THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK FROM BISHOP RHIANNON |
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As we approach Safeguarding Sunday (16 November) in our churches I’d like to share with you a beautiful prayer by the wonderful poet, Gerard Kelly. It is a prayer I’m praying over all those that read this. It describes a sense of deep safety in God which He intends for all and which we, his servants, are called to foster everywhere. |
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In the centre of your storm
may you discover
what it is to be still;
still loved
still known
still held
still at peace,
though the pieces
fall around you.
When you feel
at your most powerless
may his presence
fall like tears.
May it settle all around you.
May it soften and surround you,
his comfort a cocoon for you,
his pulse the pace you hold to,
his breath the only sound
you need to hear.
When the harshest howl of pain
you’ve ever known |
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erupts within you,
may it meet
the gentle strength
of his embrace.
May you know
when fear enfolds you
that he holds you.
May you sense
when darkness falls
he sees it all.
On the toughest trail
you’ve travelled
may you taste
the abundance
of his beauty,
the wideness
of his mercy,
the true and
tender tone
of his great love. |
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Churches Across Our Diocese Mark Remembrance 2025 |
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From parades to poppy waterfalls, churches across our diocese have paused to remember the service and sacrifice of our armed forces and to pray for those still affected by conflict around the world. |
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Clergy & Local Faith Leaders Visit Schools During Interfaith Week |
To mark Inter Faith Week, we spoke to Pioneer Minister James Sharp, whose parish, Four Saints Bournemouth, has been engaged with interfaith work in local secondary schools for some time. The group took time to build trust and friendship from the start - Revd James said, "We were determined from the outset that we were there to be curious and learn from one another...to disagree well and lovingly." |
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Services Held to Remember and Honour the Homeless |
A moving display of red flowers was left at the altar of Saint Mary’s, Southampton, to remember those who have died in the city in the last year whilst experiencing homelessness. At Winchester Cathedral, a memorial bench was brought to a special evensong which displays the names of people who have died in the city while homeless in recent years. |
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Area Dean Residential with Special Guests! |
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It was great to gather our Area Deans and Assistant Area Deans for a residential this week, to enjoy some training and fellowship and to reflect together on some of the trends we identified in mission and ministry. Bishop Kelly joined us for dinner and was expertly interviewed by Archdeacon Richard. We now know she likes Mozart and The Killers!
We were also honoured to welcome and host Archbishop Stephen Than Mount Oo, the Archbishop of Myanmar (one of the provinces linked to Winchester Diocese). ++ Stephen spent time with clergy and had a tour of the Cathedral and then joined the residential to give a powerful and moving account of his personal journey of faith and current situation in Myanmar.
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Positive Feedback for NHS Health Checks |
This week we had two days of NHS Health Checks for clergy and WDBF staff at Old Alresford Place, with lots of positive feedback about the process. We are planning a further date in the new year for those who couldn't make it, and thank you to all the churches who have offered to host! |
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Watch Our Safeguarding Tips for Churches Video |
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Ahead of Safeguarding Sunday, which takes place on 16 November, Emma Duncan, diocesan Safeguarding Caseworker and Lead Trainer, shares some tips and ideas to help make our churches as safe as possible. You can also find a downloadable PDF listing these tips here. For more information, contact our Safeguarding Team. |
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Help the National Church Understand the Quiet Revival |
Following the Quiet Revival Report, the Church of England have commissioned the think tank Theos to do some qualitative research. It is seeking to interview young adults aged 18–30 who have started attending a CofE church since summer 2022 and do not come from a Christian background, and are hoping to hear from people across worship traditions and regions. Learn more >>> |
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New Governance Module for The Church Organiser |
The Church Organiser, a free digital toolkit from the Church of England, now has an additional tool designed to help you with your PCC and APCM meetings along with the regular tasks that your church has to complete. Watch a short introduction video to find out more. |
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Clergy Conference Workshop Choices |
Our Clergy Conference is coming soon! We're looking forward to gathering clergy from across the diocese to connect, worship and pray together. If you've signed up to come along, please take a moment this week to complete your workshop choices. We'll be finalising these on Thursday 20 November. For more information or a reminder link to the workshop choices form, please email sam.scott@winchester.anglican.org. |
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Save the Date - Warm Welcome Week |
19 January - 25 January
Over the colder months, many churches across the diocese will be opening their buildings as Warm Welcome Spaces. The charity Warm Welcome is asking even more spaces to come forward and open their doors to everyone in their community. |
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This Saturday 15 November we will gather together to welcome our new Bishop of Basingstoke, Bishop Kelly Betteridge! All are warmly welcome to come along to this Service of Welcome, celebrating the start of Bishop Kelly’s episcopal ministry amongst us. Please do join us! |
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29 November, 6:30pm, Winchester Cathedral
All are invited to this spectacular service of darkness and light, music and the spoken word, mirroring the journey of the human race from the darkness of sorrow and death into the light of Christ’s dawning Kingdom. Find out more >>> |
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Events Around the Diocese |
15 November, 9:30am, St John's Hartley Wintney |
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17 January, 10am, St John’s Stoke Church, Guildford |
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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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