Lay Gathering 2026

Together in Christ Sharing Hope: Working Together To Transform Our Communities will bring together lay people from across the diocese for worship, teaching, prayer, encouragement and an opportunity to look outward in mission and service.

The gathering will be open both in person and online, with resources being made available afterwards to ensure as many people as possible can take part.

Using the Bishop's House garden as a backdrop, Bishop Mark reflects on how different areas of the garden are thriving while others remain works in progress, describing it as a picture of diocesan life.

He said that, just like the garden, some parts of the diocese are experiencing great encouragement while others are facing challenges, yet all belong together as part of the same Christian community.

Those unable to attend in person are warmly encouraged to join online or access the resources after the event.

The Lay Gathering 2026 takes place at Chester Cathedral on Saturday 19 September. Further details and booking information will soon be available on the diocesan website.

Watch Bishop Mark's video message here: