As we enter December, BIshop Neil's reflection for this month is on light, a theme that feels especially powerful as Advent unfolds🕯️ Jesus is the Light of the World, and that light calls us to open our hearts and our doors. Advent is not only a time of waiting, but a season of welcome and hope.

Yesterday, Bishop Neil visited Park Row Synagogue, home of the Bristol Hebrew Congregation. He was warmly welcomed by Noam Adani, the Synagogue’s president, and Tony Gordon, who shared the history of the community and gave a tour.

We kicked off #LivingWageWeek at London Stadium with stories from community leaders on the impact of the real #LivingWage and #LivingHours. This year’s theme, "The Difference it Makes", is about dignity and the right to a decent life. Join the movement for the real #LivingWage. 💪

As we enter November, Bishop Neil shares this month’s reflection on waiting - a theme that feels especially relevant as Advent approaches. He reminds us of the words in Ecclesiastes 3: “there is a time for everything.” Waiting is not easy, but Jesus shows us how to wait well.

The Acting Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Neil Warwick, is delighted to announce the appointment of the Revd Esther Rose as 0.5 Chaplain with the Deaf Community in the Diocese of Bristol. Learn more about Esther at the link below: www.bristol.anglican.org/news/diocese...

This Black History Month, we reflect on the legacy of four Black leaders whose courage, faith, commitment to justice and systemic change continue to resonate in our communities. Their stories encourage us as we continue working toward racial justice in the Diocese of Bristol.

📣 Have you completed the Social Action Audit yet? We’re halfway through and so far we've had a great response. Thanks so much to those parishes that have completed the audit! Even if your parish’s social action feels small, every contribution matters, so we want to hear from you. 🌱

The Diocese of Bristol warmly welcomes the appointment of Dame Sarah Mullally as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury.

We’ve begun the journey to discern who will be the next Bishop of Bristol. Our newly published statement outlines the qualities, hopes, and prayers guiding this search 🔦 Explore more of what we’re hoping for in our next Bishop in the full statement: ow.ly/8jRb50X0cVi

A statement on the death of HRH The Duchess of Kent.

As we give thanks for the faithful and pioneering ministry of Bishop Viv, we now look forward with hope and prayer to the journey ahead. Bishop Neil has shared his hopes for the Vacancy in See, which are rooted in community, compassion, and Christ.

7 Days of Gratitude – Bishop Viv’s Retirement Day 6: Gratitude for the journey ahead Today, Bishop Viv officially retires. We send her and Michael with love and prayers as they begin a new chapter in Herefordshire. Her legacy will continue to shape our Diocese. #ThankYouBishopViv #DioceseofBristol

7 Days of Gratitude - Bishop Viv's retirement Day 6: Gratitude for a beautiful farewell On Saturday, we gathered at Bristol Cathedral to celebrate Bishop Viv’s ministry. Her farewell service marks a sacred moment of thanksgiving and transition. #ThankYouBishopViv #FarewellService #DioceseofBristol

7 Days of Gratitude – Bishop Viv’s Retirement Day 6: Gratitude for Personal Witness Just prior to her retirement, we reflect on Bishop Viv’s faith, courage, and wisdom.

7 Days of Gratitude - Bishop Viv's retirement Day 4: Gratitude for National Impact 🌍 As Bishop Viv’s retirement approaches, we honour her contributions on the national stage.

7 Days of Gratitude - Bishop Viv's retirement Day 3: Gratitude for Nurturing Vocations 🌱 As we approach Bishop Viv’s retirement, we give thanks for her deep commitment to nurturing vocations.

7 days of gratitude - Bishop Viv's retirement Day 2: Gratitude for strong leadership 💜👣 With retirement just days away, we give thanks for Bishop Viv’s bold and compassionate leadership.

7 days of gratitude - Bishop Viv's retirement Day 2: Gratitude for a Trailblazer in Ministry🚀 As we approach Bishop Viv’s retirement on 1st September, we begin 7 Days of Gratitude.

🐶 It’s International Dog Day! A perfect moment to celebrate the furry friends who pop up in our churches - reminding us of the joy and diversity of creation. 🌿✨ #GreatandSmall

✨ Yesterday, our very own Rev Christian Saguyan led the national online Lammas service for the Festival of First Fruits. If you missed it, you can catch the full recording below or watch it on the Church of England’s YouTube channel (link below)

"Tough questions, great conversations & no easy answers." Sign up now for the new term of 'Exploring Theology' at @sarumcollege.bsky.social! Explore tjhe Hebrew Bible/Old Testament with leading experts in the field! www.sarum.ac.uk/learning/exp...

Today, Bishop Viv spoke for the final time in the House of Lords as part of the debate on the Strategic Defence Review. Watch or read her speech here: www.bristol.anglican.org/.../bishop-v....

It's here!!! @sarumcollege.bsky.social's exciting new brochure for thew autumn term has just landed! Check it out here: www.sarum.ac.uk/wp-content/u... Lots of inspiring courses and reflective spaces to nurture your soul coming soon!

🗣️ Echo Focus: How Creative Listening Is Shaping the Search for the Next Bishop of Bristol Young people and learning-disabled individuals across the Diocese of Bristol are sharing their hopes and ideas through Echo Focus - an inclusive listening initiative shaping the search for the next Bishop💬

📍 From the heart of the city to the quiet of the countryside… 📝 You’ve been sharing your hopes for the next Bishop of Bristol. There’s still time to add your voice — and it matters. 💬 Complete the consultation today: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon... #GertBishopHunt #BristolBishop #CofE

✨Petertide Ordinations 2025✨ What a wonderful weekend at Bristol Cathedral, celebrating the ordination of 18 new Deacons and Priests These photos capture just a glimpse of the joy, reverence, and hope that filled the Cathedral

💬 “A huge heart, a listening ear” What attributes would you like to see in the next Bishop of Bristol? 🗳️ Now’s your chance to share your hopes, your vision, and your voice. 🔗 forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...

Deaf-blind Awareness Week: 23rd-29th June 2025 💜 Hear from Charles Turrell about what it is like to be a deaf-blind Christian, how his church supports him and how he in turns gives back to the church and community www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKAG...

🌟We are so proud to be part of the Impact Alliance – working collaboratively to address loneliness in our region. This week, Impact Alliance announced their six pilot communities and enabler organisations – including Stockwood in Bristol, which sits within our Diocese. www.impact-alliance.co.uk

You don’t need to be an expert. You don’t need to go to church every week. If you care about the Diocese of Bristol — from Bristol to Swindon, South Glos to North Wilts — we want to hear from you. 🗣️ 📝 Consultation open until 22 July: forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...

📣 Youth leaders, teachers & mentors! Help young people shape the future of our Diocese by running a simple 3-step Youth Echo Focus session on the next Bishop of Bristol.

✨ Petertide Ordinations 2025 ✨ On 5th and 6th July, we’ll be celebrating the ordination of 18 candidates as Priests and Deacons at Bristol Cathedral. Over the next fortnight, we will be sharing candidates to pray for in the lead up to their ordinations.

💥 Huge funding opportunity for our churches! We’ve partnered with easyfundraising to give our churches a free, easy, and secure way to get your entire congregation raising funds. 🙌

Get your tickets: Called by Name - Weekend for UKME/GMH ordinands, curates and those discerning On the 5th to 7th September 2025 we have a weekend for those exploring vocation and ministry as people of UKME/GMH heritage to celebrate, encourage and support.

🚨 LAST CHANCE TO COMPLETE YOUR EFT 🚨 Have you submitted your church’s energy data yet? 🏛️💡 So far, 68% of churches have completed the Energy Footprint Tool (EFT). Complete yours today and help us reach 100%!! Every submission helps us understand our carbon emissions and move closer to Net Zero 🌍

📢 ChurchWorks Family Hubs Toolkit Launch 🗓️ Tuesday 24 June | 🕑 2–3:30pm | 💻 Zoom Join ChurchWorks for the launch of their new toolkit, designed to help churches and local authorities collaborate through Family Hubs to better support families.

How is a Bishop chosen? It starts with YOU. Your voice helps shape the role description that guides the entire discernment process — from prayerful listening to final appointment. #GertBishopHunt #BristolBishop #CofE #ChurchOfEngland #YourVoiceMatters

🌟 Happy Learning Disability Awareness Week! 🌟 This year’s theme is “Do you see me?”, a reminder to celebrate and include people with learning disabilities in every part of life.

⏳ Deadline approaching! Have you submitted your church’s energy data yet? 🏛️💡 So far, 61% of churches have completed the Energy Footprint Tool (EFT). Complete yours today and help us reach 100%!! Every submission helps us understand our carbon emissions and move closer to Net Zero 🌍

🚨Sign up today for our Church Teams Day - a day for collaboration and connection with parish officers across the Diocese. 📅Join us on Saturday 27th September at Pattern Church, Swindon.

🕊️ A Bishop isn’t just a leader… They’re a listener, a shepherd, and a servant of the Church. But what qualities matter most to you? 💬 Tell us: What qualities should our next Bishop have? React or comment with the one that speaks to you most: ❤️ Compassion 🔁 Vision 😇 Humility 💡 Wisdom 🌍 Activism

🙏 “God of calling… give us a shepherd after your own heart.” Join us in prayer as we discern our next Bishop of Bristol. 🗓️ Consultation open until 22 July: forms.office.com/e/UkxB4sreBC #GertBishopHunt #BristolBishop #ChurchOfEngland #CofE #Prayer #FaithInAction #DioceseOfBristol

🌳 51% of parishes have done their EFT – has yours? 🌳 There’s still time to find out how much energy your church is using! ⏳ The Church of England’s EFT for 2025 is open until 27th June – it’s quick to fill in, and the data helps you make informed, sustainable choices.

📣 We’re searching for the next Bishop of Bristol — and we want to hear from YOU! 🗓️ Have your say by 22 July: forms.office.com/e/UkxB4sreBC #GertBishopHunt #BristolBishop #CofE #DioceseOfBristol

✨ He is risen, and now ascended. Today we celebrate Ascension Day, marking the moment Jesus returned to the Father, promising us the gift of the Holy Spirit.

A warm welcome to Fr Adam Burnham as he was licensed as Mission Priest for the Parish of New Town Swindon last Friday. Heartfelt prayers for Fr Adam, his family and the whole parish as they begin this new and exciting chapter.

💛 DEMENTIA ACTION WEEK | 19–25 May This year’s focus is early diagnosis and spotting the signs. 🔍 Check out the Symptoms Checklist 👉 ow.ly/240g5… Churches across our diocese are taking action with training to support their communities.

Join us at the Church Commissioners’ AGM & Stakeholder Engagement Event 📍 Bristol Cathedral 📅 Thursday 19 June 2025 🕙 10am–3pm

Following the joint letter from senior faith leaders on migration rhetoric, we want to reaffirm that the Diocese stands against all forms of hatred towards refugees and any other vulnerable groups in society. 🔗To read more about the joint letter: www.bristol.anglican.org/news/bishops...

✨ Spotlight on Kingswood and South Gloucestershire Deanery: Growing Leaders ✨ Over the last 10 months, six churches from the northern end of Kingswood and South Glos have come together to invest in future leaders through the CPAS Growing Leaders course