The Diocese of Gloucester

Upcoming events at The Diocese of Gloucester

Community

Open the Gospel Learning Community

Do you sometimes read the Gospel for this coming Sunday and wonder what new perspective you might find? Would you value space to wrestle with the text with other, faithful people? Could you benefit from help thinking through how to connect with all generations through your preaching? If you sometimes feel isolated, uninspired and like you’d benefit from a sounding board as you prepare to preach, we are here for you! Open the Gospel is an online learning community of preachers, lay and ordained, where each week on a Monday we will engage with the Gospel reading for the coming Sunday from different perspectives. It is a space to listen and learn from one another and, in the process, create recorded resources that can be accessed at any time and used in services where a preacher is not available. To join the conversation at 1pm please click here

Mon 13 Apr13:00The Diocese of Gloucester

via The Diocese of Gloucester

Community

Bishop of Dover to speak in Bristol

St John’s Church, Keynsham will welcome one of the Church of England’s most senior and respected leaders this spring as part of its 750 Appeal fundraising programme. The Rt Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin CD MBE KHC, Bishop of Dover, will appear in conversation at a special literary and inspirational evening on Friday 17 April 2026. The event will feature a live interview exploring Bishop Rose’s life, ministry and leadership, followed by an audience question-and-answer session. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase copies of her book The Girl from Montego Bay and have them signed. Bishop Rose currently serves as Bishop of Dover in the Diocese of Canterbury and exercises delegated episcopal oversight on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury. She previously served as Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons for nine years and has been Chaplain to Her Majesty the Queen. In 2019 she made history as the first black woman appointed as a bishop in the Church of England. The evening forms part of St John’s 750 Appeal, which is supporting ongoing redevelopment plans aimed at ensuring the church remains a vibrant and sustainable space for worship, community events and outreach. Cllr Dave Biddleston, who will conduct the interview, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Bishop Rose has agreed to join us at St John’s. She is an extraordinary speaker with a remarkable story, and this promises to be a thoughtful, uplifting and genuinely inspiring evening.

Fri 17 Apr18:30The Diocese of Gloucester

via The Diocese of Gloucester

Community

X:Alt

X:alt is a children’s event run by Holy Apostles Church with music, fun and games, crafts and gunge, whilst learning about the Christian faith with friends. Aimed at children age 7 – 11. To book or get more info, please

Sat 18 Apr17:00The Diocese of Gloucester

via The Diocese of Gloucester

Community

Open the Gospel Learning Community

Do you sometimes read the Gospel for this coming Sunday and wonder what new perspective you might find? Would you value space to wrestle with the text with other, faithful people? Could you benefit from help thinking through how to connect with all generations through your preaching? If you sometimes feel isolated, uninspired and like you’d benefit from a sounding board as you prepare to preach, we are here for you! Open the Gospel is an online learning community of preachers, lay and ordained, where each week on a Monday we will engage with the Gospel reading for the coming Sunday from different perspectives. It is a space to listen and learn from one another and, in the process, create recorded resources that can be accessed at any time and used in services where a preacher is not available. To join the conversation at 1pm please click here

Mon 20 Apr13:00The Diocese of Gloucester

via The Diocese of Gloucester

Community

Why The Tempest?: The play in Christian perspective

Three monthly lectures plus one study day to discuss The Tempest by Shakespeare, through the lens of religion. Reading (or rereading) The Tempest ahead of the lectures and study day is recommended, or you may wish to watch a performance via Globe Player. Tuesday 17 February, 2pm to 4pm: ‘Be not afeard…’ – an introduction to The Tempest, by Adrian Barlow (St Philip & St James, Cheltenham)/ Tuesday 24 March, 2pm to 4pm: ‘with the help of your good hands’ – prayer in The Tempest, by Dr Beatrice Groves (Trinity College Oxford) Tuesday 21 April, 2pm to 4pm: The Tempest and the art of forgiveness, by the Revd Dr Stephen Cherry (King’s College Cambridge) Saturday 9 May, 10am to 6pm: The Tempest – study day. Lectures, discussions, music and poetry plus refreshments throughout the day. Other guests there will be: Revd Dr Paul Edmondson (Shakespeare Birthplace Trust); Rev’d Prof Paul Fiddes (University of Oxford); Prof Liz Schafer (Royal Holloway, University of London); Prof Christopher Southgate (University of Exeter); Adrian Barlow (St Philip & St James, Cheltenham); and Andrew Taylor (St Philip & St James, Cheltenham). Tuesday Lectures: £10 (£20 for all three). Under 25/Student: £5 inc refreshments. Study Day, Saturday 9 May: £20 (or £10 one session). Under 25/Student: £5 inc refreshments. For further information contact Andrew Taylor at Tickets can be purchased on their website or on the door.

Tue 21 Apr14:00The Diocese of Gloucester

via The Diocese of Gloucester

Community

'Energy from waste' at St Peter's Leckhampton

The Diocese of Gloucester is hosting and we're advertising. 'Energy from waste' at St Peter's Leckhampton — no spoilers, but their site has the full programme.

Tue 21 Apr19:30The Diocese of Gloucester

via The Diocese of Gloucester

Community

Mindful Soldier: From the choir stall to the front line

A conversation on resilience, service and overcoming life’s toughest challenges. An inspiring evening with Ash Alexander-Cooper exploring the story behind his acclaimed book Mindful Soldier. A conversation hosted by Jo Durrant on resilience, service and overcoming life’s toughest challenges. Proceeds to the Cathedral’s In Tune music project, the Royal British Veterans Enterprise, and the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Endorsements include those by Bear Grylls and Rory Stewart. “An essential and inspirational guide to surviving and thriving, whatever life throws at you” – Bear Grylls Tickets General Entry plus signed copy of Mindful Soldier – £22 General Entry – £12 Student Concession – £5 Full details→ Booking link→

Fri 24 Apr19:30The Diocese of Gloucester

via The Diocese of Gloucester

Community

Open the Gospel Learning Community

Do you sometimes read the Gospel for this coming Sunday and wonder what new perspective you might find? Would you value space to wrestle with the text with other, faithful people? Could you benefit from help thinking through how to connect with all generations through your preaching? If you sometimes feel isolated, uninspired and like you’d benefit from a sounding board as you prepare to preach, we are here for you! Open the Gospel is an online learning community of preachers, lay and ordained, where each week on a Monday we will engage with the Gospel reading for the coming Sunday from different perspectives. It is a space to listen and learn from one another and, in the process, create recorded resources that can be accessed at any time and used in services where a preacher is not available. To join the conversation at 1pm please click here

Mon 27 Apr13:00The Diocese of Gloucester

via The Diocese of Gloucester

Community

Friends of… Workshop

What are the benefits of a ‘Friends of’ scheme in your church or community? If you are looking at setting one up or already have one that you’d like to grow and develop then this workshop will help you to think about how your ‘Friends of’ community can be of best help in generating income. Many ‘Friends of’ groups support the fabric of the church itself, so this workshop is being run in partnership with our Diocesan buildings’ teams. Refreshment will be included. Book here to secure your place. Lisa- Jayne Lewis – Stewardship and Giving Advisor Lisa-Jayne helps church leaders to think about how they can preach and teach about money, how churches can find ways to increase their income, find grants and think about regular giving and  financial stewardship as part of our Christian discipleship.

Wed 29 Apr14:00The Diocese of Gloucester

via The Diocese of Gloucester

Community

Grant Writing Workshop

There are many Trusts across the UK who are seeking to make grants to churches and worshipping communities but many churches are unsure how to access these and how to write successful bids. These short workshops will help you think about how to tell the story of your parish or project in a way that enthuses Trust executives, helping you stand a better chance of being successful. Book here to secure your place. Lisa- Jayne Lewis – Stewardship and Giving Advisor Lisa-Jayne helps church leaders to think about how they can preach and teach about money, how churches can find ways to increase their income, find grants and think about regular giving and  financial stewardship as part of our Christian discipleship.

Thu 30 Apr19:00The Diocese of Gloucester

via The Diocese of Gloucester

Community

Branch Youth Worship

A Monthly Youth Worship Event for secondary school aged young people. Branch Youth Worship Event – For all in secondary education, bring vibrant worship and challenging message to young people wanting to grow in their faith. Hosted by The Community Church, Cinderford. Branch is a free inter-church event. It is self funded and comes under the ministry of The Community Church for safeguarding, public liability and accountability. For more information, please

Sat 2 May19:00The Diocese of Gloucester

via The Diocese of Gloucester

Community

Welcome to the Diocesan Church School Family – Online drop in discussion sessions

Wednesday 6 May 2026 and Thursday 18 June 2026 4.00pm-5.00pm For Early Career Teachers (ECTs) and teachers new to Church schools. Enabling you to explore the ideas in online materials with Education Team colleagues and peers from other schools. Cost of full programme: £25.00 per participant, including access to asynchronous materials for ECT mentors whose ECTs participate Please book here

Wed 6 May16:00The Diocese of Gloucester

via The Diocese of Gloucester

Community

Growing Hope - Accessibility Training

This practical workshop will look at how to support children, young people and adults with a range of needs. Additional needs can include anything which impacts upon participation in activity (physical, learning, mental health or undiagnosed needs). We’ll focus on our sensory processing: how we take in the world through our senses how God speaks to us through these senses how multisensory strategies enable our church communities and spaces to be accessible for everyone. Growing Hope is a charity providing free therapy for children and young people with additional needs in partnership with local churches across the UK. To book your place, please click here. Led by: Barrie Voyce, Senior Youth Connector Barrie leads the growing network of deanery youth connectors, enabling and equipping effective youth ministry across the diocese. Faith Spinks, from Growing Hope will be your facilitator for the evening. Faith works for Growing Hope as Accessibility Engagement Officer connecting with churches, schools and other organisations, providing accessibility training and awards. She is a qualified teacher with a BA (QTS) in education and has spent her career working with children and young people – as a teacher, in-school student mentoring, church children and youth work, in the charity sector, volunteering with foster kids, and working in Brazil with children and young people living on the streets.

Wed 6 May17:00The Diocese of Gloucester

via The Diocese of Gloucester

Community

The Michael Perham University and Cathedral Lecture 2026

Education, Justice and Spirituality:  Is spirituality the missing ingredient to our underperforming education and justice systems? This talk is presented by the Reverend Canon Steve Chalke MBE, founder of the Oasis Trust. Steve is a distinguished author, speaker, former UN Special Advisor on Human Trafficking, and Baptist minister. In 1985, he founded the Oasis Trust, a leading charity dedicated to building inclusive local communities. Today, Oasis operates across multiple countries, providing housing, education, healthcare, and various community-building initiatives. In England, Oasis runs 56 schools and recently opened Oasis Restore, the UK’s first Secure School – a groundbreaking therapeutic alternative to youth prisons designed to support high-risk children and young people in the justice system. Steve is also a regular media commentator, and his latest book is called A Manifesto for Hope. This year’s lecture is taking place at The Chapel, Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham, GL50 4AZ. Pay and display parking is available at the campus. There will be a retiring collection in aid of the Oasis Charitable Trust. Book onto the event →

Wed 6 May19:00The Diocese of Gloucester

via The Diocese of Gloucester

Community

Trussell - Walking Humbly launch

Is your church a place where people facing hunger and hardship can belong fully?  We would love you to come to the launch of Trussell’s Walking Humbly resources online via Microsoft Teams on 7 May from 9am to 10.30am. The resources include a booklet for church leaders and a series of Bible Studies to help explore how churches can be communities where all are welcomed and all voices are heard. The resources were written with  Trussell’s group of Lived Experience Partners – people who are Christian who have needed to access the support of a food bank. Speakers at the event will include Bishop Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester and the CofE’s lead Bishop on Poverty, Hannah Fremont-Brown who co-authored the resources and is the Justice Seeking Church Officer for the Methodist Church alongside members of the Lived Experience Group and Trussell staff. Sign up for the webinar→ If you want to order copies of the resources but can’t make the webinar please let them know at

Thu 7 May09:00The Diocese of Gloucester

via The Diocese of Gloucester

Community

Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse

There is a requirement that the Raising Awareness of Domestic Abuse Training course is completed by all clergy, PTO, Readers, Bishop and Pastoral visitors, Parish Safeguarding Officers, PCC and lay chapter members. It is estimated that domestic abuse affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men. Therefore, we will all know people who are victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse. The aim of the module is designed to equip participants to engage thoughtfully and proactively with the issue of domestic abuse and those affected. We recognise that not everyone will wish to complete modules online so we are also offering some face-to-face sessions. This might be a good way to ensure that people feel safe and supported when accessing the training, particularly with this module. This course will be run at Stanton Hall, 6 Church Street, Church Piece, Charlton Kings, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL53 8AR To book a place, please email: ku.gro.coidsolg@gniniartgnidraugefas

Thu 7 May14:00The Diocese of Gloucester

via The Diocese of Gloucester

Community

Mental Health First Aid - Day 1 of 2

Become a Mental Health First Aider · MHFA England is an internationally recognised training programme. Through the training participants will gain the skills and confidence to spot the triggers and signs of mental health problems and be able to contribute effectively to reducing stigma. This course is designed for someone who would like to take on a role after the course of promoting a positive mental health culture and being a point of contact if someone is experiencing mental ill health. This course will be over 2 days – 8 and 15 May 2026  from 9.00am – 5.00pm.  You will need to attend both days Venue – St Andrew’s Church Hall, Churchdown, Gloucester Cost – you need to cover the cost of the MHFA Workbook approx £32 To book a place please email ku.gro.coidsolg@gniniartgnidraugefas

Fri 8 May09:00The Diocese of Gloucester

via The Diocese of Gloucester

Community

Pray for Youth and Children - Forest of Dean

Praying for children and young people to know Jesus. A monthly Forest of Dean wide prayer breakfast meeting. Open for all to network, support and pray. Organised by Together for Youth partnering with The Community Family Minister, and Churches Together in Lydney. Contact for more information or to register your interest.

Sat 9 May08:30The Diocese of Gloucester

via The Diocese of Gloucester

Event details on Near Here are aggregated from third-party sources and may change. Always verify times, location, availability, and any price directly with the organiser before travelling. See Terms.