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Continuing our series from deanery leaders, Revd Matt Boyes, Assistant Area Dean of Alton, writes...
We live in difficult times when so many are seeking meaning and answers. In the midst of this we have celebrated the Petertide ordinations and the promise of the ministry of all those that God has called to serve his church. |
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Jurgen Moltmann writes in The Crucified God, “In his time, the crucified Christ was regarded as a scandal and as foolishness. Today, too, it is considered old-fashioned to put him in the centre of the Christian faith and of theology. Yet only when we are reminded of him, however untimely this may be, can we be set free from the power of the facts of the present time, and from the laws and compulsions of history, and be offered a future which will never grow dark again.”
As we proclaim the mystery of faith, and minister in the power of the risen Christ, may God win his Church and the world back to himself. In him is the only everlasting hope for all.
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Ordinations of Deacons and Priests |
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It was a joyful weekend celebrating with the 16 new deacons and 13 new priests in our diocese. The Bishop of Warrington, the Rt Revd Simon Robinson, who led the ordination retreats and preached at both services, encouraged the candidates to "Remember this: God danced for joy when you were born and continues to dance for joy at your 'yes' to his claim on your life! ... You are living proof of the glorious truth that God is real, Jesus is alive and the Holy Spirit is active."
See the full list of new deacons and priests here >>> |
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Southampton YouthFest Continues To Bring Young People Closer to Christ |
More than 170 young people from churches across Southampton gathered for this year’s YouthFest as the annual event continues to grow each year. Anna, 15, said, “I've learnt more about God, and I feel my relationship with Him has grown a lot. I feel refreshed!" |
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Over 120 People Baptised in the Sea Near Bournemouth |
There were joyful scenes on Boscombe Beach over the past two weekends as thousands gathered to witness more than 120 people being baptised in the sea. It was also a special Sunday in the Parish of Milton, where more than 70 people came to witness the baptism of Mirriam. |
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Service of Thanksgiving for Andover CAP Debt Centre |
On Friday, Andover Parish celebrated the fifth anniversary of its CAP (Christians Against Poverty) Debt Centre with a short service of thanksgiving followed by a delicious cream tea! Over the last 5 years, Andover Parish have seen an amazing £300,000 worth of debt cleared through this debt centre. Earlier this year, we highlighted the work taking place in Andover and other parishes to support people experiencing financial hardship - read more here. |
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New Video Exploring the Common Mission Fund |
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The Common Mission Fund (CMF) is vital to funding ministry across our diocese. Many people have questions about how it works and what it is used for. This short animation answers those questions simply and engagingly, explaining how the CMF supports ministry across the diocese, addressing some of the most frequently asked questions, and clarifying both what the CMF does—and what it does not—fund. |
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+Philip Appointed Chair of Relationships, Sexuality & Gender Pastoral Consultative Group |
Bishop Philip has been appointed to chair a Relationships, Sexuality and Gender Pastoral Consultative Group, supporting bishops and archdeacons by offering pastoral advice and guidance on individual cases and promoting consistent practice across the Church. |
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GMH/UKME Clergy, Ordinands and Lay Ministers Gathering |
8 September, 12pm, Lambeth Palace
Join the national church's Racial Justice Team for a relaxed and inspiring gathering designed especially for clergy, ordinands, and lay ministers. It's a great chance to connect, share experiences, and explore what’s next on your journey. |
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Could Your Church Display a Flower Meadow Installation? |
Last week we featured an article about the waterfall and flower meadow installation at St John the Baptist Church in Boldre. Project designer Steph Glen is planning to take the flower meadow 'on tour'! She would like to hear from any churches in the diocese that might be willing to host the installation in their churchyards. You can contact her at: Stephglen@hotmail.co.uk |
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New Faith and Generosity Reflection |
Our Faith and Generosity team has created a reflection for next Sunday’s lectionary reading from Romans 8 and The Parable of the Sower found in Matthew 13. This can be used both as a basis for sermon preparation and for personal reflection. |
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Could You Stand for Synod? |
Nominations for new General Synod members open on 14 August. General Synod shapes and approves laws that affect the whole of the Church of England, and joining provides a chance to represent the concerns of your community at a national level. Could you consider standing for Synod? |
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A member of our clergy recently shared that they had received several communications, including phone calls at antisocial hours, from a man requesting a bank transfer to cover the tax on his mobile-home. Several other clergy members across the country have reported receiving similar communications, so we ask our clergy to remain vigilant and report any concerns to Report Fraud. |
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Cornerstone Webinar: Growing Generosity in Your Parish |
8 July, 7pm, Online
Would you like to strengthen the culture of generosity and explore practical ways to support your parish’s giving ministry? Join us for a webinar introducing Cornerstone, the national church’s free generosity tool. Designed specifically for parishes, Cornerstone brings together financial insights, practical guidance, and grant funding opportunities in one place, helping churches make confident, informed decisions about generosity and giving. |
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Events Around the Diocese |
7 July, 3:45pm, The Wessex Centre, Winchester Cathedral
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8 July, 9:30am, St Luke's Burton |
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14 July, 9:15am, Old Alresford Place |
12 September, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
12 September, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
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Saying Thank you to David Pryde |
This month we say farewell and thank you to David Pryde, Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel, who is stepping down after a decade of service.
David said, “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Jackie and her team, and being part of the Diocese Safeguarding agenda. Winchester Diocese has always been seen as a beacon of best practice when it comes to protecting the vulnerable. |
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"I am glad I was able to contribute a little to this well-founded belief. It has not been a one-way street. I learned a lot from what the CofE has gone through over the last decade and I took this back into my role as a Statutory Independent Chair for a number of Community Safety Partnerships. I wish the new Chair well and they can be assured of my total support as they help to guide and advise the diocese on how to deliver the next phase of the CofE Safeguarding journey.”
Bishop Philip said, "I’m immensely grateful to David Pryde for his careful, diligent chairing of our Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel. He has brought his very significant experience as a senior police officer to the role, giving us a very valuable combination of wisdom, compassion and sound judgment, all of which have helped to make this diocese a safer place for the most vulnerable." |
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Saying Farewell to Jemima Lewis |
We're also saying goodbye to our Head of Communications and Engagement, Revd Jemima Lewis, as she takes on a new role. Jemima says, "It's been a huge privilege telling the stories of our diocese over the past few years - I will miss everyone immensely!" |
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Colin Harbidge said, “It has been a real joy and delight to work with Jemima for the last 3 ½ years. Joining us at a time of significant transition and challenge, she became instrumental in shifting both the culture and perspective across our diocese in so many ways. I know we will all miss the combination of warmth and wisdom that Jemima has brought to every aspect of her role.” |
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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