Weekly Update from Hereford Diocese

Thursday 15 October 2020

Welcome

Welcome to this week's update from Hereford Diocese. As the government announced a new three-tier system for regions to respond to COVID-19, we're delighted to see that for now the guidance for each tier means churches will remain open. This is a rapidly changing situation so please check the latest national updates on the covid-19 guidance from the Church of England and see the summary points at the time of going to press today.

This week Bishop Richard visited Hereford Sixth Form college with Revd Kina Robertshaw to discuss Christianity and racial injustice. It was as ever a robust discussion with young people in the city. This month marks Black History Month and many of our schools have been exploring this topic. If you're interested in learning more, take a look at some of the videos we recorded over the summer in our series "a conversation with...".

Last week the IICSA enquiry reported back their findings and recommendations on the Anglican Church. If you have not read the report, please take time to do so. Bishop Richard has written to all clergy in our Diocese, to commend reading and implementing the recommendations of this report and we encourage you all to help us ensure we make every church a safe place for all.

Weekly Message #31 from Bishop Richard

News Headlines

COVID UPDATES

COVID-19 Permitted Activities under the 3 Tier System

The following information sets out how the 3 Tier System of alert levels introduced by the Government on the 14th October impacts on the main activities related to churches. Please use the Government’s postcode checker to find out which Tier applies to you and the general description of the different tiers.- please read the latest detailed guidance for churches online and keep an eye on this page regularly as the situation is changing rapidly.

Advice for Clergy conducting weddings

Please use this guidance in conjunction with ‘Conducting Public Worship’ if the marriage is within a celebration of Holy Communion the advice on Holy Communion should also be followed. Please read the latest guidance online.

Latest COVID-updates - Read More

News Stories and Information

Kingdom calling: A report on calling, discipleship and ministry

Kingdom Calling, a report written by the Faith and Order Commission, provides a theological foundation for the ecclesial rhythm of commissioning for service and dwelling in communion through three main themes of: calling, discipleship and ministry.

The Kingdom Calling report is published by Church House and is available for purchase online.

Clewer Initiative and Anti Slavery Day

This Sunday, 18 October 2020 marks anti-slavery day also known as 'Freedom Sunday.'

The Clewer initiative is also launching information about how you can support its work, taking practical steps to victims of modern-day slavery and join forces to eradicate the atrocity.

Mental Health and wellbeing

The Children’s Society are offering a special online training session focused on Young People’s Well-being and Mental Health on Thursday 22 October 2020 from 11.00AM – 12.00PM

This follows on from their recent Good Childhood Report which found that children’s well-being is at a 10-year-low, and this has worsened as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Please register online for a place at this training event and uncover ways your church or school can support the wellbeing of young people.

National Sunday Worship - Care Home Chaplaincy

Sunday Worship Online

This week will be a service led by St Peter and St James' Hereford focused on 'Freedom Sunday'. It will celebrate anti slavery day. All our services can be found on our YouTube channe l


Date	Team
11 Oct	Care Home Chaplaincy
18 Oct	SPSJ Hereford
25 Oct	Intergenerational Team
01 Nov	Leominster Priory
08 Nov	Abbeydore Team

Training, Vacancies and Appointments

Please visit our vacancies page online for the latest list of jobs in our Diocese including:

Digital media apprentice
Assistant Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor
Rector for the Ford group of parishes

If you people would like an informal conversation about any of the jobs, please contact our office team who will put you in touch with the recruiting lead.

We are offering all our churches across our Diocese an opportunity to gain inspiration, practical ideas and understanding as we move forwards together on our Hereford Eco Diocese journey.

We will be hosting a conference on Tuesday 17 November from 7:00pm - 9:00PM with a range of inspiring speakers hosted and led by Bishop Richard. It will provide a wonderful opportunity to regroup, rethink options and share inspiring stories from churches in our Diocese to help you move further along our Eco Church journey.