THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK FROM REVD CANON PROF LIZ STUART |
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Waiting seems to be in the DNA of the people of God, from Abraham waiting for God to fulfil his promise, the people of Israel waiting to be liberated from slavery in Egypt, then waiting to enter the promised land, then longing for the Messiah, to Christians waiting for Jesus to come again in glory. Waiting seems to be what we are called to do. Waiting can be frustrating but perhaps in our waiting we image something of the nature of God. |
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For even as we wait for God, God waits for us. In Word and Sacrament, in the stables of our lives (the places that are messy, dark and deep) but also in our joys and our beginnings and endings, Emmanuel, God with us, waits for us. As we prepare for Christmas we might ask ourselves ‘where is God waiting for me?’ and hasten there into his open arms. |
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Churches Across the Diocese Spread Christmas Joy |
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As Christmas approaches, churches across the diocese are embracing their communities with acts of kindness and compassion and finding new ways to engage people in the Christmas message of love and hope. From collecting gifts for vulnerable families, to delivering 'bags of kindness' to the lonely and isolated, find inspiring ideas below. |
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+Philip Celebrates Jane Austen at 250th Anniversary Service |
People travelled many miles and some came in Regency dress to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. The special service was held at St Nicholas in Steventon, the village where Jane was born and spent the first 25 years of her life. Bishop Philip said, "I love Jane Austen from a literary perspective, but I think she has an awful lot to teach us from a spiritual perspective too.” |
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Silver Success for Churches Across the Diocese |
Two churches in our diocese were recently awarded Silver Eco-Church Awards, St John the Baptist in Bournemouth, and St Mary’s Church in Kings Worthy. Karen Gillis, Eco Champion in the Parish of Four Saints, said, “We feel that it’s something that anyone can achieve. We haven’t got a huge budget, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to make a big difference." |
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Watch Our Third Advent Video Featuring Isobel's Testimony |
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In our latest Advent video, the third Advent candle is lit as we hear from Isobel, a young person who worships at Christ Church Winchester, who shares her story about the significance of baptism in her life. |
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Faith & Generosity December Reflection |
This month's reflection from the Faith and Generosity Team, which can be used in services or as a personal reflection, explores how the story of Jesus' birth roots God’s generosity in love - the gift of Christ is not a gift of obligation, but a gift born of love. |
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New Line Management Guidance for Churches with Children's & Youth Ministers |
The 30k Project has developed a new set of resources designed to help churches line manage Children's and Youth Ministers effectively, including templates for annual reviews as well as guidance on coaching strategies. |
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Epiphany Resources for Schools and Parishes |
Epiphany, on 6 January, is when we remember the visit of the Magi to the Christ child, celebrating the 'manifestation' of Christ to the Gentiles. Find Epiphany resources for use in schools and churches from the diocesan Education team below. |
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The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas |
The national church have created a beautiful animated version of 'The Grumpy Owl and the Joy of Christmas', a heart-warming retelling of the Christmas story which invites young people to find out more about Jesus' birth and what this means for us today. |
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All are welcome to come along to Bishop Kelly's Installation Service at Winchester Cathedral, which will take place during evensong on 11 January. |
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22 January, 2pm, Zoom
Hosted by Gavin Foster and Sarah Hart from the Diocesan Registry and Jayne Tarry, Assistant Diocesan Secretary, this webinar offers information and guidance surrounding parochial fees and the 2026 fees table. Find out more and book >>> |
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Events Around the Diocese |
17 January, 10am, St John’s Stoke Church, Guildford |
17 January, 1am, Old Alresford Place |
22 January, 9:30am, Old Alresford Place |
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31 January, 8:15am, St Mary & All Saints, Ellingham |
7 February, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
12 February, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
18 March, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
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Saying Goodbye and Thank You to the Chancellor of the Diocese |
Our Chancellor of 8 years, Cain Ormondroyd, will be stepping down from his role at the end of the year. Canon Sue de Candole, Diocesan Registrar, said, "Cain has been a wonderful chancellor to this diocese; responding pastorally, pragmatically and quickly to faculty applications, and has dealt with many complex situations in his time here. |
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"His role requires him to strike a balance between his obligation to follow national policy, planning and listed building requirements and the needs and hopes of worshipping church communities and individuals. He has been a wise and supportive judge and will be much missed in the Registry and throughout the diocese."
Bishop Philip said, "Cain has been an excellent Chancellor for us in the Diocese of Winchester. Her combines deep knowledge of the law with a passion for the mission of the Church. I am sorry to see him go, but wish him God’s blessing on all his future work and service." |
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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THE DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER TAKE A SHORT BREAK OVER CHRISTMAS AND WILL RETURN ON 8 JANUARY 2026.
Wishing all our readers a joyful Christmas! |
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