Dear friends,It is our joy and privilege to share with you the news that a new Bishop of Grimsby has been appointed. The Venerable Jean Burgess, currently Archdeacon of Bournemouth in the Diocese of Winchester, will be consecrated in February next year and will begin her ministry as a bishop in our Diocese before Easter.The formal announcement was made by Downing Street this morning, and the bishop-designate was introduced to a gathering of church representatives and civic leaders at Grimsby Minster. Jean also met with clergy and lay ministers in Scunthorpe, followed by a visit to William Farr CofE School in Welton, where pupils had the opportunity to ask her questions about life, faith and ministry in the Church of England. Tomorrow, Jean will meet staff at Edward King House, before travelling to Spilsby to meet with ministers and parishioners.As Bishop of Grimsby, Jean will have a particular care and responsibility for people, parishes and partnerships in the northern half of our Diocese, alongside a wider lead role for mission, evangelism and faith in the public square. She will also become the Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education, working closely with our schools, staff and young people.Please do visit the diocesan website for more information and photographs from today's announcement: Press Release - Bishop of GrimsbyWe are so looking forward to welcoming Jean and her husband Graham to our Diocese and we ask you to pray for them as they prepare for this new chapter in life and ministry.Yours ever in Christ,+Stephen and +NicholasThe Bishop of Lincoln and the Bishop of Grantham
NOVEMBER 2025 UPDATE....We continue to raise funds for our project. The proposed plans for the accessible toilet, servery and driveway have been approved by the Diocesan Advisory Committee. The architect is now working on specifications. Text of launch letter to residents and friends:Since the thirteenth century St Lawrence’s has been a place of worship, and the place where baptisms, marriages and funerals are held. In modern times this continues and in addition the church and churchyard welcomes many visitors to its tranquil setting.The Churchwardens and Fulstow District Church Council (DCC) are embarking on an exciting and necessary development project to bring St Lawrence’s into the 21st Century. Having listened carefully to comments made by visitors and those who regularly attend services, it has become increasingly clear that we need improve the pathway up to the church and also provide accessible toilet facilities. Advice and support has already been received from the Diocesan Advisory Committee, and we will now move towards engaging an architect to produce plans.As you can imagine, this will be a major project for this small country church, and will cost a considerable amount of money. We hope to secure grant funding for the majority of the project, but we will need to raise a proportion of the cost ourselves. Fulstow residents and friends have always been generous in support of St Lawrence’s, and we hope you will all continue to help us in our fund raising initiatives.
