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At this time of the year do you ever think, ‘Here we go again!’ There is much that is familiar that starts up again at this time of year, and that isn’t always welcome. The traffic increases on the road, school starts again, holidays become an increasing memory, the nights get appreciably longer. Members of my family love the approach of autumn as an excuse to get warm clothes out of the wardrobe. I have to confess I’m not nearly so keen! |
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There is a sense of the inevitably of things, as the seasons turn. But not all of it is repeat of the past, sadly. We are coming out of a summer of unprecedented heat and will, in all likelihood, be going into a very wet winter, if our changing patterns of weather are anything to go by – which, to be honest, they often are not, being increasingly unreliable. That’s why it’s important that we take this season of Creationtide seriously: it’s about Harvest Festival, yes – but it needs to be about much more than that. So I rejoice in the increasing number of churches being awarded A Rocha Eco Awards. Each one stands as a sign that positive change is possible.
And as followers of Jesus we do indeed believe that positive change is possible, and that life isn’t just more of the ‘same old same old’. We have a God who calls us forward in hope. And this world needs us to be people of hope, who don’t surrender to the apparently inevitable, but who believe that positive change is always possible – because Jesus is risen from the dead.
So my prayer for us in this season are these wonderful words of Paul in Romans 15:13: ‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.’
With my love to you all, in Christ our Lord,
+Philip |
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Take Part in the Season of Creation 2026! |
The Season of Creation is a time where we as Christians can renew our commitment to caring for our planet and give thanks for God's gift of creation. This year's theme is 'Living Water', and each week we'll be sharing stories, prayers and resources on different aspects of this theme. This week...
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Celebrations Across the Diocese Mark 150 Years of Mothers’ Union |
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Mothers’ Union members across our diocese have been celebrating the organisation’s 150th anniversary with special services, bellringing tributes, community events, as well as a garden of blue and yellow crochet flowers! |
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Thanksgiving Service After Historic Church Saved from Fire |
St Peter’s Church in East Tytherley has given prayers of thanks after its historic building was saved from fire. Last month, more than 50 firefighters were called to the village to tackle a wildfire which started in fields close to the church before spreading into the churchyard. Revd James Pitkin said, “We are thankful that it was just fields and the grass that was burned and scorched - it will grow back." |
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Diocese Churches Visit Uganda to Grow in Friendship & Faith |
Long standing links between churches in the diocese and in Uganda continue to grow, with recent visits providing opportunities to deepen friendships, share faith and learn from one another. St Peter’s in Yateley and Christchurch Deanery recently strengthened their long-standing links through visits, the latter accompanied by some unusual travelling companions – Bob the Bear, Stella and Paddington... |
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Odiham Deanery Clergy Strengthen Community Partnerships |
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A few weeks ago, 15 clergy from Odiham Deanery Chapter had the opportunity to meet with their local MP, Alex Brewer. It was a really fruitful discussion, and as well as getting to know one another better, several ideas emerged about how they might work together more closely on initiatives to support local communities! |
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Resources for Homelessness Sunday |
4 October 2026
Christian charity Housing Justice holds Homelessness Sunday each year, aiming to raise awareness of the issues surrounding homelessness among churches and their communities. A range of resources have been created in line with this year's theme of ‘Community Cohesion’, including prayers, hymns, an online service, service resources, and suggestions of how your church can get involved. |
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Save the Date - Safeguarding Sunday 2026 |
15 November 2026
Registration is now open for Safeguarding Sunday, an annual awareness campaign led by Thirtyone:eight. This year’s theme is Love Protects, helping churches explore safeguarding as an expression of care, protection and love. Registering will allow you access to resources including service-planning materials and ready-to-use content. |
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Safeguarding Structures Reform Programme |
In February 2025, General Synod voted for greater independence in the CofE’s management of safeguarding. The vote followed debate of the Future of Church Safeguarding Synod paper. The Safeguarding Structures Programme has been set up to deliver these reforms. The aim of the programme is to strengthen safeguarding through improved consistency and quality of service, and to rebuild confidence and trust in Church safeguarding through greater operational independence and scrutiny of safeguarding activities.
Find out more >>> |
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DBS Criteria Change from 1 September 2026 |
From 1 September 2026, the law about regulated activity with children in England and Wales is changing.
The current rule about the supervision of paid staff and volunteers carrying out specific activities with children will be removed from the legal definition. This will help to strengthen the protection and safeguarding of children. |
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Estates Ministry Gathering |
17 October, 9:30am, Christ Church Freemantle
Clergy, lay ministers and volunteers are warmly invited to this Estates Ministry Gathering! Doors will open at 9:30 for pastries and coffee together, followed by worship and an encouraging message for all those who serve in a range of beautiful and challenging communities.
If you'd like to come along, please get in touch with diocesan Estates Champion, Ed Haycock, and let him know of any dietary requirements! |
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An Introduction to Christian Political Thought |
27 September, 7:30pm, St Boniface Church Chandler's Ford
Come along to an introduction to Christian political thought, discussing “How should our Christian faith shape our politics?" The guest speakers will be Revd Professor Joshua Hordern, Professor of Christian Ethics at the University of Oxford, and Dr Ruan Bessa, Research Fellow on the project Christian Political Thought for British Public Life at the University of Oxford. Book tickets >>> |
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Events Around the Diocese |
8 September, 2pm, All Saints Alton |
12 September, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
12 September, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
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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Last month, the Benefice of the Resurrection Alton celebrated the licensing of Revd Tim Gomm at a service attended by a full church. Friends, family and members of the benefice came together to share in the occasion and to officially welcome Tim and his wife, Karen. A strong sense of joy and anticipation filled the service as people from across the benefice's churches gathered to mark the start of this new chapter. |
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On 1 September, we welcomed back Cathy Laird, Assistant Diocesan Secretary (Operations & Governance) who returned from maternity leave. Many thanks to Sam Scott for covering Cathy’s role over the past 13 months! Sam has now returned to his role as Diocesan Environment Officer. |
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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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