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Archdeacons’ Visitation News Diocese of Chester

Dear Churchwardens

Welcome to this latest edition of Archdeacon’s Visitation News.

This newsletter is packed with interesting and useful information from Chester Diocese and produced by Ecclesiastical Insurance. Whether you are an experienced Churchwarden or are new to the role, we hope that you enjoy reading it.

It is often said that change is challenging and that people find change difficult. Strange really, given that change is part of life that none of us can avoid. Looking back over the last year, both locally and nationally, we will all be able to identify significant changes in our lives, some welcome, some less so.

As Churchwardens you are both navigators and agents of change in your church communities. As key members of your church leadership team, you are essential in communicating the changes, agreed by your PCC and clergy, to the congregation and the wider community. Supporting those decisions, and helping others to understand them, is one of the skills that makes you the right person to fulfil your role.

Equally, as an experienced member of the church, you need to have the ability to appreciate the wider missional vision that will make your church relevant in its local context. This gives you unique insight into what your church needs to prioritise if it is to grow and flourish. As a person with a mature faith, depth of prayer and understanding of scripture your voice matters. Being a Churchwarden is more than a functionary role, it is also a spiritual one, and is important that you help to guide and encourage your congregation and PCC, as well as supporting the clergy.

Working collaboratively, as part of a team, knowing your own strengths and using your talents to grow the Kingdom of God is essential for healthy church growth. Paul’s image of the church as the Body of Christ in 1 Corinthians 12 is a powerful one, and it reminds us that, as well as acknowledging our own role, we also need to appreciate and encourage others to play their part. There is a wonderful unity and amazing diversity in our common life.

‘For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in the one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.’ (1 Cor 12:12-13)

So, thank you for everything that you do to work supportively and collaboratively in your church. Thank you for your guidance, wisdom and insight. May God continue to help, steer and strengthen you in your service to Him.

Venerable Jane Proudfoot, Venerable Mike Gilbertson and Assistant Archdeacon Lesley Currie

The Venerable Jane Proudfoot Archdeacon of Macclesfield

The Venerable Dr Michael Gilbertson Archdeacon of Chester

The Rev. Leslie Currie Interim Assistant Archdeacon of Macclesfield

Churchwarden training

Training for NEW Churchwardens

Saturday 18th July 9:15-2pm

Church House, Daresbury Park, Warrington WA4 4GE

Please scan QR to book. Booking essential

Training for ALL Churchwardens

Saturday 3rd October 9:30-2pm St John’s Hartford, School Lane, Northwich, CW8 1NP

Please scan QR to book. Booking essential

New digital magazine for Chester Diocese –Wholehearted

Wholehearted is a digital magazine created to inspire generosity across the Diocese of Chester. Building on the honest dialogue that shaped our diocesan vision, Wholehearted aims to equip churches and individuals with encouragement, practical tools for talking about money, including Parish Share with real -life stories and ideas, to deepen our shared discipleship.

www.chesterdiocese.org/wholehearted/livinggenerously

Mission and Pastoral Measure Training and other items, which the Church Commissioners will attend. 26 January 2027. Details to follow. Other dates will be released in the Autumn.

Foxhill – A Place to Rest, Renew and Reconnect

Foxhill exists for you and for every parish across the Diocese of Chester.

Set within peaceful woodland and gardens, it is a place where people can breathe again - a gentle and prayerful space that supports discipleship, ministry and the life of our churches. Whether you come alone or with a group, Foxhill offers room to slow down, listen deeply and rediscover the joy that sustains service.

Our facilities are designed to make your time here comfortable. We offer well equipped meeting rooms with AV facilities for vision days and parish gatherings, and at the heart of the house is our chapel, a place of stillness that many guests treasure. Our ensuite bedrooms provide a peaceful night’s rest, and our team prepare and serve home cooked meals with care. Hot drinks and refreshments are available throughout the day, and our grounds offer beautiful outdoor spaces to sit, wander or simply take in the view.

People visit Foxhill in many ways. Some follow their own programme for parish away days, leadership residentials or times of planning and prayer. Others prefer to join retreats organised by us, exploring themes from creativity to contemplation, offered as both day and residential experiences with something for every personality and pace.

Our upcoming retreats include:

• 20th – 22nd July – Space to Breathe and a Little Waste of Time

• 24th July – Ordinary Saints: Richard Baxter

• 9th – 11th October – Woven into Life

• 12th – 15th October – Individually Guided Retreat

• 17th October – Jesus in the Old Testament

Our full Programme can be found here: www.foxhillchester.co.uk

We know that ministry and leadership can be demanding, and that many in our congregations carry heavy responsibilities.

Foxhill offers a place to pause, not as a luxury but as a vital part of sustaining healthy, hopeful discipleship. And because cost should never be a barrier, our Bursary Scheme provides discreet financial support for individuals and groups who need assistance.

Foxhill is your diocesan resource for prayer, reflection and renewal. We would be delighted to welcome you, and to support your parish as you continue to serve others with faith and joy.

Why Retreat? Creating Space for God to Restore and Renew

A retreat is simply an intentional pause, a step away from the pace, noise and responsibilities of everyday life so that we can pay attention to God again. At Foxhill, we see time apart not as an escape but as a gift, a chance to rest, to listen and to allow God to meet us with gentleness and clarity.

Retreats are for anyone. They can take many different forms, including prayer, reflection, creativity, silence, conversation, teaching or a blend of these. For some, silence is the doorway

to renewal. For others, being creative or sharing in discussion opens up new understanding. Our programme aims to offer a diverse mix, with something that speaks to every personality and every stage of faith.

These moments of stepping aside often create a ripple effect. People return with renewed perspective, deeper peace and a clearer sense of God’s presence in their lives. That renewal flows outward into families, friendships, ministries and congregations. For some, a retreat becomes a turning point. For others, a gentle reminder that they are held and loved by God.

If you or someone in your parish needs space to breathe, Foxhill is here for you.

Get in Touch

Foxhill House and Woodlands, Tarvin Road, Frodsham WA6 6XB

01928 733777

foxhill@chester.anglican.org www.foxhillchester.co.uk

Whether you are planning a parish gathering, exploring retreat options or simply wondering how Foxhill might support you or your congregation, we would be glad to talk with you. Please do get in touch and let us help you find the space and support you need.

David and Lucy Brewster

Is it You?

That could be what you are asking

You feel like there’s a nudge, a stirring , a prompting and are asking God – “Is it you, Lord?”. And it could be that it is God calling, that God is asking you – “Is it you?”

When we talk about ministry or calling , we often think it’s just about being ordained or about being something like a Reader, involved in the preaching and worship leading. But ministry is so much broader than that, and God calls all kinds of people to all kinds of things. Being a churchwarden or a sidesperson, being a PCC member or involved in any number of different church activities is a ministry, as is living out your faith in the workplace, the community, at school or college or wherever you are during the week.

As we seek to bless the 1.5 million people across our diocese who don’t yet know Jesus, each of us might gently ask two questions: Is it you, Lord? And… is it me?

If you – or someone in your church – is beginning to wonder about that, there are plenty of ways to explore further.

Called to Serve events

These evenings and mornings are designed for anyone who wants to explore different ways of serving and growing – whether you’re just curious or sensing something more intentional.

• Monday 8th June 2026, 7:00 - 9:30pm (online)

• Saturday 7th November 2026, 10:00am - 1:00pm at St Mary’s, Ashton Mersey

We can also connect you with one of our Vocations Explorers –someone who can help you reflect on your gifts, your experience, and that emerging sense of calling. Or you might consider joining Foundations for Ministry, our 10-week course where people from different churches explore together how they can serve God’s mission in the world.

Could you be an OWL? Occasional Worship Leaders

One really easy to access option for getting involved in leading and serving in church is being an Occasional Worship Leader (an OWL!). Over 200 people across the diocese (including many churchwardens) have now done the 4-week training course to be locally authorised to lead worship up to once a month. They come from all kinds of churches with all kinds of worship styles, and the training is designed to help people lead worship in every kind of church worship, from traditional liturgy to contemporary worship and all points in between.

Here’s what some people said about the training course:

This course was very practical. Instead of just focusing on theory, it provided real-world examples and exercises that helped me apply what I learned immediately. I gained practical skills I can actually use in leading worship, it was not just book knowledge.

… It was all relevant and useful …. It was nice to have a course that was led in such an interesting and informative way… I enjoyed it very much!

Courses this year will run on the West side of the diocese in the Summer term, on the East side in the Autumn term, with an online option in November.

There are many ways to serve – some visible, some quiet, some public, some deeply personal.

Sometimes the question begins as, “Is it you, God?”

And slowly becomes, “Is it me?”

If that question is stirring for you, we’d love to talk.

For information on any of these opportunities, email us on: ministry@chester.anglican.org

Decarbonising Your Church

The Church of England’s commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2030 has changed how we maintain and heat our buildings. As part of this national effort, like-for-like replacement of gas or oil boilers is no longer the default. Because every church has unique needs, there is no “one size fits all” solution; instead, each parish is encouraged to develop a tailored five-year heating plan.

Why Decarbonise?

Decarbonising our churches is part of our mission to care for people, steward our resources wisely, and ensure our buildings remain places of welcome for future generations. By lowering running costs through modern, efficient systems and better controls, and by completing essential tools such as the EFT to unlock national funding, we take practical steps that support our ministry and sustainability. These actions also help create healthier, more comfortable spaces and protect the fabric and heritage entrusted to us, strengthening our ability to serve our communities well.

Filling out your Energy Footprint Tool

The Energy Footprint Tool (EFT) is the Church of England’s online system for recording your church’s annual energy use so it can calculate your building’s carbon footprint and support access to national net zero funding.

The deadline for 2025 data is 30 June 2026

A Rocha Eco Church

Parishes are encouraged to sign up their churches for Eco church. For help and assistance on this please contact Jill Elston: jill.elston@chester.anglican.org

All national grants will require EFT completion and the church to have Eco church registration.

Easy First Steps

An energy audit can help identify the specific quick wins most relevant to your church building. Common actions often include:

• Switching to a green energy tariff

• Reducing draughts by sealing gaps or installing door curtains

• Improving existing heating controls, such as installing HIVE or NEST systems, and lowering temperature setpoints by 1–2°C where appropriate

• Upgrading lighting to LED bulbs or floodlights, and adding sensors or timers in low use areas

• Replacing end of life appliances with A+++ rated models

• Installing smart meters to better monitor energy use

Quick Win Grants may be available to support these improvements, offering up to £3,000 towards eligible works.

Your Five-Step Journey to Net Zero Heating

1. Consultation: Read the national CofE guidance, specifically the sections on Heating Principles and Approaches. Understanding these basics is the first step toward a successful faculty application.

2. Assessment: Gather your data. This includes completing your EFT, filling out the national Heating Checklist, and documenting how your building is used. We recommend installing simple digital sensors to track temperature and humidity trends.

3. Investigate potential heating solutions by seeking independent, professional advice. The Diocese recommends appointing a qualified Heating Consultant who can design a system tailored to your church’s unique architecture and patterns of use.

An Energy Audit is a more affordable starting point and can highlight immediate “quick wins,” but a full technical design is usually required when progressing toward permissions. Depending on your stage in the process and the complexity of the proposed changes, either an Energy Audit or a detailed consultant’s report will be recommended

4. Proposal: Work with your Church Architect to create a detailed, costed proposal. This must be reviewed by the Net Zero Carbon Project Officer before it goes to the DAC to ensure it meets the national “due regard” for Net Zero guidance.

5.Permission: Most significant changes require a Faculty. Once your proposal is complete, you can submit it to the DAC officer for initial advice. The proposal will then be referred to a DAC architect and heating advisor for detailed review.

If the advisors are supportive, and the works do require a Faculty, the proposal will be discussed at a DAC meeting. If the Committee recommends the application, it will then be processed accordingly. Ultimately, the Diocesan Chancellor will make the final determination on whether the Faculty is granted.

Taking these steps today ensures your church remains a warm, welcoming, and sustainable place for the community for years to come.