THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK FROM REVD CANON DR TESS KUIN LAWTON |
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I am embarrassed to tell you that I have whole bookshelves full of Advent and Lent books which are sort-of half read. Or sometimes not read at all. And that rising tide of panic about the ‘to-do’ list is already having an impact on my breathing time with God. Yet, I really want to be present in this holy season of preparation. Advent is the church’s ‘New Year’ and so my resolution is to reach for poetry as soon as I wake up, instead of my phone. Maybe it’s not surprising that the only well-read and dog-eared Advent book I possess is Malcolm Guite’s ‘Waiting on the Word: a poem a day.’ |
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Toddler Group Helps Build Community and Faith |
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The toddler group at Lord’s Hill Church in Southampton has welcomed hundreds of people from the community since opening less than 2 years ago, and introduced many people to Jesus. Revd Tom Boulter said, “On the day that we opened we had 100 people come along without really advertising it, because there was such a local need. People were queuing up at the door saying, ‘we've been waiting for something like this to happen around here.’” |
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Milestone Moment for St Bartholomew’s Church |
A new waymarker has been installed at St Bartholomew’s Church in Winchester, marking it as an important point on the historic pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago ('The Way of St James') which leads to the shrine of the apostle James in Galicia, Spain. Revd Karen Kousseff said, “This church was founded in 1110 and has been welcoming pilgrims ever since then, but from today pilgrims will know that this is a significant place on the international map." |
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Public Leaders Join Together to Build Stronger Communities |
Bishop Rhiannon hosted the first meeting of the Hampshire and Solent Faith and Belief forum, bringing together members from a wide range of faith groups and public sector services. Bishop Rhiannon said, It’s important because it's all about relationships. If we can build deeper connections, we will be able to partner more effectively on all sorts of things to create a stronger Hampshire." |
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Iford Church Halves Electric Bill Through Give to Go Green |
St Saviours Church in Iford have raised funds and was matched by Give To Go Green, in order to install LED lighting in their buildings - this resulted in a drop in their electricity bill of over 50%! Read more >>> |
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Resources from Diocesan Synod |
A meeting of Diocesan Synod was held a week ago at Christ Church, Chineham. Bishop Philip shared his Presidential Address, ending with the prayer that we'll "be renewed in our commitment to live out that great good news in word and in deed, in our parishes, schools and chaplaincies, in our deaneries and as a diocese".
Read Bishop Philip's Presidential Address >>>
Find synod resources here >>> |
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Update on Bid for National Church Funding |
In his Presidential Address, Bishop Philip shared an update on our progress with our bid for funding from the national church. This is the money awarded by SMMIB (the Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board). We are now in the process of re-working the bid, with the aim of submitting in June 2026. |
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Look Out for Our Advent Videos! |
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Good Neighbours Network are running friendly 30-minute online sessions designed to give you and your church community three important winter messages that will be valuable to local households: Priority Services Register, carbon monoxide safety (free alarm available for householders), and the Home & Well service from Citizens Advice. Find out more and book >>> |
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Watch Our Faith & Generosity Video Series |
Catch up on our Faith & Generosity video series! On the theme of loving, Revd Dr Amy Roche, Head of Mission and Ministry, reflects on 2 Kings, Chapter 5. In this passage, Naaman the leper overflows with gratitude after he receives the healing generosity of God. |
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Parochial Fees 2026 Announced |
The parochial fees for marriages, baptisms, funerals, burials and monuments, from 1 January 2026, have now been released.
Guidance and FAQs can also be found via the Church of England's website below. |
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Patronal Festival Grants 2026 |
Applications for the The Choral Evensong Trust's 2026 Patronal Festival Grants are now open. These grants support parish churches in celebrating their patronal festival (the feast day of the church’s patron saint) through a service of choral evensong. Applications close on 2 February 2026. Find out more and apply >>>
St Nicholas Church, Bishop’s Sutton, recently received this grant and are celebrating their patronal festival in December. Read more here >>> |
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Download the Sarum College Spring 2026 Brochure |
Sarum College have launched their Spring 2026 programme of courses, specifically designed to support CMD needs of ministers in today’s world. They have carefully curated courses to accompany participants through the seasons of Lent, Holy Week and Easter. |
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All are welcome to join us for an hour online to find out more about our two upcoming BCM programmes, Beyond Church Walls, and Worship. We'll talk about what BCM is (and is not!), the content of the two programmes, and there will be plenty of time to ask any questions you may have. |
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Correction: Please note that the Advent Procession at the Cathedral, mentioned in our last Thought for the Week, will take place on Saturday 29 November at 6:30pm. |
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Events Around the Diocese |
27 November, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
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Diocesan New Starters and Leavers |
This month, we've had two new starters in the diocesan team. Kiah Smith joined the Parish Support Team as Parish Support Team Administrator, and Fiona Burt joined the Communications Team as Social Media Coordinator. Please do reach out to them if you have any questions about parish support events or require help/training with social media! |
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We're also sharing the news that the Chaplain to the Bishop of Winchester, Revd Theresa Parker, will be leaving us to take up a new role as Ministry Area Leader for the Taff Wenallt Ministry Area in the Church in Wales.
Bishop Philip said, "Theresa has been a wonderful colleague as Chaplain, and an immense support and encouragement to me, and I will miss her greatly. She assures me that she’s not leaving because she’s fed up with me, but because she really misses parish ministry – and I certainly cannot fault her for that. She goes with my great thanks and prayers – and I’m sure with those of all of us as well." |
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Theresa adds, “It has been a great privilege to serve as +Philip’s Chaplain. I have worked with some exceptional people, and am grateful to all those I have encountered across the Diocese.” |
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New Assistant Area Dean for Bournemouth |
Revd Tom Hodkinson will become the new Assistant Area Dean for Bournemouth on 10 December.
Revd Tom said, "I'm delighted to be able to serve God and his people in Bournemouth as Assistant Area Dean. I'm excited about the possibility of encouraging unity and growth in our churches as we join in with all that God is doing in our town. |
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"Please pray that we'd continue to see people encounter Jesus and commit to follow Him all across Bournemouth especially as we head into the festive season." |
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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