Advent Highlights
In this season of Advent, our diocese has been busy putting together a whole host of different Advent events for everyone to enjoy. From life-sized outdoor advent calendar to Christmas tree festivals!
News and Media
Flex – Leading Together for Mission
Over the past nine months, six rural benefice teams comprised of a mix of lay and ordained leaders from across Sherborne and Ramsbury have been following the Flex course funded by Rural Hope. The last session of the course was held this month, drawing Flex as a whole to a close.
Chorister Bishop ‘unseats’ Bishop Stephen during Evensong
At Evensong last Sunday, 13-year-old Rory from Warminster was installed as the latest in a long line of Chorister Bishops at Salisbury Cathedral, unseating the Bishop of Salisbury for the duration of the 45-minute service.
Bishop Stephen's Visit to Jersey
This past weekend Bishop Stephen made his first official visit to the Channel Islands since the island deaneries were joined to the Diocese of Salisbury in mid-November.
Follow the Star: The Great Invitation
This year’s national Church of England Christmas video tells the story of a life supported by the local church. It follows one woman through many Christmases throughout her life – from her first starring role as the baby Jesus in the village nativity play, to childhood and teenage years, joining church youth groups, getting married, parenthood and facing bereavement.
From Darkness to Light
Over 4,000 people attended three spectacular Advent Processions, titled ‘From Darkness to Light’, at Salisbury Cathedral last weekend. You can read Bishop Stephen and Dean Nick's addresses here.
Life-sized Advent Calendar
For the first time ever, the town of Devizes in Wiltshire will be hosting the ‘Devizes Adventure’ - a community event set to bring the town together through a giant interactive Advent Calendar that starts on 1 December.
End of an era: Canon Joy Tubbs MBE to retire
Joy Tubbs MBE, Director of Education, has shared the news that she will be retiring at the end of April 2023.
A personal thank you from Bishop Stephen: £10 challenge #SalisburysGotTalent
When Bishop Stephen gave away £10 shares of £10,000 during his welcome service earlier this year, he gave it away with a mission “that we can invest what we have for the good of God's Kingdom.” From our early estimates, this original gift has more than doubled, growing by a further £11,740 and being shared with good causes around the diocese and the world. Thank you for your generosity and faithfulness!
New Advent prayer launched for time of uncertainty and challenge
This Advent, Bishop Stephen has asked everyone in the diocese to pray together a simple prayer, suitable for homes and church congregations. A version has also been written for use in collective worship in schools.
