'Blooming churchyards!' according to overwrought PCCs and visitors who don't find them pruned and mowed to their expectations. But "churchyards consciously offer an unspoken testament to the beauty and diversity of God's creation, including those commemorated there, and to his lavish, generous love which transcends death. Churchyards are places where our thoughts naturally turn to resurrection." according to Revd Preb Terry Bloor.
Our eight new deacons for 2025, ordained on 28 June, look back at how they were called and offer pointers to those who think ordination (or another calling) might be for them.
Tour adaptations to accommodate people living with dementia
After marking 100 years of a city and 900 years of a village church, Bishop Matthew asks whether anniversaries and commemorations also asks questions too about the present and the future.
As we enjoy a week of sunshine, Revd Jeremy Oakley muses on Making Memories in this month's Chad Blog - specifically those made on youth camps at the diocesan outward bound/retreat centre at Dovedale
Following a discussion at May’s Bishop’s Council, this statement provides an update about the informal discussions in July’s Diocesan Synod requested by the National LLF team and the appointment of a new LLF Champion to offer support to parishes. The discussions will not go ahead in July and their form or whether they are scheduled for November’s Synod will be considered with input from the new LLF Champion.
Community connections and cake – “not just for people with dementia”
The vicar of Eccleshall brings a broad palette of skills and experience to the 'planning permission' part of caring for church buildings.
This morning, the House of Bishops agreed and published the following statement about the situation in Gaza:
Church of England Pensions Board Investments has made known proposals for significant improvements to the Church of England Funded Pensions Scheme (CEPFS). If implemented, they will represent a significant step forward.
Our Dementia Action Week prayer, affirming presence, thankfulness & love
Bishop Michael was sorry to learn of the sudden and unexpected death in service of the Revd Preb John Baines and has written a brief tribute.
Reader and diocesan environmental officer, Dr Jan Firth listens to ice, celebrates the Eco Church Awards received in the diocese in this month's Chad Blog
In this month's Chad Blog, Bishop Tim digs lessons from the farmyard and the late pope.
An experienced youth worker, now trained and ordained, is to take up the second of two key roles in Lichfield Diocese’s £5.9m project to start a new chapter in the church’s story in Stoke on Trent. The Revd Alan Gault, currently Planting Curate at St Luke’s, Blackburn will become Stoke’s Resource Church Leader based at All Saints Joiners Square.
The world is a busy place. And Our lives at church can be no different and it can be hard to find the time, or the energy to stop and think about anything, let alone our ‘calling’. We all have one. Even serving coffee is one. Helen Scheven from our Vocations team writes on slowing down and taking stock during Easter week in our latest Chad Blog.
On learning of the death of Pope Francis, the Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, Bishop of Lichfield, has made a statement.
From 3 - 12 April, as part of his Lenten Observance, Bishop Michael will be walking though all four archdeaconries of Lichfield Diocese. On each of these ten days he will stop in the evening to join a parish for prayer and Bible study. He will take as his subject one of the ten goals in the Diocesan Strategy, ‘Seeking the Kingdom’ on each day.
Bishop Michael has appointed two Assistant Archdeacons of Lichfield. They will take up these temporary roles from Wednesday 26th March.
Sharing the story, ordering your copies
Manchester to Lichfield... it's a start for Revd Canon Nick Smeeton, our newish Strategy Programme Director, as he contributes his first Chad Blog
Elections concluded last week for mid-term vacancies in this diocese's General Synod clergy representatives.
The significant contributions that seven people have made to their communities and the diocese were recognised on Sunday at a special service of Evensong in the cathedral where Bishop Michael presented them with the St Chad Medal.
Following an exhaustive process, including an assessment of direct and indirect emissions, St Mary’s House, Lichfield Diocese's offices in The Close, Lichfield has been awarded environmental charity ARocha’s Silver Eco Award.
Lichfield Cathedral's Lent Course is available online, week, starting on Ash Wednesday with Bishop Michael.
26 February 2025
Bishop Sarah is thinking beyond Syrup Tuesday (other pancake toppings are available) to Ash Wednesday in this month's Chad Blog.
The Church of England's National Safeguarding Team has today announced the conclusion of the work to review all clergy under the authority or oversight of the Church of England who are criticised in the Makin review, published in November
A pint-sized reflection brings joy to Revd Preb Jeanette Hartwell
The West Midlands Racial Justice initiative has announced the appointment of The Revd. Canon Douglas Machiridza and The Revd. Dr. Sarah Hayes as its new interim Co-Directors, following the departure of The Revd. Dr. Evie Vernon at the end of last year.
