Join us on Good Friday when we'll be joined by Chris Rose CEO of this year's Lent Appeal charity, Amos Trust.

Visit our free lent exhibition by Mexican artist, Chantal Meza, focusing on environmental destruction, and the decline in biodiversity.

After 12 years as vicar of "the fairest, goodliest and most famous parish church in all England" the time has come for us to move on. As many of you know, I first came to Redcliffe in 1996 when I spent five years as Associate Vicar. I described that role as “The best job in the Church of England." However, after twelve years as vicar, I have to admit that I think this one is even better … just! I have been ordained for just over thirty years, which means that I have spent over half my ministry within Redcliffe. It is a community, a building and a place I have always loved for its people, its situation and its mix. It has been a huge privilege, a real honour and (on the whole) great fun being here, living amongst you and sharing with you in the work of the gospel. There have been some notable ‘wins’: a strapline and four key themes that really describe who SMR is a congregation that has grown in number and diversity a community team making a real difference a significant increase in visitor engagement a far more robust and compliant organisational structure And there are some notable things that have been left undone: most notably, our accessible toilet is still down a flight of steps! I have great confidence in the amazing team within this extraordinary place. I know you will continue to "Sing the Song of Faith and Justice" with hope and expectation. I know you will continue to find new, dynamic and creative ways that honour Redcliffe's traditions. I know you will continue to build on them and so unfold as yet unknown and unseen glimpses of the Kingdom of God. As for me, as for us, we will be moving to London. Being a clergy family means that our previous moves have all been determined by me getting a new job. For some time we have had a hankering to live in London and, as many of you know, Sarah has been commuting to the capital for the last ten years. So that's what we're going to do. In the summer we'll move to London. I'll take my pension and spend my time supporting the work of the local church in new ways. All this means that my time as vicar of "Bristol's fairest" is drawing to close and our last Sunday will be Sunday 13 July. Thank you for your companionship along the way and for your commitment to this wonderful place. Dan Tyndall 23 February 2025

Katie Bignell, SMR's Youth Community Worker, writes about the Community Theatre activities held over the Christmas holidays: As part of our Winter Holiday activity and food programme we offered a valuable opportunity to our local community to participate in a two-day Theatre experience. The local children were immersed in a heart-warming adventure when we facilitated a trip to the Bristol old Vic to watch The Little Mermaid. It was many of our children's first Theatre experience and it was so heartwarming to see them light up as they were swept away into a magical story of dance, music and unique characters touching on some very important themes relevant to our current world. These themes such as environmental impacts on our oceans, cultural expression and how we build a better world through reaching out, caring and integrating fully with those around us, were further explored when we facilitated a Theatre workshop the following day. The children had the opportunity to set the scene through set design, developing their own characters and recreating their own version of the story, relevant to them, their cultures and their experience of the world. They thrived and really flourished in developing new skills and confidence whilst having the opportunity to be creative with Visual arts and Expressive Arts alongside Music and games. This is the second year we have facilitated a Theatre experience incorporating a trip to the Bristol Old Vic with an interactive Theatre workshop the following day. Each time it happens it is pure magic witnessing the positive growth and the creative capabilities these amazing young people possess. It is comparable to a Caterpillar turning into a Butterfly. The transformation from this opportunity is beautiful.

As we begin this new year and in light of recent media reports regarding abuse cases and the way they have been dealt with by the Church of England we would like to make the following statement. As a church family, we are called to reflect God’s love, care, and protection for all His children, particularly the most vulnerable among us. With this in mind, we want to take a moment to reassure you that the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults remains one of our highest priorities. Our church leadership is deeply committed to ensuring that St Mary Redcliffe is a place where everyone feels safe, valued, and protected. To this end, we have established a robust Safeguarding Policy and rigorously maintain processes and procedures that reflect both legal requirements and best practices in safeguarding. These processes are designed to create a secure environment for all and to uphold the trust that you, as a congregation, have placed in us. Our safeguarding procedures include: Comprehensive Policy: We adhere to safeguarding policies that comply with the Diocese of Bristol and Church of England guidelines. This policy is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure it remains effective and current. Training and Awareness: All staff and volunteers, who work with children and vulnerable adults undergo mandatory safeguarding training. This training equips them to recognise and respond to any concerns appropriately. Background Checks: Every individual serving in roles involving children or vulnerable adults undergoes a thorough vetting process, including a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check Clear Reporting Procedures: We have clear and confidential processes in place for reporting and addressing any safeguarding concerns. Esther Keller our appointed Parish Safeguarding Lead is always available to assist with any questions or concerns. Culture of Accountability: We foster a culture of openness and accountability, encouraging everyone in our church community to speak up if they see or sense anything that does not align with our commitment to safety. As members of our church family, we all have a role to play in ensuring the well-being of children and vulnerable adults in our care. If you ever have a concern, no matter how small it may seem, please do not hesitate to bring it to our attention. We are here to listen and to act with care and discretion. We are grateful for your trust and partnership as we work together to create a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment for all. Let us continue to pray for wisdom, vigilance, and God’s guidance as we strive to reflect His love and protection. Thank you for your continued support and prayers for this vital aspect of our ministry. May we remain united in our mission to honour Christ in all we do. All the best, Canon Dan Tyndall Esther Keller Vicar of St Mary Redcliffe Church Parish Safeguarding Officer Tel: 0776 929 6220 Tel: Tel:07811723427.