THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK FROM AMY ROCHE |
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As we approach Lent this year I wonder if - more than things we want to pause from – the most important thing is what we make space for. I love this extract from some of David Adam’s writing, which reminds me showing up with an open heart before God is always time well spent even when I feel I just can’t pray! |
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Give time to praying, whatever way we can.
And if we give time even when we can’t pray.
It will be enough for us now.
It will take us with Christ into the
realm of conflict between that which draws us to God and that
which does not, both within and without.
It will draw us to a deep place of encounter within,
which will sustain us through the dry times,
allowing us to trust in his praying
when we feel we cannot pray.
It will enable us to trust in his faithfulness when our faith
seems as elusive as the morning mist. |
From A Desert in the Ocean by David Adam (Little Book of Lent, William Collins, 2014) |
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University Students Visit Schools to Encourage Welcoming Children Seeking Sanctuary |
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Student-teachers from the University of Winchester spent time in local CofE primary schools last week, using some of the activities from the Bags of Hope booklet produced by our diocesan Education Team to engage Year 6 classes on the theme of ‘children seeking sanctuary’. The Bags of Hope project looks at the biblical values and imperatives around welcoming and standing up for strangers and refugees. |
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All Saints Fawley Invites Churches to Create Nature Trails of Faith and Wellbeing |
All Saints, Fawley has a large churchyard brimming with plants and wildlife but just a few years ago it was overgrown and in need of care. As part of a larger initiative, a wellbeing and nature trail has been created, giving information on the different species in the churchyard and encouraging a time of thought and reflection - and your church could do the same! |
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Avon Valley Churches Share Daily Lent Videos! |
Avon Valley Churches are planning to share daily videos throughout the Lenten period, all centred on the theme of 'hope'. Join curates Revd Alex Sains and Revd Vicky Semple as they look for evidence of hope in John's Gospel!
And if you haven't seen it already, check out our Shrove Tuesday video here >>> |
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Crossing the Divide: Bishop Philip Shares First Lenten Reflection |
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In this video, Bishop Philip begins our Lent reflections series in partnership with Winchester Cathedral, looking at the stories found in Ephesians 1:3–10 and 2:1–10. It's in these passages that we find a story that opens up possibilities for us, beyond the constraints and distortions of our own personal stories. |
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Thy Kingdom Come 2026 Online Resources Launch |
24 February, 10am, Online
The launch of Thy Kingdom Come takes place on Tuesday, where you can learn more about the new print resources, 11 brand new daily films, and other resources. This year's resources are based on the theme of the presence of God through His Spirit – ‘God with Us’. Book here >>> |
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Just a quick reminder that the diocesan team are now all located at Old Alresford Place, so please don't send any post to Wolvesey! Our postal address is: Diocesan Office, Old Alresford Place, Old Alresford, SO24 9DH. And if you can pass this information on, we'd appreciate it! |
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The Rural Missioners’ Guild |
Launched last month by the Arthur Rank Centre, The Rural Missioners’ Guild exists to encourage, pray for, and connect those who serve Christ in the countryside. Rooted in prayer and fellowship, the Guild is open to all who share a heart for rural mission - lay or ordained, from any denomination or background. |
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Free Confidential Coaching Service Relaunched for Clergy |
Clergy considering a new direction in their ministry can now access a professional coaching service run by the national church. The Clergy Transitions Service offers online confidential coaching to help with job applications, interviews and gives people the chance to discover their strengths. |
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The Church of England is Now on WhatsApp! |
The national church is now on WhatsApp, allowing them to send one-way, public broadcasting updates such as prayers, stories and news! With around 80% of the UK population using WhatsApp, it provides an incredible opportunity to reach more people. Subscribe to the channel here >>> |
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Report on Wellbeing of Disabled & Neurodivergent Clergy |
The national Church of England has just released a report on the wellbeing of disabled and neurodivergent clergy. ‘Fearfully and Wonderfully Made’ was conducted by academics from Bournemouth University and involved speaking to 27 clergy who are disabled or neurodivergent. Find out more and read the full report here >>> |
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All are invited to the installation service of The Reverend Canon Chris Palmer, the next Dean of Winchester on 15 March at 3pm, at Winchester Cathedral. As there are a limited number of seats, you'll need to book a ticket in advance online or through the Cathedral Box Office. |
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You and Ordained Ministry |
18 April, 10am - 4pm, Emmanuel Church Bicester, OX26 3HA
Are you thinking about ordained ministry? Do you know anyone who is considering if God is calling them to ordination? Join the upcoming Church Pastoral Aid Society (CPAS) day event, where you can ask questions in a safe place and explore ordained ministry in the Church of England. Find out more and book >>> |
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Events Around the Diocese |
25 February, 8:15am, St Mark's, Kempshott |
28 February, 9:45am, St Boniface Church, Chandler's Ford |
5 March, 9am, St Boniface Church, Chandler’s Ford |
7 March, 10am, St Mark's Kempshott |
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11 March, 8:15am, Christ Church Colbury |
11 March, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
18 March, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
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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The Revd Ian Whitham, who currently has Permission to Officiate (PTO) in our diocese, became Priest in Charge of Highcliffe on Monday. He said, "I would value prayer for wisdom, spiritual attentiveness and resilience, as I continue to discern God’s leading for St Mark’s, that it may flourish as it serves God, one another and the community in the years ahead." Read his full testimony here >>> |
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The Revd Professor Jessica Malay, who also has PTO in our diocese, became Associate Minister of Milton on 17 February. |
Please pray for both Ian and Jessica as they take on these new roles and settle in their church communities. |
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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