Church schools episode 6: The Habits How can we live the Christian life with courage and compassion in an imperfect world? The Beatitudes help us to put on the character of Christ. Come and see for yourself... This is the last of a series of films for schools and youth groups. Find the whole series, alongside resources for running the sessions, at oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

Church schools episode 4: The Medicine God calls us to be like superheroes ourselves - with a very special power. When we experience the power of God's love and forgiveness, it can change everything. Come and see... oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

Heather always felt like something was missing in her life. Then, in her darkest moments, faith shone a light. Come and See what faith can offer you. oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

Sometimes we think we're saying and doing all the right things - but is that truly what it means to follow Jesus? Come and see where the journey can take you. oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

Church schools episode 5: The Promise The Beatitudes are intensely personal, they address a faith lived out in everyday life. They are what we do as Christians after we have started following Jesus, and when we walk his path. Where does this path lead? Come and see... oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

Feeling free to talk about the big things in life can open up a new world of possibilities in your church. Come and see for yourself... oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

Series 3, Episode 4: The Medicine We know what we can be and we know what we are. How do we address the ways we fall short? Jesus' life and death shows us the answer. Come and See... oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

Series 3, Episode 6: The Habits The Beatitudes invite us to put on the character of Jesus each time we read them - to inhabit a way of living and be the best we can be. This is the final part of our Come and See journey for 2023. But things don't end here... oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

Series 3, Episode 1: The Vision We’re all looking for the best way to live our life – a way through the challenges facing humanity over the next decade. The Beatitudes give us a profound vision for how to live well; a vision for the very best a person can be, in every stage of life. It isn’t always easy, but faith has a lot to offer. Come and see… oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

Series 3, Episode 5: The Promise It’s one thing to be given a fresh start, but if nothing changes on the inside, how will things be any different going forward? Jesus’ Beatitudes are special kind of promise. Come and see... oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

There can be a wide gap between the people we are and the people God calls us to be. We can feel the pressure to do what is right weigh us down like a heavy burden on our backs: we feel unworthy of God’s love. But this is not how God wants us to feel. Come and See. oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

As we get ready to offer Come and See across our parishes in 2023, Revd Revd Dr Leonard Onugha from Finchampstead and California Parish shared his experience of Come and See, and the difference it made for his congregation, during a webinar for church leaders from across the diocese. Come and see for yourself... oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

Church schools episode 1: The Vision It’s not easy to live the way Jesus asks of us in the Beatitudes, but seeing glimpses of it in other people, reminds us that it is the only way to truly live a happy and fulfilled life. And that’s living your best life! Come and See. This is the first of six films for schools and church children and youth groups during Lent 2023. Find collective worship materials, leaders guides, and daily reflections for families at oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

At the beginning of the most famous sermon in history – known as the Sermon on the Mount – Jesus commends eight beautiful qualities; eight extraordinary blessings that show what it means to be fully alive. How will this shape the journey of your life? Come and see. oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see.

Series 3, Episode 3: The Portrait In this week’s film the Bishop of Oxford asks us to consider the Beatitudes as a portrait of Jesus, the one the crowds have gone up the mountains to see. They sense something in Jesus which is unique, different. It’s more than the miracles. It’s more than the wisdom of his teaching. It is the person he is: somehow Jesus embodies and inhabits each of these qualities. Almighty God has become a person and shown us a different way to live.

None of us can live the Christian life on our own, we need each other. Come and See is our big, warm open invitation for an adventure in faith and trust each Lent. This year we encouraged those on the journey with us to ask questions for the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford. In a moving interview, Bishop Steven answers your questions about what it means to live a life of faith, his Lenten practice, exploring the Beatitudes and Scripture, and what needs to happen in the Church of England today.

The world doesn't always look how it ought to. But Jesus shows us the way back to God - a way of living our best life. oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

Church schools episode 3: The portrait From the beginning of his ministry Jesus invites us to follow him and shows us the best way to live. We all fall short sometimes, but every day is a new chance to start afresh. oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

The first in a series of top tips videos helping churches become more accessible. Diocesan Disability Advisor the Revd Katie Tupling takes you on a tour of St Mary & St Nicholas' Church, Littlemore, highlighting some of the ways you can make your buildings and worship more accessible, from small changes that make a big difference to what to consider when making larger changes. A BSL-interpreted version of this series will be made available in 2023 - we apologise it can't be sooner. oxford.anglican.org/disability-and-church

Diocesan Disability Advisor the Revd Katie Tupling gives you the grand tour of a church toilet, highlighting all the things to consider to create the most accessible disabled loo possible. Some other things to think about: Not everyone who uses a disabled loo will be a wheelchair user. Grab rails are needed to help get people from the door to the loo to the handbasin and towels and back to the door - that way, no one has to precariously reverse themselves out of the room. If possible, the door should have a grab rail too. Pull cords should be in reach, as mentioned in the video, but make sure they aren't right next to a rail to minimise accidental use. A further thought on the flush location - avoid having it on the tank itself, where someone would have to turn all the way around to use it. Changing tables should be robust enough for use by older children and adults - you can still get adult-sized beds that lift up to the wall to preserve floor space. Let us know your tips in the comments! This is the second in a series - catch up with the first set of top tips for accessible buildings at oxford.anglican.org/disability A BSL-interpreted version of this series will be made available in 2023 - we apologise it can't be sooner.

People grow in their #everydayfaith when they are able to take responsibility for their own development and develop a helpful structure within which to grow. A Personal Discipleship Plan (PDP) is an accompanied faith journey with a local minister or mentor that explores six core questions that discern what God is doing in your life and what you might be called to next. This short film is a conversation between Paul and his mentor about the difference a PDP has made to his faith journey. Find out more at oxford.anglican.org/everyday-faith

An update from Canon Mark Humphriss, Diocesan Secretary at the Diocese of Oxford.

Diocesan Secretary Mark Humphriss on the Annual Review, the 2022 budget, and the grants available to churches across the diocese. Read the annual review and see how we can support you: https://www.oxford.anglican.org/annua... Find other links from the film on the DioSec page of our website: https://www.oxford.anglican.org/diosec/

When it comes to sharing the good news of the Covid vaccines, the best way to give hope to your neighbours is through a kind and constructive conversation. It’s as simple as H - O - P - E. In this short film, the Rt Revd Olivia Graham, Bishop of Reading explains why he thinks the vaccine is good news for us all.

When it comes to sharing the good news of the Covid vaccines, the best way to give hope to your neighbours is through a kind and constructive conversation. It’s as simple as H - O - P - E. In this short film, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford explains why he thinks the vaccine is good news for us all.

The Revd Tim Goode speaks on 'healing to a heresy' for a special diocesan event looking at vocations through the lens of disability and neurodivergence. oxford.anglican.org/disability

How can you discover the issues of poverty in your area? In light of a new report published by the Diocese of Oxford, Addressing Poverty & Inequality: Supporting Churches to Love and Serve Their Communities during COVID-19 and Beyond, Emma Kennedy shares some top tips for churches looking to address poverty in their own context. oxford.anglican.org/poverty-and-inequality-report/

Buying new school uniforms and shoes for children can be a struggle for many families. Emma Kennedy shares St Mary's, Chipping Norton's uniform pack initiative, gifting children everything they need to start the new school year. See if this is something you could be doing in your local community. Visit oxford.anglican.org/poverty-inequality to find out more.

Just a few years ago, a group from Wendover noticed an unmet need in their area. The Monday Club Cafe is faith in action - laughter, support and community for people with dementia and their carers. Feel inspired. Start small. Enjoy the journey. oxford.anglican.org/poverty-and-inequality/

The importance of welcoming the stranger is a thread that runs right through the Christian message. It's heartbreaking watching families desperately seeking safety - but there is something we can do. Take the first step and get in touch with Support Refugees and Reset. Visit oxford.anglican.org/poverty-inequality to find out more.

Dr Anna Thomas-Betts shares her reflections on lay ministry, early faith influences, and the role of women in the church for International Women's Day 2023. oxford.anglican.org/iwd

The Revd Laura Wheatley Downs shares her journey to ordination as a woman in the Church of England, and discusses her PhD, looking at shame and reconciliation. oxford.anglican.org/iwd

Developing your faith doesn't happen instantly - it's a lifelong process. Even 40 years down the line you can find new horizons to uncover. A Personal Discipleship Plan can help you find where you are and get you to where you want to be. Talk to your vicar about the support available in your parish. oxford.anglican.org/pdp

So much of our time in church is spent keeping the show on the road. But what happens when we make time to reflect on who we are and what's important to us? A Personal Discipleship Plan helps you get to the very heart of your relationship with God. Feel equipped in your everyday faith - talk to your vicar about getting started today. oxford.anglican.org/personal-discipleship-plan

"The ability to be resourced by how different traditions articulate God has made my faith that much richer." The Revd Ayo Audu, Curate at St Frideswide, Water Eaton, shares his journey to faith and how his heritage has influenced him along the way. See the full series at oxford.anglican.org/bhm

"I felt called and confident that God was in it and that whatever happened, I would be ok." The Revd Canon Janet Binns, Area Dean for Burnham & Slough and Dean of the diocesan UKME Chapter, shares her journey to faith and how her heritage has influenced her along the way. See the full series at oxford.anglican.org/bhm

"It's good that the Church is talking about including all kinds of people in ministry, it's good to see that." The Revd David Nyirongo, Community Missioner at New Hope, part of Greyfriars, Reading, shares his journey to faith and how his heritage has influenced him along the way. See the full series at oxford.anglican.org/bhm

"If people feel valued and not threatened, they will be very willing to contribute what they have. Everyone is needed." The Revd Nnamdi Maduka, Associate Minister at St Mary's, Denham, shares his journey to faith and how his heritage has influenced him along the way. See the full series at oxford.anglican.org/bhm

"I've been called to ministry and I am who I am." The Revd Polly Falconer, UKME Enabler for the Diocese of Oxford, shares her journey to faith and how her heritage has influenced him along the way. See the full series at oxford.anglican.org/bhm

"Sometimes we will encounter challenges but the Lord's purpose will prevail, and if we align that then what can stop us?" The Revd Rickey Simpson-Gray, Team Vicar in the Claydons, Buckinghamshire, shares his journey to faith and how his heritage has influenced him along the way. See the full series at oxford.anglican.org/bhm

"If you feel there is something there, concentrate on Christ and you will be amazed what will happen." The Revd Samson Kuponiyi, Assistant Curate at St Peter's, Burnham, shares his journey to faith and how his heritage has influenced him along the way. See the full series at oxford.anglican.org/bhm

"You are so loved and precious in God's eyes, and if God is calling you to this, then you go for it." The Revd Serena Tajima, Vicar at St Mary's, Banbury, shares her journey to faith and how her heritage has influenced her along the way. See the full series at oxford.anglican.org/bhm

"I'm a hybrid Anglican if you like, I've got all traditions in me, I'm not fixed in one particular tradition." The Rt Revd Dr Timothy Wambunya, Vicar at St Paul's. Slough and Honorary Assistant Bishop for the Diocese of Oxford, shares his journey to faith and how his heritage has influenced him along the way. See the full series at oxford.anglican.org/bhm

The Oxford Diocesan Board of Education (ODBE) provides high quality bespoke support to over 300 schools and academies in the Thames Valley, serves almost all of the church schools in the Diocese of Oxford, and provide services to schools in a growing number of Multi Academy Trusts (MATs), standalone academies and other schools. In this presentation to the June 2023 meeting of the Oxford Diocesan Synod, the Bishop of Buckingham and Chair of the Board of Education, the Rt revd Dr Alan Wilson, and Mr Tony Wilson, Diocesan Director of Education, discuss the state of education and reflect on another successful year. About the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education ======================================= The ODBE works within statutory education on behalf of the Diocese of Oxford in developing a Christian vision of education, fulfilling this commitment to all schools through the provision of a comprehensive range of advice and support. Find out more at https://www.odbe.org.uk/ Common Worship in our Schools ======================================= The July 2023 edition of Pathways magazine, published by the Diocese of Oxford explores the question of whether we should have collective worship in schools. A former Bishop of Oxford and our Chaplaincy Adviser, Revd Charlie Kerr, debate the issue in print. Find Pathways online at oxford.anglican.org/pathways or pick up a copy at your local church.

As we reach the end of the journey, you may be wondering where you should go from here – what are the next steps in becoming a Christian, or reawakening a forgotten faith? Bishop Steven offers some prayers to say alone or with those who have journeyed with you. Take some time and make them your own. We all need help and support in living the Christian life well. Find your local church at achurchnearyou.com and continue your journey.

Even on the best of days, there are shadows in our lives – darkness created by our human tendency to mess things up. There’s a shadow at the end of our journey too. The Bible calls it ‘the shadow of death.’ The third part of the Creed makes the remarkable claim that Jesus rose from the dead, three days after he was crucified. What does that mean for the darkness within us? What lies beyond that final shadow? – Where have you seen kindness/love/goodness or God this week? – What have you heard that energised you? – What challenged you or left you with a question? – What would be good to explore further? This is the third of the Come and See weekly films from Bishop Steven. It accompanies daily email reflections throughout Lent. Find out more and join at oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

As far as we know, we are the only part of the whole universe able to consider the cosmos and its meaning. But who gave us that desire - the need to know and understand what we are created for? From the very first line of the creed, we place our faith in God, the creator of heaven and earth. But God is more than just our maker – from all across the universe, his great love is calling us home. This is the first of the Come and See weekly films from Bishop Steven. It accompanies daily email reflections throughout Lent. – Where have you seen kindness/love/goodness or God this week? – Based on the film and Creeds reflections this week: what have you heard that energised you? What challenged you or left you with a question? What would be good to explore further? – Reflect using the stilling practice in the Come and See email (also available on the website) To find out more, and join in, at oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

When all around us is in chaos, coming back to the Father can help us recover a sense of identity and purpose. But what’s the next step on our journey? The four gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – unfold the powerful truth of Jesus. But they weren’t written to simply tell us about him – they invite each of us to take the next step and follow Jesus for ourselves. This is the second of the Come and See weekly films from Bishop Steven. It accompanies daily email reflections throughout Lent. – Where have you seen kindness/love/goodness or God this week? – Based on the film and Creeds reflections this week... what have you heard that energised you? What challenged you or left you with a question? What would be good to explore further? – Reflect using the dwelling practice in the Come and See email (also available on the website) To find out more, and join in, at oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

Sometimes God can feel distant and far away, and the truths about God can seem hard to take hold of. When we feel worn down by life, the Holy Spirit can bring us comfort and peace. But how do we actually experience the Holy Spirit at work in our lives? – What have you heard that energised you? – What challenged you or left you with a question? – What would be good to explore further? This is the fourth of the Come and See weekly films from Bishop Steven. It accompanies daily email reflections throughout Lent. See the journey so far and join us at oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see

Some people spend their whole lives trying to discover what is important and valuable – what really matters in life. Some stumble across it almost by accident. The final lines of the Creed remind us of the blessings which are ours in Christ, offered to us by God, free of charge. – What have you heard that energised you? – What challenged you or left you with a question? – What would be good to explore further? This film marks the end of our series on the Creed, but there is still so much more to come and see. If you would like to take the next steps, click the link at the end of the video. Find out more and join at oxford.anglican.org/come-and-see