THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK FROM ARCHDEACON RICHARD |
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Atomic Habits by James Clear has achieved extraordinary success, with over 300 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. It has sold over 25 million copies worldwide, consistently ranking as a top-selling non-fiction book for over five years, including 310 weeks at the top of Amazon bestseller charts. |
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So if you’ve stumbled into Lent thinking you may have missed your opportunity for that Lenten discipline this year, let me encourage you to take on just one small habit that might make the lives of others better and bring you closer to walking in the ways of Christ.
Perhaps Clear’s best advice is to tie a new habit to an existing one or action. For me that has been saying the grace when I ring a doorbell. It may be tying a habit to your teeth brushing times or to entering or leaving your home; a screen saver on your phone which offers a scripture for the week…
Someone once said it took about 40 days to instill a new habit; now there’s a coincidence with the length of Lent; and if you think you’re a little late, don’t forget that Sundays aren’t counted in the 40 days, so no real excuse there either! |
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Cathedral Service Celebrates Care for Older People |
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Anna Chaplains in the Diocese of Winchester were celebrated at a special evensong service at Winchester Cathedral last Sunday. The service also marked the start of a new partnership with BRF Ministries. Frances Attwood, the first Anna Chaplain commissioned under the new umbrella licensing agreement, said, “It is indeed fitting that Winchester Diocese, having given birth to Anna Chaplaincy, takes on this as one of its priorities.” |
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12 New Canons to be Installed at Winchester Cathedral |
Congratulations to twelve new canons who will be installed at Winchester Cathedral! Honorary Canons are appointed in recognition of their service to the cathedral, the diocese and wider church. Seven will be installed at a special service in the cathedral this Sunday, and another five in May. Please join us in praying for the new Canons as they start their role. |
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See the Photos From the Women's Clergy Day! |
This week Bishop Kelly and Bishop Rhiannon invited the women clergy of our diocese to gather at St Boniface Church, Chandlers Ford for a time of sharing and reflection on each other's ministerial calling and journeys. There was an opportunity to pray for each other and to feedback ways in which women clergy can be better supported. Watch this space for another gathering in June! |
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St Nicholas’ Church Celebrates God’s Love on Valentines Day |
Last year, St Nicholas’ Church celebrated their growing family attendance, which saw a huge rise after setting up a monthly family service. Numbers have continued to grow, and on Sunday, Bishop Kelly came along to a family service, where the theme of the family service was God’s love for us, as it was the day after Valentines Day. This included decorating heart-shaped biscuits! |
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Crossing the Divide - Lenten Reflection from Bishop Rhiannon |
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For the second week of Lent, Bishop Rhiannon continues our theme of Crossing the Divide, looking at Ephesians 2:11-22 and its invitation for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider to draw near to God.
Don't forget, our three bishops are expanding on their Lenten video reflections during Holy Week at Winchester Cathedral on 30th March, 31st March and 1st April - find more info here.
And to discuss the book of Ephesians in more depth, you can do so every Wednesday of Lent at a Bible Study (7:15pm) and Compline (8pm), both taking place at the cathedral. Email Tess Kuin Lawton for more details. |
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Exploring Theology Course |
Curious about theology? From 22 April, join us for a short, seven-session journey into the heart of core theological ideas - designed to equip, inspire, and deepen your faith. Led by the diocesan training team, this course is open to everyone - no prior study, no academic requirements, just a desire to explore and grow. Sign up here >>> |
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7 March, 10:30am, Bishopthorpe Palace, York
Step Forward is for anyone aged 18 to 30 who is wondering whether God might be calling them to ministry in the Church of England. This day will help young people think, talk and pray through this question. |
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Pastoral Reflective Groups for Clergy |
All clergy are welcome to join our Pastoral Reflective Group pilot scheme. For the last six months, two groups have been involved in a trial period, and we're delighted to offer a nine new spaces. |
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This is a form of facilitated peer supervision working in groups of 3-4 clergy, with professional input and coordination. It’s proving a very valuable source of support to busy clergy in their demanding roles. The groups are confidential and meet in person approximately every 6-8 weeks.
Feedback from current participants include: "There have been several 'Ah, others have experienced this too!' moments", and "It has become a safe space to receive and give confidential collegial encouragement. Priceless."
Please get in touch with Archdeacon Richard to find out more. |
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Free Online Workshop: Becoming a Single Friendly Church |
3 March, 11am, Online
Join Single Friendly Church Network for an online workshop on welcoming single people into church. You'll gain practical tips in key areas of church life, including how to adapt church language to ensure everyone feels valued, and how to welcome and include people coming on their own. Sign up here >>> |
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Online General Synod Young Voices Events |
Are there 18–25 year olds in your church interested in Church life and leadership? Why not encourage them to join General Synod Young Voices online each month (from 18 March) to connect with young adults nationwide, reflect on key topics, and hear from inspiring guest contributors. Find more information here and signup to webinars here. |
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Handbook for the Bereaved |
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Printable QR Codes to Display in Your Church |
QR Codes are increasingly becoming a popular way to direct people to webpages and resources - we've therefore created printable codes for display. Find two important documents: Churchyard Regulations here and the Handbook for the Bereaved here. |
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Pear Tree Parish Church have received a donation of new large print Bibles, which they are offering free for anyone happy to collect them. The Bibles would need to be collected from Pear Tree Church in Southampton. Please get in touch with Doris Pratt, PCC Secretary.
Christ Church Winchester are looking to rehome a Yamaha LS-9 sound desk, free to any church in the diocese that would be able to make good use of it. Email Christ Church Office, or call on 01962 854454 for further details. |
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Join Bishop Kelly and Revd Dr Amy Roche, along with members of the Mission & Ministry Team, to find out more about the pathways available for both lay and ordained ministries. There will be a particular focus on opportunities for lay ministry including Exploring Theology, Bishops Commission for Mission and Bishops Permission to Preach. |
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7 March, 10am, St Mark's Kempshott
This training is designed to support both new and experienced treasurers, offering practical guidance and encouragement for the vital role you play in your parish. We'll explore what it means to be a treasurer and trustee, covering everything from stewardship and bookkeeping through to grants, parochial fees, tax, and annual reporting. Find out more >>> |
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Events Around the Diocese |
28 February, 9:45am, St Boniface Church, Chandler's Ford |
5 March, 9am, St Boniface Church, Chandler’s Ford |
11 March, 8:15am, Christ Church Colbury |
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11 March, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
18 March, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
25 March, 2pm, St Paul's Winchester |
15 April 9:15am, All Saints Awbridge |
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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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