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From Bishop Rhiannon's opening sermon at the Clergy Conference 2026...
Human beings are desperate for a sense of purpose. In his bestselling book of 2002, ‘The Purpose Driven Life’, Rick Warren says, "The only really happy people are those who have learned to serve. And the greatest tragedy in life is not death, but life without purpose." |
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Mark Twain apparently said something similar: "The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you found out why." Jesus has provided us with exactly such an important purpose: to follow him every day of our lives. He gave those who followed him a clear purpose and a specific task using language they could understand. "Follow me so you can become fishers of people," he said. If we are to follow Jesus' example then inviting people simply to come and sit in our pews or chairs is not enough. And our congregations need a purpose that is greater than handing out the books or being on a rota (important though those things are!). Our offer to the world is to become part of a global family and a mass movement to turn the world upside down so it reflects the kingdom values of Jesus Christ. Now that is a purpose worth giving your life for! |
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A New Term for Lay Ministry Training! |
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On Saturday, we were excited to welcome two new cohorts starting their Bishop's Commission for Mission training, and those currently training for Licensed Lay Ministry, for a day of fellowship, worship and learning. Our BCM participants explored the grand scope of the missional gospel story before separating into their groups: BCM Worship and BCM Beyond Church Walls. Our LLMs in training spent the day reflecting on the unique nature of Licensed Lay Ministry and had the opportunity to learn from LLMs exercising their ministry in a variety of ways across the diocese. |
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Parishes Inspired at Net Zero Carbon Conference |
On Saturday the Dioceses of Winchester, Guildford, Portsmouth, and Chichester gathered for a joint conference to strengthen collaboration in caring for God’s creation. Archdeacon Richard, who spoke on the panel, said, "I would love Christians to see creation care as a joy to be shared rather than a burden to be carried; to celebrate the joy in safeguarding the beauty of what God has created." |
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The Hope of New Life Celebrated on Plough Sunday |
Last Sunday was Plough Sunday, when communities traditionally bring ploughs (or tractors) to church for blessings, praying for a good harvest and giving thanks for the labour of farmers. St John’s Church in Farley Chamberlayne held a packed morning worship service where a plough, soil and seed were blessed, thanking God the Creator for the fruit of the harvest. |
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Sarum College Spring Season & MA Grants |
Sarum College is offering a range of courses in the coming months, both in-person and online. Find out more. The college is also offering to fund the fees in full for the first year of one of their MA programmes - the Ministry MA and the Christian Spirituality MA. Please get in touch with our Head of Mission and Ministry, Amy Roche, for further details. |
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Living in Love and Faith (LLF) Update |
The House of Bishops has shared a letter setting out its agreed position, as it prepares to bring the Living in Love and Faith process to a conclusion, with further updates at the February 2026 meeting of General Synod. You can read more about it here, and download their formal letter to the whole Church here. |
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iKnow Church New Year Offer |
iKnow Church, the church management software partner for the national church, has a special offer for the month of January (20 months for the price of ten). This is in addition to the 35% discount currently available for Church of England churches. |
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Apply for a Free Defibrillator for Your Church |
British Heart Foundation has opened applications for churches and community groups to apply for a free defibrillator. Check if your church is eligible - applications expected to close in February. |
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All licensed lay ministers are warmly invited to our annual LLM Day, where we'll be reflecting on Living in Love and Faith (LLF). The Revd Canon Professor Liz Stuart and Revd Dr Andrew Goddard will be sharing their reflections, including on the most recent developments, bringing their theological knowledge and generous approach to dialogue to the conversation. |
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Archdeacon Jean's Consecration Service |
6 February, 11am, Southwark Cathedral
All are welcome to attend Archdeacon Jean's consecration service as she becomes the next Bishop of Grimsby. Jean has been a blessing to our diocese, and we pray for her as she shares her ministry within the Diocese of Lincoln.
Reserve a space here >>> |
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Events Around the Diocese |
27 January, 2pm, St Andrew's Centre, Beaulieu Road, Dibden Purlieu |
31 January, 8:15am, St Mary & All Saints, Ellingham |
7 February, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
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12 February, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
25 February, 8:15am, St Mark's, Kempshott |
5 March, 9am, St Boniface Church, Chandler’s Ford |
18 March, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
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January Starters and Leavers |
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We're pleased to share that Revd Karen Linington, Rector of Freemantle with Millbrook, will become Assistant Area Dean of Southampton on 27 January. Revd Karen said, “I have accepted the post because I care deeply about supporting clergy and strengthening our shared mission across the deanery. I’m motivated to help promote collaboration, encourage good communication, and contribute to the spiritual health of our churches.” |
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At the end of the month, Revd James Sharp, Pioneer Minister in the Benefice of Four Saints, will be leaving our diocese to become Priest in Charge in Pilton with Croscombe & North Wootton & The Fosse Trinity Benefice, in the Diocese of Bath and Wells. Please pray for both James and Karen in their new areas of ministry! |
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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