After leading more than 1,000 funerals Phil Jaekel has learned that no life is ordinary. As a Reader and Lay Funeral Minister in the Diocese of Gloucester, Phil has stood
Month: September 2026
Message from Bishop Robert, 29 September 2026
Last week I had the privilege of preaching at St Paul’s Cathedral, at a special service recognising and celebrating the ministry of Parish Safeguarding Officers from across the Church of
Celebrating Lay Ministry
On Saturday 19 September, the Cathedral hosted a special day celebrating lay ministry across the Diocese, bringing together Readers, lay ministers and others involved in the life of the Church.
Common Ground Award 2026 to 2027
There’s an opportunity for us to invest in the life of our church and the wider community. The Common Ground Award 2026 to 2027 is now open, with applications closing
Message from Bishop Rachel, 22 September 2026
Last week, Bishop Robert and I spent four days in Oxford with the bishops across the Church of England. A lot of our time was spent with several distinguished speakers
The Racial Justice Action Group
The Racial Justice Action Group (RJAG) is the advisory body leading on racial justice across the Diocese of Gloucester. Racial justice is part of our everyday life as Christians and
Church seeks art and community future
St Stephen’s Cheltenham is looking at how its building could have a wider role in the community, while continuing to hold regular worship. A team at the church are exploring
Sportily backs call to transform PE
Sportily is supporting a campaign encouraging primary schools to rethink physical education, championing a more inclusive, play-based approach that helps every child experience the joy of movement. As part of
New tool to streamline funding applications
If you are a churchwarden, PCC secretary or volunteer who has been asked, ‘could you see if there are any grants we can apply for?’, you will know that finding
Associate Priest (0.5) in the Benefice of Bourton on the Water, with Clapton and The Rissingtons
The Bishop of Gloucester seeks to appoint an Associate Priest to this exciting new role sharing in ministry across this beautiful and varied Benefice and encouraging a focus on work
Arson incidents
Whilst the increase in arson incidents seen in recent months has not been specific to churches, it serves as a useful reminder of the importance of reviewing measures to protect
A quick note about carbon survey approaches
We’ve recently heard from a parish that was contacted by an organisation called NECRA CIC, offering a carbon survey and certificate for their church building. After looking into the information
Sharing faith on Tiktok: Faith in Glos
Young people across the Diocese of Gloucester are sharing what faith means to them through a new TikTok channel, Faith in Glos. The channel gives young people a chance to
The Gift of Christmas – resources for Advent and Christmas
The Church of England’s Advent and Christmas theme for 2026 is The Gift of Christmas, inviting us to celebrate, receive and respond to the gift of God in Jesus Christ.
‘Love Tuffley’: Celebrating community
A recent mission weekend in Tuffley showed how Christians can share faith through hospitality, community and building relationships.
Disability Awareness Sunday: One body, many parts
Worshipping communities are invited to take part in Disability Awareness Sunday (DAS) on 27 September. This year’s theme, One Body, Many Parts, is based on 1 Corinthians 12 and reminds
Message from Bishop Rachel, 15 September
This evangelistic calling is that of the whole Church, called ‘to declare the wonderful deeds of him who has called us out of darkness into his marvellous light’.
Lead Detached Youth Worker at The Rock
Lead Detached Youth Worker £15,600- £16,640 pa (£31,200 – £33,280 pro rata) 20 hours /week (includes some evenings and work during school holidays) Until August 2029 The Rock
Bishop Rachel responds to the Foreign Secretary’s statement
Bishop Rachel has responded to Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband’s statement. The Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Revd Rachel Treweek said, “I welcome the Foreign Secretary’s brave and courageous statement on
Remember a Charity Week
We’ll all be remembered for something. A funny moment. A much-loved hobby. Our unique quirks. Or that one story everyone knows. Across the Diocese of Gloucester, our churches are part
Building Management Portal: what you need to know
You may already have heard from the national Church of England about the introduction of the new Building Management Portal, which will replace the Online Faculty System. We know that
Heritage Open Days 2026
Heritage Open Days return this year from 11 to 20 September, offering free opportunities to discover the history, heritage and culture found across the country. With plenty of events happening
Voting opens for General Synod
Voting for this year’s General Synod election is open from Monday 21 September to 13 October. The General Synod plays an important role in shaping the life and direction of
