We’re here to serve the worshipping communities in the Colchester Episcopal Area
Together, we can build on what has served us well and shape new missional paths for the future.
An introduction from Bishop Roger
This is both a challenging and exciting time for the Colchester Episcopal Area. I am delighted to introduce Colchester Connects which, although still in its early stages, I hope will increasingly support everyday missional life and help us reach as many people as possible.
Alongside the committed leaders and volunteers who faithfully serve our parishes, and in keeping with the approach and values set out in Travelling Well Together, we have been prayerfully listening and discerning the missional heartbeat of our area. Through this process, and with insights gathered from each of our deaneries, we are beginning to shape a shared strategy that will guide us with wisdom, faith and imagination.
The Colchester Episcopal Area is wonderfully rich in diversity, covering more than half of the Diocese of Chelmsford. From vibrant coastal communities and remote rural villages to our bustling market towns and the city of Colchester itself. Each of our nine deaneries has its own story, its own needs, and its own God-given potential.
Supporting these communities will call for a variety of approaches. Yet across them all, I believe our shared task is to discern the mission of God, to sow the word generously, to water faithfully, and to nurture the growth that God brings.
Bishop Roger
The long-term goals of Colchester Connects
Through Colchester Connects, we will:
- See confident disciples living out their faith in everyday life and drawing others to Christ
- Develop sustainable structures that liberate the energy of lay and ordained leaders for mission
- Ensure every benefice is resourced to support children and young people who are flourishing in their discipleship
- Disciple and empower the Emerging Generation to participate fully in church life and engage actively in mission and evangelism
- Bless every community with a visible, enduring missional presence
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Launchpad training to support confident youth work
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Rural Ministry in Colchester
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Celebrating the Harvest together in Colchester
The National Church's Diocesan Investment Programme
We have submitted a strategic application to the National Church’s Diocesan Investment Programme (DIP), via the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB). Securing additional funding will enable us to strengthen missional work, support parish sustainability, reach younger generations, and address long-term patterns of decline.
In keeping with Travelling Well Together and working closely with Area Deans, parish leaders, and community members from a wide range of backgrounds, we have been developing ideas that will help the Colchester Episcopal Area to flourish. Through numerours workshops, conversations and shared discernment, we are now forming a ten-year strategy which will also support our DIP application. The National Church has already funded several roles within the Programme Office to support the research, discernment and development of our approach to mission.
We expect to hear the outcome of our application towards the end of the year. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this work so far. We'll keep this page updated as we learn more.
More content coming soon
This page will soon be updated with further news, resources and opportunities to support mission across the Colchester Episcopal Area. You’ll also find information about local events, training courses and ways to get involved.
Please check back soon.
Grace and peace.