THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK FROM REVD KATHY HICKEN |
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Continuing our series from deanery leaders, Revd Canon Kathy Hicken, Assistant Area Dean of Christchurch, writes...
During Lent, I’ve been following a podcast by John Ortberg called 'Become New', on the subject of ‘No condemnation’, and I have felt challenged to give up condemnation for Lent.
The voice of accusation in my head can sometimes be hard to ignore, even though the Bible tells us in Romans 8:1 that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ. Jesus never blames, accuses or shames us, and never tells us we are ‘condemned' – declared not fit for service. |
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When we need to change, the Spirit of Jesus gently convicts us, and this is a hopeful, motivating experience which draws us closer to God for his help, rather than making us want to hide from him or others in shame.
As I’ve been watching for condemnation in my heart, it’s been eye opening and rather convicting, to observe how often my first reaction can be to blame, accuse or judge others’ motives. ‘No condemnation’ is Christ’s gift to us, but it is also a responsibility that we are to share with those who we come across daily, whether our families, colleagues, friendships, or even in the traffic queue. As we receive, may we freely give God’s grace. |
Installation of the New Archbishop of Canterbury |
It was an historic day for the Church of England yesterday, as more than 2,000 people attended the Installation of the first female Archbishop pf Canterbury, ++Sarah Mullally. Please join our diocese in praying for her as she begins her public ministry in the Church of England and worldwide Anglican Communion. Read the press release here >>> |
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Lenten Bible Course Brings Community Together |
When a Lenten Bible course was organised in the North Hampshire Downs benefice, they certainly didn't expect around 130 people to attend each week! Camilla, one of the attendees, said, "It’s one of the best things we've done as a benefice. It makes you want to read more and reignited a love of the Bible.” |
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Mission and Ministry Training Celebration Service |
A joyous evening of celebration was held last week to mark the completion of Mission and Ministry academic achievements. Kate Gilbert, who received a BCM, said, "I felt a sense of the Holy Spirit being with all of us as we worshipped together with each other’s services, and I came out wanting to do a lot more." |
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+Kelly Appointed Bishop Ambassador for Mothers’ Union |
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We're delighted to announce that Bishop Kelly has been appointed Bishop Ambassador for the Mothers’ Union (MU), a role hoped to strengthen relationships between the MU and the Church of England. Bishop Kelly commented, “I've been a local MU member whilst in Truro Diocese and am in the process of transferring my membership to Winchester. I have chosen to be a member largely because I greatly value the radical and transformative work of the MU, its ethos as a grass roots movement and its reach in working globally with and for communities where there is greatest need.”
The Mothers' Union is particularly special in this diocese where it was founded by Mary Sumner in 1876 (read more here). Watch this space for news of the Mother's Union 150 year anniversary celebrations later this year... |
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Lenten Reflection from Chris Palmer, Dean of Winchester |
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Our final Lenten reflection is from The Very Revd Chris Palmer, our new Dean of Winchester. He explores Ephesians 6 and encourages us that the Church is called to be 'the Alternative News Service', subverting the bad news of the world with the good news of the gospel – in a world intent of war we speak peace, in a world intent on telling lies we are called to be people of truth. |
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Don't forget, you can hear further reflections from each of our bishops during Holy Week, at Winchester Cathedral. Bishop Philip will preach on Holy Monday, Bishop Rhiannon on Holy Tuesday, and Bishop Kelly on Holy Wednesday, all at 7.30pm.
Find further details here >>>
For those unable to make the services, all three talks will be live streamed here >>> |
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A Huge Thanks for Submitting Your Statistics for Mission! |
We wanted to say a big thank you to every parish who submitted their Statistics for Mission figures - the returns closed at 97%! This is a phenomenal response, and the best ever achieved by our diocese - your contribution will help the national church to plan mission and ministry across the Anglican communion. |
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Equipping Churches to Support Local Families |
When families in your community are struggling, many churches want to do more but aren’t always sure how. Spurgeons Connect partners with churches to help them develop volunteer‑led Church Family Hubs, offering practical, relational support to families in their local area. Find out more via the Spurgeons website or by attending a free fortnightly webinar. |
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Join Our New Church Tourism Group! |
We're bringing together a Church Tourism Group to help shape the diocese's approach to welcoming visitors and tourists to our wonderful church buildings. As we look to discover ways to reach these new audiences, this group will share ideas, offer insight, and help us navigate church tourism sensitively and effectively. |
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There will also be optional opportunities to support practical projects such as church trails and interactive digital content.
If you have experience or interest in heritage, tourism, or visitor engagement, and would like to join our consultation group, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Libby Davis before 30 April for more details.
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Honouring Black Histories This April |
The national church are pleased to share a powerful programme of events in April, exploring Black History, mission, resistance, and the vital role of archives in preserving our collective stories. These events offer rich opportunities to learn, reflect, and engage with histories that continue to shape our present. |
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- Church of England’s Black History at the Archives, 10 April, 10am, Lambeth Palace Library - An open day dedicated to exploring the Church of England’s Black History through its archival collections
- Faith Under the Lash: Caribbean Enslaved Narratives, Power and Resistance, 12 April, 3pm, Online - This free webinar examines what enslaved people’s narratives from the Caribbean reveal about their lived experiences and their engagement with religion
- Legacy of Defiance: African Resistance and the Fight Against Enslavement, 12 April, 6pm, Online - This free webinar explores the powerful history of African resistance to enslavement and the enduring legacy of those who fought for freedom
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DIY Gravestone Cleaning Could Risk Damage |
The increasing trend of people making social media videos of attempts to clean gravestones is well meaning but is potentially damaging. Many gravestones are made from soft stones such as Portland limestone or Bath stone, which can be harmed by harsh cleaning techniques. Anyone concerned about the condition of a gravestone can find guidance on cleaning monuments here >>> |
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New Anglican Communion Office Website |
The Anglican Communion Office have recently launched a new website, which shares information about their work, advocacy campaigns and news, and global church affairs. They've also updated their resources library and church directory - check out the new website below! |
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Open-Air Good Friday Service |
3 April, 12-1pm, Guildhall Square, Southampton
Building on the success of previous years, this 'Hope in the Heart of the City' event will gather people from across Southampton for a public moment of reflection, storytelling, and shared hope. Through live music, prayer, and drama (and an interview with our own Bishop Rhiannon!), the service will retell the story of the cross —right in the heart of the city. |
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This workshop, open to clergy and LLMs, trains you as an Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Champion, giving you an understanding of common mental health issues, knowledge and confidence to advocate for mental health awareness, the ability to spot signs of mental ill health, and skills to support positive wellbeing. |
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Events Around the Diocese |
2 April, 11am, Winchester Cathedral |
15 April 9:15am, All Saints Awbridge |
22 April 6:30pm, Old Alresford Place |
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11 May, 2pm, Old Alresford Place |
16 May, 6:30-8pm, Winchester Cathedral |
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Please join us in saying goodbye and thank you to The Revd Lee Davies, Vicar of Hythe, who will be taking on the role of Priest in Charge in South Ossett, in the Diocese of Leeds, as well as The Revd Alexander Randle-Bissell, Rector of Pastrow, who will be moving to the Diocese of Exeter to become City Dean of Plymouth.
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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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