Diocese of Norwich

Safeguarding Sunday
2025-11-16

Celebrating Chaplaincy
2025-11-16 15:30 - 17:00 UTC
The Bishop of Lynn and the Dean of Norwich invite you to a Service of Evensong Celebrating Chaplaincy.

Sunday 16th November 2025
3.30pm Norwich Cathedral

Refreshments will be served afterwards.

Homegrown - Research Webinar
2025-11-19 19:00 - 20:30
Back in September the Homegrown project launched their findings from a year of research listening to the voices of young people, schools and key community partners in Kings Lynn and West Norfolk. At the launch event we heard some of the key findings and recommendations from the report and kickstarted the ecumenical conversations to help form our response. This month we’re hoping to continue those conversations and invite more to hear the findings at our Homegrown Webinar.
HOMEGROWN is a partnership between the local church and its surrounding community, including representatives from the churches of the Lynn and Heacham and Rising Deaneries, Viva (international faith-based community development organisation), the Parish Support Team and West Norfolk County Council.
The heart of HOMEGROWN is to be a gift. A gift to the local church, regardless of size or denomination, through mapping a clear picture of the landscape facing children and young people, and any projects that are already seeking to support them, and a gift to the wider community by encouraging and equipping the church on their doorstep to better respond to their needs.
During 2024/25 we have listened to hundreds of voices – from children in schools, from churches, and from community partners. We have heard both joy and struggle: safe spaces that make a difference, but also stress, isolation, poverty, and challenges that no single group can tackle alone. The report is a compilation of all the voices we have heard over the last year and a reflection of their thoughts and opinions of the church, the communities and their lives.
Read the report here.
The aim of this report is not to demonstrate how many children are in church. It is about recognising that local churches, i.e. groups of like-minded local Christian people, are already part of the community fabric – and asking how multiple groups of churches might work together more confidently, across our area, to better
know and serve children and young people where they are.
Our findings highlight the biggest issues facing young people, where schools and churches see the same concerns, and where the gaps lie. The message is clear: collaboration is essential. Churches have people, long-lasting presence, and trust – but long-term change will only come if we share resources, avoid duplication, and act together.
We offer this report as both a snapshot and a call to action. Its purpose is to:

Inspire churches to make a difference by working together,
demonstrating a greater expression and public witness of
Christian faith.
Raise awareness of, and encourage the church to advocate for,
social pressures facing children, young people and families.
Prompt collaboration for a stronger response around key issues
like family poverty, mental health, and safe youth spaces.
Facilitate a stronger connection between the church, schools
and the public sector to contribute to borough-wide change
for children, youth and families.

Join the webinar via: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/nVSfbkhBRj-O-vTyOTH1cA#/registration
For more information about the project, upcoming events or to find out how else you can get involved, contact Vicki Price: vicki.price@dioceseofnorwich.org

Module Two: Inhabiting the New Testament
2025-11-22 14:30 - 17:00, 2025-11-27 19:00 - 2025-12-04 21:00, 2025-12-04 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-11 19:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-18 19:00 - 21:00
What will be covered in this module?
Exploring the Old Testament topics:

The world of the OT
How do I read Genesis?
Horrible histories
Reading the Prophets
Seeking Wisdom

When will the sessions take place?

Saturday 22 November in person
Thursdays on Zoom. 27 Nov, 4 Dec, 11 Dec, 18 Dec 2025

Want to know more about the whole Bishop’s Certificate in Christian Learning? Click here.
Further details and eligibility

You need to be 18+ to take part.
You don’t have to be connected to or part of a church to apply
The learning is open and available to all
There are 5 subject area blocks, you are welcome to join 1 or select some, but the Certificate will only be awarded to people who complete all 5 learning blocks.
The sessions look at: Old Testament, New Testament, Prayer, Mission and the Christian Life.
The first session of each block is in person, on a Saturday in Norwich with four sessions on Zoom on Wednesday evenings.
The cost of each block is £25, total for 5 is £125. There is a 10% discount if you book for all 5. Bursaries are available to cover if cost is an issue and parishes might choose to pay some of the cost for people who wish to apply too.

Webinar - EV Charger Installation Grants for Clergy Housing with Q&A
2025-11-24 13:00 - 14:00
In this Webinar, the national Church of England team cover the two main application routes for government EV Charger Installation Grants applicable to clergy housing.

Both grants are worth around £350 – or up to 75% of the full installation cost.

The Giving Directorate’s Dave Stout will talk about accessing the grant for his (non-clergy) home and how he schedules his charging times to get the best value.

Jo Chamberlain will talk about accessing the grant for her clergy home.

There will be Q&As and discussion. Please share this invitation with any colleagues and clergy who might like to join.

Register here to join the Zoom call.

Launch of Stained Glass Thursford - A Record
2025-11-28 18:30 - 20:00
The Churchwarden’s of St Andrew’s Church in Thursford invite you to the launch of the Stained Glass of the Church of St Andrew. A Record by James Sidgwick and James Thomson. The Recorders will be present and deliver a presentation describing the book which will be available.
Friday 28 November 2025 at 6.30pm, St Andrew’s Church, Thursford
RSVP by 21 November 2025. Lance Sharpus-Jones and Chris Rheinberg, Churchwardens, 07425159013

Christmas Tree Festival Rockland
2025-12-06 10:30 - 2025-12-07 16:00
Rockland St Mary Church Christmas Tree Festival 6th and 7th December 10.30am – 4pm.
Refreshments, home made cakes, Tombola, Raffle and Craft in The Barn.

South Walsham Tree Festival
2025-12-07 10:00 - 2026-01-04 16:00
St Mary’s Church, South Walsham. Church opening every day 10am-4pm from Sunday 7 December to Sunday 4 January 2026.

Session Four: Being Sent Out - The Church of England and Christian Mission
2025-12-11 19:00 - 21:00
Is God speaking to you about your Ministry and Mission?
The Shared Vocations Space programme gives you the chance to explore whether you are being called to play a role in Ministry. Discover the various pathways leading to Licensed Lay Ministry (LLM), Ordained Ministry (becoming a priest), Chaplaincy, Pioneer, Authorised Worship and Authorised Pastoral Assistant.
Hear vocations stories, explore Scripture and have the chance to think about some key issues relating to each ministry. There will be opportunities to explore your questions in small groups. By the end of the programme, you will be well placed to enter the formal selection process for either LLM or Ordained Ministry.
Contact: Register your interest via email to lucy.dallas@dioceseofnorwich.org
The sessions are hosted by Revd Lucy Dallas and members of the DDO & LLM teams with contributions from mission practitioners alongside lay and ordained ministers from around and beyond the diocese.
2025/26 Programme
Session 1
Setting Out and Starting Out
Wednesday 17 September 2025 at 7-9pm St Luke’s, 61 Aylsham Road, Norwich NR3 2HF
Session 2
Being Us: The Church of England
Thursday 16 October 2025 7-9pm Online
Session 3
Being Me: How God calls people
13 November 2025 7-9pm online
Session 4
Being Sent Out: The Church of England and Christian Mission
11th December 2025 7-9pm Online
Session 5
Trying Out: Knocking on the Door
15 January 2025 at 7-9pm online
Session 6
Walking by Faith: What next?
11th February 2026 at 7-9pm at 7-9pm St Luke’s, Norwich (address above)

LECTIO DIVINA - a way of being with scripture and other sacred texts
2025-12-12 14:30 - 15:00, 2026-01-09 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.

Join Bishop Jane for Reflections on the Advent Antiphons
2025-12-17 17:00 - 17:30, 2025-12-18 17:00 - 17:30, 2025-12-19 17:00 - 17:30, 2025-12-20 17:00 - 17:30, 2025-12-21 17:00 - 17:30, 2025-12-22 17:00 - 17:30, 2025-12-23 17:00 - 17:30
Join Bishop Jane for a time to reflect in the busy run up to Christmas

WATCH: Bishop Jane invites you to join her for a series of Advent reflections

Reflections on the Advent Antiphons

A daily zoom meeting with the Bishop of Lynn, the Rt Revd Dr Jane Steen.

Each day from Wednesday 17 to Tuesday 23 December 2025, 5pm-5.30pm.

Zoom link, please use this one each day:

Daily: https://dioceseofnorwich-org.zoom.us/meeting/tZEscuiqqzwtH9Bt2BhLCQdTSZbQgLepqYbj/ics?icsToken=DM7MEvWsu3vDjph0XAAALAAAAAeeXhr721R15ZqoTIvM1F63o0T3mzwUa5jaLniT3HBlhXMfr2PRWtCg4r2SsoL1Sk7n54BnhpBCMToEvzAwMDAwMQ&meetingMasterEventId=zS8FXB7VTn-8inVkiyYRfA

Join Zoom Meeting
https://dioceseofnorwich-org.zoom.us/j/85151257754?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 851 5125 7754
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Eco Church Support - Zoom Drop-in session
2026-01-13 18:00 - 19:00
EVENT RUN BY THE DIOCESE OF ELY
For this session, we are delighted to be joined by Rosie Venner from Just Money. Rosie will talk about greener finances for churches, including banking, purchasing and investing, with time to answer your questions.
Date: Tuesday 13 January
Time: 6.00 – 7.00pm
Venue: Online, via Zoom
Booking: https://elydatabase.org/events/view?course=4505
These regional Eco Church support sessions are an opportunity to share success, obstacles and challenges you may be experiencing, seek support and support others.
Whether you’re seeking advice, wanting to listen in to the chat, or have lots of experience you’re happy to share, please join us for this informal session for people to chat about what you are doing to work towards Eco Church Awards.

Session Five: Trying Out - Knocking on the Door
2026-01-15 19:00 - 21:00
Is God speaking to you about your Ministry and Mission?
The Shared Vocations Space programme gives you the chance to explore whether you are being called to play a role in Ministry. Discover the various pathways leading to Licensed Lay Ministry (LLM), Ordained Ministry (becoming a priest), Chaplaincy, Pioneer, Authorised Worship and Authorised Pastoral Assistant.
Hear vocations stories, explore Scripture and have the chance to think about some key issues relating to each ministry. There will be opportunities to explore your questions in small groups. By the end of the programme, you will be well placed to enter the formal selection process for either LLM or Ordained Ministry.
Contact: Register your interest via email to lucy.dallas@dioceseofnorwich.org
The sessions are hosted by Revd Lucy Dallas and members of the DDO & LLM teams with contributions from mission practitioners alongside lay and ordained ministers from around and beyond the diocese.
2025/26 Programme
Session 1
Setting Out and Starting Out
Wednesday 17 September 2025 at 7-9pm St Luke’s, 61 Aylsham Road, Norwich NR3 2HF
Session 2
Being Us: The Church of England
Thursday 16 October 2025 7-9pm Online
Session 3
Being Me: How God calls people
13 November 2025 7-9pm online
Session 4
Being Sent Out: The Church of England and Christian Mission
11th December 2025 7-9pm Online
Session 5
Trying Out: Knocking on the Door
15 January 2026 at 7-9pm online
Session 6
Walking by Faith: What next?
11th February 2026 at 7-9pm at 7-9pm St Luke’s, Norwich (address above)

Module Three: Praying
2026-01-17 14:30 - 17:00, 2026-01-21 19:00 - 2026-01-28 21:00, 2026-01-28 19:00 - 21:00
What will be covered in this module?
Exploring the Praying topics:

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

When will the sessions take place?

Saturday 17 January – in person
Wednesdays on Zoom: 21 Jan, 28 Jan, 4 Feb, 11 Feb 2026

Want to know more about the whole Bishop’s Certificate in Christian Learning? Click here.
Further details and eligibility

You need to be 18+ to take part.
You don’t have to be connected to or part of a church to apply
The learning is open and available to all
There are 5 subject area blocks, you are welcome to join 1 or select some, but the Certificate will only be awarded to people who complete all 5 learning blocks.
The sessions look at: Old Testament, New Testament, Prayer, Mission and the Christian Life.
The first session of each block is in person, on a Saturday in Norwich with four sessions on Zoom on Wednesday evenings.
The cost of each block is £25, total for 5 is £125. There is a 10% discount if you book for all 5. Bursaries are available to cover if cost is an issue and parishes might choose to pay some of the cost for people who wish to apply too.

Deep Waters
2026-01-20 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-01-27 19:00 - 20:30
People often have complex emotional responses to the climate crisis, including grief, anger, blame, and many others. Deep Waters aims to help people navigate these responses through a Christian lens of love, wisdom, and justice, and to lead people into a place of active hope.

Deep Waters is run by Green Christian, and can be used in a church context and seeks to be a practical resource for pastoral needs.

The next Deep Waters course will run from Tuesday 20 January 2026 – Tuesday 10 March 2026, from 7.00pm until 8.30pm, on Zoom.

Barbara Bryant, our Diocesan Environment Officer, will be co-hosting this programme.

Sign up at www.borrowedtime.earth/programmes-of-mutual-support/deep-waters-programme

Holocaust Memorial Day
2026-01-27 19:00 - 20:00
Holocaust Memorial Day Trust | St Peter’s Church, Sheringham – Annual Ceremony – HMD 2026
St Peter’s Church of England Church in Sheringham is holding a service to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and reflect on the tragic loss of life. During the service, there will be readings from shared scripture between Christian and Jewish traditions, hearing stories of survivors, reflective music, and the lighting of candles as a beacon of light and remembrance.
St Peter’s is an inclusive church that is proud to be a place of welcome to everybody.
The service is written in line with advice and guidance from the Council for Christians and Jews, the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust and the Church of England.
Everyone is welcome as we come together to mark this important day, to pray for peace and an end to the horrors of prejudice and hatred.
