Introduction We find ourselves, just as we tip into the New Year revisiting this very familiar Christmas reading. Why is it here again? What is left to say? I wonderContinue reading
Month: December 2024
Bishop Rachel Christmas Day Sermon
Christmas Day Gloucester Cathedral 2024 Readings: Isaiah 52: 7-10; Hebrews 1:1-4; John 1:1-14 ‘Calm and bright’ – That has been a national church strap line for Christmas, taken from that beautifulContinue reading
Open the Gospel December – 29 December, Christmas 1
Introduction ‘So they went with haste and found…’ The courage, abandon and urgency of the shepherds is compelling. It was only by leaving the familiar that they found the extraordinary.Continue reading
A message from Bishop Robert, 17 December 2024
Thank you! These coming days will, I know, be ones filled with activity in our parishes and communities across the diocese as we welcome thousands into our churches to celebrate Christmas with us.
News from The West Midlands Racial Justice Initiative
The Revd Dr Evie Vernon will be moving on from her role as the Racial Justice Director for the Church of England in the West Midlands. Evie started in theContinue reading
Life-size nativity float brings Christmas cheer to Quedgeley
A life-size nativity scene, crafted by the Gloucester Men’s Shed and displayed on a trailer, is spreading festive cheer to the local residents of Quedgeley. Mark Siddall, Priest in ChargeContinue reading
New Archdeacon of Cheltenham announced
Bishop Rachel has today announced the appointment of the new Archdeacon of Cheltenham, the Revd Canon Katrina Scott. Katrina is currently Area Dean of the North Cotswold Deanery and RectorContinue reading
Friends of Longhope Church celebrate 15th Anniversary with angelic gift
The Friends of Longhope Church are celebrating their 15th anniversary with a 16 foot angel called Meira. Inspired by a Church Times article encouraging churches to “shine your light” intoContinue reading
‘For many, it was life-changing’: DWT trip reflections and an exciting opportunity
A group of students and staff from All Saints Academy in Cheltenham went on a ‘life-changing’ mission trip to Tanzania in July, as part of the Diocese of Gloucester’s globalContinue reading
‘The E word at Christmas’, by the Revd Sonya Newton
“Evangelism, do we really need to talk about this right now? “We’re up to our armpits in Christmas stuff, volunteering to steward services, preparing oranges, counting candles, arranging flowers andContinue reading
Christmas 2024 message from the Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek
The Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek has used her 2024 message to remind us that God’s love and hope are powerfully present as a calm amid the noise of the world, if we only listen.
Open the Gospel December – 22 December, Advent 4
Introduction ‘The child leapt in her womb.’ I love this foetus responding to foetus moment – such a mystery! It brings to my mind ‘deep calls to deep’ Ps 42.Continue reading
Racial Justice Sunday 2025: Resources now live
Racial Justice Sunday is on 9 February 2025 and this year Churches Together in Britain and Ireland have produced resources on the theme ‘Coat of many colours’. The Racial Justice SundayContinue reading
Bishop Rachel’s Christmas 2024 message to worshipping communities
“This year, there have been times when I’ve been with God in prayer and felt overwhelmed by so many issues in the Church, in our nation, and across our world.Continue reading
Bishop Rachel’s Christmas 2024 message to children and schools
This is a special Christmas message for all the children in the Diocese of Gloucester from Bishop Rachel. Teachers, Sunday club leaders, parents, foundation governors, clergy, Bishop’s Visitors to Schools,Continue reading
Blue Christmas services, for stillness and calm in a busy season
For many, Christmas is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration, but for others, it can be overwhelming, and it can magnify feelings like anxiety, pain and loneliness. In recognitionContinue reading
Mike Williams to retire after 51 years of dedicated service
Mike Williams, currently a Reader in the benefice of Hardwicke, Elmore with Longley, is set to retire after 51 years of service to the Church of England and 31 yearsContinue reading
A message from Bishop Rachel, 10 December 2024
On Monday I was in HMP Wormwood Scrubs for a ‘Thank you’ event for prison chaplains in England and Wales. The various speakers used the words ‘hope’ and ‘joy’ in their words of thanks, and they were words to which I returned when I spoke at the prison carol service in the evening.
Safeguarding bishops apologise to survivors following Archbishop’s speech
Bishops Joanne Grenfell, (Bishop of Stepney and Lead Safeguarding Bishop for the Church of England), Julie Conalty (Bishop of Birkenhead and Deputy Lead Safeguarding Bishop) and Robert Springett (Bishop ofContinue reading
A message from Bishop Rachel on the Archbishop’s valedictory speech
As a member of the Lords Spiritual and as your diocesan bishop, I was deeply saddened and perturbed by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s valedictory speech in the House of Lords yesterday (5 December 2024).
Open the Gospel December – 15 December, 3 of Advent
Introduction ‘What then should we do?’ This is a dangerous question to ask of Jesus! Watch out, you will likely not be comforted by the answer… Luke 3:7-18 John said toContinue reading
Message from Bishop Rachel, 3 December 2024
Last Tuesday Bishop Robert wrote of White Ribbon Day linked to the International 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, which for over thirty years has run from 25 November (the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10 December, Human Rights Day.
Partner Diocese of Western Tanganyika to ordain women
The Diocese of Western Tanganyika, one of our global diocesan partnerships, made history this October when the Diocesan Synod approved Bishop Emmanuel’s proposal to allow the ordination of women. TheContinue reading
Festive services around the diocese this Christmas
If you’re looking to sing, worship, or celebrate the joy of the season, here is a round-up of festive services happening around the diocese this Christmas. For Blue Christmas servicesContinue reading
