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Continuing our series from deanery leaders, Revd Amber Beresford, Assistant Area Dean of Alresford, writes...
I wonder, how do you feel when you think of Church Unity? To be honest, I feel quite burdened. When sin separates us from our neighbour, unity can often seem difficult, even impossible. But scripture speaks more positively; of God delighting in unity, like Psalm 133, or in Luke 15, when Jesus’ parables of Lost things being reunited, end in a party! |
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Unity has come up a lot recently; at Pentecost, we heard how believers share life together; on Trinity Sunday, we contemplated God as unity in diversity. And now Petertide, those being ordained priests are asked to build up the Church "in unity and faith" whilst also "delighting in its beauty and rejoicing in its well-being." This sounds joyful too, so why do I feel burdened?
I am reminded that when Jesus spoke about unity, he spoke about unity in Him. "I am the Vine, you are the branches," (John 15) "There will be one flock, one shepherd." (John 10.16) and so the burden of unity is not with us, unity is in Christ. And so we can be comforted, joining in the heavenly party when we witness that unity, and lift him the heaviness when we do not. |
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Year 6 Leavers Celebrate with ‘Bags of Hope’ at Winchester Cathedral |
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This week, 2,500 Year 6 pupils enjoyed workshops, worship, and a wonderful installation at Winchester Cathedral at their Leavers’ Service. The Education Team’s project this year, ‘Bags of Hope’, has focused on displaced children and refugees, and the response and engagement of schools has been amazing. Paddington Bear, a refugee, crystalised the project, and Paddington backpacks and soft toys will be distributed to displaced children soon. Do use Cathedral parish visitor passes to experience the installation until the end of August! |
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Community Celebration Marks Landmark Moment in Church’s Refurbishment Project |
St Bartholomew's Church in Hyde has celebrated its first major refurbishment since Victorian times with the completion of phase one of its ‘Giving for Living’ project, which aims to make the church greener, more accessible and more flexible for use by the community, while preserving its historic character. Revd Karen Kousseff said, "It's an exciting project that will make the church much more fit for modern and future use.” Read more >>> |
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40-Foot Waterfall Installation Transforms Churchyard |
A dramatic 40-foot waterfall made from recycled plastic is drawing visitors to the churchyard of St John the Baptist in Boldre. Project designer Steph Glen said, “We wanted themes of water and renewal, reflecting what baptism achieves and bringing new life from old. We've used as many old, unwanted and recyclable materials as possible and given them new life." |
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Churches Host Screenings to Encourage Deepening Discipleship |
Two churches in our diocese recently hosted gatherings that brought people together in reflection and celebration. St John’s in Hartley Wintney held a film screening which explored the climate and nature crisis, while Romsey Abbey hosted a live-streamed 'Prom Praise' service from the Royal Albert Hall. |
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Read Our 2025 Annual Review and Report |
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Diocesan Synod have now approved the diocesan 2025 accounts, and you can find a copy of our Annual Report on the webpage here >>>
We are also delighted to share the Annual Review which gives an overview of the ways the diocesan team supported and engaged with our communities and schools over 2025.
Despite a challenging financial picture in 2025, we are also thrilled to share that the recent preliminary figures from the National Statistics for Mission show that our diocese achieved a fourth consecutive year of growth above the national average - this included a 6.9% increase in children's Sunday attendance, against a national average of 2.7%! Thank you to all our clergy and volunteers working so hard to grow God's Kingdom in their local communities. |
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Letter on Historic Adoption Practices |
For those clergy and lay leaders who didn't receive Bishop Philip's letter last week regarding the Church of England's historic adoption practices, you can find a copy via the link below. |
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Football, Faith and Our Future |
As the World Cup captures the nation's attention and we mark Windrush Day, the Church of England's Director for Racial Justice, Revd Canon Guy Hewitt, explores why, 60 years after England's 1966 victory, so many people are still made to feel like strangers in their own home. Download the resource here >>> |
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Save the Date: Ride+Stride 2026 |
12 September 2026
Ride+Stride is a great opportunity to share the rich heritage of our historic church buildings!
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Download Our New Prayer Cycle |
Download our new Prayer Cycle and join us in praying for benefices across the diocese. Each day highlights different communities, helping us to support one another in prayer and strengthen our shared mission as we grow in faith together. |
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You are warmly invited to find out more about the Bishop's Commission for Mission programme at our BCM Taster Session! The Taster Session is open to all with no obligation - come along, ask any questions you have, and meet some of the programme co-ordinators. |
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Saying Farewell to Canon Roly Riem |
5 July, 11am, Winchester Cathedral
The Chapter Office would be delighted if you would join them in saying farewell to Canon Roly Riem on 5 July at the morning Eucharist service. All are welcome! |
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Events Around the Diocese |
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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12 September, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
12 September, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
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Archdeacons' Visitations: |
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25 June: Christchurch Priory
22 July: Zoom |
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We're delighted to share that Revd Mark Ruffell has been appointed the new Chancellor of the diocese. As well as being a barrister specialising in criminal, regulatory and disciplinary law, Mark is a curate in the North Hampshire Downs benefice and also served as a church warden for 22 years! |
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Bishop Philip said, "I am delighted by Mark’s appointment as Chancellor and am grateful to him for taking on this significant responsibility in the life of our Diocese. He combines deep experience in the law with a lively Christian faith and deep commitment to the life of the Church, and will, I am sure, be a great blessing to us all."
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Congratulations to Revd Marianne Foster, who this month was collated as Vicar (formerly Priest-in-Charge) of St Luke's Stanmore! Revd Marianne said, "Please pray that we will be faithful in building a community where everyone can belong, flourish and play their part in God's kingdom." |
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We're also pleased to share that Revd Peter Owen-Jones and Revd Ingrid Owen-Jones have jointly taken on the role of Clergy Retirement Officer for the Northern Archdeaconry. |
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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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