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Continuing our series from deanery leaders, Revd Teresa Townsend, Assistant Area Dean of Andover, writes...
There are times in our lives when things become busy, not just with our usual routines and responsibilities, but with extra demands that arise, often unexpectedly: illness in the family, urgent appointments, or additional time pressures may come our way. Sometimes these extra demands are for something exciting but still add to the busyness. It is easy to feel overwhelmed when extra responsibilities pile up and we have to decide what to prioritise and what to let go. |
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At times like this, pausing and resting in God, even for a moment, can help recalibrate us for what lies ahead. Psalm 46:10 says, ‘Be still, and know that I am God’. Making time to be still can be at odds with a long To Do list, but it is exactly what we need. By being still and remembering that God is there with us in everything, we can find peace in our hearts and our minds when we need it most.
As we go about our daily lives, managing both our regular responsibilities and the unexpected things that come our way, may we give ourselves permission to stop, take a moment of quiet and listen for God in that stillness. ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ |
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A Chance to RECOGNISE Children and Families Ministry |
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This week marks the Church of England's RECOGNISE campaign, a national week of appreciation for everyone involved in ministry with children, young people and their families. As part of this campaign, churches across the diocese were invited to nominate individuals to receive a special certificate of thanks and an invitation to a celebratory tea, representing just some of the many people who serve so faithfully in this vital ministry.
It's not too late to download the resources and a special video from Archbishop Sarah so you can RECOGNISE your CYF workers this Sunday! |
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Village Pilgrimage Helps Pupils Learn More About Faith |
Year five and six pupils from Milford on Sea CE Primary School have taken a pilgrimage through their village to discover more about their local Christian communities and reflect on their own journeys of faith. Esme, aged 11, said, "We were given a little cross and I'll keep that in my room because I keep most of the precious things in my room.” |
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Faith Communities Unite for Annual Peace Walk |
More than 120 people gathered for the annual Southampton Peace Walk, with Bishop Rhiannon and clergy joining members of Southampton’s faith communities, civic leaders, and residents. At each stop, participants were warmly welcomed into places of worship, heard about the beliefs and traditions of each faith community, and experienced generous hospitality. |
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Chaplains Come Together to Offer Support & Encouragement |
This week, chaplains from across the diocese came together for a Chaplaincy Networking event – an opportunity to share experiences, learn from one another and celebrate different chaplaincy roles. We heard from several chaplains, who spoke about the importance of such gatherings and the privilage of chaplaincy. Read more >>> |
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Camino – Diocesan Education Project 2026/7 |
Next year’s project for schools picks up the themes of physical, spiritual and metaphorical journeys, with the project booklet available in October. In the meantime, if you've completed part or all of the Santiago de Compostella Camino, or any other pilgrimage walk in the UK or abroad (or know anyone who has), our Director of Education would love to chat with you! You can contact Jeff here. |
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DEC Venezuela Earthquake Appeal |
On 24 June, two catastrophic earthquakes hit Venezuela within seconds of each other. The UN estimates that millions of people have been affected, with more than two million in the worst impacted areas.
Christian Aid are releasing emergency funds to their network in the epicentre of Caracas and La Guaira, and have put out an appeal for donations. Donate here >>> |
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Save the Date: Single Friendly Church Week |
27 September - 4 October 2026
Single Friendly Church Network are inviting church communities to take part in Single Friendly Church Week! This is a chance for churches to come together to say clearly: single people at every stage of life are welcomed, valued, and included. Find resources for taking part here >>> |
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Images of Children Online |
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New Online Marriage Preparation Platform |
For over 30 years, Alpha has offered The Pre-Marriage Course—a free, five-week course designed to help couples build a strong and lasting relationship. Traditionally, this has been run in person and online, but Alpha are now piloting a new platform that enables couples to go through The Pre-Marriage Course from the comfort of their own home. If your church would like to take part in this new pilot course, please get in touch with Revd Kate Seagrave, the Bishop's Chaplain. |
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Update Following the HMRC Mileage Rate Change |
In relation to clergy expenses, PCCs should note that the simplest way to reimburse motoring costs is to use a mileage rate. The Archbishops’ Council and Diocesan Boards of Finance issue their own recommended rates. PCCs and other bodies responsible for reimbursing motoring costs may, of course, adopt one of these rates or set their own. Following the HMRC change to the guidelines for payment of mileage, from 45p per mile to 55p per mile, the WDBF has taken the decision to increase the mileage rate for all staff and volunteers to 55p per mile. We hope this will provide PCCs with clarity for local discussions. |
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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.
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Events Around the Diocese |
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 |
6 October, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
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It was wonderful to welcome the Revd Yvette Dixon, previously Assistant Curate at St Richard's Church, Hanworth, in the Diocese of London, licensed on Monday as Associate Minister in the North Hampshire Downs Benefice! |
On Sunday St Barnabas Church Winchester said goodbye to their much loved vicar, Revd Ed Dines. There wasn't a dry eye in the church as the church community thanked him for his years of leadership, encouragement and vision. |
Please keep all our new and departing clergy in your prayers, asking God to direct their steps and sustain them as they continue on the journey He has called them to. |
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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