Diocese of Norwich

An introduction to the RE Quality Mark (REQM)
2025-02-05 15:30 - 16:30 UTC
REQM is a nationally recognised quality mark for RE. From September 2020 new criteria has been released to assess schools and federations. This briefing session will consider the new criteria, explore examples of best practice in preparing for REQM assessment and action plan next steps in achieving the quality mark for your school. It will also provide a further option of coaching and mentoring for schools to complete the application process from a REQM Assessor as well as the possibility of a school-based workshop to write your application (additional cost).
Audience: RE Leaders, Headteachers in ALL schools (Community, Church of England and academies)
DofN.org/REQ

Racial Justice working group
2025-01-30 15:45 - 17:00 | online
The Racial Justice Working Group is a committed community of people who work together to promote equality and racial justice within education. As a collective, we work together to raise awareness, improve representation, develop understanding of issues and advocate for policies that promote equity and inclusion. Joining the racial justice working group can be a meaningful way to make a difference and help create a fairer society for all children and all people. The termly meetings are a space for discussion, and we welcome all who have an interest in this area of equality and social justice to join.
Audience: Open to all Diocese of Norwich school staff and governors.
DofN.org/RJ-Jan

Holocaust Memorial Day
2025-01-27 19:00 - 20:00
To mark Holocaust Memorial Day, St Peter’s Church in Sheringham is holding a special and reflective service on the evening of Monday 27th January. The service follows the guidelines for Holocaust Memorial in Christian Churches as outlined by the Council for Christians and Jews, using Common Worship material.
The service will include reflective music and prayer as well as stories from the past and passages of scripture that are shared in both the Christian and Jewish traditions.
Alongside the service is a small exhibition detailing the history of the Holocaust and other genocides which are remembered on Holocaust Memorial Day. This exhibition gives the opportunity throughout the month for people to learn about what happened, be involved in Holocaust Memorial and take a chance to reflect and pray. Exhibition to run all through January.

Norfolk Gospel Partnership’s Women’s Conference 2025
2025-01-25 09:30 - 16:00 | Holy Trinity Church, Norwich, 110A Trinity St, Norwich, NR2 2BJ
Are you fed up with traipsing to London or Cambridge to attend a women’s conference? Well, at last, we have our own here in Norfolk! Back for its second year, The Norfolk Gospel Partnership is holding its annual women’s conference which this year is called Eternity in our Hearts: wisdom from Ecclesiastes. The event is being held at Holy Trinity Church, Norwich, on Saturday 25th January 2025 and will be a day of encouragement for women across the East of England to gather, worship, be taught from the Bible and equipped to live out their faith in their churches, communities and families.
Karen Soole, (Author of Unleash the Word and Liberation: How the Bible Exalts and Dignifies Women), will be teaching from Ecclesiastes and unpacking what it has to say to us as we navigate the many complexities and seasons of life. There will also be opportunities to sing together, pray, enjoy a delicious lunch, browse our brilliant 10ofthose bookstall and connect with others.
A range of exciting seminars will be on offer to attend on relevant topics including: “A time for everything – really? How to make the most of the time God has given us” ,”Hormonally challenged? How do our hormones interact with our ability to live godly and joyful lives?” and “Planting seeds: little steps to sharing your faith”.
The conference planning team, made up of representatives from churches across Norfolk, hope it will be a day of blessing for hundreds of local women and an opportunity to grow together in faith.
Last year’s conference did sell out, so we are encouraging people to book early to secure their space. Tickets cost £14 (£10 for under 18s, students and those on low incomes) and lunch is included. If cost is an issue, please do get in touch with the planning team via the website. The event is open to all women age 14+ and will run from 9.30am-4pm. For those with children, babes in arms are welcome at the conference (under 1s), but there will be no formal childcare available. Bookings will close on Monday 20th January 2025 or when the event has sold out.
To book a ticket, or for further information, please visit www.norfolkgospel.org.uk/eternity
Discover more about the Norfolk Gospel Partnership at www.norfolkgospel.org.uk

Homegrown Share and Prayer Event
2025-01-24 16:00 - 18:00
Date: Friday, January 24, 2024
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Location: St John’s the Evangelist, Blackfriars Rd, King’s Lynn PE30 1NT
Refreshments provided

The Homegrown project aims to paint a clear picture of the situation facing children and young people in West Norfolk, including who is actively working and able to collaborate to grow this type of work. Join the conversation as we consider what might enable us to work more collaboratively across our borough for children and families.
At the end of the 2025 Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Churches Together in King’s Lynn, the Diocese of Norwich and Imagine Norfolk Together invite local Christians and community leaders to an exciting three-part sharing, networking and prayer event. This is an opportunity for everyone passionate about seeing children and young people flourish, to come together to hear about and discuss the current landscape facing young people in our area, learn about how local churches are currently engaging, and explore ways to collaborate for greater impact.
Why Attend?
Across West Norfolk, there are many local Christians in Churches across the borough, dedicated to supporting children, young people and their families in their communities who face daily challenges. However, these good efforts often occur in isolation, which can lead to unintentional duplication of resources and burnout. This event aims to begin bridge that gap. By understanding what churches are already doing and identifying key areas for collaboration, we can maximize our collective impact.
Event Outline:

4 – 4:45pm- Introductions and Sharing:
Hear responses from local church and community leaders to our recent survey. Learn about current initiatives focused on children and youth, and the challenges identified by churches and organizations. This sharing will be enriched by sharing key themes emerging from the desk research, which has compiled data from a number local organisations, highlighting the pressing issues faced by families in Kings Lynn and West Norfolk.

4:45 – 5:15pm – Networking:
Engage in meaningful conversations with fellow attendees, including church leaders, local organizations, and schools. This networking session is designed to foster connections that can lead to collaborative efforts in addressing community needs.

5:20 – 6:00pm – Time of Prayer:
Those who wish to stay are invited to join Bishop Jane Steen in prayer, where we will thank God for the good work already being done and seek His guidance for future collaborations. We believe prayer is a powerful force for unity and transformation, and essential to our work as the Church moving forward together.

Key Aims of the Homegrown Project:

Address Inequality: Create a stronger response to the challenges faced by children and families in our community.
Better Stewardship: Enhance the effective use of church resources to support children, young people, and families.
Stronger Connections: Build relationships between the Church and local organisations and authorities to influence borough-wide change.
Visible Faith Expression: Promote a confident and visible Christian presence in West Norfolk.

This gathering is crucial not only for the churches but also for non-church organizations, schools, and community members who share a commitment to the well-being of our young people. Together, we can map the current landscape of outreach and identify collaborative paths forward.
Get Involved:
Please complete our survey to provide insights into your church’s outreach efforts here Homegrown Survey.
Or complete it on behalf of your organisation https://bit.ly/homegrown-orgs or school https://bit.ly/homegrown-schools
For questions or more information, contact Vicki Price at vicki.price@dioceseofnorwich.org.
Let’s come together in unity, compassion, and purpose.
We look forward to seeing you there!

Are you SIAMS ready?
2025-01-17 10:00 - 15:30
This one-day practical workshop is aimed at all headteachers and senior leaders within Voluntary Aided, Voluntary Controlled, Foundation church schools and academies.
The course comprises:
• A whole day focusing on the new SIAMS Framework for 2023
• Exploration of the philosophy and thinking behind the framework
• Networking to explore how to gather evidence for the six Inspection Questions
• Time to work on your summary SEF for SIAMS with advice from an experienced inspector
• Latest feedback about inspections and emerging trends
All headteachers are encouraged to attend if they have an inspection due in the next 12 to 18 months.
Sandwich lunch provided
Audience: All headteachers and senior leaders of Voluntary Aided, Voluntary Controlled, Foundation church schools and academies

Are you SIAMS ready? Tickets, Fri 17 Jan 2025 at 10:00 | Eventbrite

Winter talks - conservation management of churchyards
2025-01-16 18:30 - 20:30, 2025-01-16 08:00 - 17:00
The first of this series of talks kicks off with two very different approaches! Gemma Walker from Norfolk Wildlife Trust will be talking about how to care for churchyards with wildlife in mind. Laura Carey will be discussing a Norfolk-designed Chelsea Show Garden. Come and be inspired!

LECTIO DIVINA - a way of being with scripture and other sacred texts
2025-01-10 14:30 - 15:00, 2024-12-13 14:30 - 15:00 | Norwich Cathedral
We host a monthly group Lectio Divina session in the cathedral library, on the SECOND FRIDAY of every month at 2.30pm.
Lectio Divina is a contemplative way of reading the Bible, focusing on a short passage and allowing it to speak to us. The passage is read aloud, and we may share a word or phrase that resonates with us, but without discussion. It is a traditional Benedictine approach to the scriptures.
Open to all, readings and full outline of the approach provided. Come along to try it out, or contact Gudrun at gwarren@cathedral.org.uk if you would like to know more.

Christmas Carol Concert,, Hemsby Church
2024-12-17 07:30 - 21:30
St. Mary’s Singers Christmas Concert by Candle Light.
2 Nights performances singing Traditional and Popular Christmas Songs/Carols with Junior Singers.
This popular Concert is always a sell out so getting tickets early is advisable.
Tickets are £7 including Mulled Wine and Mince Pie.
Profits to church building fund.
These are evening performances doors open at 7pm starting at 7.30pm approx 2 hours.

Christmas Carol Service
2024-12-15 17:00 - 18:30 | St Giles-on-the-Hill, St Giles-on-the-Hill Church, 75 Upper St Giles St, Norwich, NR2 1AB
The countdown to Christmas starts here so do come and join us for our atmospheric Carol Service. Set inside this beautiful medieval church, there will be traditional and modern readings plus all of your favourite carols.
Seasonal refreshments will be available after the service.
A retirement collection for the John Aves Education Project will take place. This project provides financial support to young people from the Dheisheh Palestinian Refugee Camp enabling selected students to study at local universities.

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL
2024-12-14 10:30 - 2024-12-15 16:00 | St Mary’s Church, Rockland, 2 Rectory Ln, Norwich, NR14 7EY, United Kingdom
Rockland St Mary Christmas Tree Festival
To raise funds for our beautiful church of St Mary’s.
Raffle Tombola, Hand Made Crafts Delicious Cakes and Refreshments
These will be in The Barn next to the Church.
Disabled Access, Parking and Toilet!
14th & 15Th December 2024
10.30am – 4pm each day.

Christmas Tree Festival, All Saints Church Alburgh
2024-12-14 10:00 - 2024-12-15 15:00 | All Saints Church, Alburgh, Church Rd, Alburgh, Harleston, IP20 0DA
All are welcome to our 3rd Christmas Tree Festival in our lovely church.
Come and see over 30 decorated trees made from a variety of materials.
The trees have been donated by individuals, families, local clubs, groups, organisations and businesses.
FREE entry, refreshments available and a stall for those last minute gifts.
Vote for your favourite tree with your small change – the tree getting most money will win a prize, as will the best decorated tree.

Carol Service with the Diss Salvation Army Band - All Saints Church Alburgh
2024-12-13 19:30 - 20:30 | All Saints Church, Alburgh, Church Rd, Alburgh, Harleston, IP20 0DA
A traditional Carol service in All Saints Church Alburgh accompanied by the Diss Salvation Army Band.
After the service we go to Alburgh Village Hall for more music, refreshments and the lighting of the village Christmas tree.
Come and sing your favourite carols

Christmas Concert by The Anglian Singers
2024-12-13 19:00 - 21:30 | St Andrew’s Eaton, St Andrew's Eaton, Church Lane, Norwich, NR4 6NW
The Anglian Singers, conducted by John Barham, are pleased to present their traditional Christmas Concert. The programme will consist of some well known and loved carols, interspersed with readings and poems. As is tradition there will be some audience participation.
This will be John Barham’s last concert with the choir before he retires.
Seasonal refreshments will be served during the interval and parking is available near to the church.

Fourth Annual Christmas Tree Festival
2024-12-13 - 2024-12-22 | St Peter and St Paul, East Harling, Church Rd, East Harling, NR16 2NB
You’re invited to the fourth annual Christmas Tree Festival at at St Peter & St Paul Church, East Harling
Friday 13th 6pm-8pm
Saturday 14th 3pm-7pm
Sunday 15th 4pm-7pm
Thursday 19th 4pm-7pm
Friday 20th 4pm-8pm
Saturday 21st 3pm-7pm
Sunday 22nd 4pm-5:30pm
Come and experience the wonder of over 100 glowing Christmas trees decorated by local schools, clubs, businesses and other groups!
Grand Opening and Lights Switch On: Friday 13th December – 6PM
Join us as we welcome the Bishop of Thetford to open our Christmas Tree Festival with mulled wine and mince pies! All are welcome!
Free entry to festival with donations welcome towards the cost of the event and the life of the church

A Christmas Tea Concert
2024-12-08 15:00 - 17:00 | Blofield Church, Church Road, Blofield, NR13 4NA
Join us in our warm and welcoming church for a Christmas choral concert given by the Mundesley Community Choir led by Zaira Palumbo. You will be able to enjoy their seasonal repertoire and sing some carols with the choir. Afternoon tea will be served in the interval.

Christmas Concert at Wymondham Baptist Church
2024-12-08 14:30 - 17:00 | Wymondham Baptist Church, Queen Street, Wymondham, NR18 0AY, United Kingdom
Christmas Concert by St. Mary’s Singers of Hemsby.
Traditional and Popular Christmas songs with Junior singers.
Approx 2.5 hours with interval that includes refreshments. 2.30pm.
Tickets £10 under 16 £5 recommended in advance as last years concert was a sell out.
Profits to Building Fund.
Can be purchased from Norman/Helen 01953 600563 or Reeve Stationery, Wymondham.

Christmas Concert at Wymondham Baptist Church
2024-12-08 14:30 - 17:00 | Wymondham Baptist Church, Queen Street, Wymondham, NR18 0AY, United Kingdom
St. Mary’s Singers of Hemsby will be performing a Christmas Concert at 2.30pm on Sunday 8th December at Wymondham Baptist Church.
A mix of Classic Carols, Choral and Popular Christmas Songs, with Juniors.
Includes refreshments during the interval.
Tickets £10 (children under 16 £5) available from 01593 600563 or George R Reeve Gifts & Stationery, market street, Wymondham. In aid of the Church Building. Charity Number 1199302.
This event was a sell out last year.

Christmas Wreath Fair Bawdeswell
2024-12-07 10:00 - 13:00
Crafts and seasonal produce, stalls, homemade Christmas cakes and puddings for sale.
All Saints Church, Bawdeswell.
Sat 7 Dec 10am-1pm.

Christmas Wreath and Craft Sale at Bawdeswell All Saints
2024-12-07 10:00 - 13:00
Stalls

Ryburgh Christmas Market and Book Sale
2024-12-07 09:30 - 12:00 | St Andrew’s Church, Great Ryburgh, Mill Road / Bridge Road, Great Ryburgh, Norfolk, NR21 0DZ
Choose handcrafted gifts, paintings and flowers, browse our unrivalled collection of preloved books, see the heritage exhibitions or simply enjoy a coffee and mincepie in the peaceful setting of this unusual cruciform church!

Edingthorpe Festive Coffee Morning Christmas Fayre
2024-12-07 09:00 - 12:00 | St Nicholas’ Church, North Walsham, Market Pl, North Walsham, NR28 9BT, United Kingdom
Coffee Morning with festive refreshments and Christmas Fayre with Stalls
Cakes & Preserves – Bric-a-brac – Tombola – Hamper Raffle – Crafts Toys – Puzzles – Books
Plants – Wreaths – Guess the weight of the Cake And More!
At St Nicholas Church Halls North Walsham NR28 9DQ (St Nicholas room and St Benet Hall)
Fundraising event for All Saints Church Edingthorpe
All proceeds to ALL SAINTS CHURCH EDINGTHORPE

‘Being With’ course
2024-12-03 19:30 - 21:00 | St Peter’s, St Peter’s Church, Sheringham, NR26 8QS
Sometimes our greatest challenge is noticing where God is and has been at work in our lives.
St Peter’s is delighted to offer the ‘Being With’ course this year. Established by Revs. Samuel Wells and Sally Hitchiner from St Martin in the Fields, this course offers a fresh way to explore Christian faith.
Rather than focusing on academic Bible study or unpacking years of doctrine, the ‘Being With’ course works on the basis that all of us have already had a wealth of experience of God’s presence in our lives. Through topics such as: meaning, Jesus, sacrifice, church and the cross we’ll explore where God moves in our lives and everyday experiences.
In this course how you feel is just as important as what you think. It’s about sharing our stories and listening to the stories of others. It doesn’t matter where you are in your journey of faith. From decades of devoted discipleship to those who just have questions, all are welcome.
The course will run at St Peter’s on Tuesday evenings for 10 weeks, beginning on October 1st at 7:30pm. Refreshments will be available from 7pm.
If you would like to join us, or ask for more information then please get in touch with our office, by email or phone:
stpeterschurchsheringham@gmail.com or 01263 820040.

Thy Kingdom Come 2025 online workshop
2024-12-03 11:00 - 12:00 | online
Praying, planning and preparing for the 10th anniversary.
ONLINE WORKSHOPS
Will you join us?
Next year marks the 10th anniversary of Thy Kingdom Come!
We really want to support churches to consider how they might plan, pray and prepare well ahead of time. With this in mind, Thy Kingdom Come has joined with Churches Together in England to host a special online workshop to help churches across demoninations and traditions consider how they might participate together within their context, be it in a small rural village or in a big city.
During this session hear from different contributors sharing best practices, impactful stories of intentional prayer and ecumenical working and explore new ideas.
Sessions will be facilitated by Revd Canon Jean Kerr, Kemi Bamgbose and Doral Hayes.
The sessions will be held twice on Tuesday 3 Dec, sign up here:
11am-12pm: Session 1: Meeting Registration – Zoom
7pm-8pm: Session 2: Meeting Registration – Zoom

A Service for Advent
2024-12-01 15:00 - 16:00
The Trinity Singers will lead a service of evensong with music and congregational carols for Advent

The Holly & The Ivy - Christmas Concert
2024-12-01 14:30 - 16:30
The Gold & Silver Singers present ‘The Holly & The Ivy’ Christmas Concert with Fine City Chorus.
Sunday 1st December 2.30pm at St. Andrew’s Church Chapter House.
Musical Directors: Martyn Marshall and Carrol Logan, Assistant Conductor: Steve Holmes
Guest Soprano: Jessica Bergman, Guest Pianist: Vidas Vaitkevicius
Admission fee: Adults – £10, Children – free – Refreshments included (Tickets available on the door)
Tel: 01493 663439 or 07506 325975
Venue: ST ANDREW’S CHURCH CHAPTER HOUSE
CHURCH RD,
GORLESTON-ON-SEA,
NR31 6LR

Music for Advent with Sine Nomine
2024-11-30 17:30 - 19:30 | St Giles-on-the-Hill, St Giles-on-the-Hill Church, 75 Upper St Giles St, Norwich, NR2 1AB
Come and join us for an evening of wonderful music in a beautiful medieval church setting. Sine Nomine is a Norwich based choir comprising 25 to 30 members who sing sacred and secular music, both accompanied and unaccompanied. The choir was formed in 1978 and its current Director of Music is Hannah Emmrich.
The music for the evening will include work by Handel, Purcell and Grieg.
Refreshments will be available at 5.30pm and the concert will start at 6pm. There will be a retiring collection in aid of church funds.

Christmas Wreath Festival
2024-11-30 11:00 - 2024-12-01 16:00
Feeling creative? St Michael’s Church, Sutton is hosting a Christmas Wreath Festival on 30th November and 1st December. Everyone is welcome to make a modest, flashy or exotic wreath for display in the church. The wreaths will be hung on purpose-made supports to show them to best effect. Please bring yours to the church on Thursday 28th November. The exhibition will open on Saturday from 11am to 4pm, and on Sunday from noon to 4pm, with food and refreshments, and a raffle. All proceeds for St. Michael’s Church. Contact Malcolm (01603 783091) for more info.
