Contents for this Enews include:

• Reflections on the Advent Antiphons
• News across Norfolk and Waveney
• Parish Support: Mission strategy update and Christmas resources
• Events
• Vacancies
• Daily Prayer Diary

Join Bishop Jane for a time to reflect in the busy run to Christmas

Daily: December 17 -23 5pm-5.30pm

A daily zoom meeting with the Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Revd Dr Jane Steen.

The Joy of Christmas

This year the Church of England's theme for Advent and Christmas is joy! The national resources on offer this year are designed to help all ages to be drawn into the joy of the first Christmas. All the resources are available via the button below for your church to use.

Communication and design support: Blogs and Webinars

• Canva: Design your church social graphics with our Canva Christmas resources | The Church of England
• A Church Near You: Get your AChurchNearYou.com page ready for Christmas | The Church of England
• Ask us anything! Social media tips for Advent and Christmas Webinar Registration - Zoom Nov 24 12pm.

Rural Revival at Coastal church sees 23 baptisms, confirmations and reaffirmations in a single day

A small rural church in a Norfolk village is enjoying growth in its numbers thanks to its intentional culture and welcome.

On 31 August 2025, 23 people were baptised, confirmed or reaffirmed in their faith and it all took place on Weybourne beach, known locally as Weybourne Hope.

Read their missional story below.

Bishop of Norwich wins Lords backing to protect rare rivers

Nature-rich rare chalk streams could gain legal protection after an amendment to planning legislation, put forward by the Bishop of Norwich, was passed in the House of Lords.

There are just over 200 chalk streams in the world. Most are in the south-east of England and many are threatened by over-abstraction and pollution.

Norfolk Churchyard Conservation Award Launched

The Norfolk Churches Trust, in partnership with the Diocese of Norwich and Norfolk Wildlife Trust has launched the Norfolk Churchyard Conservation Award. The award celebrates the natural and spiritual heritage of Norfolk's churchyards.

This is an exciting opportunity for churches across the county to showcase their efforts in protecting and enhancing the biodiversity, beauty and tranquility of their churchyards.

Light in the darkness, joining in the Spooky Trail in Brundall

During Halloween (All Hallow's Eve) many churches run 'light parties' or similar to connect with their local communities.

In Brundall there is a Spooky Trail in the village. This year, the parish church community thought and prayed about how to join in,

"Last year we made a prayerful decision to offer hot drinks and a place to sit and chat on the Rectory drive. We were overwhelmed by the response from people who even thanked us for providing this."

Celebrate Christmas with new festive album from Norwich Cathedral Choir

Enjoy carols sung by Norwich Cathedral choir on a new album that has been recorded to celebrate the festive season.

Lord of the Dance: Christmas Carols from Norwich Cathedral is available on all major streaming platforms and in CD format from Norwich Cathedral's gift shop.

Remembrance Sunday 2025

They shall not grow old, as we

that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor

the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun

and in the morning,

we will remember them.

Communities across Norfolk and Waveney took part in services of Remembrance with many churches and volunteers preparing incredible displays.

You can see some of those displays on our Facebook page: (20+) Facebook

Statistics for Mission

Is faith on the rise in our churches?

Returns are now open for the Statistics for Mission 2025.

Did you know, the Statistics for Mission can help you with: Mission planning, Grant applications, Telling the story of your church community, parish profiles and overall strategy.

Over 85% of PCCs completed the returns or 2025, let's do the same for 2025!

Deadline: 31 January 2026.

• Fill in your returns here: Parish Returns Online
• If you need support, get in touch with: rebecca.devlin@dioceseofnorwich.org
• Read why it helps here: Is faith on the rise in our churches? - Diocese of Norwich

This is a summary of important events coming up, please see more events on the website here: Events - Diocese of Norwich

We follow the Diocese of Norwich Prayer Diary and today we pray for:

Deanery of Thetford and Rockland

Rural Dean: Matthew Jackson.

Lay Chair: Peter Lotarius.

Diocese of North Queensland (Australia)

You can follow our prayer diary online or download and print a version here: Prayer Diary - Diocese of Norwich

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility

Safeguarding - Diocese of Norwich

Do you know who to go to with a safeguarding disclosure?

Is your safeguarding training up to date?

The Diocese Safeguarding Team:

Sue Brice, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser

Peter Sayer, Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser

Helen Norris, Safeguarding Training

Email: safeguarding@dioceseofnorwich.org

Call: 01603 882345

Write: Safeguarding Team, Bishop’s House, Norwich, NR3 1SB.

Let us know your news - we'd like to help you tell others:

contact news@dioceseofnorwich.org

For all general enquiries contact hello@dioceseofnorwich.org or 01603 880853

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