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Continuing our series from deanery leaders, Revd Canon Professor Liz Stuart, Area Dean of Winchester, writes...
On Ascension Day, in some churches, that powerful symbol of the resurrection, the paschal candle, is extinguished after the Gospel is read. The wisps of smoke recall the cloud that received Jesus and took him from his disciples’ sight. But vanishing is not void. The cloud is the Shekinah, the manifestation of God’s presence that went before Israel in the wilderness, which hovered over the Temple and appeared at Jesus’s baptism and transfiguration. |
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In the Ascension the risen Christ is gathered into the life of God, he carries our humanity across the seam between heaven and earth and in the process tears it open. That breach releases the Holy Spirit into the world, that feral, unpredictable presence of God which brings the Church to birth and then leaves it, leave us, huffing and puffing in its wake as it seeks to lead us into greater and greater truth. The Church has one job, to discern where the Spirit is leading and to follow. Stasis will not do. Fear will not do. The days between Ascension and Pentecost are a holy interval, time to drop what drags, to unlearn fear and gloom, so that when the Spirit comes, we are ready to move. |
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Lord’s Hill Church Shows Love for its Community |
This year marked the third time Lord’s Hill Church in Southampton has organised ‘Love Lordshill’, an initiative that aims to help increase pride in the area and show God’s love to the local community. From litter picking and gardening to a free community barbecue, around 40 volunteers took part! |
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Churches Across the Diocese Mark Christian Aid Week |
Christian Aid Week has been marked by churches around the diocese with bike rides, plant sales, special services, and much more! Revd Canon Dr Tess Kuin Lawton, Canon Missioner at Winchester Cathedral, said, "I think as Christians, we're called to talk about peace and loving our neighbour. Ultimately, that’s what this is about.” |
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Parishioners Climb Historic Tower for Ascension Day Prayers |
Services have been taking place across the diocese today to mark Ascension Day, but St Nicholas Church in North Stoneham's tradition of holding morning prayers on the roof dates back centuries! Churchwarden Helen Carmichael said, “We're celebrating Jesus' ascension up into heaven so where better to it than a little closer to heaven, up our famous tower?" |
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Pianathon Raises Thousands for Accessibility Improvements |
The Parish of Four Saints in Bournemouth recently brought together pianists aged from 2 to 80, who kept music flowing for 12 hours in a joyful celebration of community and creativity. The event raised more than £4,000 towards new accessible toilets and the ongoing transformation of the church into a community hub! |
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Meet the Next Archdeacon of Bournemouth! |
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We are delighted to announce that the Revd Dr Gemma Foster will be the next Archdeacon of Bournemouth, providing support for parishes across our diocese and with special responsibility for the southern deaneries. Revd Gemma said: "I’m very much looking forward to supporting parishes as they Walk the Wessex Way of loving, serving, learning and growing and what that means within the context of each parish." |
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Resources for Faith and Generosity Week |
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7-14 June 2026
Faith and Generosity Week is an opportunity for us to celebrate God’s unfathomable generosity and to reflect on our faithful response. Resources including videos, colouring sheets, and lectionary reflections have been produced for you to use and share with your church communities. |
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National Safeguarding Campaign |
1-14 June 2026
The National Safeguarding team is launching an awareness campaign that aims to strengthen confidence in reporting safeguarding concerns, both current and non-recent. Resources include posters, information sheets, and email banners. |
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New Safety Pages on the National Church Website |
The national Church of England have created a number of webpages for PCCs and individuals with responsibility for keeping people safe, helping them to find mandatory and best practice information, in a clear and concise way. |
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New Safeguarding Authority Design Consultation |
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A consultation seeking feedback on the design of a proposed new safeguarding organisation is now open. Created and coordinated by the Safeguarding Structures Reform Programme, the consultation will run until 11pm on 17 May 2026. Anyone is welcome to contribute to the discussions. Find out more information here and if you have any questions, please contact the Safeguarding Structures Reform Team here.
Have your say here >>> |
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Join Sam Scott to understand how the Common Mission Fund for each parish is calculated; how your Community of Worshippers should be counted; and the impact of your Affluence Band. |
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The Sisters of the Community of St Mary the Virgin are offering those wondering about a vocation to the Religious Life a chance to spend a weekend with them in their Convent joining them in chapel, eating with them, and more. There will also be opportunity to chat with the Sisters and ask questions. Find out more >>> |
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Events Around the Diocese |
16 May, 10am, St Paul's Bursledon |
16 May, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
16 May, 6:30pm, Winchester Cathedral |
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8 June, 9:30am, St Luke's Burton |
17 June, 8:15am, Old Alresford Place |
25 June, 8:15am, All Saints Ringwood |
1 July, 9am, St Paul's Winchester |
14 July, 9:15am, Old Alresford Place |
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- 3 June: St John’s, Hartley Wintney
- 9 June: St Mary’s, Andover
- 18 June: Romsey Abbey
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- 25 June: Christchurch Priory
- 22 July: Zoom
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This Sunday was Revd Helen Griffiss's last service at Holy Epiphany Bournemouth. Thank you gifts were given at the end of the service and there was a special cake with coffee. In the evening many friends came to celebrate Helen’s wonderful ministry, from the Parish of Four Saints and other churches that Helen has had connections with over the years! |
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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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