We are very pleased to be able to announce the arrival of two new secretaries: Jane Hazell as Secretary to the Bishop of Thetford, and Carolyn Vincent as Secretary to the Bishop of Lynn.

The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham James, has announced the appointment of Richard Butler as the next Diocesan Secretary of the Diocese of Norwich

This October seven candidates will be ordained in the Diocese.

We are now pleased to announce that six new Surrogates have been appointed in addition to those who already serve in this role.

A day of workshops to be held in October and November to help us all encounter the Gospel of Luke in fresh ways.

The incoming Bishop of Thetford and the Bishop of Lynn each wish to appoint a personal secretary.

The next one-day Implementing Time for Action workshop, exploring abuse issues and in particular issues of sexual abuse will be run on Friday 16 October 2009.

The Trustees of St Lukes Hospital for the Clergy have completed the sale of the freehold of the hospital property at 14 Fitzroy Square, London to an investor.

Thank you to those of you who have taken part in Open Churches Week this year.

On 30th September a Funding Fair for voluntary and community groups organised by Voluntary Norfolk is taking place.

Following updated data from Ordinance Survey and Royal Mail we have been able to improve our Find a Church facility.

All beneficed and Licensed Clergy of the Diocese have been posted the following letter and information about the Property Committee.

Please find via the link a letter from the Bishop of Norwich concerning the development of lay ministry within our parishes.

Additional information for all Clergy in the Archdeaconry of Norfolk, Rural Deans, Lay Chairs and Deanery Synod Secretaries.

A letter from Bishop Graham to all clergy regarding the Terms of Service legislation which has been progressing through General Synod and Parliament.

The new printed Directory (July 2009) is now available to purchase from Diocesan House.

Open the Book is an excellent way of taking Bible stories into schools, improving the biblical literacy of children and adults alike.

The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Forces Help supports those who serve, or used to serve, in our Armed Forces and the families of both.

We are not doing very well as a Diocese in respect of Parish Share collection for 2009.

Canterbury Press appear to be the only publisher to have produced such a register for the admission of children to Communion.

You will know that earlier this year Richard was far from well and his service as our Diocesan Secretary came to an end last month.

New CMS Harvest resources are now available to download.

Open Churches Week 2009 is fast approaching and I would be grateful if as many churches as possible could display the poster advertising the Week.

The next Diocesan Liturgical Committee training day entitled Lay People Leading Worship will be on Saturday 12 September in Attleborough.

A follow-up letter from Bishop Graham regarding Swine Flu.

Clarification of what may appear to be contradictory government advice re. HIV/AIDs and Pandemic Influenza in the context of administration of the Common Cup.

We have received the following from the offices of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

The Diocese has sent 13,800 to Educateperu - the first instalment of the money you have raised for this years Diocesan Lent Project.

If you were able to attend the Clergy Conference in July 2008, you may remember the Revd Adrian Miller talking about Medad & Connie Birungi.

There are exciting changes afoot in the diocese regarding our relationships with the Church overseas.

Sadly, it is only a matter of days until we say farewell to Bishop David in the Cathedral on Sunday 19th July at Choral Evensong, 3.30pm.

From the Bishop of Norwich to all Licensed Clergy.

If you are intending to take part this year then it is time to order your pack of materials.

As we approach the end of the first quarter of the year for parish share receipts, I am writing to let you know that 35% of parishes have yet to make a parish share payment.

Some Congolese refugee families have recently arrived in Norwich, driven from their homes because of the civil war there.

Bishop Graham has written to all clergy regarding the Diocesan Secretary, The Revd Canon Richard Bowett.

As you will already be aware, at 3.30pm on 7th June 2009 a Committed to Growth Celebration will be held at Norwich Cathedral to celebrate the growth plans already made and put into effect.

The Bishop of Norwich invites all those clergy from the Diocese who are also in secular employment to supper and discussion with him and Bishop David at Granary Court (adjacent to Bishops House) on Monday 11 May 2009 at 7pm.

A huge thank you to all of you who have expressed an interest in and have been contributing to our Diocesan Lent Project supporting Educateperu as it provides education for the some of the poorest children in Peru.

Many churches and benefices have their own independent websites while others use the A Church Near You system to create their own. All are listed on the Diocesan website and all have a page on the A Church Near You website.

The Church of England has teamed up with Country Life magazine to hunt for an elusive species: the unsung hero!

For the first time we will be producing a new A5 booklet listing every church in the Diocese open during the week, which will be distributed to the many Tourist Information Centres across the Diocese and churches taking part.

Grass Roots grants are operated by the Norfolk Community Foundation and the annual income limit for qualifying organisations has now been increased from 20,000 to 30,000. This means that more of our PCCs may now be eligible to apply.

I am delighted that the response to the Music Day has been so good. Bookings are close to 300 so far and there is still time to book!

A letter from the Bishop of Norwich concerning the development of lay ministry within our parishes.

The new printed Directory is now finally available to purchase from Diocesan House.

Just to remind clergy that we need to be informed of any candidates for Easter Confirmations at the Cathedral (Saturday 11th April at 8pm).

We wanted to let everyone know that the annual Global Day of Prayer event will be going ahead again in Norwich Cathedral on Pentecost Sunday the 31st May 2009 at 6.30pm.

A letter from the Bishop of Norwich to all clergy in the Diocese.

The fourth Open Churches Week will take place in the Diocese from 1st 9th August this year.

The deadline for the reduced cost for the Music Day has now been extended from 1 March to 31 March.

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have this week launched a national appeal for Zimbabwe.

Statistics for Mission Form 2008, Parish Share Calculation Form, Annual PCC Return Form.

Additional materials supporting the Diocesan Lent Project are available today including Acts of Worship and a Lent Project Prayer.

Due to the change in VAT, the cost for obtaining a Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau has been reduced.

We are delighted to be able to write to advise you of a series of three financial seminars tailored for clergy being run by Ecclesiastical Insurance across the Diocese.

Regulations on this subject were issued in January 2007. They replaced the previous guidelines. This was because the practice is now firmly established. The House of Bishops believed it needed regulation rather than the sort of guidelines appropriate for a temporary experiment.

The Rt Revd David Atkinson, Bishop of Thetford since 2001, will be retiring on 16 September 2009.

A day for all who want to find fresh ways for music to flourish in church worship.

In 2008 the Diocese awarded 155,000 to over 60 church projects.

Is there a young person in your congregation who is thinking about ordination in the future (or might with some encouragement)?

Are you looking to undertake a new project this year that helps to address the needs of your local community?

To support faith and inter faith groups who want to overcome a lack of vital IT knowledge, the East of England Faiths Council is providing straightforward, personal advice on IT.

Let us make 2009 a year to join Gods mission of compassion and social justice to our neighbours, our churches, our communities, our nation and our world.

Norfolk Theological Society is an informal association of people from East Anglia interested in discussing theological and religious matters.

The mileage and casual duty rates for use in the Diocese with effect from 1st January 2009 are now online.

In Norfolk Police we are looking to re-form a branch of the Christian Police Association to support staff within the Force and to forge links with the Christian Community within Norfolk.

In March this year I am leading a retreat at the Pleasaunce in Overstrand with the main focus being on worship, prayer and personal reflection.

Last year at this time I wrote to you about the change in Audit Standards whereby more detailed work must now be done by our external auditors in respect of Parochial Fees received.

On 7th June 2009 a Committed to Growth Celebration will be held at Norwich Cathedral to celebrate the growth plans already made and put into effect.

On 31 December 2008 Ian Mayers of Mills & Reeve retires as Diocesan Registrar and on 1st January 2009 Stuart Jones of Birketts takes over as Registrar.

The situation in Zimbabwe leaves many of us feeling helpless. The needs are massive. Corruption is rife, people are desperate to leave but too weak and poor to do so.

With Jan McFarlane now on study leave until her collation and installation as Archdeacon of Norwich on Sunday 15 March, the clergy e-mailing which she previously sent out moves to a new phase.

The Bishop of Norwich has appointed the Revd Canon John Ashe as the next Archdeacon of Lynn. He will succeed the Venerable Martin Gray who retires in February.

You are warmly invited, together with members of your congregations, to a service to give thanks for the ministry of the Archdeacon of Lynn

Do we have to choose?. Tuesday 28th April 2009 at Norwich Cathedral at 7.30pm - Public Lecture by The Revd Professor Michael Reiss, Professor of Science Education at the Institute of Education, and formerly Director of Education for the Royal Society and a priest in the Church of England.

Please note that the last submission deadline for Mission Support Fund Applications in 2008 is the 11th December. This will allow decisions to be made at the Bishops Council meeting on 29th January 2009. Submission dates during 2009 are as follows...

I would like to tell you about Compassion. This is a Christian organization that arranges sponsorship for children in countries overseas who are deprived or orphaned through war, disease, abuse etc. As an advocate for Compassion I am able to come and speak to any of your congregations or groups and to show you details of the work of Compassion.

The registration form for the Confirmation Services in Norwich Cathedral in 2009 is now available.

The Revd Raymond Powell, a retired priest in the Diocese of Norwich, has died after going missing in the East Harling Area.

You dont have to get into debt in order to enjoy Christmas - thats the message the Church of England in Norfolk and Waveney is aiming to convey with a new poster campaign.

The Armed Forces Christian Union has called for a national day of prayer on 6th November for all those serving in the British Forces.

Some good news and not so good news on parish share. The good news is that amidst all the financial turbulence and volatility parish share has so far remained stable with receipts of 4.48m compared with 4.45m at the end of September last year.

From Canon Steven Betts. I co-ordinate CME for those in the first three years of ordained ministry and am aware that probably not enough is offered to support those who are trying to combine their priesthood (or diaconate) with secular employment.

An update to the guidelines for the protection of children and young people has been issued.

Many of you will be aware that the Norfolk and Norwich Widows and Childrens Society gave financial support over many years (The Society was established in 1741). However this charity covered only a limited number of beneficiaries, and in 2005 we began the task of converting the 1741 Charter into a modern Charity Commission scheme.

Readers continue to make a very significant contribution to the ministry of the Church of England. The number of services that Readers conducted in our Diocese in the year 2007 was reduced but still over 3000 and the number of sermons they preached was over 4000. All of this does not, of course, take account of the valuable teaching, pastoral care and other work that they undertake.

There will be an opportunity to remember people of all ages who have died through drug and alcohol related problems at a Service of Remembrance at Norwich Cathedral on Thursday 13th November 2008 at 7.30pm.

The shop and cafe at the newly formed Norwich Christian Resource Centre, in Michael-at-Plea Church, Norwich has re-opened.

The Diocesan Chancellor has sent an advisory note for clergy regarding trees, churchyards, memorials and chancel repairs.

The Church of England Marriage Measure is now in force.

A lunchtime Consultation on Friday 17 October at Christ Church Spitalfields in London, with Sir Roy Strong as the keynote speaker, to explore the issues facing the heritage of our church buildings and the urgency of the owners doing something about it. Aimed at clergy, churchwardens and Friends.

From this October all PCCs with a gross annual income of 100,000 or more as declared in their 2007 accounts will be required to register with the Charity Commission.

Please note that the next deadline for Committed to Growth Mission Fund applications is Friday October 10th.

A reminder that the next Confirmation Service at Norwich Cathedral is on Saturday 15 November at 11am and the deadline for registering candidates is Friday 17 October.

The Venerable Martin Gray, Archdeacon of Lynn, is to retire from full-time ministry next February.

Some thoughts for Harvest 2008, which has been called the sodden harvest in our country...

Required for the Eastern Region Ministry Course and Norwich Diocesan Ministry Course.

Youth Worker required in South Norfolk. 6 Vill Youth is a shared vision between the local churches, parish councils and local trusts in rural South Norfolk, covering the six parishes of Dickleburgh, Pulham Market, Pulham St Mary, Rushall, Starston and Thelveton. This is an initiative by the church, working in the community with full support of the County Youth work and Community Police team.

My Place is a Diocesan three-session short course for any Lay adult Christian to explore Gods plans for their life.It is designed to explore Gods plans for you, your gifts, the things you are passionate about and how you fit into the vocation of every Christian... as a child of God... as part of a family/extended family... as part of a community... as part of Gods church.

When the Diocesan Environment Policy was adopted by the Diocesan Synod in March 2006, it was agreed that a report on the progress made in its implementation should be given to the Synod after three years.

Further to Bishop Grahams letter of 1 May 2008 and the distribution of Safe Haven, we are now launching our programme of basic training in the protection of vulnerable adults.

The Board of Finance has discussed the current credit crunch generally together with the impact of higher heating bills specifically on the clergy members of staff. The matter was also discussed at the last Property Committee meeting and, as Secretary to the Property and Glebe Committees, I was asked to write to all clergy to share guidance and advice on how best to reduce heating costs.

The September CME Bulletin is now available.

Do you know of anyone?. If so, please do invite them to the Reader Vocation Meeting on Sunday 9th November from 2.30-4.30pm at Emmaus House, 65 The Close, Norwich to explore Reader Ministry.

Following a successful Norfolk and Waveney Chaplaincy Conference in 2007 a follow-up conference will take place on 6th November entitled Chaplaincy in a Multi-Faith Society.

Looking at changes in housing, population and climate in Norfolk. Norfolk is changing and Churches Together in Norfolk and Waveney are reflecting those changes at their Annual Forum to be held at Heacham Church 20 September.

Church leaders have called upon Christians throughout England to use the period from 1st September until 4th October as an opportunity to put the environment at the heart of their worship.

A thriving city centre Christian resource centre and Cafe is set to re-open under new management within the next few weeks.

Sometimes churchwardens or senior lay people find themselves thrust into the limelight and having to lead an act of worship. This is especially true in multi-parish benefices, where, in the absence of a priest or a licensed Reader, a service will not happen unless someone steps in.

Bishop Graham outlines the plans for the interregnum.

The Methodist Church in East Anglia is looking to employ a Missioner to Migrant Workers -either lay or ordained.

As part of our Committed to Growth initiative, parishes were encouraged earlier in the year, to formulate their own Growth Plans.

Professional, practical advice and guidance from Human Resource Consultant, Peter Flower, of the Association of Christian Youth and Childrens Workers.

All are welcome to the Cathedral this Sunday for a service at 3.30pm during which Bishop Graham will interview the Archbishops of Hong Kong and Papua New Guinea.

Bishop Grahams response, in an open letter to the clergy, to the debate on the ordination of women to the episcopate which took place at General Synod on Monday.

The transcripts and audio recordings of Bishop Davids talks at the Clergy Conference can now be downloaded.

Go to the Sample Area of their website (link below) for more details and a free sample copy of the new material.

Final details for Clergy attending the Conference.

The Church of England Marriage Measure comes into force on 1st October (2008).

I am writing just in advance of the public announcement that the next Archdeacon of Norwich will be the Revd. Jan McFarlane. She will continue as Diocesan Communications Officer, combining the two roles. No date has yet been set for her installation.

Coaches will pick up from Norwich, Wymondham, Diss and Thetford.

A major one day conference focussing on the promotion, management and sustainable development of Norfolks historic church buildings.

Following a recent meeting of the Bishops Council the application limit for a Sharing Good News grant has been raised from 500 to 750.

At the end of April we have edged ahead year on year and the number of parishes who have yet to make a payment has reduced from 40% to 28%..

Last year, 130 parishes in our Diocese took part in Back to Church Sunday. Nationally, 6000 people came back to church on that day last year and about 15% have become regular members, while a further 3,000 are still in touch with their inviting churches. It works!

On Friday 27th June the Diocese will be running the second in its series of training seminars aimed at people who are involved in setting up and managing development projects and/or finding funding for them.

The June and July editions are now available online in both standard and large print.

The Church Commissioners have issued a consultation document about a proposal to stop the clergy car loan scheme. Although this would not affect those who have existing loans, if the proposal were to go ahead no new loans would be granted.

Just 3 months left to apply for a grant of up to £3000!.

We are sorry to announce the cancellation of the Implementing Time for Action workshop at Cloverfield Community Church, Thetford on Thursday (22 May).

Attached is a letter from Canon Steven Betts addressed to all incumbents (and copied to all clergy for information) asking for feedback on parish share allocation.

Please find attached an addendum to the Churchyard Regulations 2002 a copy of which has been sent to all stonemasons and funeral directors in the Diocese. Laura Samaroo, Paralegal for Mills and Reeve LLP

Anglia TV are looking for local reaction to the cyclone in Burma. Does your church have any links? Are you planning anything locally a service or fund raising event? If so please would you contact John Francis at ITV Anglia as soon as possible.

Book your chosen visit now!. To Clergy who indicated that they would like to take part in an excursion during the Clergy Conference.

On Friday 26th of September the Diocese will be hosting a major one day conference to look at a number of issues surrounding the promotion, management and sustainable development of Norfolks historic church buildings.

2008 marks the 50th anniversary of the death of the composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams - musical editor of the English Hymnal, Songs of Praise, and The Oxford Book of Carols.

A gentle reminder that the next Confirmation Service at Norwich Cathedral is on Saturday 7th June at 11am and the deadline for registration is on Friday 2nd May. A registration form is attached.

What in the World is God up to? Come and Join us for an evening with Martin Goldsmith, a celebrated Christian speaker, lecturer at All Nations College and expert on mission and Islam.

How can our church be made truly inter-generational? Is there a future for young people in the church... In Your Church? What Are The Opportunities For Growth Through Working With Young People? What Can The Diocese Do To Support Your Youthwork - Now And For The Future?

A service to give thanks for the ministry of the Archdeacon and to say farewell to Clifford and Catherine Offer will be held on Wed 9 July in Norwich Cathedral at 7.30pm.

Norwich CMS Diocesan Association have their Annual Week-end at St Pauls, Hellesdon, Norwich on 17 and 18 May to which they warmly invite all comers.

The Bishop of Norwich has installed three new Honorary Canons in recognition of their service to the Diocese.

Just 3 months left to apply for a grant from the Church of England Youth Evangelism Fund. Minted, the Church of England Youth Evangelism Fund, offers 200-3,000 pounds towards reaching out to young people. For new work or for a new venture/focus within existing work.

Just a short note to let you know that the next deadline for Mission Fund applications is June 5th.

A number of you have requested a copy of Bishop Grahams sermon at the Eucharist on Maundy Thursday.

Gresham’s School: p-time Religious Studies teacher. Greshams School in Holt is seeking a part-time (approx 7 hours/week) RS teacher with a focus on Philosophy and Ethics.

I am delighted to tell you that Liz Dawes has joined the Youth and Childrens Team as Admin Assistant.

In his budget speech the Chancellor announced a transitional rate of relief of 22% for Gift Aid claims over the next three years.

Large print version also available. The April edition is now available online.

We anticipate that each Deanery will be holding a special service so that you have the opportunity to meet to encourage each other and worship together.

You may be aware already that a number of bishops from around the Anglican Communion will be staying in our Diocese for a few days before the Lambeth Conference.

The February edition is now available.

Jennie Hawks would like to remind you that all forms for taking part in Open Churches Week in August should be returned to Jennie by March 31st.

Bach's St John Passion. At 6.30 pm next Sunday 9th March, Passion Sunday, The St John Passion of J S Bach will be performed in the Cathedral by the Cathedral Consort and Norwich Baroque conducted by David McKee

A memorial service for the Revd Robert Llewelyn - the priest who revived interest in 13th Century English Mystic, Mother Julian of Norwich - is to be held at Norwich Cathedral on FRIDAY 4TH APRIL at 2.30pm.

You will not need reminding that parishes are facing an 11% drop in Gift Aid income due to the reduction in income tax rates from April 2008. The total loss across the Diocese could be in excess of 100,000 GBP next year assuming that parishes take no action to increase their tax efficient giving.

Sharing Care: Older People is a course for lay people who care for older people.

A gentle reminder that your registration form for the clergy conference should have been received by now!

Have you returned the Children and Young Peoples Activity Survey sent to you with a covering letter from Bishop David earlier this year?

Following last Novembers cyclone disaster in Papua New Guinea we are looking to support their longer term reconstruction. 99 schools in Oro Province have been destroyed - many of these will be church schools... can your church help?

Several people have commented on a printing error on page 27 of the CHP Common Worship 2007-08 Lectionary. The readings given there are those for Year C, as opposed to Year A.

You will have received a letter regarding registration for the Clergy Conference. Your registration form needs to be completed and returned to the Bishop of Thetfords Secretary by the end of this month.

The March Prayer Calendar is now available online.

This is a rare not-to-be-missed opportunity for one or more small groups of young people (6+ people) to enjoy a summer weekend away together.

The annual Vocations Day is on Saturday 12 April and is open to all who may be considering a call to some form of authorised or recognised ministry: Reader, OLM, stipendiary or non-stipendiary ministry.

The Archdeacon of Norwich is to retire from full-time ministry in the summer. The Venerable Clifford Offer has been Archdeacon of Norwich and Canon Residentiary and Librarian of Norwich Cathedral since 1994.

For your information here is what the Bishop of Norwich said to the congregation of St Marys, Martham before preaching there on Sunday 10th February.

A number of you have emailed this morning to ask where you can find a transcript of what the Archbishop actually said.

We worked closely with the EDP yesterday on this particular news story, and one of their journalists, Steve Downes, has written an excellent piece in todays edition.

Hello there! Im Mark Heybourne and I just wanted to introduce myself as both the new manager of The Horstead Centre and the Diocese Youth and Childrens Co-ordinator. There is a huge amount for me to learn as I pick up the reins from Val Khambatta, but Im very excited about the role and the opportunity of working with you all.

Please see the message from the EDP...

We would be delighted if churches in the Diocese would like to join in Open Churches Week this year. The week launches with a Classic Car Rally from Norwich Cathedral to Ludham.