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Continuing our series from deanery leaders, Revd James Tomkins-Russell, Area Dean of Whitchurch, writes...
If the fire of Pentecost symbolises God’s holy and purifying presence then the tongues symbolise speech. Like those first believers, we have a commission to tell others about the good news of Jesus and the manifestation of many languages here is hugely significant.
The Holy Spirit is not given to one race or language but to everyone. Jesus is Lord of a worldwide church. Peter quotes Joel’s prophecy with its wholly inclusive language that embraces gender, age, social status, ethnicity and culture to highlight this very fact. |
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So as much as the Holy Spirit is our personal comforter and guide, He is also the one who empowers us and emboldens us to be living witnesses of the fact that Jesus is alive, that He loves us, and that His invitation to new life extends to all.
When the Spirit came on those first believers, they were transformed and the good news spread. As Christians today we pray that, filled with his Spirit, Jesus might use us to witness powerfully for Him in word and deed in all the different parishes and places that He has put us. It’s our privilege to know Him and our responsibility to make Him known. |
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Prayers with Practical Action Needed for Ebola Outbreak in DRC |
The Most Revd Georges Titre Ande, Archbishop of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Bishop of Aru, has stressed the need for 'prayers and practical action' in response to the Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda in central Africa. Read more here >>> |
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Several Anglican Communion dioceses have been impacted by the outbreak, and the Communion is aiming to resource local churches with prevention kits including handwashing kits, soap and chlorine, and also distribute educational materials to combat the spread of the disease. To find out more about how you can support the appeal, you can get in touch here >>> |
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See the Wonderful Photos from 'The Upper Room' Service |
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On Saturday, Winchester Cathedral welcomed people from across the diocese for ‘The Upper Room’, a special service of prayer and worship marking the beginning of Thy Kingdom Come. Young people from St John’s Hartley Wintney, Andover Parish Youth Church, Romsey Abbey, Basingstoke Church and St Peter’s Yateley took a leading role in the service with prayers for their schools, for the world and for people to come to know Christ. |
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Communities Ask God’s Blessings for Land and Sea |
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Rogation Sunday marks an ancient Christian tradition of praying for God’s blessing on the crops, fields and farms in anticipation of the harvest to come. Across our diocese, church communities have been coming together for rogation walks, breakfasts, and even a 'Rogation of the Seas' ceremony to celebrate new life and thank God for His blessings in creation. |
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Avon Valley Churches Celebrate Bell Sunday |
On Sunday, St Mary's Breamore celebrated Bell Sunday, with a service based on bell ringing, hymns and prayers celebrating bells, and the Breamore Ringers ringing the peal of four tower bells before and after the service. The sermon even included a potted history of bells and ringing, during which the ringers gave a wonderful demonstration of rounds and call changes on the handbells to the delight of the congregation! |
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Celebrating 48 Years as PCC Secretary |
Jan Allen became PCC Secretary in the Parish of Hound in 1978, and is only stepping down now, 48 years later! Having served under six vicars, and supported the parish through five interregnums, her experience has been invaluable, and will serve her well as she continues to be involved in committees and outreach initiatives. |
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Saying Farewell to Archdeacon Richard Brand |
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On Monday, a farewell coffee morning was held at Old Alresford Place, to say goodbye to Archdeacon Richard Brand as he moves into a new season of coaching and training. Richard became Archdeacon in 2016 and has worked tirelessly to support parishes and communities through his ministry; he very much hopes to keep these strong links with the diocese.
Bishop Philip said, “Richard has been a tremendous gift to the diocese, and especially to its clergy. His wisdom, sense of humour and valuable perspective, combined with a deep compassion, will be deeply missed. A remarkable servant, for whom we are all incredibly thankful."
Archdeacon Richard said, "I am deeply grateful for my time in the diocese; it’s in a good place and this as the right time to step back. It's been a true privilege and a blessing to work alongside wonderful colleagues, and I leave with confidence that the diocese is in very good hands for the future." |
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The Difference Course: Free Online Training |
3 June, 3:30pm, Online
Schools across our diocese have been delivering the CofE Difference Course, following the impactful in-person training recently hosted at Old Alresford Place. For those who were unable to attend, or are simply interested to learn more, do join this online training session - please email Sam Powell for a Teams link and access to the course materials. |
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New Faith and Generosity Liturgical Reflection |
Our Faith and Generosity team have created a reflection for this Sunday’s Pentecostal lectionary reading from Acts 2, which can used both as a basis for sermon preparation and for personal reflection. |
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Free Webinars from National Churches Trust |
National Churches Trust's summer programme of free online training includes: Nature in Churches & Churchyards, Planning Your Project - Working With an Architect, Ideas for Income Generation, and Applying for National Churches Trust Grants. |
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ACAT (Association of Church Accountants and Treasurers) are holding several online training sessions in the coming months, which include introductions to the roles of church treasurer and church trustee, making the most of Gift Aid, and computer security guidance for churches. |
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Women Clergy Day - RSVP Reminder |
All women clergy should all have received an invitation to the Women Clergy Day on Thursday 4 June at St Peter’s Church, Ropley. Please ensure you reply by Friday 22 May. Thank you! |
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Join members of the Diocesan Staff Team at All Saints Church if you have any questions, need advice, or simply want to meet us in person and put a face to the name! We'd love to see you there! |
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Events Around the Diocese |
2 June, 2pm, Old Alresford Place |
17 June, 8:15am, Old Alresford Place |
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25 June, 8:15am, All Saints Ringwood |
1 July, 9am, St Paul's Winchester |
8 July, 9:30am, St Luke's Burton |
14 July, 9:15am, Old Alresford Place |
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- 3 June: St John’s, Hartley Wintney
- 9 June: St Mary’s, Andover
- 18 June: Romsey Abbey
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- 25 June: Christchurch Priory
- 22 July: Zoom
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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@winchesterdiocese.org. |
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