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.
News
Scatters fear and gloom
Bishop Matthew put his thoughts ahead of Easter on paper.
Called by God, Cleansed by Grace, Sent with Hope
Bishop Tim's sermon at the Chrism Eucharist on Maundy Thursday in Lichfield Cathedral
Jesus - who rose from the dead - is God, with us
Bishop Sarah's sermon for Easter morning
Church promotes all kinds of growth on Easter Day
New life and new green award
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.
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.
Crisis, welcome, faith and nurture
Bishop Matthew's sees the 'quiet revival' in Confirmation candidates and challenges us in supporting new faith.
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.
Draw Near in Lent
Helen Emery, the diocese’s Whole Life Discipleship Officer is excited about ways of adding meaning to Lent this year.
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
Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations in Shropshire and London
Shropshire Council commemorated HMD 2026 at Whitchurch CE Federation's junior school while Bishop Sarah attended the national commemoration in Westminster having preached on Holocaust and other genocides at the weekend.
'Be Yourself' - Sarah Mullally confirmed as 106th Archbishop of Canterbury
'Be Yourself' was the phrase at the heart of the enigmatic personal message in the Charge given to the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury on her Confirmation of Election at St Paul's Cathedral. "Don't be yourself; but all we can do is to be ourselves."
Director of Ordinands receives her own new call
The Revd Preb Romita Shrisunder, Bishop’s Director of Ordinands, has been appointed Canon for Community Outreach and Social Justice at Derby Cathedral.
Historical adoption practices
The Church of England reviewed adoption practices in its mother and baby homes during the 1940s-70s and concluded it owed an apology to mothers and children for some of the practices
Gratitude
New Year is a good time to be looking back and forward. Archdeacon Liz Jackson echoes the prayer 'For all that has been, thank you. For all that is to come, yes!' in the context of money and the mission of our parishes.
Change, resolutions and church
Bishop Michael took up an invitation to write a New Year Message for local media, reproduced here.
Goodwill is for life, not just for Christmas
The Rt Revd Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield
Christmas Surprises
Terror and Joy are on the Christmas watchlist of Rt Revd Matthew Parker, Bishop of Stafford
The Best Christmas Gift Isn’t Wrapped – It’s Waiting in Your Community
A Christmas Message from The Rt Revd Tim Wambunya, Bishop of Wolverhampton
Student church turns sixty
There have been celebrations this month as Keele University Chapel reaches 60
Dementia-Friendly Signage & Noticeboards
What makes for a dementia-friendly physical environment, in our churches and beyond?
Wednesbury church’s grit and heavenward gaze bring new life
Wednesbury's iconic church has seen new life grow through the congregations faithful determination and the help of Canon Missioner, Revd Preb Ben Whitmore, Interim Minister.
Holy Interuption
Craig Newton, new director of Shallowford House, our diocesan retreat centre, mulls the season of mistletoe and wine.
