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COVID-19 - Latest Guidance
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 The Bishop of Carlisle has written to all clergy this week following the Government's announcement that from Monday 14 September, gatherings are to be restricted to six people.
Bishop James has welcomed confirmation from the Prime Minister that places of worship are exempt from the new 'Rule of 6' though individual groups must not be larger than six, and groups must not mix socially or form larger groups.
Furthermore there has been confirmation that COVID secure weddings, funerals and christenings can go ahead, up to a limit of 30 people.
Nationally the Church of England continues to work closely with government departments and today it has issued a short statement on its COVID-19 web page to confirm that it expects to be able to issue revised guidance from next week.
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Annual Parochial Church Meetings
 Bishop James has written a letter to all clergy, churchwardens and PCC secretaries to remind them that all APCMs must be completed by 31 October.
A new bishop's direction has also been created which means APCMs can now be held virtually on Zoom or another such platform. This also covers Deanery Synods.
There is also a further reminder to elect lay Deanery Synod representatives for parishes as these will be the electors for the House of Laity in Diocesan Synod elections and General Synod elections to be held next year.
Meanwhile a quick reminder that virtual PCCs are legally possible under the Church Representation Rules without the Bishop needing to take any further action. PCCs can therefore meet using Zoom or any such video conferencing software.
For more details visit the C of E's COVID-19 website page and refer to the FAQs on Finance and Governance. |
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Watch Bishop's Harvest Appeal Launch
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Guests from the Mothers' Union and Christian Aid joined Bishop James and Bishop Emma for the first ever virtual launch of the Bishop's Harvest Appeal 2020 last Sunday.
There was opportunity to hear about the £80,000+ which has been raised for projects in Malawi and Zululand in the last three years.
And we unveiled those schemes in the Middle East and the Democratic Republic of Congo that are set to benefit from the 2020 appeal.
Click here for all the Bishop's Harvest resources and how to support it.
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Continuing Online - A Conversation
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What can we do to continue to grow together as churches in new ways? How can we best develop new online networks? What opportubities has the COVID-19 pandemic offered up to reach out in different ways, to welcome new people in and to draw alongside them virtually?
This conversation explores how we can look to grow in new ways through online and digital platforms, whilst encouraging others to draw alongside and learn from each other.
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You Can Still Feel Refreshed Online!
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"What an inspirational morning."
"An AMAZING morning.
"Just what I needed to reconnect with God again."
"We all loved the variety in the programme."
The reactions to last Saturday’s Refresh event keep flowing in.
If you didn’t manage to catch it at the time, it is still available on YouTube – just click above and be Refreshed.
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National Webinars for Parishes
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 The National Giving Team have three upcoming webinars on theme of 'giving' which are open to all parishes.
They will take place on:
- 25 September, 11am - Receiving online donations
- 15 October, 2pm - Legacy giving
- 3 November, 11.30am - Legacy giving
Online giving is an easy, secure way to enable people to give to your church. Since the Diocese launched our online giving platform in June, over £2,000 has been given! In the webinar, we will cover setting up and receiving online donations, communicating with your community, and encouraging online giving.
Legacies are a lifeline for our parishes- gifts to finance mission projects, maintain church buildings and grow faithful communities. These gifts make a real difference to the future work of the Church. In the webinar, you will find out why gifts in wills are so important and how to run a simple legacy campaign for your church.
If you would like the Zoom details for any of the webinars, or wish to discuss online and legacy giving in more detail for your church, please email Anna Newlove.
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Hear Some Inspirational Testimony
 Monday 14 September, 7pm, via Facebook Live
Don't forget to join this Facebook livestream event on Monday to hear some inspirational stories of how people have followed their calling.
The vocations process is ongoing and the team are still working ‘despite’ Covid-19. Encouraging vocations and nudging others is something we can all be involved in.
This #MyCalling event offers a chance to meet the team and hear encouraging stories emerging during lockdown; how people have considered and explored what God may be calling them into.
Join Bishop Emma and the team on 14 September, 7pm, via Facebook live on the @DioceseCarlisle page.
Please follow the Facebook page to be notified when livestreaming starts and consider hosting a watch party to share this webinar with friends.
***What is God’s plan for you? What are you being called by God to be and do? Everyone has a calling. Find yours! ***
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 Digital Labs is an online CofE conference for anyone involved in church digital communications: Learn the latest skills and strategy for your church online.
It takes place online on Friday, 23 and Saturday, 24 October 2020. Tickets are £5 per person. It's an opportunity to talk about topics such as:
- Livestreaming
- Mix mode services
- Church communications strategies
- Receiving online donations
Plus, network with attendees and experts in the CofE's first online conference taking place this October. To book a place click here.
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