Where would you look for creeping Jenny? Do you know where to find Aaron’s beard? Would you like some garlic mustard? Thanks to a recent on-site survey, these plants can
Month: September 2023
Good Childhood Report findings reflect anxieties in children across the Diocese
The Children’s Society has published its 12th annual Good Childhood Report. The report shows the latest trends in children’s wellbeing across the UK, and reflects how the cost of living
Vicar voices podcast sharing Christian perspectives on life
Alongside supporting a new parish ministry in Bishop’s Cleeve, the Revd Nat Garrett produces a weekly podcast for a digital project pioneered by the Church of England. As the voice
Message from Bishop Rachel, 26 September 2023
For many years October has been marked out as Black History Month, during which black contributions to British society are highlighted and celebrated. There are specific opportunities to hear stories and insights and to look through a different lens not only as we promote and celebrate racial diversity and culture but also as we shine a light on racial justice.
New film released for Black History Month
October is Black History Month, a time to recognise and celebrate the contributions black people have made throughout our country’s history and culture. This year, a new film offers a
A fond farewell to Ugly Duckling Company CEO Sharon Lanfear
On Thursday 21 September, the team at Ugly Duckling Company (UDC) said farewell to their CEO, Sharon Lanfear. The Ugly Duckling Company is a Christian charity that creates resources and
Jayne retires from 25-year Children and Families’ Ministry role
For the past 25 years, Jayne Seward has played a key role in the life of the worshipping community at St Matthew’s and the Minster in Cheltenham. On 10 September,
The Difference course – being a reconciling presence in the midst of conflict
Do you know what real difference you could make to the people you encounter in your day-to-day life? The Difference course, developed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, explores what it
Message from Dean Andrew, 19 September 2023
Following on from a busy summer, September has got off to an excellent start.
Young people celebrate faith and friendship at summer party
Sunday 17 September saw children and young people from the worshipping community at St James’ Quedgeley come together to celebrate the end of the summer holidays. The children were all
“Climate change is a ‘together’ challenge” – the Revd Mark Siddall
This autumn, the Revd Dr Mark Siddall, Priest-in-Charge of St James’ Church Kingsway and Quedgeley, is leading a series of seminars to help clergy, ministers and readers understand the scriptural, theological and missional imperative to care for God’s Creation.
National retreat week starts 20 September
National Retreat Week – renew:all (20 to 27 September 2025) is an initiative for individuals, churches and groups to promote contemplation, prayer and retreat in a variety of Christian traditions.
Carrie’s personal commitment to climate care
Taking action on climate change can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming, but Carrie Thould from St George’s Church in Cam has been thinking about some of the actions that she
Message from Bishop Rachel, 12 September 2023
Increasingly in my ministry, not least in my ministry with prisons and criminal justice, I reflect on the reality that all the brokenness in our world is rooted in broken relationship: Relationship with God, with neighbour and with self, and of course with the earth and the whole of creation. This is echoed in our failure to keep those commandments, underlined by Jesus Christ, to ‘love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength’ and to ‘love your neighbour as yourself’.
David Thorpe steps down as CEO of Sportily
A message from Chair of Sportily, Kevan Taylor. “After four years as Project Director and then CEO of Sportily, David Thorpe has decided to step down as CEO at the
Beating holiday boredom with board games
Board games, hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows, sweets, Jaffa Cakes and icecream… the recipe for an amazing summer programme at Cheltenham Network Church.
Tour of Britain puts new spin on Ride + Stride for St Catharine’s
Huge crowds turned out across Gloucestershire on Saturday 9 September to watch the seventh stage of the Tour of Britain cycling event. Members of St Catharine’s in Gloucester were not
“Holding onto hope”: families welcomed to St Catharine’s weekly summer activity days
Throughout the school holidays, St Catharine’s Church in Gloucester held a weekly activity session called Summer Wednesdays @ St Catharine’s, welcoming families from across the area to a morning of
Heritage Open Days at Gloucester Cathedral
Rebecca Phillips, the Archivist for Gloucester Cathedral celebrated Heritage Open Days by sharing some little-seen treasures from the Cathedral archive to the public. On Friday 8 September, she is bringing
Lifestyle survey helps church aim for Eco Church Silver Award
As an Eco Church, St John’s in Chipping Sodbury has embarked on a journey towards a greater care for God’s creation, achieving their Bronze Award in August 2022. To support
‘Follow the star: Join the song’ this Christmas
Is it too early to talk about Christmas in September? We don’t think so … and with new resources announced from the Church of England, there’s plenty of ideas to
Message from Jane Borgeaud, 5 September 2023
This week’s message is written by Jane Borgeaud who joined the Diocese of Gloucester on 1 September as the Director of Education.
St Lawrence’s brings ‘Wild West’ to Lechlade
For four days in the last week of the school holidays, more than 70 children attended each day of the ‘Wild West’ holiday club organised by St Lawrence, Lechlade in
