News

Rescuing the children

'Dilan dropped in at Sanctus a few weeks ago, just a lady in a distraught state'. Revd Sally Smith is used to welcoming new faces to Sanctus, a support group for refugees at St Mark's in Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent. But this new face was to prompt Sally to jump on a flight and journey hundreds of miles across Bulgaria. 'Dilan is a Kurdish Syrian. Her husband was killed by government forces, and she has five children, aged between three and fifteen. They fled as refugees into Turkey, and then onto Bulgaria, where they were processed in Harmanli refugee camp.'

New Revs Ordained

There were great celebrations this weekend as twenty-two new Reverends were ordained in Lichfield Cathedral.

First Archdeacon of Lichfield dies

The Venerable Richard Ninis, the first Archdeacon of Lichfield has died.

Enabling Churches Conference Resounding Success

"The Enabling Churches conference held in the diocese was a resounding success" says Bishop Clive Gregory.

Preaching workshop

"Without doubt, the best organised and delivered, and most relevant workshop I have ever attended".

Traditioned Innovation - the 2014 Selwyn Lecture

The Archbishop of Canterbury's Chaplain, Revd Dr Jo Bailey Wells, gave this year's Selwyn Lecture. She looked at how tradition and innovation have always worked hand-in-hand - throughout history, and also now in the challenges we face as a church.

Fradley roof repairs enables dry Easter celebration

It was a Happy Easter all round as the congregation at St. Stephen's Church celebrated not only the Risen Lord but the completion of the restoration of the 155 year old church roof. Revd Elizabeth Wall officiated at the service which was attended by over 40 people including members of Fradley Community Choir who sang the anthem. After the service the congregation was joined by Brandy the Shetland Pony in his Easter bonnet for refreshments. The Easter Garden which was built by Messy Church was also much admired.

Local vicar, Revd Preb Pat Hawkins to be new Canon of Lichfield Cathedral

Lichfield Cathedral has appointed a new Canon for Pastoral Development and Mission.

Like Son, Like Father

It's not unusual to find married couples who follow each other along the path to ordination, but this June was a joyful time for the Merry family.

Birches Head Memorial Window

Frank McGregor is no stranger to putting big art in the service of God. But the St Matthew's memorial is among the biggest commemorative art projects ever attempted.

10 million rely on church community support shows new research

New research conducted for the Church Urban Fund, CUF, shows that 10 million adults a year in England use community services from churches.

#ChristmasStarts...with a picture

Perhaps you were never Mary in your school nativity, and are still looking for your big moment?

Pioneering minister for 50 years, Revd Beryl Morgan remembered

It is impossible to remember every member of the diocese when they die, but just occasionally we have to observe the passing of someone who has made an extraordinary contribution to the diocese.

Church and Kirche

There was cause for celebration at Lichfield Cathedral on Saturday as the partnership covenant between the Diocese of Lichfield and the Evangelisch-Lutherische Kirche in Norddeutschland was signed for a fourth five-year term.

GO! Packed Cathedral for Diocesan Renewal Group

"Great bible teaching, inspirational worship and prayer ministry" - a day at Lichfield Cathedral with the Diocesan Renewal Group, a full house of young people and renowned speaker Mike Pilavachi

World Mission News

WMN March 2014

Ministry & Service - Whatever it is, DO something

"Whatever it is, DO something!!" That's what one teacher said to Helen Babiy from Willenhall when she was asked to help with an RE lesson. Never did she imagine it would result in becoming a Reader at her church, leading services, preaching and helping others discover their faith.

No Room at the Church?

We're all familiar with the overcrowding issue in Bethlehem at Census Time, or the difficulty accessing healing in the Gospels - John 5 and Mark 2 are prime examples. Those of us living with disability don't always have it easier in the present.

Community of St Chad shares Morning & Evening Prayer via Podcast

The Community of St Chad is expanding the resources available to its members and friends by releasing its Morning and Evening Prayer as audio recordings.

The Ancient Art of Wiggling for Jesus

Just part of one of the workshop titles being offered at a special day for clergy, readers, worship leaders and all involved in services to explore how to make 'all age' worship truly all-age, and engaging in missional contexts or at services with a high proportion of 'un-churched' people.

Bishops of Lichfield Diocese welcome the announcement of the first female bishop.

The Bishop of Lichfield, Rt Revd Jonathan Gledhill has welcomed the announcement that Revd Libby Lane is to be the first female bishop in the Church of England and the next bishop of Stockport

South East Asian partner dioceses

Lichfield Diocese played host to a distinguished group from the Province of South East Asia last week. The group, led by Archbishop Bolly Lapok, were in England to mark the closure of two missionary organisations that had pioneered the gospel in the far east and to renew links with the Diocese including a whistle-stop tour of a few pioneering church projects as well as a traditional service of Evensong in the cathedral.

History repeats as new Almshouse accomodation at St John's Lichfield adopts latest heating technolog

St John's Lichfield is an ancient Almshouse that is continuing to flourish and expand. The distinctive Grade 1 listed Tudor brick building is now nationally famous for its chimneys, some of the first domestic chimneys in the West Midlands. It continues to expand, embracing the most energy-efficient innovative design of the twenty-first century.

A Candlelight Vigil for Peace

People all over the world have been touched by the dreadful terrorist attack that took place this week in Pakistan, with the loss of 141 schoolchildren and teachers.

Easter Decoded

Easter Decoded. Revd Sally Smith from Hanley Team Ministry explains the significance of Maundy Thursday.

Bishop Albert Vun Cheong Fui has died

We are saddened to learn of the death from pancreatic cancer of the Bishop of Sabah.

Great Diocesan Bake Off for local schools

You don't need to be a finalist in the Great British Bake Off to bless people with a bowl of flour and a hot oven. Flashy ingredients can hide mediocrity, and the best ideas are often the simplest. Here is one that every congregation can use in to love their local school.