Useful links
Used a great site and want to share it here? Email us to have your 'find' added! Legal bit: the Diocese is not responsible for content on any external sites.
Charities and development agencies
Children & young people - education
Children & young people - projects and services
Christian publishing & magazines
Christian sites across Bath & Wells
Liturgy, worship & bible studies
Parish magazine & publicity resources
Bath & Wells places
Diocese of Bath & Wells Retreat House.
Bath Abbey is an active Christian church situated at the heart of the city. Founded in 1499, it stands on the site of an earlier Norman Cathedral and the original Abbey Church built in the 8th century.
More than simply an historic house and garden, this splendid medieval Palace has been the home of the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years.
Forde Abbey is a former medieval monastery with beautiful gardens perfect for gardeners, family outings, group visits or weddings.
Wells Cathedral welcomes visitors everyday of the year. Please feel free to attend one of the regular daily services or simply wander around this amazing building. Only by visiting can you properly experience this wonderful and holy place.
More than 850 years old, and most famously with Dr William Turner, Dean of Wells (1551-1554, 1560-1568), known as 'The Father of English Botany'.
Bath & Wells blogs
Iain Macfarlane, Vicar in Taunton.
Steve Tilley, Vicar in Nailsea.
All Saints, Weston, Bath - Church blog.
David Keen, Vicar & Mission Enabler in Yeovil.
Charities and Development Agencies
Christian Aid is an international development charity. They work with people, of all faiths and none, in around 50 countries, to eradicate poverty.
The Children's Society is a leading children's charity committed to making childhood better for all children in the UK.
This charity is dedicated to the rehabilitation and resettlement of homeless people of all ages and backgrounds. By tackling the longer-term issues that perpetuate homelessness, rather than providing quick fixes, Church Housing Trust offers new beginnings for homeless people of all ages.
The C.U.F. was established in 1988 in response to the growing poverty in towns and cities throughout England. Its mission is to support practical action for justice in disadvantaged and marginalised communities.
Jubilee Debt Campaign is demanding an end to the scandal of poor countries paying money to the rich world, calling for 100% cancellation of unpayable and unfair poor country debts.
The Trade Justice movement campaigns for trade justice - not free trade - with the rules weighted to benefit poor people and the environment. Members include trade unions, aid agencies, environment and human rights campaigns, fairtrade organisations, faith and consumer groups.
World Vision works to make a serious and sustainable impact on poverty and its causes, especially as they affect children.
Evangelical Christian relief and development charity working in partnership to bring help and hope to communities in need around the world.
Children & young people - education
The National Society for Promoting Religious Education
Topical information, advice and resources on RE, Collective Worship and other aspects of governing, managing and teaching.
The Culham Institute
Curriculum materials and useful religious festivals calendar.
REOnline
Good starting point for RE on the Web with a range of further links to sites and resources.
BBC - Religion
The BBC Religion and Ethics page includes brief, clear guides to the main religions in the UK, as well as useful links to relevant news stories.
CLEO - Cumbria and Lancashire Education on-line
Excellent multi-media resources.
Sir Robert Hitcham Primary School
An astonishing school website which includes a virtual visit to a mosque and a synagogue and is very primary child-friendly.
Devon Learning and Development Partnership
Useful resources and downloads.
Bristol City Council Children and Young People's services
List of resources and contacts. Booklists including fiction and contacts for local visits.
REEP
Website of the RE and the Environment Programme with resources and activity ideas.
Children & young people - projects and services
Link Project - an ecumenical youth project based in Wincanton, Somerset.
Gap years in the UK. Careforce place and support Christian Volunteers
aged 17-30 throughout the UK where God is needed.
Confidential advice, support and information for 13-19 year olds.
Christian Radio Online.
Mission with young people at risk.
Using the bible to inspire young people, children and adults to know God.
Runs events to help people get to know and follow Jesus better.
The UK's largest Christian arts festival.
Magazine offering ideas, resources and guidance for Youth Ministry.
Songs and other resources to help all ages in the church worship together.
A free Christian music festival and bible week held in Cornwall.
Children and Young People's Partnership
Membership organisation that represents and supports the Voluntary and Community Sector working with children and young people across Somerset.
Each week the Boys' Brigade works with thousands of young people, many of whom have no other connection with the Church. They offer a programme of activities for 5 to 18 year olds.
Youth and children's ministry.
Gap years in the UK and abroad.
South West Youth Ministries is a youth ministry that places trainee youth and schools workers with ministry partners (churches and schools-work projects) throughout the South West of England.
Integrated youth services team in offering a wide variety of opportunities to young people across Somerset.
BANES youth and children's department
Children's services across Bath and North East Somerset.
North Somerset youth and children's department
Children's services across North Somerset.
Christian bookshops
67-69 High Street, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 3BQ. No website.
A small shop inside Bath Abbey which carries about 2000 titles. This includes a wide selection of books about the Abbey and about Bath, Christian literature covering a broad range of churchmanship, together with cards, art and jewellery. Tapes and CDs of the Abbey's choir and organ and of other Christian music are also on sale.
Good News Bookshop is a Christian Bookshop, situated in Taunton, Somerset, UK - Your One Stop Resource Centre for Bibles, Christian Books, Music, and Video. Mail Order a Speciality: items in stock usually despatched the same day as order received.
Formerly Oasis Books and Cards, Keith Jones Yeovil has access to one of the largest ranges of Christian books in the UK with over 44,000 titles in stock.
Lighthouse Christian Bookshop, Wells
4 St Cuthbert Street, Wells, BA5 2AW. Lighthouse began in 1994 and exists to resource local Christians with all the relevant books, music, gifts, cards etc for the sake of the Gospel of Christ. We provide our customers with a welcome that will lead to sales and ultimately a furtherance of the Kingdom. We also provide a loving environment in which customers share and pray with the staff freely and openly. No website - please email.
55 High Street, Staple HIll, Bristol BS16 5HD. We are a medium-sized shop stocking a wide range of popular titles, both English and American, including some academic titles. We have a growing children's department and also some secondhand books. We are always willing to research customer enquiries, and can obtain most Christian books published. No website - please email.
The stunning new shop is situated in the new Entry Cloister located just to the right of the West Front of the Cathedral. The Shop stocks a vast new range of products including books, cards, CDs, gifts, pictures, chocolates, Somerset Lavender, tapestries and jewellery.
Wesley Owen Books & Music, Bath - more than just a bookshop - a Christian community resource centre and a fresh expression of church. Support your local Christian Bookshop - living the Gospel, embedded in the High Street.
Christian publishing & magazines
Christian Publishing and Outreach
CPO specialise in church publicity and in outreach and evangelism resources. They offer church posters, banners, invitations and tracts in order to encourage and inspire Church outreach across the UK. CPO also provides a wide range of design, editorial, subscription, printing, fulfilment and despatch services, and has a special website for mobile phone users, offering daily readings, wallpapers and other items for use on the move.
The UK's largest reach monthly Christian title which goes out free to churches, telling inspirational stories of God at work changing lives in individuals, churches, communities and nations.
The UK's only dedicated monthly magazine for Christian women committed to helping women live out their Christian faith day by day in today's world.
Christian comment on UK current affairs and culture, launched in 1977.
Sojourners is a progressive Christian commentary on faith, politics and culture. It seeks to build a movement of spirituality and social change.
The Church Times, founded in 1863, has become the world's leading Anglican weekly newspaper. It has always been independent of the Church of England hierarchy.
The Church of England Newspaper is the original church newspaper and one of the oldest newspapers in the world, dating back to 1828.
Catholic UK weekly journal.
Official publisher of the Church of England.
A light hearted look at Churches around the world to help Christians be self-critical and honest about the failings of Christianity, as they believe honesty can only strengthen faith.
Worship resources, Bible study, colourful meditation pages, challenging and thought-provoking features.
Christian sites across Bath & Wells
Royal United Hospital Bath Chaplaincy
The hospital chaplaincy aims to provide pastoral support and spiritual care, to patients, their carers and hospital staff.
Taunton Christians Together is an organisation which seeks to bring together around forty Churches and Christian Fellowships of many different traditions in the Taunton area.
Seeks to provide both information and a personal link with local ecumenical groups, Councils of Churches and Churches Together and churches in a local area working together on a more informal basis.
Wellington and District Team Ministry
The Wellington and District Team Ministry comprising the Parish Churches of Ashbrittle, Bathealton, Bradford on Tone, Kittisford, Langford Budville, Nynehead, Rockwell Green, Runnington, Sampford Arundel, Stawley, Thorne St Margaret, Wellington and West Buckland covers an area about fourteen miles wide by ten miles deep in the Vale of Taunton Deane, Somerset.
Roman Catholic diocesan website for the Clifton Diocese.
The Mothers Union in Bath and Wells
The Mothers' Union is a worldwide Anglican-led organisation whose purpose is to be specially concerned with all that strengthens and preserves marriage and Christian family life.
Currently the Diocesan Environment Link manages it's own website, which will soon be merged.
Church of England
Anglican Communion
The Diocese of Bath and Wells in the Church of England, is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion.
Archbishop of Canterbury
The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury and Primate of All England.
Archbishop of York
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.
Church Army
The Church Army has been at the heart of evangelism within the Church of England since 1882 when Prebendary Wilson Carlile, a young curate at St. Mary Abbots, Kensington, founded the Church Army to take the Gospel to all, but particularly those suffering the injustices of the age. This has been the Church Army's goal ever since.
Church Commissioners
The Church Commissioners manage and distribute the proceeds of the Church of England's historic investments. The web site includes useful information for clergy including payroll advice and details of car loans etc.
Church of England Readers
News and resources for and about Readers from the Central Readers' Council. Click here for more information about Readers in Bath and Wells.
Church of England
The official website of the Church of England.
College of Preachers
At a time when many questions are being asked about the place of preaching at the beginning of the third millennium, we aim to encourage informed, productive debate, and offer practical help to those engaged in preaching around our country week in, week out.
Encounters on the Edge
Encounters on the Edge is a series of quarterly publications from The Sheffield Centre, Church Army's research unit, looking at emerging forms of church crossing the widening gap to the non- churched.
Fresh Expressions
Fresh Expressions encourages new forms of church for a fast changing world, working with Christians from a variety of denominations and traditions. The initiative has resulted in hundreds of new congregations being formed alongside more traditional churches.
Faith & prayer
Alpha is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions, with a day or weekend away.
An informal course for people investigating Christianity, or brushing up on the basics.
Emmaus is a course to welcome people into the Christian faith and the life of the church. It aims to involve the whole church in evangelism, nurture and ongoing discipleship.
Developed by the main churches in England for people to explore who Jesus was and is, the site offers an enormous variety of information, spirituality , interaction and entertainment, and is highly recommended for people who are not sure about what the Christian faith means or involves, or what they believe.
Interactive daily prayer site from the Irish Jesuits.
WordLive provides podcasts, video, music, creative prayer, meditation and group study to help experience the Bible in a new way. Updated everyday and available on iPod, PC, or mobile.
Links to 100 additional prayers, art & icon, prayer, collective worship, assemblies and religious education websites and resources from the De La Salle Brothers in Great Britain.
UK, World, and Christian news updated throughout the day. Their mission is to focus on becoming a voice for the Nation to challenge the Government and other institutions who perpetually seek to side line the Christian faith for their own ends.
Daily prayer, liturgical library, hymnal, lectionary and calendar.
First established after 9/11, Invitation to Prayer provides prayers for peace, justice and reconciliation.
A prayer each day for reflection.
Daily prayer for your MP3 player
The Retreat Association provides information and advice for those involved in retreat work (both in Retreat Houses and the local community) and spiritual direction. Increasingly the Association is providing resources for those inquirers who are seeking to further their spiritual journey but are not part of the established church.
The Society of the Sacred Mission
The Society of the Sacred Mission is an Anglican religious community. The Ecumenical Spirituality Project at St Antony's Priory is intended to help meet a need amongst people of all faiths and persuasions for prayer, meditation and spiritual growth in general.
Third Order of the Society of St Francis
Valuable resources and guidance for an effective prayer life.
The website of the National Committee for England, Wales and Northern Ireland, including a list of local services for the Women's World Day of Prayer.
Background on the World Day of Prayer.
The World Prayer Centre has a team involved in regional, national and international prayer and worship ministry. It is linked to many initiatives, serving Prayer, Mission, Social Action, Family Life and Marginalised People. These include The International Prayer Council, Global Day of Prayer, The Prayer Association of the British Isles and Ireland, Redeeming our Communities and Hope08.
The Iona Community is a dispersed Christian ecumenical community working for peace and social justice, rebuilding of community and the renewal of worship.
Prayer resources from the Tazie Community in France, including a prayer for each day.
Liturgy, worship & bible studies
Daily devotionals and many other scriptural aids for study and thought.
Daily reflections on two of the lectionary readings for the following Sunday, as well as the full daily offices online with readings included, updated every day.
An initiative launched by the Liturgical Commission to engage the widest possible number of people in the Church of England throughout the next 5-10 years. There is a whole range of worship resources and ideas.
Resources to help put faith into practice through prayer and scripture, music and sacrament.
Songs and other resources to help all ages in the church worship together.
A selection of service resources based around the book of Common Worship.
An excellent resource, well laid out and easy to use - everything from Alpha to Zuzims.
A Biblical resource focusing on the early Christian writings
Free bible study tools and resources.
Study aids and reference works.
Searchable online bible; a tool for reading and researching scripture online in the language or translation of your choice.
"The best free Bible Study software anywhere" - for PC and Pocket PC.
Christian Aid - Church resources
A range of resources for worship and small groups.
ROOTS is an ecumenical partnership of churches and Christian organisations which publishes print and online resources based on the Revised Common Lectionary to support worship preparation across the whole church.
Worship and prayer resources - including an online labyrinth.
Resources for Bible Sunday from the four national Bible Societies.
Christian Aid - Church resources
A range of resources for worship and small groups.
Christian Copyright Licensing International
Christian Copyright Licensing International (CCLI) is a licensing organisation that provides copyright licences and resources to churches, schools and organisations worldwide.
Christian Education (CE) provides advice, resources and opportunities for teaching and learning in the school, the church and the family group, carrying forward the work of the National Christian Education Council (NCEC, formerly the National Sunday School Union) and the Christian Education Movement (CEM).
Worship resources.
Development Matters links Sunday lectionary readings with current justice and development issues. It provides stories, facts and quotes for use to help congregations connect today's world with the big themes of the Bible.
A national day of prayer and celebration for everyone in the world of education. The theme is devised by an ecumenical steering group representing different Christian denominations and organisations.
Ready-to-print services from the Royal Army Chaplain's Department.
Seasons of the Spirit is a lectionary-based resource created by an international team of writers and editors representing denominations from Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
Liturgy resources.
Part of the Iona Community, the Wild Goose Resource Group takes its name from one of the ancient Celtic symbols for the Holy Spirit and exists to enable and equip congregations and clergy in the shaping and creation of new forms of relevant and participative worship.
The group has always aimed to serve the churches of Britain in the renewal of their worship. It has been concerned with the demands of worship in Britain, and the development of common liturgical thinking and texts in the worldwide Church.
The daily religious thought from the BBC.
Bible and faith resources from the Taize Community in France.
This US based site features a wide variety of resources for study and liturgy, including an art index and movie theme index.
Catholic liturgy and prayer resources.
Worship-downloads.com is a one-stop-shop for creative and inspiring downloadable worship resources.
Music
Anglican church music resources.
Christian Copywriting Licensing International
Everything you need to know about copyright licensing for hymns, music and all other materials.
Over 6,500 Christian hymns and songs from many denominations - includes lyrics, scores, MIDI files and history.
The Royal School of Church Music
The Royal School of Church Music is an educational Christian charity enabling the best use of music in worship, church life, and community.
Parish magazines & publicity resources
The essential website for parish magazine editors.
A good source of cartoon resources for your parish magazine at reasonable cost.
100 ways to get your Church noticed
Ideas for parish magazines and websites.
Rural affairs
The Arthur Rank Centre is a Registered Charity supported by the National Churches, the Royal Agricultural Society of England and the Rank Foundation to serve the rural community and its churches.
Farm Crisis Network provides pastoral and practical support to farming people during periods of anxiety, stress and problems relating to both the farm household and the farm business.
Somerset Community Foundation promotes vibrant, inclusive communities in Somerset through developing a culture of local giving and enabling voluntary groups to combat disadvantage and isolation.
Childline is the free and confidential 24-hour helpline for children and young people in the UK. Children and young people can call the helpline on 0800 1111.
Stop it Now! The campaign to prevent child sexual abuse - online resource for information about help for: child sexual abuse, sex offenders, victims of child abuse, parents of youth with sexual behaviour.
NSPCC child protection HELPLINE - 0800 800 5000 - The UK's leading charity specialising in child protection and the prevention of cruelty to children since 1884.
What you should do if you have concerns about children in order to safeguard and promote the welfare of children including those who are suffering, or at risk of suffering, significant harm.
The Churches Child Protection Advisory Service
The Churches' Child Protection Advisory Service (CCPAS) is the only independent Christian charity providing professional advice, support, training and resources in all areas of safeguarding children and for those affected by abuse.
Your Church and the Vetting and Barring Scheme (VBS)
An introductory leaflet designed for use by churches and parishes from the Church of England. It is avaiable to download.
Stewardship
The Church of England’s national stewardship resource, developed by the Liverpool diocese. A goldmine of ideas and tried-and-tested material for any parish to use.
Giving for Life is the current major stweardship project from the Church of England. It's aim is to help encourage generous giving amongst church members.
Another national resource, packed with useful information and ideas for PCC officers, clergy and others
This inspiring book has been written by the Church of England's National Stewardship and Resources Officer and deals with applying Christian principles to our money.
A think tank which seeks to foster an informed Christian response to the most urgent ethical and spiritual issues of our times: financial integrity, economic theory, and the meaning of the common good. Visitors to the website will find theological commentary, video interviews, original research and analysis, as well as daily news aggregation. The Institute will also host a series of lectures, debates and study days.
CMS is a mission agency working in partnership with churches in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Established in 1799, the Society's goal remains the same - to spread the Gospel to every part of the world.
An umbrella site for mission agencies, churches, colleges and service agencies with a passion about world mission.
A worldwide movement that mobilises evangelical leaders to collaborate for world evangelisation.
The national and international organisation which Bath and Wells Diocese is part of.
PWM brings together those in the Church of England involved in world mission - the Mission Agencies, Diocesan Companion Links and parts of the National Church Institutions.
United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel
USPG: Anglicans in World Mission works in direct partnership with Anglican Churches in over 50 countries, helping to support vital church work, including healthcare, education, leadership training and action for social justice.
CHASTE Churches Alert to Sex Trafficking Across Europe is a charity which actively works for the global eradication of Trafficking for Sexual Exploitation, the provision of practical care and support for those who have been trafficked, and the suppression of demand which drives the supply of women and the girl child into the sex markets of Europe.
ReSource works for the renewal of people and churches for mission in the power of the Holy Spirit - across all traditions, Churches and denominations, but with an Anglican distinctive.
CPAS enables churches to help every person hear and discover the good news of Jesus, with a range of resources for churches and groups to download.
Zambia link
Zambian newspaper.
Latest newsletter from Bath and Wells Zambia link.
Livingstone Anglican Children's Project
The Livingstone Anglican Children’s Project (LACP) was founded in 1996 to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS on orphans and vulnerable children who are infected and affected by the virus.
The Zambia Society Trust is a British-registered charity devoted to the relief of poverty, disability and sickness, the promotion of good health and the advancement of education in Zambia.
Zambian news site and portal
Worth a look if you are thinking of visiting Zambia, or are curious about the principal sights and wildlife. The site has slideshows which will give your a good idea of what you can expect to see.
Human Development Report for Zambia
Published by the UN Development Programmein 2009, this website shows the Human Development Index and its constituent statistics (life expectancy, literacy etc.).
Data and Statistics for Zambia
Published by the World Bank, providing a number of links to other sources of information about Zambia.
