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From Bishop Philip's final sermon at the Clergy Conference 2026...
Over the years I’ve been so helped by Lesslie Newbigin’s oft-repeated words that the Church of God is to be 'a sign, instrument and foretaste of the Kingdom of God'. The high calling of the Church is to point to the Kingdom that is to come; to work for the coming of that Kingdom; and in the here and now to give a flavour and a savour of just what that coming Kingdom is. |
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Of course that doesn’t all depend on us, thankfully. There is room for weakness and brokenness in ministry. Indeed I think it’s only weak and broken ministers, who know they carry treasure in jars of clay, who can be a sign, instrument and foretaste of the Kingdom.
But nonetheless, so much does depend on us. It is absolutely integral to our calling. The Church can thrive despite us, but the Lord would much prefer that it thrived through us. That is no small task, that is no small challenge. But his grace is sufficient for us, because his power is made perfect in weakness. |
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See the Photos from the Clergy Conference 2026! |
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Clergy from all over our diocese gathered together this week for a time of fellowship, learning, refreshment and worship. The overall theme was one of encouragement: "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds' (Hebrews 10:24).
The recordings of the keynote talks are now available on our YouTube channel. |
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Encouraging Rise in Attendance this Christmas |
Churches across the diocese reported significant increases in the number of worshippers this Christmas, compared to previous years. One church even had to hold back-to-back carol services to meet the rise in numbers! Read the inspiring stories of how our churches welcomed people over Christmas. |
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Basingstoke’s Shelter Offers a Lifeline to the Vulnerable |
The Basingstoke Night Light Winter Shelter, run by volunteers from churches of all denominations, offers guests support including a hot meal and a bed for the night. Project Co-ordinator David Grant said, "We're doing it because we think that's what Jesus would do." |
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Draw Near: 2026 Lent Resources |
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The Church of England’s theme for Lent 2026 is Draw Near: Life-Giving Habits for Lent, aimed at looking at patterns which help us grow as disciples of Christ day by day, especially as we prepare to celebrate the great mystery of God’s saving love at Easter.
The diocese is also working with Winchester Cathedral to offer a Lent programme of talks and teaching videos on the theme of reconciliation, drawing on the book of Ephesians. Watch this space for more information next week! |
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Parish Finance Returns Now Open |
A big thank you for submitting your Return of Parish Finance last year, which made a real difference in calculating important financial statistics. The online parish returns system is now open for your 2025 return - we’d be really grateful if you could start uploading your returns! |
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Young Adults & General Synod |
We need to hear more young voices within the Church of England - one way that General Synod is hoping to do this is by engaging young adults in the life and governance of General Synod, equipping them to serve in the governance of the Church. The Young Adults at Synod Orientation Programme begins in March 2026 and we've been invited to send 5-10 young adults. If this is of interest to you and your congregations, email the Bishop’s chaplain who'll provide further info. |
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CofE Creation Care Calendar |
The Church of England has published a new interactive Creation Care Calendar. This calendar is designed to support churches in raising awareness about climate change and in planning events and campaigns that encourage local eco-projects. |
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Listed Places of Worship (LPW) Grant Scheme |
The Listed Place of Worship Scheme is currently due to end in March 2026, unless the funding runs out prior to this date. If you have eligible works to claim, you're encouraged to do so as soon as you can. |
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It's not too late to book tickets for this inspirational, interactive and practical day conference taking place this Saturday, helping you on your NZC journey. The conference is hosted by the dioceses of Portsmouth, Guildford, Chichester and Winchester, with contributions from four bishops, A Rocha, local young people, diocesan NZC and comms teams. |
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Lyndhurst Deanery Roadshow |
27 January, 2pm, St Andrew's Centre, Dibden Purlieu
From 2 to 6pm the diocesan team will take up residence at St Andrew's. Please come along to speak to us on a variety of topics including: CMF, Clerical Registry, Faith & Generosity, Growing Rural Parishes, Fundraising, Racial Justice, Youth & Children's Work, and more. Or just pop in to say hello! Find out more >>> |
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ReSource Regional Gathering |
7 February, 10am-4pm, Wells United Church, Wells
This day is aimed particularly at leaders and worshippers in smaller local churches. With input from Revd Jolyon Trickey & others from ReSource, we will encounter God afresh, wrestle with the practicalities of living expectantly in our local context and be refreshed and renewed in our faith in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. For further information and to book a ticket, click here >>> |
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Events Around the Diocese |
17 January, 1am, Old Alresford Place |
22 January, 9:30am, Old Alresford Place |
31 January, 8:15am, St Mary & All Saints, Ellingham |
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7 February, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
12 February, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
5 March, 9am, St Boniface Church, Chandler’s Ford |
18 March, 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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