The mighty front doors of St Mary the Virgin, Baldock. Dating back to 1150, much rebuilt in the 1300’s. Faring less well, sadly, are the doors and windows of our church hall which were all deliberately smashed last week. The Diocese of St Albans #churchdoorchallenge

The governance of the diocese might sound remote, specialist or just for a particular group of church people. But we are committed to changing that, and to ensuring that these bodies grow younger and more diverse. Could you help? Find out more: buff.ly/3St0ks2

🎉 This Autumn, the Diocese are hosting the Youthscape Essentials course in Hitchin and St Albans. The course begins in September and provides all-round training for anyone working or volunteering with young people. ➡️ To find out more, visit this page: buff.ly/4do6ba7

📣 Support continues for the Hurricane Beryl Appeal. Here is an update from All Saints' Bedford: "Currently the appeal has received a total of £19,525.80. Thank you to everyone who has donated so far." ➡️ For more information, please visit: buff.ly/45UDWO1

👀 We're looking for a Disclosure and Barring Administrator to join our Safeguarding Team - could this be you or someone you know? Find out more: buff.ly/3WKewj3

Today's #ChurchDoorChallenge has been sent to us from St Michael's Church, Woburn Sands: "Our door is always open during the day to welcome people in to enjoy our lovely building and some peace and quiet. It is also cool inside, even when it is very hot outside ☀️"

📣 A statement from the Bishop of St Albans, the Bishop of Bedford and the Bishop of Hertford about threats of violence on our streets. buff.ly/3Wy74WV

🌧️ Heavy rainfall is on the rise, and our church buildings need to be prepared! Properly sized and maintained rainwater systems are key to protecting our historic places of worship. Find out how to ensure your church is resilient against the elements ➡️ buff.ly/3LYrBix

🚜 Faith in the field: a thrilling ride on a combine harvester! The Revd Ginni Dear, Vicar of St Ippolyts with Great and Little Wymondley, recently had the opportunity to combine her love of rural life with her professional driving skills. Read more: buff.ly/3Au2GRg

📣 We're looking for a Programme Support Officer supporting the Strategic Programme Manager for our diocesan programme: Growing Younger and More Diverse. 📍 Location: St Albans 📅 Contract: Full-time, 1 year 🗓️ Apply by: 28 August 2024 Find out more: buff.ly/4dKSfqU

Thank you to all those who have taken part in the summer #ChurchDoorChallenge. It's been great to see the variety of settings around the Diocese and an idea of the activities that have been taking place during the summer 🙌.

📣 We’re on a mission to make our governance younger, more diverse, and ready for the future. 💻 We have a webinar this week where you can find out more, Weds 4 September at 8-9pm: buff.ly/3MvkvSY ➡️ For more information please see this page: buff.ly/3Mu73Pi

💚 Exciting news! The Heart for the Earth resources, developed by the St Albans Board of Education, have been shortlisted for the 2024 Church Times Green Church Awards! 🙌 Read more: buff.ly/3Tk9szE

📣 Interfaith Diocesan Event, 'How do we serve the community?': Mon 18 Nov, St Albans Cathedral. ➡️ Come and be a part of the conversation: buff.ly/3XCeKZV 🎤 Showcase a project that is having an impact in your local community. Details here: buff.ly/3B8WYof

📣 Take a look at this exciting new role in our Education department. We're looking for a General Schools Administrator (0.4/14 hours per week). 📆 Closing date is coming up soon: 24 September 2024. ➡️ More information on the website here: buff.ly/48UsMJl

📣 Take a look at this second role in our Education department. We're looking for a Schools Operational Support Administrator. (0.4/14 hours per week). 📆 Closing date is coming up soon: 24 September. ➡️ More information on the website here: buff.ly/3RrrbUR

🌍 Did you know we're in the middle of Fairtrade Fortnight (9 - 22 September)? 👉 Check out: 30 ways to celebrate 30 years of Fairtrade, with some helpful ideas for you and your church: buff.ly/4d6ntZ5

📣 Save the date! Join us at Youthscape in Luton on 10 October for a deep dive into how young people connect with the Christian narrative. Come and hear the latest research "Translating God". More info and book here: buff.ly/4e0EhBN See you there!

🎉 We are delighted to announce the upcoming Licensing of Readers. 🙏 We give thanks to God for each one and pray for them in this next step in their ministry journey. 📆 The service will be at 2.30pm on Sun 22 Sept at St Albans Cathedral: buff.ly/4gsRdSM

Bishop Jane recently joined the new MP for North East Hertfordshire and the Vicar of Stotfold and Radwell on a Chalk River Pilgrimage Protest, along with 45 local people. 👉 Read the full story here: buff.ly/3TszWiH, including support for how to run your own pilgrimage.