What does a billion pounds look like? Its such a vast sum of money I cant get my head round it.

The Diocese gave 30,000 in 2008 to help fund local small-scale mission projects, and in 2009 the fund is beginning again for new projects.

Please note that Bishop James will be away on a visit to our link dioceses in Papua New Guinea followed by holiday from 26th December 2008 until 24th January 2009.

It has been very disappointing to hear that some of our churches have recently been subject to mindless vandalism but the answer to this is definitely not to keep our churches locked.

Following the extraordinary success of the award last year, Sir Roy Strong introduces a second competition celebrating the work of rural parishes that have adapted their churches to serve village life in the 21st century.

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.

Whilst parish share remains a challenge, we continue to see some very encouraging examples of Christian giving and generosity in action.

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.

This weekends Committed to Growth with Mark days saw the launch of a new set of Bible study maps by the Bishops of Norwich and Lynn, exploring the Gospel of Mark.

Grants to help us express the mission of God in our communities.

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.

Churches across Norfolk and Waveney will be celebrating Halloween with a difference this weekend with alternative events.

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.

18 parish youth projects developing new youth groups, activities, puppet teams, music groups, football teams and more have been granted support from the Archbishops Youth Evangelism Fund.

The Bishop of Norwich is delighted to announce that he has appointed the Revd Simon Ward as his new Chaplain.

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.

Helen Boaden, Director of BBC News, is to give the annual Sharrington Lecture at All Saints Church, Sharrington on Saturday 11th October.

The Bishop of Norwich has ordained three new deacons at Norwich Cathedral on Saturday 4 October.

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.

The October Prayer Calendar is now online.

The next edition of the printed Diocesan Directory will be published in January and again in July.

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 Norwich Group of Christians in Science will be holding their inaugural lecture, given by Professor Sir Ghillean Prance FRS, on Thursday 9 October 2008.

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

The Bishop of Norwich has appointed Bryony Falkus as a Lay Canon of Norwich Cathedral and also as a member of the Chapter, the governing body of the Cathedral.

This week is your last chance to order Back to Church Sunday posters, invitations, bookmarks, t-shirts, etc!

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 Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham James, has appointed a clown to assist in the parish of Sprowston with Beeston St Andrew in Norwich.

The Bishop of Norwich has appointed the Revd Robin Stapleford as Rector of the Upper Wensum Village Group.

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.

Are you a verger or do you have a verger? Does someone in your congregation acts as a verger or would be interested in becoming one?

A conference to explore opportunities for Norfolk's church buildings. It is almost impossible to imagine Norfolk without its multitude of historic church buildings and on 26 September a major one day conference will be held to look at the main issues involves in promoting our churches, managing them, and securing their future.

The September Prayer Calendar is now available.

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.

The Rt Revd Lindsay Urwin, currently Bishop of Horsham, is to be next Priest Administrator of the Anglican Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham..

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.

Students of Norfolks first Academy, sponsored by the Bishop of Norwich and Graham Dacre, can today gain their first glimpse of how the new building will look.

On 21 September 2008 at 3pm a parade will march through Pulham St Mary in honour of three brothers born in Pulham St Mary who joined the Norfolk Regiment during the First World War and were killed in action in France. They have never, until now, been recognized locally.

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

This week churches across the Norfolk Broads are open to visitors, with many holding special events.

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.

2nd - 10th August. Churches across the Norfolk Broads will be open to visitors throughout the week, with many holding special events.

Throughout the Lambeth Conference our three Bishops are blogging their personal reflections every few days from Canterbury.

A new book written by the Bishop of Thetford has just been published looking at theological and pastoral responses to climate change.

Two archbishops and three bishops from across the world, including a female bishop from the USA, are to visit the Diocese this weekend.

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.

A local reflection on what happened in the debate at the Church of England Synod, written for the EDP at their invitation in order to set it in context.

A new mobile version of the Diocesan website is now available allowing news, events and churches to be quickly and easily found on mobiles and PDAs.

Information about the Bishops and Archbishops visiting our Diocese before the Conference, and the Cathedral Service on Sunday 13th July.

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

Young people who think they may be being called into ordained ministry are at the centre of a national campaign being launched this weekend.

A cartoonist and an author have joined forces to create a fresh guide to churchgoing which has already won praise for its no-nonsense approach to explaining the Anglican faith.

The Bishop of Norwich ordained 12 new deacons and 9 new priests at Norwich Cathedral this Saturday 28 June in the biggest ordination in the Diocese for over a decade.

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).

The Bishop of Norwich has announced the appointment of the first female archdeacon ever to be appointed to the Diocese of Norwich - The Revd Jan McFarlane.

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.

Today an extended news area is launched on our website, bringing together all of the current paper, e-mail, rss and web news services making it easier to find the latest news from the Diocese.

The latest edition of EveryoneLearning has just been published; a new publication from the Diocese which draws together events, activities and courses for everyone.

Thousands of couples dreaming of a wedding will find more churches to choose from 1st October, the day the new Church of England Marriage Measure comes into effect.

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.

St Catherines Church in Mile Cross, Norwich, is to be transformed into a banqueting hall next week in order to raise funds for its 2008 development campaign.

The Church of England and the Methodist Church in Kings Lynn have joined forces to create a new post for a Community Worker on the North Lynn Estate.

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 Benefice of Dickleburgh and The Pulhams is aiming to bring the church to the people with a new information marquee, available for local summer fetes. The marquee, called The Rhythm of Life, will offer information on weddings, baptisms and funerals in the Church of England.

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

The Diocesan Directory is now available online by visiting the Find a Person area. You can find someone by name, parish, benefice or deanery.

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).

The Diocese have published new guidelines for the protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults, called Safe Haven.

This September churches across the Diocese will be taking part in Back to Church Sunday. Church registration forms, resources and materials are now available.

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

Former Dean of Norwich, The Very Revd Alan Webster, who died last September, is to be remembered at a special memorial service at St Pauls Cathedral in London on Sunday 18th May at 3.15pm.

The Revd Paul Mackay, Vicar of Mile Cross, together with Simon Bransby, a member of his Parochial Church Council (PCC) are donning bicycle shorts - and a cassock and surplice - to take part in the London - Brighton bike ride on Sunday 15th June.

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.

The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham James, will move from water to fire this Sunday (04 May) as he takes part in two special services at each end of his Diocese.

Twelve historic Norfolk churches are hosting live arts and crafts events from 3-5 May and 10-11 May in a celebration of the countys rural arts and heritage.

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 new exhibition at St Stephen's, Norwich.. An Artist whose works have been commissioned by the Archbishop of Canterbury for Lambeth Palace will be displaying a variety of his works at St Stephen`s Church on Rampant Horse Street in Norwich.

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.

The path leads downhill through woods, to open park land with views over the sea. Turn right in front of the big house and you come to the village of Upper Sheringham. The church is dedicated to All Saints.

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.

It is Gods will that we should rejoice with him in our salvation and that we should be cheered and strengthened by it Julian of Norwich

If you went on something run by your parish or deanery, what might you find? At its simplest, it would be a Quiet Morning or Afternoon or Day. The venue would not be very far away.

Bishop David Leake, Honorary Assistant Bishop in our Diocese, together with his wife Rachel will be returning to visit Argentina on April 3rd for three months.

In our February edition we featured a letter from Marion Courtney of St Johns Harleston, about the Christian charity Compassion and her work in sponsoring a child through the charity.

Churchgoers are familiar with the lighting of the Easter fire at Easter Eve services, but for the congregation at Norwich Cathedral it all became a bit too real when they had to evacuate the building in the middle of the service when the fire alarms sounded.

St Margarets Church, Thorpe Market, has been shortlisted as one of six finalists for the Village Church for Village Life Award, being run by Country Life magazine.

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.

The churches of the Broadside Benefice (Ranworth, South Walsham, Woodbastwick and Upton) and the children of Fairhaven Church of England Primary School are to celebrate Palm Sunday this year with the aid of a donkey called Eve.

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.

The Government has now introduced its Climate Change Bill. This Bill will create a new framework for tackling climate change, which is to be welcomed.

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.

The Diocese of Norwich has launched a new up-to-the-minute website which will enable visitors to find a parish church easily and quickly and, at a click of the mouse, will enable them to see whats happening across the Diocese.