Bishop Martin has written an Open Letter to all Members of Parliament whose constituencies are in his Diocese asking them to "lobby for an urgent review of the continued closure of our church buildings to individuals who seek solace in such places."
Bishop Martin said: "At a time when tensions run high, I believe that there is a deep thirst for access to churches and cathedrals as places of prayer for people of committed faith, or for anyone who is in search of space in which to find peace."
Archdeacon Luke sends words of encouragement to our schools
The Archdeacon of Chichester has recorded a message of enormous thanks and encouragement to the Church of England schools across the Diocese both to thank them for all they have been doing during the lockdown and as many of them prepare to welcome pupils back to school.
Canon Tim Schofield is to retire this June after 14 years as Residentiary Canon and Precentor at Chichester Cathedral. More here
Take a Pew
Take a Pew’ is an initiative from The Children’s Society where church leaders across the country show their support for children and young people during Covid-19 outbreak.
We Will Ring Again
The Central Council of Church Bell Ringers has issued some guidance on maintenance checks and necessary remedial work that needs to be undertaken before churches start to ring - once churches are opened up again. More here
Mothers’ Union launch food aid to support FSW families.
Two weeks ago Mothers' Union Chichester launched a food aid initiative to help our Diocesan Charity, Family Support Work. It has made a huge impact so far leading to 40 families being fed for a month. You can read more about how the project was set up here and we will bring you further updates next week.
Revd Martin Poole, Revd Danny Pegg & Together in Sussex on the news!
Revd Martin Poole, Incumbent from St Luke's Prestonville was in the news last week after posing a question on the government briefing. Read more here
Martin is also on the board of trustees for Together in Sussex who were featured on BBC Sussex Radio with Emily Jefferies on Sunday discussing mental health awareness week, alongside Revd Danny Pegg. Listen here, 1hr20sec.
May Camp 2020 LIVE - Watch again here!
May Camp 2020 was held online between Saturday 23rd May - Sunday 24th May! They had fantastic seminars and events lined up for your youth including: Quizzes and challenges, looking after your mental health, Covid-19 impact and sharing your faith.
Watch the highlights video and share with your groups
Our Prayer
We were saddened to hear of the passing of Fr Beau Brandie, and Revd Derek Bastide, both whom were dearly loved and well-known priests who served a long ministry in the diocese and in their local communities for many years. Our prayers are with their friends and families. Tributes from friends and colleagues will be published in the September issue of Faith in Sussex.
Details of Fr Beau's funeral and Requiem Mass can be found here
Fr Beau Brandie pictured left and Derek Bastide pictured with his wife Judith, right.
Licensing
A list of recent clergy moves (that have either taken place or been postponed) can be found here.
Below pictured: Fr Ben Eadon ( left) was licensed to St Bartholomews Church in Brighton and Revd Tim Gage was licensed to St Peters, West Blatchington Hove.
The Diocesan Pastoral Support initiative, Hearing You, has now ceased. It you or anyone you know needs to speak to someone, you can contact your local vicar, or, reach out to a new Crisis Counselling Support Service which has been set up by the Association of Christian Counsellors (ACC) It is for anyone in the UK, whatever their faith, who has been bereaved during the time of the epidemic and anyone working within an NHS setting in a frontline role. Further information here
MA in Christian Ministry
An exciting MA course on Christian Ministry is on offer at the University of Chichester and has been designed with the needs of busy clergy and laity in mind.
You can explore the programme further in the course leaflet which can be found here and also on the university website here
