Opportunity
David Wright, chair of the Lichfield Diocesan Board of Finance continues our series exploring attitudes to and uses for money in our series Gratitude, Hope and Opportunity
News
Biggest footprint in Chad Foundations
There was a sense of joy and celebration at Shallowford House on Saturday as the biggest group yet were presented with certificates on completing the Chad Foundations course
The Winds of Change
"Change is what we are about" is not a statement expected in popular commentary about the Church of England. Yet 'Ordinary time' in the Church's year signals the extraordinary according to Bishop Ann in her Chad Blog for June, the season following Pentecost and the arrival of God’s Spirit - "a presence that signals freshness, energy, transformation, new creation".
Walsall Church's grant for enriching science and faith
St Matthew's Church Walsall has received a Scientists in Congregations grant of £9850 for 'Embodied Faith: How Does God Meet Us in Body?' The project explores how Christian worship and prayer are experienced through the body.
Six plus one of the best
After nomination by Bishop Michael and agreement from Chapter, new prebendaries and a lay canon were installed in Lichfield Cathedral last week
Your Church needs you now – every voice matters
The General Synod, the national parliament of the Church of England is up for new elections this summer. Outgoing veteran, Tug Wilson highlights the campaign for younger voices to be included in the next synod
Vocations Officer appointed – for lay and ordained callings
The Revd Jules Walker, Team Vicar in the Uttoxeter Team Ministry, has been appointed as Vocations Officer. This reconfigured post embraces the work of a Director of Ordinands but also leads the work of encouraging vocations across the diocese, from all traditions and from among the great diversity of people living and worshipping in the diocese, to lay and ordained ministry and to the call of every person to service of God and others in the church.
Acting Bishop for September onwards
Bishop Michael has written widely across the diocese giving details of arrangements following his retirement in September 2026. He has also shared a downloadable prayer for the 100th Bishop of Lichfield.
Cannock Chase Landscape Partnership funds benches and more
St John the Baptist, Tixall, is one of the churches in the Cannock Chase area which has benefitted
Hidden away, not disappeared
Dementia Action Week (18–24 May 2026) invites us to challenge stigma, deepen understanding and walk more compassionately with people living with dementia. This year’s Diocese of Lichfield prayer, written by Jeremy Stretton from Ellesmere, supports us all in doing just this.
New Prebendaries and Canons to be installed
Eight new Prebendaries, an Ecumenical Canon and a Lay Canon are to be installed in Lichfield Cathedral, Bishop Michael has announced. Seven of the total of ten will be installed at the Ascension Day Service on 14th May at 5:30pm.
Waiting Without Withdrawing
How do we live faithfully in anxious times? Bishop Tim has some answers in his pastoral letter for the start of May.
Information concerning the late Revd Kesh Govan
Lichfield Diocese is aware that an independent investigation commissioned by the Anglican Church in Southern Queensland, Australia has shared serious safeguarding disclosures relating to the late Revd Kesh Govan, who previously served here.
Seeing a side of God I’ve never seen before
Revd Sue Cooke talks frankly about her experience of God through her husband's advancing dementia.
Church promotes all kinds of growth on Easter Day
New life and new green award
Jesus - who rose from the dead - is God, with us
Bishop Sarah's sermon for Easter morning
Called by God, Cleansed by Grace, Sent with Hope
Bishop Tim's sermon at the Chrism Eucharist on Maundy Thursday in Lichfield Cathedral
Scatters fear and gloom
Bishop Matthew put his thoughts ahead of Easter on paper.
Waiting for Good News
Speculation, expectation and controversy: Bishop Michael's blog for April - and Easter
Good Friday Appeal for the Diocese of Jerusalem
Bishop Sarah is inviting parishes and individuals to support this year’s Good Friday Offering for the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East, which in 2026 is dedicated to the work of Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza
Gratitude, Opportunity and Hope
What is it to be rich and what is it to be generous? In this month's Chad Blog, Sam Rushton, Diocesan Secretary of Lichfield Diocese and former banker muses on the value of cabbages.
Deep connections at St Luke’s Endon
St Luke’s Church, Endon sits in the Staffordshire Moorlands with wide, panoramic views. It is a place of beauty and tranquillity. For two years, its small, elderly pastoral team has been exploring new dementia-friendly pastoral care. The Dementia-friendly Churches Certificate provides a framework. But the real story lies in the relationships formed and sustained.
Bishop Michael to retire in September 2026
“I know that I have been blessed over the last ten years to work in one of the friendliest, most down to earth and least pretentious parts of the Church of England; thank you from my heart.”
Medals, Communities and Conflict
A special choral evensong at Lichfield Cathedral today celebrated two groups of people on the eve of St Chad's Day: 11 St Chad 's Medals were presented to honour laypeople who've made valuable contributions to the life of the diocese; and members of the Community of St Chad renewed their commitment for the coming year.
More blossom in Shropshire
A special apple tree, re-discovered in the grounds of Much Wenlock Priory, home of Shropshire's patron saint, was planted this week at the Bishop of Shrewsbury's house.
Crisis, welcome, faith and nurture
Bishop Matthew's sees the 'quiet revival' in Confirmation candidates and challenges us in supporting new faith.
Marking Shropshire Day on foot and in prayer and worship
Shropshire Day, commemorating St Milburga, falls on 23 February. The Bishop of Lichfield, he Bishop of Hereford, the Bishop of Shrewsbury and others marked it together in three locations in the presence of Anna Turner, HIs Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire.
Draw Near in Lent
Helen Emery, the diocese’s Whole Life Discipleship Officer is excited about ways of adding meaning to Lent this year.
Stoke Churches’ Revitalisation Takes a Major Step Forward
The Church of England has confirmed the remaining £3.7 million towards a £5.9 million investment to strengthen Christian presence across Stoke‑upon‑Trent through its churches, schools, and community partnerships. Funding runs until 2032 and builds on work already making a real difference locally.
With Eyes and Ears Open
"When we make space, we become more attentive. And it is often through attentiveness that the Holy Spirit speaks." Bishop Sarah's contemplation for the start of February
