Category: St Michael’s Church

Vision Night and Annual Church Meeting

Posted on by Laura Thomas

Join us for an evening of inspiration and vision at our Annual Meeting and Vision Night on Wednesday 29 April 2026 at 7.30pm.

Throughout the evening we will be looking forward at our vision, values and strategy. 

And we’ll also complete our formal Church of England annual meeting requirements as the PCC.

What is the PCC?

The PCC (Parochial Church Council) is the governing body of St Michael’s overseeing our ministry and mission. It is responsible for ensuring compliance with policies, proper recruitment and staff management. The PCC is required to hold an APCM (Annual Parochial Church Meeting) where reports are shared, accounts approved, and new members and officers are elected. Anyone can come to the annual meeting; only those on the electoral roll can vote.

Do I need to book to come?

You can just turn up, but it would aid us in planning if you could register in advance. Please click here

Serve on PCC

The PCC (Parochial Church Council) is made up of Clergy, Church Wardens, members of the Deanery and Diocesan Synods and a number of elected members. Being a member of the PCC means you are part of decision making, and carries some legal responsibilities. PCC members are considered ‘trustees’ by the Charity Commission.  To stand for election to the PCC you must be 16 or over, on the church Electoral Roll, regularly take communion, and be legally allowed to be a Charity Trustee.

At the meeting on Wednesday 29 April we will be electing new members. If you have an interest in standing, please contact the PCC Secretary via the church office or speak with Simon.

Annual Meeting Documents

In line with our commitment to being more eco-friendly, we will not be printing multiple copies of the meeting documents.  Please download in advance or bring a device with you that you can access the internet on.  Printed copies will be available on request in advance. – please sign-up to request them. The link to access the documents will be emailed to you when you sign up to confirm your attendance. If you cannot make the meeting but would like to access the documents, please email Laura@stmichaelsbristol.org

Sponsor a Chair

Posted on by Laura Thomas

Sponsor a Chair

This campaign has now closed – thank you so much for all who donated. This raised an amazing £16,201.19

As part of our Church Refurbishment, we are raising funds to provide 130 new chairs that will help create a more welcoming and flexible space for worship, community groups, events and outreach.

We have ordered chairs that are specially designed for churches and cathedrals. The chosen design has won numerous awards including the Church of England’s ‘Design a Church Chair’ competition and has been recognised by the Worshipful Company of Furniture Makers as an outstanding lightweight stackable chair. Would you like to sponsor a chair?

By giving today, you are helping us make room for people and strengthen the life of our church and wider community. Every gift, large or small, makes a real difference.

We are so close now to the completion of the Heart of the Community Project which was launched in 2012.

The four key aims have been: –

  • Create a spacious modern meeting place in the centre of the community
  • Restore our historic church building for generations to come
  • Upgrade our existing community rooms
  • Fund outreach and anti-poverty projects locally, nationally and internationally

This campaign comes under the second of these aims as we get closer to the completion of the church building refurbishment.

It’s about more than chairs — it’s about creating a space that welcomes everyone.

All those who sponsor a chair will receive a commemorative certificate and card. There will also be a presentation book of sponsors in the refurbished church building.

Please note -By donating, you agree that any monies raised over the £39,000 required will go to the Ordinary Fund of St Michael’s Church

Bible Reading Plans for 2026

Posted on by Laura Thomas

Deepen Your Connection with God in 2026: Recommended Bible Reading Plans

As the new year approaches, it’s a great time to deepen your connection with God through Scripture. Daily reading nurtures spiritual growth and guides everyday life.

Here are some resources to help you get started:

Tips for success:

  • Pick a plan that fits your lifestyle.
  • Read consistently, even for a few minutes a day.
  • Reflect, take notes, and pray as you read.
  • Consider joining a Life Group for shared insights.

Explore the many plans available and find one that resonates with you—may 2026 bring spiritual growth and blessings! 

Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Group

Posted on by Laura Thomas

Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Group

Our next course is mixed-gender and starts in April

Sign-up to express an interest in attending the course – click here

How is your emotional wellbeing? 

Maybe you are struggling with anxiety, depression, anger, grief or stress or maybe you are supporting someone dealing with these issues…

They are all very normal emotions; so please know that you are not alone! 

Why not consider joining a wellbeing programme being run by St Michael’s Church, Stoke Gifford?

It’s called Kintsugi Hope and is based on the belief that there can be treasure found in the scars of life. 

Each week, in a small, safe and supportive group, we will look at subjects rarely talked about in depth such as : Honesty, anxiety, depression, perfectionism, shame and anger.

The aim of this shared journey is to gain support, understanding and tools that will enable us to become more resilient. 

Kintsugi groups are suitable both for people of faith and for those with none.

Please email Abbie if you have any questions

Who is it For?

The stress and demands of modern living can take their toll on our mental health and wellbeing.

Many of us may feel the effect but not fully understand the cause. There has been a tendency in our society to not talk about our struggles yet ….” healing starts the moment we are heard!”

So the vision of Kintsugi Hope is to provide a place where people can experience :

  • Safety and support where there is no shame and embarrassment in struggling
  • An increase in self worth, confidence and wellbeing
  • A deeper understanding of the reality of Gods love for them.
  • Clear pathways to receive additional support if needed

What it’s not….

It is not therapy – there are no leaders or experts.

For this reason it would not be suitable for those with a more serious diagnosed mental illness.

If you feel this might be for you and you’d like to find out more or would like to sign up for a group please email kintsugi@stmichaelsbristol.org

Comments from previous participants:

“ I looked and listened to others in the room who I presumed had their lives sorted and realised that it wasn’t just me , that I wasn’t alone in my struggles”

“ The materials and resources covered have provided me with a metaphorical tool box to refer to on difficult days”

“ I’ve learnt about myself, what God wants for me and that there’s a better way, a better life in Him, as He intended”

“ I wish there had been something like this years ago! I needn’t have struggled for so long in silence”

“ I’ve realised ‘it’s OK not to be OK’ and that this was the first step to me acknowledging where I was at, having the desire to make changes, seek further and move forwards”

“The Kintsugi Hope Group allowed me to be honest with myself amongst a group of people where there was no judgement and who I could trust. It helped me to understand myself in a  better way”

One final comment …. “ We HAVE to do this …it’s the heart of the gospel!”