Contents for this Enews include:

• Christmas Resources special
• News across Norfolk and Waveney
• Parish Support
• Events
• Vacancies
• Daily Prayer Diary

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! Church websites at Christmas: Webinar Registration - Zoom Oct 22 2pm-3pm
• Ask us anything! Livestreaming at Christmas: Webinar Registration - Zoom Oct 28 2pm-3pm
• Ask us anything! Social media tips for Advent and Christmas Webinar Registration - Zoom Nov 12th 4pm.

City centre Hot Spot reaps benefits of weekly warm welcome – no matter the season

Regardless of whether the sun is shining or snow is falling, every Thursday throughout the year St Giles-on-the-Hill church invites anyone keen to enjoy some food, drink and conversation into a warm, friendly space.

The city centre church began its Hot Spot initiative in January and it became an instant success.

Around 80 people attended during the first few weeks of the project, while in the warmer months between 20 and 30 regulars have still been stopping by. Grant funding, including from the council, has supported the scheme in its inaugural year.

New advisor for self-supporting ministry

The Revd Ian Fifield, Vicar of Thorpe End, near Norwich, has been appointed Bishop of Norwich’s Advisor for Self-Supporting Ministry.

Revd Ian said: “I am honoured to take on this role supporting those called to serve as self-supporting ministers. SSMs have a unique vocation in connecting the church with daily life and I look forward to encouraging and strengthening this important ministry.”



The Bishop of Norwich said he was delighted to appoint Revd Ian who would bring experience and expertise to the role.

Seven new licensed lay ministers, two new vicars – and one new archbishop. September in the diocese with Bishop Graham

September saw the Bishop of Norwich busy in his own diocese and his link diocese on the other side of the world.

In Norwich Cathedral he welcomed seven new Licensed Lay Ministers at a celebration of the work of LLMs across the diocese. 

Hundreds of people took part in the celebration service, which also saw the commissioning of Helen Grogutt as Bishop’s Adviser for Licensed Lay Ministers.

Three new canons for Norwich Cathedral

Three people have been installed as canons of Norwich Cathedral during a service on Tuesday 14 October.

Dr Claire Gilbert is a theologian, author and retreat leader. Her writing about Julian of Norwich includes the book I, Julian. Claire was installed as a lay canon.

The Revd Richard Lamey is Director of Mission and Ministry for the Diocese of Norwich. He supports clergy and lay leaders across the diocese, encouraging discipleship and vocations. Richard was installed as an honorary canon.

The Revd Martin Greenland is Rector of Acle and Bure to Yare Benefice. He is also Rural Dean of Blofield and has been recognised for his diligence across a rural multi parish benefice and deanery. Martin was installed as an honorary canon.

Edith Cavell honoured with weekend of anniversary commemorations

The story of Norfolk nurse and First World War heroine Edith Cavell was honoured during a weekend of services and events at Norwich Cathedral.

Edith’s final resting place is at Norwich Cathedral, and the Edith Cavell 110 weekend marked the 110th anniversary of Edith’s death on October 12 1915.

Nurses, military representatives, civic dignitaries and experts from across Europe and America were among those to gather at the Cathedral to remember the life and legacy of Edith who during the war nursed soldiers from both sides in occupied Belgium and helped more than 200 Allied soldiers reach safety.

Announcement of the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury

The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE to become 106th Archbishop of Canterbury.

Bishop Graham says; “I am delighted that Bishop Sarah has been called to be the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. This historic decision recognises Bishop Sarah’s many pastoral gifts as a shepherd of Christ’s flock. It was a personal privilege to serve on the Crown Nomination Commission and meet some outstanding potential candidates, and then to discern prayerfully who we believed God was calling to serve his Church as Archbishop at this time. It was an experience of the Holy Spirit. Please join with me in praying for Bishop Sarah and her family.”

Parish Support Team pop ups

The Parish Support Team are on tour again! Come along and meet us at two 'pop up' events with any questions you have. These events are for PCCs, church officers and volunteers, anyone involved in a local parish church. It's an opportunity to meet people who can help your church to flourish.

• Monday 3 November 4-6pm: St Andrew and St Peter, Blofield
• Tuesday 4 November 4-6pm: Fountain of Life, Ashill

Following the previous 'pop up's in May, we received feedback that parishes are happy to know who is available to help them and what support is on offer.

If you can't make it to either event, please don't forget that you can contact us anytime in work hours Monday to Friday via phone or email or arrange to come into Diocesan House in Easton to meet us.

Main point of contact: Dani Rice, Parish Support Adviser, 01603 880853. or email hello@dioceseofnorwich.org

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

Black History Month Service

Norwich Cathedral

Sunday 26 October 5.30pm.

Do join us for this uplifting and celebratory service, featuring The African Choir of Norfolk and The International Music Group (drumming group from 2024 service).

ALL WELCOME.

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

Heigham, Holy Trinity (Norwich)

Clergy: Richard James, Alastair Gledhill

LLMs: Jonathan Mason, Elizabeth Scott, Nigel Parfitt

Parish Support Team: Generous Giving - Robert Culyer, Colin Tomlin, Naomi Rizk

Diocese of Pelotas (Brazil)

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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