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During the Season for Creation, Bishop Rhiannon writes...
Every autumn, from the first of September to the fourth of October, the global church has learnt to pause as we enter a special season called 'Creationtide'. It is a time dedicated to looking more closely at the natural world around us and celebrating it as a gift from God. |
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To help us get into the spirit of this season, we can borrow a beautiful practice from the world of ‘Godly Play’. (Something worth looking up if you haven’t already come across it.) In Godly Play, we do not just learn facts about faith; we ask "I wonder" questions and use our God-given imagination. This Creationtide, can I invite you to bring that same posture of quiet curiosity out into the great ‘cathedral of nature’.
I wonder which part of God’s earth most point you towards Him?
I wonder what sort of parable Jesus might tell about creation if he lived on the earth today?
I wonder what the trees in the Amazon rainforest might say if they could speak to us?
I wonder when Jesus might say to us (about our care of creation) ‘well done my good and faithful servant’?
The poet-theologians of old apparently maintained that nature is God’s first book of scripture. By wandering and wondering through it, we begin to feel the presence of the divine all over the place.
Creationtide calls us to fall in love with the earth again. Because when we truly wonder at something, we learn to love it and what we love, we will protect.
Happy wondering/wandering! |
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Thursdays Together Combats Poverty, Loneliness & Isolation |
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What began as an emergency food project has grown into something bigger at St Albans Church, Swaythling. Thursdays Together is a place where people can find food, friendship, practical support and a listening ear. Organiser Sarah Dockree said, “We're very much a community project, but we don't hide the fact that we do this because we're a church and we believe that everyone has a unique and inherent value in God's eyes. Some people just need to hear that they matter, to build friendships, to be listened to.” |
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Over 60 Students Welcomed to Licensed Ministry Training |
The start of the new academic year for students embarking on Licensed Ministry Training was recently celebrated at Old Alresford Place. Bishop Rhiannon said, “To see this many people from across the diocese is a joy. It's wonderful that people are stepping up and offering their time and their skills for the Kingdom.” |
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How Our Churches Marked the Global Week of Prayer |
The Global Week of 24-7 Prayer was introduced last year to bring Christians around the world together in prayer, to acknowledge the love of God, to pray for others around the world, and to acknowledge Jesus as Lord. Across our diocese, churches marked the week in a variety of ways, from prayer rooms and online gatherings to prayer walks in heavy rain! |
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New Milton Church Celebrates First Confirmation Service in 24 Years |
On Sunday, Bishop Philip was delighted to visit St Mary Magdalene Church in New Milton and confirm six candidates: Geoff Nightingale, Goff Beck, Jane Carter, Judith Carter, Tracey King and Jacob Linden. This was the first confirmation service at the church in 24 years, and the first for St Mary Magdalene's newly appointed Rector, Revd Jon Westall. It was a very joyous day for all concerned! |
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Season of Creation 2026 - Rivers of Justice |
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Called. What is Your Part in God's Story? |
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Across our diocese, many people have heard God's call to ministry, from ordained ministry to commissioned lay ministry. Click on the image above to see how ministry has flourished in our church communities.
Across the Church of England, we want to encourage and grow vocations, and the national church have produced a number of resources for the Called. What is Your Part in God's Story? campaign. Resources include a Good Practice Guide for Parishes, youth resources, a Novena, as well as a prayer journal, a service resource pack and postcards. |
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New Faith and Generosity Reflection |
Our Faith and Generosity team has created a reflection for next Sunday’s lectionary readings from Philippians 1:21-30 and Matthew 20:1-16. This reflection can be used both as a basis for sermon preparation and for personal reflection. |
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AI Guidelines for Christian Ministry |
Recently there has been much conversation about the place of AI in church ministry. We have been told about this resource called ‘AI Guidelines for Christian Ministry’ made by the AI Christian Partnership and Christian Ministry which some might find useful. AI Guidelines for Christian Ministry. The short infographic summary is here, and the full guideline booklet is here. |
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Church Action on Poverty Sunday Resources |
18 October 2026
Resources for Church Action on Poverty Sunday are now available! This year's theme is 'Food, Faith and Fellowship', and resources include prayers and sermon notes, suggested hymns, art resources, posters, as well as tabletop conversation cards and placemats for churches hosting lunches. |
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The Christian Values Found in Winnie the Pooh |
Winnie the Pooh is a hundred this year! From 12-17 October, the BBC will be celebrating Winnie the Pooh's centenary, with readings from the books and a new drama. Our diocesan education team has also produced a series of reflections, which can be used as a basis for basis for prayers, reflections, and all age worship, linking quotes from Winnie the Pooh to Christian values. |
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DBS Checks for Working with Children in Places of Worship |
The government recently shared further details on eligibility for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks within various faith groups, such as in a church setting. This guidance applies whether the individuals are paid or unpaid, and includes faith leaders, drivers, activity leaders and workers, management staff and caretakers. |
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Subscribe to the Church Furnishings List |
The Cathedrals and Church Buildings Department is pleased to announce the revitalisation of the Church Furnishings List, a shared resource designed to support the responsible recycling and reuse of church contents. You are encouraged to make use of this resource, both to list items that are no longer required and to explore what may be available for your own contexts. |
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2 November, 7pm, Online
4 November, 2pm, Old Alresford Place
Do you have a love for God’s word? Do you feel a call to build up God’s people through preaching? If so, the BPP training programme might be for you! Find out more about the BPP programme at one of our two taster sessions in November. Learn more >>> |
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5-15 October, Winchester Cathedral
Join Winchester Cathedral for the fourth Law Week Festival, a series of talks and events exploring the relationship between faith and justice. Find out more here >>>
Particularly of note is a service for Law Sunday with the High Sheriff for Hampshire, on 11 October at 11am. This is a service that gives thanks for the judicial system and the people who work within and incorporates a distinctive procession through the Inner and Outer Close. |
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Winchester Diocese Evangelical Network Gathering |
22 September, 12:30pm, All Saints Eastleigh
The Winchester Diocese Evangelical Network Gathering will take place next week, where the Revd John Dunnett, National Director of the Church of England Evangelical Council, will be welcomed as the guest speaker. Please bring your own lunch; tea and coffee will be provided. |
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Winchester ‘Awareness Foundation’ Peace Walk |
26 September, Leaving at 10:40am from Winchester Station
The Awareness Foundation, a Christian education and training charity, with a special focus on the Middle East, invites you to take part in their annual Peace Walk. Find out more >>> |
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Events Around the Diocese |
26 September, 9:15am, St Boniface, Chandler's Ford |
30 September, 2pm, Old Alresford Place |
3 October, 9:30am, Christ Church Freemantle |
6 October, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
7 October, 8:15am, St Mark's Kempshott |
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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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