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.
News
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.
