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Many of us will have been aware of the outbreak of Ebola in parts of DRC, Rwanda and Uganda, but will have little idea of what that means on the ground. It's useful, therefore, to be able to share this video from +Martin Gordon, Bishop of Goma in DRC - an area of the country under the control of the Rwandan-backed M23 militia, whose presence makes the efforts to combat the disease all the harder. I'm pleased to say that the Bishop of Winchester's Uganda Fund helps support Martin, and I rejoice in that partnership. If you or your church would like to contribute specifically to the efforts to combat Ebola, there is a link below the video and also here: Gordons in Goma | Stewardship
Please pray for the efforts to counter this dreadful disease affecting people who were already amongst the most vulnerable on the face of the earth.
+Philip
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Lay Ministers Offer Encouragement Through Stories of Faith |
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Last week, Lay Ministers from across the diocese gathered at St Paul’s in Bursledon for a celebration day focused on encouragement, ministry and sharing faith in everyday life. Simon Day, Lay Minister at St Paul’s Tadley, spoke about faith in the workplace: "It’s allowing people to have a place where they can express their faith and be part of a community of others.” |
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‘Bags of Hope’ Inspires Compassion & Understanding |
Schools across the diocese are preparing to unveil a powerful art installation as part of their ‘Bags of Hope’ diocesan education project. This has explored the challenges faced by migrants, refugees and displaced people, and how we can live out the Gospel teachings of welcome and compassion for strangers. |
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Churches Celebrate Pentecost and Thy Kingdom Come |
Churches across our diocese have held joyful celebrations to mark Pentecost - commemorating the Holy Spirit's descent and the birth of the Church. Celebrations have included baptisms, imaginative services, ecumenical gatherings, prayer vigils, and even colour coordinated clothing! |
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Swaythling Church Hosts Year 6 Celebration |
Last Thursday after school, Year 6 pupils from 2 local primary schools were welcomed to St Alban's Church, Swaythling. The afternoon was a chance to celebrate the completion of their SATs with ice cream, hot chocolate, activities and games, as well as for pupils to look round the church, and to invite them to the St Alban's summer youth group sessions. Many churches are exploring similar creative approaches to connect with young people and encourage them to take part in youth activities. |
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New Funding for Churches Webpages |
Looking for information on church capital project funding? Our Parish Support Team recently created a central grants page, which brings together information on capital projects, net zero grants, the Parish Accessibility Fund, and the Places of Worship Renewal Fund. |
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Books to Open Up Conversations About Race |
As part of their All Are Welcome project, our Education Team have created resources on Racial Justice which are being used across our dioceses and beyond. As part of this, they have made a list of book recommendations. |
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Don't Forget to Check Out Our Faith & Generosity Resources! |
7-14 June is Faith and Generosity Week, and we've created a number of resources to help your church community explore the topic of generosity. These include reflections, videos, colouring sheets, and lectionary readings. |
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Free Online Security Training |
ProtectUK have recently created a series of free online security courses, designed specifically for faith communities. The training aims to help attendees from places of worship strengthen security practices, mitigate threats, and ensure their premises remain safe and secure. |
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Calling All Self-Supporting Ministers! |
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Join us for a free webinar with Climate Stewards, a leading organisation in Christian climate action, who will talk us through how carbon footprints are calculated, ways to cut carbon, and how we can contribute to climate solutions in a meaningful and responsible way. |
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Talk: Where Your Treasure Is |
9 June, 7pm, Ascension Church Southampton
Join Sarah Edwards from JustMoney for a talk about current unsustainable economic systems from a faith perspective and how we can use our spending power to reduce environmental harm and social inequalities. There will also be a discussion panel to address questions.
Find out more and book >>> |
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An Evening of Prom Praise |
6 June, 7:15pm, Romsey Abbey
Come along and enjoy the livestream of Prom Praise from the Royal Albert Hall. Expect a joyful evening of well-loved hymns, lively international worship, and uplifting orchestral and choral music. Entry is free but booking is appreciated - book here >>> |
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Events Around the Diocese |
2 June, 2pm, Old Alresford Place |
17 June, 8:15am, Old Alresford Place |
25 June, 8:15am, All Saints Ringwood |
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1 July, 9am, St Paul's Winchester |
8 July, 9:30am, St Luke's Burton |
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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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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Our mailing address is:
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