At the start of the new school term and the season of Creationtide, over the next month we will be sharing reflections from pupils and staff from our diocesan schools… |
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Special Service Marks the Start of Term for Mission and Ministry Training |
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The start of a new term has been celebrated for people embarking or continuing their mission and ministry training in our diocese. Bishop Rhiannon said, “It is so exciting to be in this room with so many people just brimming full of faith, with so much hope and excitement as they are starting their courses ... It feels like God is very much here and there are exciting times ahead.” |
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Chaplaincies Offer Support, Friendship and a Listening Ear |
Town and city centre chaplains are there for anyone who needs support - we spoke with the chaplaincies of Basingstoke and Winchester about their work. Alison Dolphin, lead chaplain of Winchester, said, “Chaplaincy is an expression of God's love and often that might be in practical ways and building trust and being there, but sometimes time, presence and prayer is what people need as well.” |
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First Meeting of the Single Clergy Network |
The first Single Clergy Network social was recently held in a pub in Otterbourne and proved to be very informative and lots of fun!
The group were able to have many conversations and in particular share tips and ideas around lone working.
If you would like to hear more about future events please email the diocese's Single Clergy Representative, Revd Ann Devereux: annd@acnb-church.org |
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Triwonder Installation to Bless Parishes This Season |
This week we dismantled the 2,500 creatures on their ribbons at Winchester Cathedral. We know that hundreds of people enjoyed and learned from them this summer, and thousands (yes, thousands!) of photographs have been taken. They are now en route to many churches and parishes for display and use in services and worship during this Creationtide season. See photos here >>> |
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St Leonard’s in Sherfield, part of Growing Rural Parishes Programme, recently set up social suppers to grow strong relationships between people in the church and the wider community. Now so many come that the church hall is not big enough and they’ve had to start using the village hall! Would your multi-parish benefice appreciate the kind of encouragement and learning that led to this growth? To apply for funding, please submit your application to Richard Lister by the end of Friday 19 September. |
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Creationtide - A Chance for Parishes to Work Creatively with Schools |
Parishes have a great opportunity this season to consider co-creating Spiritual Gardens in their local schools. Many of our CofE schools have them, beautifully similar and different to the Psalm 23 Garden at Romsey Abbey School featured above. If you’re interested in this practical way of caring for creation, please contact Jeff, our Director of Education at Jeff.williams@winchester.anglican.org |
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Guidance for Churches After the Death of the Late Duchess of Kent |
Further to last week’s announcement of the death of the Late Duchess of Kent, we have been advised that Union flags will be flown at half-mast from 08:00 on the 16th September until 08:00 on the 17th September to mark Her Late Royal Highness’ Requiem Funeral Mass which will take place at Westminster Cathedral at 14:00 on Tuesday 16th September. Churches and cathedrals may wish to participate in flying flags at half-mast but there is no obligation. Similarly, there again will be no formal pattern of bell-tolling - you are encouraged to do what feels appropriate for your community and congregation. There is an online book of condolence available via The Royal Family website, should individuals or communities wish to send a message or pay their respects. |
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Resources for Disability Awareness Sunday |
28 September 2025
Join churches across the UK as we celebrate Disability Awareness Sunday. This year's theme is 'made in God's image', reminding us that every person reflects the image of God. Through the Roof has created resources for churches, including a service outline, short video, prayers, and printed materials.
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Greening our Finances Webinar |
7 October, 12:30pm, Online
Whether you're just starting out on your Eco Church journey or have wisdom to share with others, this webinar will support you in connecting your finances with your care for creation. Explore practical steps, like choosing a greener bank account for your church, and getting your congregation involved in campaigning for a greener, fairer financial system. |
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Anti-Slavery Day Resources |
18 October 2025
Anti-Slavery Day is a chance for churches, charities, and individuals to consider afresh what they can do to eliminate modern slavery in their communities. The Clewer Initiative encourages people to think about what they could do to raise awareness of modern slavery, and have shared resources to help you get started. |
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Save the Date - Animal Welfare Sunday |
5 October 2025
On or around Animal Welfare Sunday, the Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals (ASWA) encourage and help churches to hold animal blessing services and to be aware of the need to care for God’s creation. Find resources such as guide booklets, service guides and information booklets via the ASWA website below. |
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New Faith & Generosity Reflection |
This month's Faith & Generosity reflection, with the theme of 'Two Masters' looks at Luke 1 6: 1-13. This resource can be used for preaching or personal reflection. Read the reflection here >>> |
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Chairs and Crockery Available to Parishes |
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Join Bishop Rhiannon and Revd Dr Amy Roche, along with members of the Mission and Ministry Team, to explore how God may be calling you and to find out more about the pathways available for both lay and ordained ministries. |
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11 October, 11am, Winchester Cathedral
All Diocesan LLMs and LLWs are warmly invited to attend this Lay Ministries service - we'd love for you to be a part of this annual celebration. There are reserved spaces available for LLMs to robe and sit in the nave choir seating area which will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please get in touch by the end of September to let us know if you plan attend and robe, so that the Cathedral office can plan the seating accordingly. |
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Events Around the Diocese |
16 September, 7pm, Rimjhim Winchester |
24 September, 10am, St Boniface Church, Chandlers Ford |
27 September, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
2 October, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
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2 October, 2pm, Old Alresford Place |
14 October, 8:15am, Old Alresford Place |
18 October, 9:30am, St Boniface Church, Chandler's Ford |
21 October, 12:30pm, LOVECHURCH - St Swithun's Bournemouth |
21 October, 7pm, LOVECHURCH - St Swithun's Bournemouth |
22 October, 8:15am, Church Rooms, Christ Church, Colbury |
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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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