THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK FROM REVD THERESA PARKER |
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The Archbishop of York’s Advent 2025 book is 'Listening to the Music of the Soul' by the Bishop of Chelmsford, Guli Francis-Dehqani, which I wholeheartedly commend to you.
In the spirit of this book, I would love to encourage you to take a few moments this week to listen to a piece of music that you find inspiring or moving. There is something about this season of Advent that invites us to pause and attend to our preparedness to celebrate once again Jesus’s birth. Music can touch us differently from the written word, enabling us to dig deeply and consider our hopes and dreams; our fears and pains. There will, I expect, be music that can connect you with a range of different emotions. |
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Bishop Guli recommends a number of different pieces of music, and you may find one of them to be a good starting point. Alternatively, select your own, listen carefully, and see where it takes you. If you have a bit more time, perhaps you could even consider your own Desert Island Discs. It’s not as easy as you might think! |
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Saying Goodbye to Archdeacon Jean |
Downing Street announced yesterday that the Venerable Jean Burgess, our Archdeacon of Bournemouth, will be the next Bishop of Grimsby. Jean said, "I am very excited about this new opportunity to serve God in the diocese of Lincoln. And yet I will miss the community here in the Diocese of Winchester." Please pray for Jean as she prepares to take this next step in her ministry. |
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Revd Canon Chris Palmer to Become Dean of Winchester |
On Monday, we were delighted to share that Revd Canon Chris Palmer, Canon Treasurer at Exeter Cathedral, will be the next Dean of Winchester. He said, "It’s been wonderful to meet senior leaders during the discernment process, and I’m excited to get to know the many others who contribute to the cathedral’s vitality and welcome. Please pray for me as I prepare to move to Winchester next year.” |
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Wonderful Photos from the Weekend of Young People Being Baptised and Confirmed |
Christ Church Winchester celebrated the baptisms of nine young people from their youth group and young adults communities on Sunday evening (see the photos here), while Bishop Philip confirmed a further nine people at a service at St. John the Evangelist, Hook (see the photos here). Meanwhile a further five young people were baptised at St Mary's Church Sholing (see photo), some choosing full submersion as a wonderful sign of entering into the new life that Jesus offers! |
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Reflections on 25 Years as a Licensed Lay Minister |
Dozens of people gathered in the Parish of North Stoneham and Bassett last month to thank Malcolm Harper who retired after 25 years as an LLM in our diocese. We interviewed Malcolm who told us about his role as an LLM and why it has it has been such a valuable and valued ministry, saying, "It’s more important than a lot of people think and some don’t realise how much we can actually do." |
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Responding to Racial Injustice and Intolerance |
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Over recent months, many communities have experienced division and racial intolerance and hostility towards people of BAME heritage. Our churches have been responding with concern and compassion, such as St Luke’s Church, Bournemouth, who recently organised a Silent Vigil in collaboration with local group Stand Up to Racism. One of the organisers, Mel Osborne, said, "It was our way of shining light without shouting, resisting hate without violence, standing with those who feel unwelcome, and praying for reconciliation in our communities."
Read all about it here >>> |
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Last week Bishop Philip hosted a webinar for the Good Faith Partnership entitled ‘Christ and Country in Our Politics' looking at questions such as 'How should Christians respond to the perceived rise of Christian nationalism?' Watch a recording here >>> |
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Bishop Philip Champions Winchester Food & Basics Bank |
This week Bishop Philip, who recently became president of the charity, visited the Winchester Food and Basics Bank, which helps families in need across the city and surrounding area. Read more about his visit here >>> |
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Watch Our Latest Advent Video |
Hear from Floyd, another of our amazing young people, who shares his testimony on why it's important to share his faith, as we remember the prophets who foretold the coming of Christ. Watch the video here >>> |
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Resources for Holocaust Memorial Day 2026 |
27 January 2026
Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is a national day where we commemorate the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered during the Holocaust, and the millions more murdered under Nazi persecution. Watch the video below to find out about the new resources and how you can use them to mark HMD 2026. |
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New Visually Impaired Clergy Group Launched |
Clergy in the Church of England who live with a visual impairment are being invited to join a new support group which offers support and shares tech and techniques used to navigate ministry with a visual impairment.
Revd John Beauchamp said, "The group will reflect on the ministry task and what approaching this as blind or partially sighted ministers can teach us and the wider church." To find out more, contact Revd John Beauchamp. |
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26 for 26 - Work for Justice and Tackle Poverty in 2026 |
As Christians, we're called to seek justice and challenge injustice. But making that a regular part of church life isn’t always easy. To help, Christian Aid and Church Action on Poverty have jointly launched the “26 in 26” project: an interactive poster with 26 ideas for churches to try next year, including prayers, and reflection and worship materials. |
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Calculate the Crucial Role Your Church Plays in Supporting the Local Community |
This calculator tool from National Churches Trust allows you to capture and showcase the social and economic value your church brings to its community. The results can strengthen your case for fundraising, motivate volunteers, and contribute to the future planning of your church's mission. |
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This workshop helps experienced leaders refine their leadership abilities and enhance their personal development so as to increase their leadership influence. The day will be led by Simon Kirby, a Senior Consultant with the Wakeman Wright Group, whose church team found his training to be genuinely transformational. |
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Come Along to an Evening of Classical Music With the Chamber Ensemble of London |
7 March 2026, 7pm, Highfield Church, SO17 1RL
In aid of the charity Caraway, which offers chaplaincy and dementia services for older people in Southampton, all are welcome to attend an evening of classical music performed by the acclaimed Chamber Ensemble of London. Regularly featured on Classic FM and Radio 3, its members are counted among some of the finest classical musicians in the country. This is a dementia-friendly event, designed to be inclusive, comfortable and accessible for everyone. |
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Events Around the Diocese |
14 December, 5pm, Winchester Cathedral Quire |
17 January, 10am, St John’s Stoke Church, Guildford |
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12 February, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
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Around the Diocese and Beyond... |
Do you have a vacancy you'd like us to share?
Get in touch with communications@winchester.anglican.org. |
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