THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK FROM ARCHDEACON HOWARD |
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When I was about eight I asked for a Scalextric rally car racing set for Christmas. Near the day, my Dad took me to one side and said he had not been able to find one, so would I be willing to wait or to have something else now. I said I would wait. Later, he told me he was so proud of me for that answer that he redoubled his efforts and came up trumps with a brilliant rally set for me to open on the day. |
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At Candlemas we acknowledge the patient waiting undertaken by Simeon in Luke 2. He obeyed the promise God made him that he would see the Lord’s Messiah. So he obeyed and he waited, returning to the Temple countless times, no doubt, before his patience was finally and most beautifully rewarded.
Simeon reminds me of Eugene Peterson’s definition of discipleship as being ‘a long obedience in the same direction’. We may not be called to exercise the same persistence of patience lived by Simeon, but we will each have our own struggles and burdens to navigate whilst we await the light of Christ becoming fully visible.
In this coming week, may our long obedience in the same direction be a blessing to those around us. Amen.
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Yesterday was an historic day in the Church of England as Dame Sarah Mulally was confirmed as the new Archbishop of Canterbury. All three of our bishops were at St Paul's Cathedral to support and pray for her, with Bishop Philip taking part in the service. Speaking about her hopes and priorities for her ministry as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, she shared, "In this country and around the world, Anglican churches bring healing and hope to their communities. With God’s help, I will seek to guide Christ’s flock with calmness, consistency and compassion." |
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More People Turn to Churches for Help with Money Struggles |
For the last 30 years, the organisation Christians Against Poverty has worked with local churches to help people struggling with debt and money worries. January is a particularly busy time for CAP volunteers! Read about the several churches in our diocese that run Money Coaching courses to offer support and guidance that makes a huge difference to people's lives. |
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Welcoming the New Archbishop of Canterbury! |
Yesterday, Dame Sarah Mulally become our first female Archbishop.
Tiggy, one of the students at Christ Church Winchester, spoke to Radio 1 Newsbeat about the 'historic moment of the church', and encouraged other young people to 'check out church'! Listen via BBC Sounds below (8.28 - 10.39). |
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St Mike’s Bournemouth Celebrates 150th Birthday! |
Congratulations to St Mike’s Church in Bournemouth who marked their 150th year with a community lunch, a birthday cake and with 13 wonderful people being confirmed. Vicar Revd Sarah Yetman said, “It's been a chance to look back at the faithfulness of God throughout the years gone by, but also to look forward and to be able to see that there's so much more still to come.” |
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St Win’s Celebrates National Churches Trust Award Win! |
National Churches Trust announced the winners of the Church Architecture Awards 2025 last week, one of which was St Win's in Totton! Rector Ali Hill said, "Receiving this award has been a great encouragement to us all, recognising the strength of the partnership between our architect, the DAC (Winchester Diocese), and the church." |
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Churches Come Together During Week of Christian Unity |
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Last week was the Week of Christian Unity, and many of our church communities joined together with Christian brothers and sisters in ecumenical services. Churches Together Around Tadley was hosted this year at St Paul's Church. A packed church heard from various community leaders on the theme of 'One Body One Spirit', celebrating what can come of working together, both in things seen and unseen. |
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Crossing the Divide: A Lenten Programme of Lectures and Video Reflections |
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This Lent, the diocese is working with Winchester Cathedral to offer a Lent programme of talks and teaching videos focusing on the theme of reconciliation. Together we'll be asking how as Christians do we follow in the steps of Jesus in his work of reconciling a divided humanity. The programme includes:
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Clergy Wellbeing Survey 2026 |
The 2026 Clergy Wellbeing Survey has been sent to all clergy under Common Tenure in the diocese for completion by 17 February. If you haven’t received an email but think you should have, please check your junk folder, or contact Paul Gelman or Beverley Teahan. |
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New Places of Worship Renewal Fund |
In recognition of the important role religious heritage buildings play in the UK’s national story, a new £92 million fund, the Places of Worship Renewal Fund, will replace the £23 million Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. Read the final report here, and the national church's response here. |
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9-15 February 2026
Have you got any Yews in your churchyard? Organised by Caring for God’s Acre and the Ancient Yew Group, ‘Love Your Yew Week’ is a week when custodians of ancient and veteran yew trees are encouraged to spend some time looking after them. Register online to take part! |
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Children in the Shadows Revisited - 6 Week Lent Course |
This course from The Clewer Initiative consists of 6 moving films from frontline experts in the modern slavery sector, with accompanying devotional resources. The course is designed to educate and inform churches on how modern slavery exists in our communities and what they can do to respond. |
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One Heart, One Voice: National Network of Pastoral Musicians Conference |
24-26 July, Highgate House, Northampton
An opportunity for those involved in church music to develop musical skills and share ideas, encouraging each other in the valuable work of everyday liturgy in our local parishes. Find out more >>> |
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Events Around the Diocese |
31 January, 9:30am, St Mary & All Saints, Ellingham |
7 February, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
12 February, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
25 February, 8:15am, St Mark's, Kempshott |
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28 February, 9:45am, St Boniface Church, Chandler's Ford |
5 March, 9am, St Boniface Church, Chandler’s Ford |
7 March, 10am, St Mark's Kempshott |
11 March, 8:15am, Christ Church Colbury |
18 March, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
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Diocesan Starters and Leavers |
We are sad to announce that Susan Beckett, HR and Safeguarding Director, will be leaving us at the end of February 2026. Diocesan Secretary, Colin Harbidge, writes, "So much of Susan's work has been hidden behind the scenes that many will never know the full impact of her role. She leaves us with my deep thanks and endless respect for all she has done for our diocesan community over so many years."
Emma White, our HR Officer, will also be leaving at the end of February. "Emma has been a wonderful, supportive and much valued colleague and will be greatly missed," said Susan Beckett. "Her HR expertise and knowledge have been a solid foundation for our team and we have been so fortunate to have such a supremely skilled HR professional to work alongside."
From 1 February, Kate Seagrave, who currently works in the Strategic Development Team, will be taking up the role of Bishop’s Chaplain to Bishop Philip. |
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On Sunday, the Parish of Four Saints said their farewells to Revd James Sharp, their Pioneer Priest of over ten years, who will be licensed as Priest in Charge in Pilton in the Diocese of Bath and Wells next month. There were a few tears but also joy as the parish celebrated the time they have shared with James and the impact he's had on so many in the local community. See the photos here >>> |
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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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