Our weekly newsletter will be taking a break over the summer, with one update mid-August. See you in September! |
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God at Work in Our Diocese: Signs of ‘The Quiet Revival' |
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In our diocese, many churches are seeing signs of the Quiet Revival: evidence that the Church is growing across the UK and especially reaching younger generations. Recent figures for our diocese show that our total worshipping community increased by 6.8% between 2023 and 2024. We spoke to a few churches who are seeing growth particularly in young people, to encourage and inspire you with what God is doing amongst us!
We would love to hear more stories of signs of the 'quiet revival' in your church or community! Please do share your good news with us at communications@winchester.anglican.org. |
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Churches Across the Diocese Give Thanks for Jane Austen! |
With this year marking the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth, churches across the diocese have held special services and events to celebrate and give thanks to God for the life and work of the much loved author, from a Regency themed country fair to a ten-day Regency festival! |
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Celebrating the First Official BMO in the Diocese |
A ceremony has been held at Wolvesey to officially recognise the diocese’s first Bishop’s Mission Order (BMO) church, LOVECHURCH Bournemouth, which has been 10 years in the making. Bishop Philip said, "In many ways it's been about setting the church loose, to be about the mission of God in Bournemouth." |
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Bishop Philip Visits Thriving Café Church in Burghclere! |
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Last Sunday Bishop Philip visited and took part in Café Church at the Church of the Ascension, Burghclere. Cafe Church is an increasingly popular initiative which is usually once a month, but over the summer is every Sunday. Craft activities and breakfast are enjoyed during an informal service, organised by a brilliant and dedicated team of volunteers. |
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Launch of a New Faith & Generosity Video Series |
Our Faith and Generosity Team have launched a new video reflection series, starting with a video from Georgi Thompson Leask, diocesan Faith and Generosity Adviser, who speaks about growing our spiritual lives: "We see that growing in faith means inviting God into all of our life, not just to those parts we think he will be happy with. God wants a relationship with the real you, the real me, even down to our wishful thinking."
Do get in touch if you'd like Georgi to speak about faith and generosity at your church services. |
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New Safeguarding Hubs for Safeguarding Officers |
Building on the success of the Parish Safeguarding Dashboards, the diocese are delighted to offer, free of charge, a suite of additional tools called 'Safeguarding Hubs'. The Hubs can help parishes keep track of DBS checks/safeguarding training, create role descriptions and track the safer recruitment of your new volunteers. |
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A year after the death of our dear friend and colleague, Revd Canon Gary Philbrick, his son Craig reflects on the unexpected grace that grief can offer us.
Read his reflection via the Church Times website >>> |
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Bishops' Statements on Gaza |
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Christian Aid have an ongoing Gaza Appeal here - with support and prayers, Christian Aid is endeavoring to reach more people with the humanitarian aid sorely needed. |
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Sign Up for Ride+Stride 2025! |
13 September 2025
Is your church taking part in this year's Ride+Stride? Whether it's encouraging riders and striders from the parish to raise money through sponsorship and participating on the day, or welcoming visitors to your church and providing refreshments, it's not too late to get involved! |
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Resource: Renewing Hope in Smaller Churches |
27 Sep, Christ Church, Tunbridge Wells
18 Oct, All Saints, Marlow
Facilitated by Revd Jolyon Trickey, these sessions, held between 10am and 4pm, are aimed particularly at leaders and worshippers in smaller local churches. Look to encounter God in fresh ways and renew your confidence in the inextinguishable power of biblical hope. |
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Grow Your Church's Digital Presence With the Digital Growth Programme |
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Is your church looking to take its digital presence up a level? The national church are launching the Digital Growth Programme - an initiative designed to help churches grow their digital presence, confidence, and impact. Any churches interested can complete the application form below - limited spaces are available, so apply soon to avoid disappointment! |
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CONGRATULATIONS!
We are delighted to announce that our Assistant Diocesan Secretary, Cathy Laird, has given birth to a little girl. Please pray for Cathy and her family at this special time. |
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Two BCM programmes will be running in the autumn term - BCM Pastoral, which aims to equip you across a range of different pastoral situations in your church and community, and BCM Children, Families, Youth, which explores faith development in children and will provide you with a range of creative ideas for building a strong ministry team. |
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Events Around the Diocese |
3 September, 2pm, St John's Church, Hook |
24 September, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
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27 September, 9:30am, St Boniface, Chandler's Ford |
2 October, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
2 October, 2pm, 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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Copyright © 2025 Diocese of Winchester, All rights reserved. You are receiving this message because you are: an office holder in the Diocese of Winchester; a member of church staff in the diocese (including PCC members); or you have opted in to receive emails from the diocese via our website.
Our mailing address is: Diocese of Winchester, Old Alresford Place, Alresford, SO24 9DH
Want to change how you receive these emails? Email communications@winchester.anglican.org.
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