Your views on our future bishops
The Diocese of Chester has been given permission to appoint to the Sees of Birkenhead and Stockport. Now Bishop Mark is encouraging people to complete a short survey which is seeking views and comments from individuals in the diocese about the two bishop posts.
To complete the survey, follow this link.
The See of Stockport has remained vacant since Libby moved to Derby in 2019, and Bishop Keith plans to retire on 08 March, 14 years to the day after he was consecrated.
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A praying man
It's been five years since the death of the enigmatic English singer-songwriter, David Bowie. In a tribute concert for the late Freddie Mercury, he paused during his performance to do something that took everyone by surprise.
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A New Year reflection
In the first of this year's reflections published in the CDN, Mike Gilbertson, the Archdeacon of Chester, imagines how things might be different if each one of us were to grow closer to Jesus in 2021 in prayer and in our daily lives.
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Additional clergy support groups
The Diocese of Chester is creating additional clergy support groups which any member of the clergy can join. The announcement of the additional clergy support comes following a challenging Christmas for clergy in the diocese.
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She's in the Army now
The Revd Ailsa Whorton has successfully passed an intensive training course at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst and remains a self-supporting minister with PTO in the Diocese of Chester.
What is unusual about Ailsa's story is that she did all this at the age of 53, 17 years older than anyone else she was training with.
Ailsa says: "Only 9.8 per cent of the Army are female, so, if someone like me can do it, maybe more women might be inclined to think that they can too.”
What is God calling you to be and do in 2021? Let us help you eplore your next step on the journey with God. Register for Called to Serve.
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Churches as vaccination and testing centres: guidance
The CofE has produced guidance to help churches decide what to do if they are approached by their local NHS trust, or if they wish to offer a space for COVID-19 vaccination or testing centres. The guidance will be updated as required. Please contact the DAC if you have any queries about faculty permissions.
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Important update on clergy housing
We appreciate that this is again a very difficult time for clergy and their families, and we assure you of our continued prayers at this time. Church House staff in the property department continue to work normally from home as they have done since last March and you should initially direct any questions or report property issues to them. Contact details are available here.
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Culture Recovery Fund for Heritage Second Round
The second round of Government funding for heritage, including places of worship, has reopened for applications until 26 January 2021. Also see the CofE guidance note for top tips for churches. Two free webinars will be held on Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 January to discuss the fund's criteria and answer any queries. Registration is required via Ticket Source. Please email Emily Allen if you are considering applying.
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COVID-19 lockdown business grants from government
Check your local authority website to see if your church hall, church café or other income generation stream is eligible for any grants to cover lost income during this current lockdown. Each local authority seems to be operating a little differently in viewing applications from churches, but if you don’t ask…
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Fundraising sources webinar, by Ecclesiastical Insurance
Hosted by Ecclesiastical, this webinar, on 13 January 2021 will explore the techniques you might be able to use to tap into funding support from individuals, corporates, and grant-making bodies.
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Diocesan yearbook
The diocesan yearbook will not be published in its usual form this year. An interim solution is being developed and more information about this will be shared in the E-Bulletin soon.
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Being There: Bereavement
14 January 2021 - Online
A six-session course focussing on areas surrounding bereavement. We will consider theological and ethical issues relevant to bereavement, and consider how ministers can access support for themselves.
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14 January 2021 - Online
This will be a rather different Poetry Break, with a Q and A facilitated by John Lindley. So do come along with your questions – anything to do with poetry.
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19 January 2021 - Online
An informal space to begin thinking about how to fundraise for essential repairs or improvements to church buildings or halls. Ask fundraising questions to Emily Allen, Church Buildings Missioner, and share ideas and learn from other parishes joining the video call.
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21 January 2021 - Online
A serious look at religion in Britain today. Bruce is an author whose works are often avoided in the Church in favour of commentators with more sympathetic things to say about religion. But are there important facts here we need to take on board?
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23 January 2021 - Online
Whoever and wherever we are, we each have a unique calling to serve God in our everyday lives. Perhaps you feel called to be a teacher or a vicar; or perhaps a lay chaplain or Reader? Maybe it’s none of these things. Called to Serve is an invitation to explore God’s call on your life. Support, guidance, and prayer are all part of the process and will be readily available to you, and asking questions, no matter how small, is encouraged. Registration will close at midnight on Thursday 21 January.
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04 March 2021 - Online
How to use Circle Process to build relationships and resilience. This session is to help anyone who facilitates group conversations, to develop their skills, and consider how a few changes in format and structure vastly improve the quality of the outcome.
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Thornton-le-Moors with Ince and Elton
You will play a key role in providing parishes with advice and training in mission while at the same time serving as part-time incumbent of the parish of Thornton-le-Moors, Ince and Elton.
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Wrenbury, Baddiley & Burleydam
The Bishop of Chester is hoping to find someone with a warm personality and infectious faith who wants to be a part of a terrific rural ministry team for three beautiful South Cheshire villages.
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West Kirby St Andrew & Liscard St Thomas
St Andrew’s West Kirby and St Thomas’s Liscard are parishes which stand in the Catholic tradition. They are both affiliated to the Society of St Wilfred and St Hilda and are under the extended episcopal oversight of the Bishop of Beverley.
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Bollington
The Bishop of Chester and the Patron (The Vicar of Prestbury) are seeking a Vicar with an infectious faith and a warm approachable personality. St Oswald’s Bollington is a friendly caring and energetic family that is very much the heart of this beautiful village community.
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Chester
The Samara Trust is looking for a leader who will define and deliver a strategy and structure to create an environment where all our learners are able to achieve their potential, by raising ambitions as well as standards.
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