THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK FROM REVD SIMON ROBERTSON |
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Revd Simon Robertson, Area Dean of Southampton, starts our new Lenten series written by Area and Assistant Area Deans...
Life can often feel rushed, and Lent gives us a chance to slow down. Many of us already pray, read the Bible, and reflect as part of our daily walk with God. Lent is not about changing these habits, but about taking time to go deeper, moving beyond what is familiar and engaging with God in a fresh way. |
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As we make our way towards the cross, we are encouraged to think about how we live each day and the people we are becoming. What influences the choices we make? What do we give our time and attention to? Where is God inviting us to grow in this season?
Lent is a time to deepen our rootedness in Christ. We might decide to pray more intentionally, listen closely to what God is saying through Scripture, or fast in ways that help us see what really matters. These practices are not about showing how committed we are, but about allowing space for God to work in us and change us.
Lent is not simply about looking inward. As Christ forms us, we are also called to respond. This season brings together reflection and action. Helping us to listen to God and then respond by serving those around us. Let us approach this season with calm hearts, open to God's presence, and with ready hands, prepared to serve wherever we are needed.
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Odiham Youth Raise Thousands of Pounds to Help Ukraine |
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Marking the fourth anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, British and Ukrainian young people at All Saints Church, Odiham, organised their fourth fundraising concert entitled ‘Symphony of Solidarity’. One of the participants, Sofia Zavorina, said, “It's actually unbelievable that it’s been four years, and we have this constant feeling of waiting. However, this concert is an opportunity to do something physical that will help." |
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LLMs Gather for Fellowship and Discussion |
Licensed Lay Ministers from across the diocese came together on Saturday for a time of fellowship and to hear Revd Prof Liz Stuart and Revd Dr Andrew Goddard in conversation regarding the LLF process. LLM Ian Clarke from St Francis Valley Park said, “It's so important that we get together, share our experiences as lay ministers, support each other and discuss things that are pertinent to the church at the moment.” |
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Congrats to Our New Canons! |
Congratulations to 7 new Honorary Canons who were installed at Winchester Cathedral on Sunday. One of the new canons, Revd Simon Newham said, “Becoming a Canon came as a complete surprise. It has brought me great joy, a great sense of being connected with the wider diocese and also a sense of responsibility too in terms of wanting to represent the cathedral in the wider community.” |
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Crossing the Divide - Lenten Reflection from Bishop Kelly |
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For the third week of Lent, Bishop Kelly continues our theme of Crossing the Divide, looking at Ephesians 3:1-13 and its message of grace as 'the great leveller - we don't get to decide to whom it is offered.' This is the gift of God to our divided world, a world in which the Church must be a community of reconciliation.
Don't forget you can hear the extended version of Bishop Kelly's reflection on Holy Wednesday, 1st April, at Winchester Cathedral. Bishop Philip will also preach on Holy Monday and Bishop Rhiannon on Holy Tuesday.
Find all the information about Holy Week at the Cathedral here >>>
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There's Still Time to Submit Your Statistics for Mission! |
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A big thanks to everyone who has submitted their Statistics for Mission data, which helps the national church to plan mission and ministry. The deadline has now extended to 13 March to gather as much data as possible - our diocese has a return rate of 50% (see the bar chart above for how your deanery is doing) and we'd love to get this higher! |
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Connecting and Strengthening Rural Voices on Poverty |
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Martyn’s Law Simple Guide |
Ecclesiastical's new Martyn’s Law Made Simple Guide breaks down what the upcoming legislation means for places of worship in clear, practical steps. From understanding your responsibilities to building confidence across your team, this simple resource helps you prepare thoughtfully and protect the people who matter most. |
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Do you need some unhurried time with God? This could be the right moment to plan ahead and make space in your diary for rest and retreat to sustain you in ministry. Sheldon Retreat offers private retreats throughout the year. |
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easyfundraising Impact Grants |
The easyfundraising Impact Fund is now open with 20 unrestricted grants of £500 for use wherever it’s needed most, e.g. core costs, equipment, resources, activities, or just running costs. The deadline for applying is 5 April. |
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'The Upper Room' - A Time of Prayer & Worship |
16 May, 6:30-8pm, Winchester Cathedral
Everyone in our diocese is invited to Winchester Cathedral on Saturday 16 May, to mark the days from Ascension to Pentecost as part of the wider Thy Kingdom Come prayer initiative. The service will focus on prayer for the renewing of the Holy Spirit for ourselves and our churches, and for others to come to faith in Christ. There will be a worship band, prayer spaces, and Taizé worship. Put the date in your diary! |
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Spiritual Directors Network |
26 March, 10am-12pm, Old Alresford Place
Join us for an enriching session exploring the heart of Wesleyan Spirituality and its themes of holiness and grace. Through hymns, memorable Wesleyan ‘soundbites’ and cherished traditions, our speaker will guide us into a deeper appreciation of how this spiritual heritage continues to inspire faithful living today. Sign up here >>> |
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Positive Urban Theology Talk |
26 March, 7-9pm, Lord’s Hill Church, Southampton
Lord's Hill Church is excited to have Cris Rogers (Vicar of All Hallows Bow, Pioneer Priest and New Wine Planning Chair) coming to speak to Housing Estate/deprived community church teams on the subject of 'Positive Urban Theology'. If you have a heart for these communities, please come along! RSVP to Ed Haycock (Diocesan Estates Champion) here >>> |
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Events Around the Diocese |
7 March, 10am, St Mark's Kempshott |
11 March, 8:15am, Christ Church Colbury |
11 March, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
18 March, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
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21 March, 9:30am, St Mark's Kempshott |
25 March, 2pm, St Paul's Winchester |
15 April 9:15am, All Saints Awbridge |
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Death Announced of Bishop of Guildford |
With deep sadness it has been announced that The Rt Revd Andrew Watson, Bishop of Guildford, our neighbouring diocese, passed away on Tuesday 3 March after a short illness. Find the online condolence form here. Read more about Bishop Andrew's huge contribution to the Church of England in the Church Times here>>> |
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Remembering Peter Hoadley |
We are also sad to share that Peter Hoadley passed away at the end of February. Peter served as organist in his parish of Netley for 50 years and was on DAC for over 10 years and deanery synod for 20 years. He was also a loving support of his wife, Margaret, in her rich ministry as an LLM. Bishop Geoff Annas is conducting Peter's funeral at St Edward the Confessor, Netley Abbey, on 16 March at 1pm. |
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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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