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As we approach Remembrance Sunday, we remember those who have fought and are impacted by war, and all those who are no longer with us. Watch our Remembrance video below: |
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Commemoration for the Fallen
Father of all, remember your holy promise,
and look with love on all your people, living and departed.
On this day we especially ask that you would hold forever
all who have suffered during war, those who returned scarred by warfare,
those who waited anxiously at home,
and those who returned wounded, and disillusioned;
those who mourned, and those communities that were diminished and suffered loss.
Remember too those who acted with kindly compassion,
those who bravely risked their own lives for their comrades,
and those who in the aftermath of war, worked tirelessly for a more peaceful world.
And as you remember them, remember us, O Lord;
grant us peace in our time and a longing for the day when people of every language, race, and nation will be brought into the unity of Christ’s kingdom.
This we ask in the name of the same Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. |
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Church Gives Love and Support to Shocked Community |
Churches in Chandler's Ford opened their doors this week to offer support after five teenage boys were stabbed at a Halloween party on Saturday night. St Boniface Church and St Martin in the Wood provided a space for people to pause for reflection or light a candle. Vicar Revd Darren Hollands said, “We are so saddened and shocked by what has happened and our thoughts and prayers are with all the young people who have been injured, their families, friends, and everyone affected by this distressing incident." See special service details below. |
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Churches Welcome Families to Celebrate the Light |
With activities such as light trails, bouncy castles, activity stations, crafts and silent discos, churches across the diocese welcomed families to Light Parties last Saturday. While many families enjoy the tradition of Halloween, Light Parties offer another way to have fun, build relationships with local families, and to discover the light of Jesus and the hope He brings. |
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Safeguarding Officers Gather to Share, Learn & Offer Support |
Around 90 parish safeguarding officers from across the diocese came together last week for a conference exploring how churches can protect people, recognise safeguarding issues and create safe spaces for everyone. Powerful speakers included an abuse survivor, a representative from Hampshire Police, and members of the Church of England’s Neurodiversity Working Group. |
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Young People Take the Lead at Romsey Abbey |
Romsey Abbey has held its first youth-led service, with young people bringing their gifts, ideas, prayers and reflections to a special time of worship. Youth Worker Rosy Payne said, “When we make room for young people to contribute, we give them opportunities to grow in confidence and discover how God might work through them, and we receive the blessing of what they bring.” |
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Virtual Holiday Brings Care, Friendship and Fun |
Older residents of Brockenhurst enjoyed a virtual holiday to Spain in October thanks to the church’s Brockcare team. These holidays have been running for 17 years, taking guests on a tour of countries around the world without leaving the village! Read more >>> |
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A Practical Guide for Churches
Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) |
The national church has recently published a guide to using AI. It's important to note that this is not an encouragement to use AI tools, but offers practical advice and cautions for those who wish to use them. While it is unable to explore the ethical, social and theological implications of AI in great depth, it aims to provide helpful guidance as these technologies continue to develop. |
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Save the Date: Net Zero Carbon Conference |
13 February 2027, 10am, Christ Church Winchester
Hosted by the dioceses of Winchester, Portsmouth, Guildford, and Salisbury, join this inspirational conference to help your church on your creation care and decarbonisation journey. Speakers include Ruth Valerio, climate and creation theologian, and Vitalis Ngwambi, racial justice lead for Chichester Diocese. There'll also be contributions from Ecclesiastical Insurance, A Rocha, Christian Aid, Climate Stewards, and Hazelnut Community. Find out more >>>
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The Minor Repairs and Improvements Grant Funds |
The Minor Repairs and Improvements Grant Funds is now open. You can make a grant application for any small-scale project for urgent repairs and improvements which are essential to sustaining worship and mission that totals up to £25,000. This round will close for applications on 20 November 2026. |
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Making the Most of Digital Giving at Christmas |
Discover practical ways to encourage generosity during Advent and Christmas in this webinar recording from the national church. Explore digital giving resources, donation QR code templates, Canva designs and ideas to help your church make the most of seasonal giving opportunities. |
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9 November, 7pm, Online
You are warmly invited to find out more about Bishop’s Commission for Mission (BCM) and the programmes on offer at our Taster Session. The Taster Session is open to all with no obligation - come along, ask any questions you have, and meet some of the programme co-ordinators! Find out more >>> |
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Events Around the Diocese |
7 November, 9am, St Boniface, Chandlers Ford |
14 November, 9:30am, St Boniface Church, Eastleigh |
14 November, 9:30am, St Luke's Sway |
15 November, 3:30pm, Winchester Cathedral |
18 November, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
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15 November, 9:30am, St Luke's Burton |
21 November, 1:30pm, Winchester |
23 November, 2:30pm, Old Alresford Place |
25 November, 10am, Christ Church Winchester |
26 November, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
28 November, 9:30am, Old Alresford Place |
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Congratulations to Revd Andrew Falconer, who was licensed last week as Vicar of Old Basing and Lychpit. He said, "My journey into ministry has taken me from a career in universities in Surrey and London, through theological training at Ripon College Cuddesdon, to serving my curacy in the beautiful parish of Colwall and Coddington in Herefordshire. |
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"I’m delighted to be in Old Basing and Lychpit, and look forward to exploring the opportunities God has in store for us. I would value your prayers that we might listen and have the courage and imagination to respond to God faithfully.” |
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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