THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK FROM REVD DAVID CHATTELL |
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Continuing our series from deanery leaders, Revd David Chattell, Area Dean of Alton and Alresford, writes...
The joyous service for the arrival of Dean Christopher Palmer to Winchester Cathedral was ninety minutes long, precisely choreographed and ran very smoothly! There were five processions involving over fifty people, a congregation in excess of four hundred and liturgy that served us well for worship and formally conveyed the new Dean into his role. |
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On a somewhat smaller scale we are in preparation for Holy Week services which in contrast are likely to be less structured, possibly messy, involving bare feet, maybe a donkey and an ad hoc procession of bystanders!
Jesus arranged a donkey for his entrance into Jerusalem and a room for the last supper. After that, humanly speaking, it was forces of evil and hatred beginning with a betrayal, that arranged events and took Jesus to the Cross.
Borrowing the words of the Book of Common Prayer, it was “God, our heavenly Father, who of his tender mercy gave his only Son Jesus Christ to suffer death upon the Cross for our redemption; who made there…a full, perfect, and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and satisfaction, for the sins of the whole world.”
In the words of Joseph, what humankind intended for harm 'God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.' Genesis 50:20
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The Very Revd Chris Palmer Installed as Dean of Winchester |
On Sunday, The Very Revd Chris Palmer was installed as the new Dean of Winchester, joining us from Exeter Cathedral and bringing with him a wealth of experience in leadership, parish ministry and theological learning. Please pray for Dean Chris and this exciting new era for Winchester Cathedral, as they commit to renew, inspire and unite people in faith, hope and love. |
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Brockenhurst Church Serves Up 45,000 Lunches! |
Each Wednesday, volunteers at St Saviour’s in Brockenhurst serve up a two-course meal for people in the village who might be elderly, alone or looking for community. Since starting in 1988, a staggering 45,000 meals have been produced! Ros Dennison, one of the organisers, said, “We represent the hands of God and provide pastoral care across the village. That's why people say this village is special." |
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Trauma Informed Ministry Course at Old Alresford Place |
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The first trauma-informed ministry course in our diocese was held last week, delivered by the Clergy Support Trust. It was designed to help those who minister to people who have experienced trauma by recognising how it impacts the body and brain, and looked at how trauma in our own lives can affect our response to others and how the words of scripture can equip us.
Revd Helen May, curate at St John’s Hartley Wintney, said, “More and more we're seeing in parishes the need to support people with mental health, anxiety issues and things they have been through in their lives, and are needing that reassurance and guidance. So I think for us as clergy to have learnt more about how to love them and journey with them is so important.” See photos from the course here and our video here.
It’s one of a number of training courses offered this season which address issues of wellbeing and conflict. Others include:
Sign up if you haven't already!
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+Philip's Presidential Address at Diocesan Synod |
A meeting of Diocesan Synod was held last night at St Barnabas, Weeke. Bishop Philip shared his Presidential Address, reflecting on the famous quote from Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.”
Read the address here >>>
Find Synod resources here >>> |
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Curates Gather for Learning and Fellowship |
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On Tuesday, 30 curates from across the diocese came together to share and learn at their monthly training day at Old Alresford Place. The two sessions were led by Revd Canon Nick Ralph, about knowing your community, and Revd Canon Dr Amy Roche, on interfaith engagement. Please pray for our curates as they continue to develop on their ministry journey. |
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Lenten Reflection from Our Head of Mission and Ministry |
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Our 'Crossing the Divide' Lenten reflection this week is from Revd Canon Dr Amy Roche, the diocese's Head of Mission and Ministry. Amy explores Ephesians 4 and tells a powerful story from her own life when she lived in Beirut, Lebanon. She reflects on how historical conflict can shape not only individuals but entire nations - but whether it's on the global stage or in the confines of our own hearts, God’s reconciling love is able to bring transformation and renewal. |
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Resources for Vocations Sunday |
26 April 2026
The National Vocations Team has produced a number of resources for Vocations Sunday, to equip churches and those exploring God's call. These include graphics, templates, and liturgical resources. |
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Sustainable Church Flowers Free Webinar |
23 March, 1-2pm, Online
Following the successful vote in Synod to support the sustainable use of flowers in our churches, join the Sustainable Church Flowers team to explore what sustainable flowers are and what support is available to help your church and team. |
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Thy Kingdom Come Resources |
Resources for this year's Thy Kingdom Come campaign include:
Please note that Thy Kingdom Come resources will not be distributed at our Chrism Mass service as in previous years. Physical copies will need to be ordered through the TKC website. |
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Nominate a Hero for the BBC Make a Difference Awards |
Do you know someone who deserves recognition - a great volunteer or young hero in your church? Why not nominate them for a Make a Difference Award and shine a light on an unsung hero! Nominations will close on 31 March at 5pm. |
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Archbishop Sarah's 140km Pilgrimage to Canterbury |
On Tuesday, the new Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally set off on a six-day walking pilgrimage from London to Canterbury, as part of her spiritual preparation for her Installation service at Canterbury Cathedral on 25 March. You can follow her progress online, and find a prayer for her pilgrimage here. |
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16 May, 6:30pm, Winchester Cathedral
Save the date for a service of worship and prayer to mark the days from Ascension to Pentecost as part of the wider Thy Kingdom Come prayer initiative! This service will focus on prayer for the renewal of the Holy Spirit for ourselves, our churches and diocese, as well as for others to come to faith in Christ.
Times of prayer will be led by young people from around our diocese, with prayer stations set up for creative personal prayer in the chapels. Bishop Philip will be preaching, and sung worship will be wonderfully varied - including the cathedral organ, Taizé, and time led by the worship team from Saint Mary's Southampton.
For more information contact the Bishop's Chaplain, Revd Kate Seagrave. |
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Facing times of tension and conflict can be challenging, particularly for those in leadership, as we deal with our own anxieties as well as those of others. This workshop, open to clergy and LLMs, is designed to equip you as a leader within your church, enabling you to face situations of conflict with greater confidence and resilience. |
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Events Around the Diocese |
21 March, 9:30am, St Mark's Kempshott |
25 March, 2pm, St Paul's Winchester |
2 April, 11am, Winchester Cathedral |
15 April 9:15am, All Saints Awbridge |
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21 April 9:30am, Old Alresford Place |
22 April, 6:30pm, Old Alresford Place |
11 May, 2pm, Old Alresford Place |
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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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