More than 150 people from all corners of the diocese attended the Rural Forum in Bagley. This year’s Forum considered “Where do I fit?” and was a day to look…
More than 150 people from all corners of the diocese attended the Rural Forum in Bagley. This year’s Forum considered “Where do I fit?” and was a day to look at our calling in the countryside. It was an opportunity to share stories, as well as the challenges, frustrations and joys and a chance to meet with others from different parts of the diocese.
Matthew Frakum, Vocations Team Leader, was one of the day’s keynote speakers. He reflected on the different types of calling. He said, “I truly believe that every single person here has a unique and wonderful call that God has for them……”
He went on to say, “I want to tell you that God does have a calling, and therefore a vocation specifically for you, which is just as important as any of those individual callings to be a missionary or a leader or a priest.”
Bishop Michael, spoke to those gathered about prayer. He encouraged, “I think the first thing we have to get over when we think about prayer, is, ‘Oh, I should be doing it better’, and to accept that there is always something about which there is more to be learnt, where our efforts are going to be imperfect ……
“I think we have to approach prayer as the disciples did in Luke 11. Lord, teach us to pray.”
Attendees also heard from a wide variety of people in different rural settings about their calling and how that had led them into different roles within the Church.
After lunch there was there was the opportunity to join a number of discussion groups; including leading worship, pastoral care, praying for my community and starting something new.
Rob Walrond, Rural Adviser for Bath and Wells reflected on the day, “It was inspiring – full of honest conversations and deep reflection. It was great to see so many people from across our diocese coming together to share ideas, pray and reflect on calling in the countryside.
“We left renewed in our sense of purpose and grateful for the encouragement we found in one another.”
More videos from the day can be found on the diocesan YouTube channel.
Tucked away down a narrow pathway, behind a large wooden door in the heart of Glastonbury, lie St Margaret’s Chapel and The Royal Magdalene Almshouses, a peaceful sanctuary that has welcomed pilgrims and visitors for more than 700 years.
Supporting parishes and dioceses to transform surplus or not-fit-for purpose church property or land into affordable homes that meet local needs.
Young farmer, Will Sealey, believes being a member of his church PCC is a way for him to support the church community he is part of.
Churches across the diocese have been marking Harvest with services, and community activities, giving thanks to God for the fruit of the land and for the farmers who work to provide the food we eat.
Members of Holy Trinity Hamp in Bridgwater welcome the BBC to their church for the forthcoming harvest edition of Songs of Praise.
It is with great sadness that we share the news that our much-loved colleague and friend, the Revd Ana Lawrence, Rector of Street with Walton and Compton Dundon, has died.
Across the country and throughout our diocese farmers are struggling to deal with the effects of the intense heat, lack of rainfall and the outbreak of the disease, bluetongue.
The arrival of the Bride at a recent wedding at Holy Cross, Mark caused a something of stir both locally and in the national and even international press.
On the first Sunday in August, Bishop Fiona joined the South Quantock Benefice Lammas service.
The Church of England is introducing the Building Management Portal, a new national digital system for managing applications relating to…