Diocese of Norwich

Nelson's Shantymen
2026-10-07 19:00 - 20:00 UTC
The Nelson’s Shantymen are perfoming on Saturday 3rd October at 7pm.
£10 per head including refreshments
Tickets available from Stephen Foll. Email stephenjohnfoll@gmail.com
All proceeds go to The Friends of All Saints Litcham (Charity Number 1133085) to help preserve the fabric of our beautiful village church.

The Bishop of Norwich's Certificate in Christian Learning: (Unit 1) Inhabiting the New Testament
2026-10-07 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-10-14 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-10-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Norwich Cathedral
The Bishop’s Certificate in Christian Learning is a flexible programme designed for anyone aged 18 and over who wants to explore, deepen or refresh their Christian faith. It is open to people who are new to Christianity as well as those who have been Christians for many years. Participants can study individual units or complete all five units to gain the full Bishop’s Certificate in Christian Learning. The course combines in-person teaching, online learning and group discussion, providing opportunities to engage with scripture, prayer, discipleship and mission alongside other learners from across the Diocese of Norwich. The five units are:

Inhabiting the New Testament
Exploring the Old Testament
Praying
Shaping the Christian Life
Sharing in God’s Mission

Together, these units help participants develop a deeper understanding of the Bible, Christian belief and practice, prayer, ministry, vocation and the Church’s mission in today’s world.
Unit 1: Inhabiting the New Testament The first unit, Inhabiting the New Testament, is led by Jane McLarty and explores the background, message and ongoing relevance of the New Testament. Topics include the world of the New Testament, reading the Gospels, understanding Jesus’ teaching, exploring the Book of Acts and engaging with Paul’s writings today. Dates and Times In-person session

Saturday 26 September 2026

Arrival: 2.00pm
Session: 2.30pm to 4.30pm

Online Zoom sessions (7.00pm to 8.30pm)

Wednesday 30 September 2026
Wednesday 7 October 2026
Wednesday 14 October 2026
Wednesday 21 October 2026

Unit 1 Content

The World of the New Testament
How do I read the Gospels?
What did Jesus teach?
Is Acts history?
How do I read Paul today?

This opening unit provides a strong foundation for understanding the New Testament and is an excellent starting point for anyone wishing to explore the life and teachings of Jesus and the early Church in more depth.
Read more about the course and full set of units here: The Bishop’s Certificate in Christian Learning

LECTIO DIVINA - a way of being with scripture and other sacred texts
2026-10-09 14:30 - 15:00, 2026-11-13 14:30 - 15:00, 2026-12-11 14:30 - 15:00, 2027-01-08 14:30 - 15:00, 2027-02-12 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.

The Church Times Festival of Faith and Music
2026-10-10 08:45 - 16:00
The Church Times Festival of Faith and Music, created in partnership with RSCM, returns this year as a one-day symposium at Southwark Cathedral, London on Saturday 10th October. The theme for 2026 will be: ‘Alleluia!’ – The power of music as mission. The aim has been to put together a day that celebrates church music in all its glory – one which will send attendees home encouraged, inspired and equipped with new, and practical ideas to try in home parishes.
There will be an exciting range of speakers, discussions, workshops and recitals held in Southwark Cathedral. Speakers include Iain Farrington, Peter Moger, Hugh Morris, Matthew Owens, Helen Smee and Lucy Walker, with music by the Southwark Cathedral Choir, the Diocese of Manchester Choral Scholars and the Choir of St Mary Magdalene, Wandsworth Common.
This event is for clergy, music leaders, people involved in church music, and those with a general interest in sacred music. It will be a source of celebration, inspiration, encouragement, support and resource.
For the full programme, speaker information and tickets visit: https://faithandmusic.hymnsam.co.uk/
Discounted tickets are available to RSCM members and Church Times subscribers.

Sacred Spaces: churchyards for nature
2026-10-10 12:00 - 16:00
An afternoon of talks and stalls focused on biodiversity, conservation, and best practice in Norfolk & Waveney churchyards, alongside the presentation of the inaugural Norfolk Churches Trust Churchyard Conservation Award.
Key note speaker: The Rt Revd Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich and lead bishop on environment for the Church of England
Booking is essential. For free tickets, visit dofn.org/sacred-spaces

The Norwich Shared Vocations space 2026/27: Onwards and Outwards!
2026-10-12 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-11-09 19:00 - 21:00, 2027-01-11 19:00 - 21:00, 2027-02-08 19:00 - 21:00
This six-session course, over six months, invites you to learn about the ways in which you might be called to go ‘onwards and outwards’ in sharing your Christian faith as a Licensed Lay Minister (sometimes known as Reader), ordained minister, chaplain, pioneer evangelist, Authorised Worship Assistant (AWA) or Authorised Pastoral Assistant (APA).
Together we will hear stories of how people have heard and responded to the call of God, go deeper into what the Bible teaches about Christian ministry and explore some of the big questions, joys and challenges of ministry today. Time in small groups will give you space for sharing thoughts and experiences, and by the end of the course you will be well prepared to take the next steps, either to a formal selection process for licensed lay or ordained ministry, or to consider what part God might be stirring you to play in the life of the Church and in sharing the good news of Jesus in our world today.
Register your interest via email to lucy.dallas@dioceseofnorwich.org

The Building Is The Burden (Lightening The Load)
2026-10-15 09:30 - 15:00 | St James the Less Church Pimlico (off Thorndike Street), SW1V 2PS, (off Thorndike Street), SW1V 2PS, London, SW1V 2PS
Many church leaders in low income areas know that their building is more than bricks and mortar – it is a community space for people to come to, to find peace, contact, practical support and God. Our buildings are a key asset. However, we also know that many were built quickly and cheaply many decades ago, and now show serious signs of aging, wear and tear. Yet many congregations do not have the resources for the increasing levels of maintenance, and the ongoing upkeep issues increasingly weigh leaders down drawing them away from their primary missional calling.
The key asset has now become a burden.
This conference aims to give church leaders practical advice and support to tackle such problems. Using expertise from the Church of England’s central Housing Project, and the Church Urban Fund, the day will be a mix of teaching, sharing and seminars, where nuts and bolts questions can be asked of those with the answers.
Our prayer is that this conference will go some way to freeing church leaders of the burden to do what they have been primarily called to do – share the Gospel and God’s love in their local community.
Tickets are £25 (including lunch)

Provisional Conference Agenda
The Building is the Burden
Lightening the Load: Reimagining Church Buildings for Mission and Community
🕘 09:30 – Arrival, Registration & Coffee
🕙 10:00 – Welcome & Opening Prayer
🕥 10:15 – Opening Keynote: Revd Adam Edwards (Deputy CEO – CUF)
🕚 10.45 – Wellbeing Under Pressure:
🕦 11:20 – “Understanding the System: What Help Exists?”: CofE Church Buildings & Cathedrals Team
🕛 11:45 – “Naming the Reality” – Facilitated small-group discussions
🕧 12:30 – Lunch, Networking & Stalls
🕜 13:15– Workshop Round 1 (40 mins)

Affordable Housing – The Housing Project Team – “Could your church unlock affordable homes while securing its own future? Explore how social housing can strengthen ministry, improve buildings and serve your community.”
Social Enterprise & Income Generation – Canon Nick Ralph
Funding & Grants – NCI Giving Team – “An overview of the support available at local and national level; and how to navigate the system.”
Delivering a Project (Crossing the Threshold Toolkit Session) – “Helping you take your building from burden to blessing.” – The Crossing the Threshold Toolkit offers a step-by-step guide to developing your place of worship for wider community use and managing a successful building project.

🕝 13:55– Coffee & Turnaround
🕝 14:05 – Workshop Round 2 (Repeat) (40 mins)
🕞 14:45 – Closing Plenary & Prayer: Lightening the Load
🕓 15:00 – Close

Book your ticket here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/necn/2253231

An Evening with Cecil Beaton
2026-10-22 18:30 - 20:30
An evening of wit, style and unforgettable stories in the magnificent setting of Houghton Hall, Norfolk. Join us for an unforgettable evening with Richard Stirling as he performs his acclaimed one-man adaptation of Cecil Beaton’s Diaries.
The evening begins with a reception of wine and canapés from 6.30 pm, followed by the performance at 7.30 pm.
Tickets: £60 per person
Places are strictly limited to just 120 guests, so early booking is strongly recommended.
Proceeds from the evening will support the work of the Coxford Group of Parishes with Toftrees and the Norfolk Churches Trust.

Introduction to Hearing Loss
2026-11-02 19:00 - 20:00 | https://www.dioceseofnorwich.org/event/1088071/2026-11-02/
Open Ears has launched its autumn programme of free online events to help churches become more welcoming and accessible for people affected by hearing loss.
The programme includes two one-hour “Introduction to Hearing Loss” Zoom training sessions, led by author and Open Ears Trustee Emily Owen. These sessions will take place on Monday 7 September (13:00–14:00) and Monday 2 November (19:00–20:00), and are designed for church leaders, volunteers, pastoral teams, and anyone passionate about inclusion.
Participants will learn why hearing loss awareness matters, how it affects everyday life, and simple, practical steps churches can take to create more inclusive environments.
In addition, a special online event on Thursday 17 September (19:00–20:00) will feature Breeze Translate, showcasing technology that offers live captioning and multilingual translation to help remove communication barriers in church and community settings.
With more than 12 million people in the UK living with hearing loss, Open Ears aims to equip churches to make small changes that can have a significant impact.
All events are free and open to everyone.
To find out more or register, visit: www.openears.org.uk

The Pirates of Penzance
2026-11-07 14:30 - 17:00 | St Cuthbert’s Church, Wroxham Road, Sprowston, Norwich NR7 8TZ
Norwich Gilbert and Sullivan Society presents The Pirates of Penzance
Saturday 7 November, 2.30pm
St Cuthbert’s Church, Wroxham Road, Sprowston, Norwich NR7 8TZ
Norwich Gilbert and Sullivan Society will present a concert performance of Gilbert and Sullivan’s much-loved comic opera The Pirates of Penzance.
The principal cast, appearing in costume, includes David Ivison (Major-General), Tim Hurst-Brown (Pirate King), Andrew Inglis (Frederic), Kevin Jeckells (Samuel), Luke Davey (Sergeant of Police), Becky Pick (Mabel), Beverley McInnes (Edith), Teresa Clayton (Kate) and Pam Warren (Ruth), supported by a strong chorus.
The production team features Patrick Monk as Musical Director, Peter Woods as Accompanist and Tim Hurst-Brown as Director.
First performed in 1879, The Pirates of Penzance remains one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s most popular operas, featuring favourite numbers including I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General, Poor Wand’ring One, With Cat-Like Tread and A Policeman’s Lot Is Not a Happy One.
Admission is free, with a suggested donation of £5 to help cover expenses. Refreshments will be available during the interval.
For more information, visit www.norwichgands.co.uk.

Soulshaper Youth Weekend 2026
2026-11-13 17:30 - 2026-11-15 14:00 | The Horstead Centre, Rectory Road, Horstead, Norwich,, Norwich, NR12 7EP, United Kingdom
Pack your bags for a fun packed weekend at the Horstead Centre! Meet with other young people, hang out with friends and make new ones.

Designed to bring together small church youth groups, this weekend is perfect for those in school years 7 to 13. The weekend will include fun, food, friendship, adventurous activities, interactive seminars and creative worship.
Groups accompanied by a youth leader are encouraged and individuals are welcome.
For individual young people booking without a leader, please make contact with the Children, Youth & Families office on 01603 882354 before booking.
Final booking midnight, Sunday 1st November 2026!
Book Now

The Bishop of Norwich's Certificate in Christian Learning: (Unit 2) Exploring the New Testament
2026-11-14 14:30 - 16:30, 2026-11-18 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-11-25 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-12-02 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-12-09 19:00 - 20:30 | Norwich Cathedral
The Bishop’s Certificate in Christian Learning is a flexible programme designed for anyone aged 18 and over who wants to explore, deepen or refresh their Christian faith. It is open to people who are new to Christianity as well as those who have been Christians for many years. Participants can study individual units or complete all five units to gain the full Bishop’s Certificate in Christian Learning. The course combines in-person teaching, online learning and group discussion, providing opportunities to engage with scripture, prayer, discipleship and mission alongside other learners from across the Diocese of Norwich. The five units are:

Inhabiting the New Testament
Exploring the Old Testament
Praying
Shaping the Christian Life
Sharing in God’s Mission

Together, these units help participants develop a deeper understanding of the Bible, Christian belief and practice, prayer, ministry, vocation and the Church’s mission in today’s world.
Unit 2: Exploring the Old Testament The second unit, Exploring the Old Testament, is led by Charles Read and introduces participants to the history, context and key themes of the Old Testament. Through five sessions, learners will explore how to read some of the Bible’s oldest texts, engage with challenging passages, discover the message of the prophets and uncover the relevance of wisdom literature for Christian faith today. Dates and Times In-person session

Saturday 14 November 2026

Arrival: 2.00pm
Session: 2.30pm to 4.30pm

Online Zoom sessions (7.00pm to 8.30pm)

Wednesday 18 November 2026
Wednesday 25 November 2026
Wednesday 2 December 2026
Wednesday 9 December 2026

Unit 2 Content

The World of the Old Testament
How do I read Genesis?
Horrible Histories
Reading the Prophets
Seeking Wisdom

This unit provides an accessible introduction to the Old Testament, helping participants understand its historical background, literary styles and enduring significance. It offers valuable foundations for reading and interpreting the first part of the Bible with greater confidence and insight.
Read more about the course and full set of units here: The Bishop’s Certificate in Christian Learning

The Bishop of Norwich's Certificate in Christian Learning: (Unit 3) Praying
2027-01-09 14:30 - 16:30, 2027-01-13 19:00 - 20:30, 2027-01-20 19:00 - 20:30, 2027-01-27 19:00 - 20:30, 2027-02-03 19:00 - 20:30 | Norwich Cathedral
The Bishop’s Certificate in Christian Learning is a flexible programme designed for anyone aged 18 and over who wants to explore, deepen or refresh their Christian faith. It is open to people who are new to Christianity as well as those who have been Christians for many years. Participants can study individual units or complete all five units to gain the full Bishop’s Certificate in Christian Learning. The course combines in-person teaching, online learning and group discussion, providing opportunities to engage with scripture, prayer, discipleship and mission alongside other learners from across the Diocese of Norwich. The five units are:

Inhabiting the New Testament
Exploring the Old Testament
Praying
Shaping the Christian Life
Sharing in God’s Mission

Together, these units help participants develop a deeper understanding of the Bible, Christian belief and practice, prayer, ministry, vocation and the Church’s mission in today’s world.
Unit 3: Praying The third unit, Praying, is led by Nick Garrard and explores a variety of approaches to prayer, drawing on both Christian tradition and contemporary practice. Participants will discover new pathways in prayer, reflect on prayer through creativity and creation, engage their imagination and experience in prayer, consider prayer during difficult times, and explore pilgrimage as a spiritual journey. 【1-2bd2ee】 Dates and Times In-person session

Saturday 9 January 2027

Arrival: 2.00pm
Session: 2.30pm to 4.30pm

Online Zoom sessions (7.00pm to 8.30pm)

Wednesday 13 January 2027
Wednesday 20 January 2027
Wednesday 27 January 2027
Wednesday 3 February 2027

Unit 3 Content

New pathways in prayer and learning from tradition
Being with God in creation and creativity
Praying with experience and imagination
Praying in the darkness
Journeying in prayer: pilgrimage

This unit invites participants to deepen their prayer life through a range of spiritual practices and perspectives, helping them develop a richer and more confident relationship with God in everyday life. 【1-2bd2ee】
Read more about the course and full set of units here: The Bishop’s Certificate in Christian Learning
