Our weekly newsletter will be taking a break over the summer, with two updates in August. See you in September! |
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Continuing our series from deanery leaders, Revd Steve Miles, Assistant Area Dean of Christchurch, writes...
A couple of months after starting my incumbency in Ringwood, I was walking down the high street on the way to do a Christmas service, when a lady in the street walked over to me and said, ‘Okay then, where is the hope in the world?’ Wars were raging and political chaos was ensuing. After a while I reflected on her question and wondered, what is it that she is seeing from those who love Jesus? |
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In Psalm 16:11 the psalmist writes, ‘you have made known to me the path of life, you fill me with joy in your presence…’ We are people who are called to live life in all its fullness, to inhabit joy. Yet often we do not reflect joy but rather can dwell in the chaos of the world.
Joy though does not mean the absence of sorrow, but rather is found in the internal change of the heart that comes from knowing that regardless of the chaos in life we are deeply and unconditionally loved, and that it is in the image of God that we are created in, that chaos gets transformed into beauty.
The world may be in chaos, but when joy is a habit, love is a reflex. When people feel loved, they see the hope that lies before them. Therefore, if we as the people of God, choose to inhabit joy, many people in our communities like that lady in Ringwood would see the hope that lies there before them, the hope that scripture reveals for all to see.
As Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa said, ‘If the written word of the Bible could be changed into a spoken word and become one single voice, this voice, more powerful than the roaring of the sea would cry out, the Father loves you!’ And in his presence, there is joy, deep endless abounding joy.
Lord, may you help me to live a life of deep joy in your presence today. Amen
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St Martin’s Reaches Net Zero Four Years Ahead of Target |
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The Church of England aims to achieve net zero carbon by 2030, but St Martin’s in East Woodhay have reached the target already! Revd Lisa Rodrigues said, “As Christians, it’s part of our mandate to care for the environment and to protect it for future generations, who we hope will continue to worship in this place as previous generations have before us." |
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Joyful Celebrations Mark Milestone Anniversaries |
Two churches recently celebrated remarkable milestones of faithful service, loving relationships and Christian community! At St John the Baptist Church in Burley, Grania Casswell marked her 100th birthday and an amazing 63 years of singing in the church choir, while in the Parish of Hordle and Tiptoe, three couples came together to celebrate a combined 160 years of marriage with a joyful service. |
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The Role of Faith for Local Christians in Public Life |
For Christians, faith can play an important role in our workplace. For those in public office, it can shape the way they serve. We spoke to the Lord Mayor of Southampton, the Sheriff of Southampton, as well as the Mayor of Winchester and his chaplain, reflecting on how their faith sustains them and informs and inspires their leadership. |
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Bags of Hope Celebration Booklet |
At the end of a hugely impactful project, our diocesan Education Team celebrate some of the amazing learning and service in our Church schools in this year's Celebration Booklet. You can read and see more below: |
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Common Mission Fund Requests 2027 |
The Common Mission Fund requests for 2027 have recently been shared, outlining the amount requested from each parish, to further our work in every parish, across Hampshire and East Dorset. |
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We're Looking for New Paint Pots Trustees! |
The diocese are looking for new trustees who are committed to volunteering their time, expertise, and strategic insight to support Paint Pots' ongoing development and governance. Trustees play a vital role in ensuring the Paint Pots charity remains sustainable, well-governed, and true to its objects and mission of delivering high-quality early years education and care. |
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Young Adults at General Synod |
While elections are just around the corner, there's still time to encourage young adults to stand for General Synod! The National Society for Education team are there to help interested young adults in preparing for the process, through completion of the Registering Interest form, or please contact Stephen Beamond, Head of Younger Leaders, directly. |
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Church Furnishings List Relaunched |
The Church Furnishings List, aimed at supporting the reuse of church contents by faith communities, is being relaunched. After obtaining a faculty, churches can use the List to donate redundant furnishings, so that these items continue to serve worshipping communities. |
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Free Youth ‘Confirmation' Course from Youthscape |
‘Confirmation’ is a brand-new course which supports and prepares young people journeying towards confirmation in the CofE. The course provides leaders with a suite of flexible resources so that leaders can build a bespoke course that’s right for their group and setting. |
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150th Anniversary Service of the Mothers' Union |
9 August, 10:30am, St Mary’s, Old Alresford
All are welcome to come along to a special service to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Mothers Union (MU) on 9 August. The service will be held at St Mary’s Church, Old Alresford, the church where Mary Sumner, founder of the MU, was the Rector’s wife. |
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LoveRural - National Rural Mission Conference |
19-20 October, Yarnfield Park, Stone, Staffordshire
LoveRural is a gathering for anyone passionate about seeing rural churches and communities flourish. Hosted by a partnership of denominations and mission agencies, the conference is a chance to join others in learning, praying, encouraging one another and sharing practical ideas for mission in the countryside. |
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Events Around the Diocese |
12 September, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
12 September, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
19 September, 9:30am, St Paul's Church, Bursledon |
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26 September, 9:15am, St Boniface, Chandler's Ford |
6 October, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
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Last week, Revd Nicky Smallwood was licensed as Vicar of the Bright Waters Benefice, with representatives from all six parishes within the benefice taking part in the joyful service!
Revd Nicky was ordained in 2020, but has been deeply embedded in the local church community for over 13 years. As well as parish ministry, other important areas of ministry for Revd Nicky have included volunteering with a charity supporting women in recovery from addictions, working near Alton as an Anna Chaplain supporting older people, and most recently serving as the chaplain of local hospices for children and young adults, Naomi and Jack’s. |
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Itchen Valley Parish also welcomed their new Rector this week, Revd David Cooke. Revd David was Vicar of Holy Trinity Barnes in London for 14 years, and before this served as Associate Vicar at Holy Trinity Richmond, where he completed his curacy.
He said, “As a family, we are delighted to be joining in with everything God is already doing across the Itchen Valley and its community. We feel called to love and serve you and are excited about the journey ahead. |
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"I’m especially looking forward to getting to know each of you — hearing your stories, sharing life together, and yes, pulling on a pair of wellies and walking alongside you as we grow in friendship and faith over the months and years to come. We hope there will be many opportunities to get to know one another, to worship together, and to discover all that God has in store for us as we begin this new chapter in the life of our parish." |
Starters and Farewells in the Diocesan Team |
Within the diocesan team, this month we welcomed Ian Parker as Clergy Appointments Assistant, and said goodbye to Jemima Lewis, Steph Kinge, Hasna Khatun and Jane Hammond. |
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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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