THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK FROM REVD CANON MARIANNE FOSTER |
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Continuing our series from deanery leaders, the Assistant Area Dean of Winchester, the Revd Canon Marianne Foster, writes...
If I were to return this weekend to the church where I was baptised, I would find it closed. Stanmer Church is still there, but it’s no longer used for worship. Yet that place still matters, because it was where I was first welcomed into the life of the Church. |
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I don’t remember my baptism. At three months old, my twin and I were baptised together, held in God’s grace long before we could believe. When our family moved to a different part of town and joined a new church, faith didn’t disappear; it was carried by people who noticed us and made room for us. A curate, who played football with my dad, later came to our home and prayed when I broke my leg. I still remember how it felt to be cared for.
Looking back, I can see that faith was something people lived, not just something they talked about. I was given belonging long before I had words for faith. Loving God and loving one another were inseparable. That is how faith is formed and sustained, and it continues to shape the welcome we are called to offer, especially as our churches and communities respond to changing times. |
Prayers for the Conflict in the Middle East |
As the war continues across the Middle East, we encourage our churches and communities to respond to the call of the Most Rev Hosam Naoum, Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem, for the global Church to join them in 'urgent, unceasing prayer'. The Iranian-born Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Revd Guli Francis-Dehqani, has written a prayer for the people of Iran, which can be found here. The charity Open Doors has also shared some urgent prayer requests and updates from Christians living in Iran. |
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+Rhiannon Dedicates New Chapel at Bournemouth Hospital |
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Bishop Rhiannon visited the Royal Bournemouth Hospital to dedicate and pray for its new chapel now situated at the heart of the site near the main entrance, and to encourage the wonderful team of chaplains. She said, "This place and their presence is about being a beacon of hope in this hospital, reaching out to staff and patients with the love of Christ. Their work makes a real difference." |
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Children Families and Youth Network Gathering |
It was a joy to gather with our amazing Children, Family & Youth ministers and volunteers this week! We learned together with an inspiring presentation from Toby Beresford about Minecraft Church, and Sarah Smart encouraged us to think about ways that Messy Church can offer creative ways to connect with families.
Our next gathering will be on 1 July, 9-2pm, at St Boniface, Chandlers Ford (TBC). Please contact Elena Taraban for further details and to register. |
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First Cohort of Primary Schools Training for Difference |
Last week, 35 of our school leaders gathered at OAP to take part in the first cohort of the national CofE Difference course. It is training that can be rolled out in church groups, prisons, youth groups and secondary schools, helping participants navigate our complex world with skills in how to overcome difference and division with grace and forgiveness. Could your church get involved and host a course? |
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A Gathering of Our New Deacons! |
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On Tuesday, 15 ordinands who will be ordained in the summer, along with their partners, met at Old Alresford Place to spend time together and meet members of the diocesan team and the Clergy Partners Network. Bishop Philip started the day off with an encouraging address, saying that ordained ministers help the church be the best it can be! Please pray for our new deacons as they prepare for ordination in June and the start of their ministry. |
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Lenten Reflection from Assistant Archdeacon Howard |
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Journey deeper into Lent with this week’s reflection from Assistant Archdeacon Howard on what Christian unity means, looking at Ephesians 4. Howard gets busy in the kitchen, comparing Angel Delight with sourdough bread, and asking us to consider: 'Is unity about being with a group of people who are all the same, an Angel Delight church, or is it about being together, despite our differences?" |
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Vacancies on SACREs in Hampshire and Southampton |
The CofE has nominated places on the Statutory Committees in the Local Authorities of Hampshire and Southampton. The Standing Advisory Committees for Religious Education (SACREs) are comprised of Councillors and representatives from the Teacher Unions, Schools and the various faith communities. Could you represent one of these local authorities? As long as you're in a parish or linked to a school within our diocese, you should be eligible. Please contact Jane Kelly for a conversation on what’s involved. |
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Parishes have marked Rogation Sunday since the 5th century by walking their boundaries, praying for the land and gathering in community. This year, the British Pilgrimage Trust is offering £250 grants to help parishes bring the tradition to life by leading outdoor processions with land blessings, and sharing lunch afterwards. Applications close on 22 March. |
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Join the Great British Spring Clean! |
13-29 March 2026
Make your pledge to care for God's creation and show how much you love where you live by joining in with the Great British Spring Clean! Over 400,000 volunteers across the country will be taking action to clear litter from our streets, parks and beaches. |
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Pilgrim Places, Holy Lives |
25 May - 21 June 2026
This summer, the Church of England offers a new reflection campaign centred around pilgrimage – places and stories that help us feel part of something bigger on our journey towards God. Booklets and other resources will be available for individuals and church communities. |
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Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme Update |
The government's Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme (LPWGS) has now closed and no further applications will be accepted. The national church is collecting data on churches still hoping to make an application - they have asked if you could send the following information to Christina.Kaiser@churchofengland.org:
- The total value of your project
- The total amount of eligible VAT (bearing in mind the £25k cap in 2025-6)
- The postcode of the place of worship (optional)
- Anything else you'd like to share about your project (optional)
The new Places of Worship Renewal Fund (PWRF), which will replace the LPWGS, will open for applications in due course - we will share details as soon as we can. |
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All Welcome to Our Chrism Eucharist Service |
2 April, 11am, Winchester Cathedral
All in ministry are warmly invited to our annual Chrism Eucharist at Winchester Cathedral on Maundy Thursday, an opportunity to offer ourselves afresh to the service of God. The service will be followed by a light lunch. Please check your emails for the invitation. |
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Have any questions, need advice, or simply want to meet us in person? Join us at the Winchester Deanery Roadshow at St Paul’s Church – we would very much like to see you there, no booking required! |
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14 April 2pm, Online
In the first of a new series of NZC webinars we are joined by Grace Hardingham, project leader of Give To Go Green, who will share details on this new community fundraising campaign from the Church of England to help your parish fund decarbonisation projects. Sign up >>> |
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Events Around the Diocese |
18 March, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
21 March, 9:30am, St Mark's Kempshott |
15 April 9:15am, All Saints Awbridge |
11 May, 2pm, Old Alresford Place |
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16 May, 6:30-8pm, Winchester Cathedral |
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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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