minister who will join with us in our aims to reach out and share God’s love with the local community, guide the churches as they seek to work more closely together and grow younger, wider and deeper.
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Eccleston and Pulford
We are seeking an incumbent for this small semi-rural parish of central tradition near Chester (population 800). There are strong links with the church school. The patronage is held by the Duke of Westminster, and the Eaton Estate provides the housing for the rector, in Eccleston.
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Hattersley
We are seeking a creative, entrepreneurial priest who can immerse themselves in the Hattersley Estate and develop new forms of mission and ministry out of St Barnabas.There are big challenges, but there are great opportunities too, and the prayerful and committed congregation want to see their church grow.
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St Michael’s, Chester
We are looking for a passionate and experienced Youth Worker who will coordinate the work amongst Young people and Young adults in building up their faith in Jesus Christ.
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Christ Church C of E Primary School, Moreton
The Trustees are seeking to appoint an enthusiastic, caring and committed teacher to join our welcoming school. Our bubbly, happy children and strong, supportive staff team are looking for a highly motivated candidate who will bring energy and initiative, initially for one year.
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