THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK FROM ARCHDEACON JEAN |
|
|
|
|
Advent is a season of waiting, not a time of passivity but active, expectant, filled-with-hope waiting. In a hurried and uncertain world, Advent invites us to pause and listen for God’s voice. The candles we light each week are signs of His light breaking into darkness, reminding us that Christ’s coming transforms everything.
This season calls us to prepare—not just our homes, but our hearts: forgiving where there is hurt, offering kindness where there is need, and seeking peace where there is division. God’s timing is perfect, even though we remain impatient. Our waiting is not empty; it is rich with purpose. “The people walking in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). That light is Christ, who brings hope and peace. |
|
|
|
|
POEM:
In winter’s hush, the promise gleams,
A light that breaks our darkest dreams.
Hope whispers soft, “The King will come,”
Prepare your heart—make Him your home.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, as we wait for You, fill our hearts with hope and peace. Help us prepare a place for You and share Your light. Amen. |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
Churches Across the Diocese Mark the Start of Advent |
|
|
|
|
Churches across our diocese have been marking the start of Advent in many different and creative ways, including wreath making, a 'Christmas in the Dark' service, Advent and nativity trails, and Christmas Tree festivals!
Don't forget that free resources can be found via the Church of England's website - The Joy of Christmas is the national church’s largest Christmas campaign yet, offering free resources for churches, schools, chaplaincies, groups and individuals. |
|
|
|
|
|
New Estate Church Prepares to Open in Bournemouth |
A new church community will soon open in an estate on the outskirts of Bournemouth, led by Diocesan Estates Champion Revd Ed Haycock. Revd Ed said, “The most exciting thing is that God's already here. There are so many people interested in faith and asking questions!" |
|
Clergy Partners Network Enjoys Friendship and Support at Advent Retreat |
The Clergy Partners Network, which offers time and space for clergy partners to get together, recently held an Advent retreat at Wisdom House in Romsey. The morning was led by Revd Canon Prof Liz Stuart on the theme ‘What are you waiting for?’. |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
Cookbook Raises Funds for Partner Parish in Rwanda |
The Parish of Dibden has come up with a novel way of raising funds for their partner parish in Rwanda – a Parish Cookbook! Created by parishioner Pippa Brown, the book brings together a huge range of dishes. Pippa said, “Hospitality is a big part of parish life, either in church or at home. We’re looking forward to a visit next year from Revd Bosco, the minister in Maranyundo, to hear how these funds raised are helping rebuild their church in Nyamata." |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Watch the First of Our Advent Videos |
|
|
|
|
On Sunday, churches across the diocese lit the first candle of Advent. In the first of our Advent videos, Gabriel, one of many amazing young people in our diocesan family, lit the first candle and shared a short testimony about how his big brother has inspired his faith. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Government Urged to Keep Grants for Church Repairs |
|
Share Your Advent and Christmas Events More Widely |
Just a reminder to update your church or benefice's listing on your A Church Near You page, with details of Advent and carol services, as well as Christmas tree festivals. Last year, Advent and Christmas content was viewed more than 17 million times - Christmas is one of the most popular times of year for people to search online for local services and events! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Findings & Advice from 2025 Anglican Giving Survey |
|
|
|
|
In 2020, the Church held its very first Anglican Giving Survey, which was repeated this year, and has revealed five key findings, shown above. Each of these findings comes with recommendations for your church, from writing letters of thanks to using case studies to share the impact of giving within your church community. Read the full report below: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jane Austen: More Christian Than You Thought? |
14 December, 5pm, Winchester Cathedral Quire
As part of the 250th anniversary celebrations of Jane Austen’s birth, Bishop Philip will be giving a talk about Jane Austen's faith, showing that, though Christian faith is rarely the explicit focus of her novels, her writing is shot through with profoundly Christian perspectives.
Find out more and book >>> |
|
|
|
|
17 January, 10am, St John’s Stoke Church, Guildford
This conference will explore our diocese's dream for the future with regards to climate change and achieving sustainability, as well as how the Church can navigate through challenging contexts to reach our vision. We'll also hear from voices of the next generation, and find out how diocesan and national NZC programmes can support your church communities in 2026 and beyond. Find out more >>> |
|
|
|
|
Events Around the Diocese |
|
|
|
|
22 January, 9:30am, Old Alresford Place |
31 January, 8:15am, St Mary & All Saints, Ellingham |
|
12 February, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
|
|
|
|
|
December-January Starters and Leavers |
On Monday, a service was held for Revd Debbie Veel’s ordination as priest - which also happened to be her birthday! Revd Debbie said, "It was a privilege and a joy beyond words—one birthday that will be very hard to top. Prayers for wisdom and discernment and to be filled with the Holy Spirit and Grace. As for the future, I’ve learned not to plan too firmly. Time and again my plans and the Lord’s plans have proved to be quite different. So, I will hold everything lightly and wait to see what God has in store for me next." Read her full testimony here >>> |
|
|
|
|
This month, Revd Jonny Goodchild, currently Assistant Priest of St Mary Southampton, will be leaving to take on Permission to Officiate in the Diocese of Oxford, and Revd Canon Simon Evans, Chaplain to the Dorset Police Service, will be stepping down from his role and retiring.
On 6 January, Revd Jonathan Hillman, currently Rector of Windlesham Benefice in the Diocese of Guildford, will be joining our diocese and licensed as Priest in Charge of Baughurst and Ramsdell and Wolverton with Ewhurst and Hannington, as well as Associate Minister of Kingsclere and Ashford Hill with Headley. |
Around the Diocese and Beyond... |
Do you have a vacancy you'd like us to share?
Get in touch with communications@winchester.anglican.org. |
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
Copyright © 2025 Diocese of Winchester, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this message because you are: an office holder in the Diocese of Winchester; a member of church staff in the diocese (including PCC members); or you have opted in to receive emails from the diocese via our website.
Our mailing address is:
Diocese of Winchester, Old Alresford Place, Alresford, SO24 9DH
Want to change how you receive these emails? Email communications@winchester.anglican.org.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
