Diocese of Bristol

This morning, BBC Radio 4 Extra's Daily Service came from St Mark's, Swindon. Led by Fr Toby Boutle, the service included inspiring reflections from young adults Alfie Smith and Aoife Hall, who spoke about their faith, why they come to Mass, and what the church means to them.

You can listen to the programme here 👇 https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002zt0l

📸July Wrapped: Snapshots from across the Diocese ✨

1/2. Confirmation services in Chippenham and Bristol.
At two services in July, individuals from across the Diocese were confirmed by the Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Acting Bishop of Bristol and Bishop of Swindon.

3. Peoples Emergency Briefing showing at St John the Baptist, Colerne.
On Friday, 10 July, 80 people, including the local MP and Counsellor, attended a showing of the Peoples Emergency Briefing, a film hosted by Chris Packham aimed at enhancing public awareness of climate and environmental risks. The gathering was hosted in partnership with the Climate Action group of the Parish Council, Wild Colerne and SJTB Eco Church

4. Churches recognised for their outstanding achievements in transforming church grounds for nature and wildlife. These awards, presented at the annual seminar hosted by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Living Churchyards Programme, celebrate churches that are demonstrating how historic churchyards can become thriving havens for biodiversity while continuing to serve their communities.

5/6. The ordination of new Priests and Deacons at Bristol Cathedral.
Across two services over the weekend of 4/5 July, eight new Priests and eight new Deacons were ordained in Bristol Cathedral by the Rt Revd Neil Warwick, Acting Bishop of Bristol and Bishop of Swindon. (Photo 5 - Jon Craig Photgraphy, Photo 6 - Lee Pullen Photography)

✨Has your church or parish got something exciting happening this August? We'd love to hear about it! Share your stories with [email protected] for a chance to feature in next month's roundup. 📧

Foodbank Stocks Running Low – Can You Help?

Foodbank donations often fall during the summer holidays, just when many families lose access to term-time food support. This year, stocks are especially low, with local foodbanks now having to buy nearly 1 in 4 food items they distribute, compared to fewer than 1 in 10 just a few years ago.

Last year, North Bristol & South Gloucestershire Foodbank provided more than 15,000 food parcels – a 58% increase since 2019. Loki Stokes, who runs their warehouse, says he has never seen stock levels this low.

Many churches in the Diocese host collection points and you can find your nearest location at the link below. Alternatively, you can order food via the foodbanks online shop and it will arrive at their warehouse.

If you're able, please consider donating.

📍 Collection points: https://ow.ly/Vs1U50Zu9wl
🛒 Online shop: https://ow.ly/s65X50Zu9wm

🌟 Stand for General Synod

This week we're sharing another encouragement from a former Synod member about why you may want to think about standing.

Could you be part of the next General Synod?

If you regularly attend a Church of England church, you are likely to be eligible to stand in this autumn's elections.

Together, members help shape debate, influence decisions, and represent voices from across the Church.

📅 Nominations open 14 August

🔎 Find out more: https://ow.ly/ATjT50Zneft

✨Spotlight on churches transforming their grounds✨

Several churches have recently been recognised for their outstanding work in transforming church grounds for nature and wildlife.

Presented at the annual seminar hosted by the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust Living Churchyards Programme, these awards celebrate how historic churchyards can become thriving havens for biodiversity while continuing to serve and support their local communities.

👉 Read the full story on our website: https://ow.ly/bG4750ZuaLc

📢 Parish Officers: Save the Dates!

This autumn, we're hosting two events designed to support, encourage and equip parish officers across the Diocese.

💼 Treasurers' Conference | 5 September
Open to anyone with financial responsibility in their Parish. Join us to share ideas, receive guidance, collaborate with peers and receive support from the Diocese. Sign up here: https://ow.ly/ZgWu50ZrQKA

💡 Church Teams Day | 7 November
Exploring the theme of Generosity, this day will feature thought-provoking workshops, practical resources, and opportunities to connect with other parish officers from across the Diocese. Sign up here: https://ow.ly/KV4v50ZrQKB

We look forward to welcoming you!

💬 Why stand for General Synod?

Could you help shape the future of the Church of England?

We're sharing reflections from two former Synod members on why serving on General Synod mattered to them.

Synod elections take place this autumn, and almost anyone who attends a CofE church regularly is likely to be eligible to stand.

🗣️ Share your perspective.
🤝 Represent your community.
🏛️ Help shape national decision-making.

📅 Nominations open 14 August

👉 Find out more: https://ow.ly/FqQA50ZneeY