Changing stories

'Changing stories' is a series showing the impact of faith across the Church of England in the lives of individuals and communities in their everyday lives, in a variety of places and contexts, in new churches and worshipping communities and in ones that have existed for centuries.

  1. Richard is shown in a walking jacket with mist on some country or mountain road clearly shown behind him

    ‘The words came alive’ – the play that changed Richard’s life forever

    02/07/2021

    Richard Sandland, is being ordained Deacon in Worcester Cathedral on 4 July and will serve in the parish of Bromsgrove, ten years after watching an extraordinary play – that would change his life.  

    2 min read
  2. A man is shown smiling

    ‘Initially I ran in the opposite direction’ – a 30-year journey to ordination.

    25/06/2021

    Heath Monaghan first felt God calling him to be ordained when he was 13. More than three decades later, he expects to be tearful during the ordination service.

    2 min read
  3. Father Jack (a priest with a dog collar) is shown in his church with the altar below him

    Why hundreds of people are joining the ‘Spiritual Gym’

    15/06/2021

    Once a week, at 7.40am, children on their way to school, office workers and all kinds of local people attend the Spiritual Gym at Marylebone Church in London.

    2 min read
  4. A man in an orange jumpsuit looks out from the deck of a boat

    ‘When you experience the power of the sea and storms at night it makes you open to something beyond’ – former captain charts new course training for ministry

    28/05/2021

    Lee Higson recently left his 22-year career at sea to train as an Ordinand with the Diocese of Manchester. 

    2 min read
  5. The TikTok logo is shown on a smartphone

    ‘It was ridiculous!’ How vicar’s TikTok meant for seven teenagers reached 1.7 million

    10/05/2021

    What began as an amusing way to keep up with seven teenagers in her congregation is now serious outreach for Revd Anne Beverley.

    2 min read
  6. Shalom Youth Project

    ‘It made me believe in myself’ – seed of hope planted five decades ago bears fruit today

    06/05/2021

    A youth project that has provided support in one of the country’s most deprived areas during the pandemic has marked almost five decades of success. 

    2 min read
  7. Woman sitting in front of a laptop and smiling with floral wallpaper behind

    Being a Christian where you are

    06/05/2021

    Joy's calling is both to teaching and to ministry

    2 min read
  8. Man holding a brown and white dog and smiling

    More to life than work

    29/04/2021

    Chris has two callings: a vet during the week, he is also training for ministry

    2 min read
  9. Person standing on a pile of Lego

    The next invitation

    22/04/2021

    Growing Younger is the Diocese of Birmingham’s initiative to support parishes in their shared commitment to develop a spiritually-enriching children’s and youth ministry in every parish and church school.

    4 min read