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During the Season for Creation, Diocesan Secretary Colin Harbidge writes...
The start of September marks the beginning of Creationtide in the Church of England, a season dedicated to celebrating 'God as Creator and Sustainer of all life'. This year, the start of Creationtide also coincided with another significant milestone for our diocese: the submission of our £10 million, multi-year funding application to the national Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board. |
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Over the past 12 months, colleagues, clergy, volunteers and partners from across our diocesan community have contributed to what became a substantial piece of work, with the final application running to more than 200 pages and 75,000 words. The application will be considered by the national Board in early October, and we now await its decision with both anticipation and prayer.
As someone who generally enjoys detail, I have to admit that the level of granularity required throughout the process has, at times, felt overwhelming. Yet there has been something rather fitting about undertaking this work during the approach to Creationtide. When so much attention is focused on plans, projections and spreadsheets, it is easy to become consumed by the detail.
Creationtide reminds us to lift our eyes beyond it all, to the Creator whose purposes are far greater than any of our plans, however important. In that perspective, the challenges of the past year feel a little lighter, and our trust a little deeper. |
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A Former Detective Inspector and a Children’s Nurse – Meet Some of Our New Ordinands! |
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Thirteen new ordinands from across the diocese of begin their training this month, and last week came together for welcome drinks at Old Alresford Place. They come from many different backgrounds, but all share a sense of calling from God to ordained ministry.
Bishop Philip said, “This is a great sign of something significant happening in the life of the church, in the life of the diocese and, of course, in the lives of these people. All of them are in the course of exploring, discovering, growing into God's call on their life, particularly to exercise ordained ministry, to serve the church and to serve God's world. It's incredibly exciting to be on that journey.” |
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The Seaside Comes to Swaythling Church! |
Beach life came to St Alban’s in Swaythling over the summer - an artificial beach set up outside the church gave local families a chance to enjoy a day at the seaside while in the centre of the city. Organiser Sarah Dockree said, “It was such a joy to be outside the church, chatting with passers-by and to welcome many families we hadn't met before." |
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All Saints Tower Project Brings Community Closer to Church |
Last Sunday, the church bells rang out at All Saints in Milford on Sea for the first time since February, as the village came together to celebrate the completion of major repairs to the church tower. But the restoration has been about more than repairing a building. Revd Tasha Anderson said, “It's never been about fundraising. It's always been about a missional opportunity to reach out into the community and for the community to be part of their church." |
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The theme of Creationtide this year is 'Living Water', and during this second week we celebrate how water marks our identity as God’s people. Through baptism, we are immersed in grace, renewal and belonging. Baptism calls us into a life of care for creation and one another.
Read more about baptisms in our diocese here, and find other resources, prayers and helpful links via our website. |
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Book Your Safeguarding Training Place |
Our Autumn safeguarding training programme is now underway, with courses running throughout the term. There is still good availability on a number of weekday, evening, and weekend sessions. If you need to complete safeguarding training or update your learning, now is a great time to book a place before courses fill up later in the year. |
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Need help with safeguarding training?
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Online Faculty Application Portal |
Some of you may be aware that the national church has been working on a new online faculty application portal and we have now received an update on timings for the launch of the new system. This means that the current Online Faculty Application system, used by parishes to create and manage all aspects of the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules will be closing on 30 September 2026. |
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The new Buildings Management Portal will go live early in October (potentially on 6th). However, it is possible there could be a period of up to 2 weeks where there will be no capacity to create or edit faculty applications.
We appreciate this could be challenging and we would value your patience and understanding as the new system is launched. We will be sending out more information when it is available and will look to arrange training in the near future. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact dac@winchesterdiocese.org. |
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General Synod Candidate Videos |
Nominations for General Synod candidates has now closed. More information about the elections and a list of candidates can be found here. We're hugely grateful to all those standing for election and offering to serve the Church in this way. Due to the high number of candidates, instead of hustings, candidates will be able to record 3 minute videos sharing more about themselves and their reasons for standing. These will be available on the website once recorded. Voting will open through the online portal on 21 September. |
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Revd Sera Rumble on Southampton's Recovery After the Riot |
Revd Sera Rumble, Vicar of St Denys, recently contributed to a report on ITV News Meridian to reflect on how the community is recovering three months after the riots in Southampton. The feature was broadcast this week. Watch it here >>> |
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Recruiting and Helping Children's & Youth Ministers Thrive Webinar |
17 September, 2pm or 18 November, 10am
Is your church looking to appoint a Childrens' or Youth Minister? Would you welcome support in line management? Help is at hand thanks to the The 30k Project, in collaboration with Ali Campbell, who have launched a brand-new suite of resources offering clear, step-by-step guidance for churches, along with an accompanying webinar. Find out more >>> |
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Disability Awareness Sunday Resources |
20/27 September (or any Sunday!)
Churches across the UK are encouraged to mark Disability Awareness Sunday, a day to ensure disabled people are fully included in Church. Christian charity Through the Roof have created service outlines and other resources to help churches hold their own services, and have teamed up with the national church to share an online service on 20 September. |
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Come Along to Our Vocations Morning |
14 November, 9:30am, St Luke's Sway
Do you think God might be calling you to use your gifts to serve Jesus Christ, but you’re unsure of what your next step might be? Join the Diocesan Mission & Ministry Team to find out more about the pathways available for both lay and ordained ministries.
Find out more >>> |
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Safeguarding Sunday Evensong |
15 November, 3:30pm, Winchester Cathedral
Winchester Cathedral warmly invites PSOs to a Safeguarding Sunday Evensong, celebrating the commitment and dedication to safeguarding across our diocese. The service will provide an opportunity to pray for those who support this vital work within our church communities and will include an act of commitment to the ministry of Parish Safeguarding. A drinks reception will follow in The North Transept. To assist the cathedral with catering requirements, PSOs are asked to complete this form, and accompanying clergy are asked to complete this form. |
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Events Around the Diocese |
12 September, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
12 September, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
14 September, 10am, Online |
15 September, 7pm, Online |
26 September, 9:15am, St Boniface, Chandler's Ford |
30 September, 2pm, Old Alresford Place |
3 October, 9:30am, Christ Church Freemantle |
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6 October, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
7 October, 8:15am, St Mark's Kempshott |
10 October, 11am, Winchester Cathedral |
14 October, 10am, St Luke's Sway |
15 October, 8:15am, Christ Church Colbury |
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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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