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Continuing our series from deanery leaders, Revd Linda Galvin, Assistant Area Dean of Eastleigh Deanery, writes...
The weeks after Easter can sometimes seem a bit of an anticlimax. Yet for the early church it was anything but, as they experienced great excitement over the news of the resurrection and an even greater fear of persecution. Yet these circumstances meant that from one small area of the Judaean Roman province, they were scattered like seeds throughout the known world, planting new communities, growing churches and blossoming into visible signs of the Kingdom. |
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They were called to take the Good News in word and in deed, into the places where they found themselves. Like them, we too are called to share the Good News, in just the same way as those ordinary men and women and it begins with telling the story of what God has done, and is doing, in our own lives.
It might be as simple as saying, ‘This is where I have found hope,’ or ‘This is what gives me strength,’ or even, “Come and see for yourself.’ Easter may have passed but its message is far from over, for now is the time to share that joy and extend that invitation, and to live in a way that reflects the hope we have received. In this way God’s Kingdom continues to grow—through ordinary people, faithfully bearing witness in everyday life. |
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Four People Share Their Journeys to Licensed Lay Ministry Ahead of Vocations Sunday! |
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This Sunday is Vocations Sunday, a dedicated day of prayer and reflection focusing on God’s calling to us. We heard from four people from across our diocese, who shared their inspiring stories of how they were called to Licensed Lay Ministry and the paths they are following in their faith. |
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Showing Compassion and the Love of Christ to Seafarers |
This week we caught up with Kate Powell, the Chaplaincy Team Leader at the Port of Southampton, and part of The Mission to Seafarers. She said, "We are the hands and feet of Jesus. We're demonstrating His love and because we've got chaplains all around the world, if we all play our part, like the body of Christ, they’ll keep seeing the love of Christ." |
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Crafting Groups Provide a Place for Community |
St John’s Hedge End and St Matthew’s Otterbourne have been hosting crafting groups for years, as a way to build friendships, ease loneliness, and offer support and learning. Organiser Gill Macdonald said, "I think the church should be part of the community, and in a way it’s a little bit of outreach that brings people together.” |
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A Huge Thanks to Our PTOs! |
The Clerical Registry has reported that services covered in 2025 have dropped by over a third compared to the previous year. This reduction is not due to a lack of cover, but a reduction in requests - over the last year we've filled vacancies and PTOs have stepped in to lead services. We'd like to offer our heartfelt gratitude for the tireless efforts of all our PTOs, and encourage you to thank PTOs in your parish when you next see them! |
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Join an Online Catch Up With Bishop Kelly |
Clergy, LLMs and Churchwardens in the Northern Archdeaconry have been sent an email from Bishop Kelly about an online ‘catch up’, to allow her to get to know you better! The first session is taking place on Tuesday 12 May at 7pm.
Please get in touch with Sue Pakenham-Walsh if you should have received the email but have not done. |
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It's Not Too Late to Recognise Young People and Family Workers (CYPF) in Your Parish! |
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Would You Like a Preacher? |
The Cathedral Clergy would be really pleased to receive invitations to preach around and across the diocese. Do you have a special service they could join your church for? Would you like them to get to know your congregation? Could they help to build relationship between your church and the cathedral? Do please get in touch via the Cathedral Chapter Office to enquire further. |
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Join Our New Church Tourism Group! |
We're bringing together a Church Tourism Group to help shape the diocese's approach to welcoming visitors and tourists to our wonderful church buildings. If you have experience or interest in heritage, tourism, or visitor engagement, and would like to join our consultation group, we’d love to hear from you! Please contact Libby before 30 April for more details. |
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Prayer to Mark the Centenary of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II |
1926 - 2022
The Church of England offers the following prayer to mark this week's centenary of Her Late Majesty
Queen Elizabeth II, which can be used in services and times of prayer. |
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Gracious God,
we give you thanks for all that you gave to Church, nation and Commonwealth
through the life of your servant Queen Elizabeth II.
We remember with gratitude her long life of Christian witness,
her compassion for those in need,
and her devotion to duty.
As we mark the centenary of her birth,
grant that, inspired by her example,
we may serve you faithfully in our own generation,
with steadfast hearts, merciful hands, and trust in your providence;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen. |
A Request for an Alter/Frontal |
One of the schools in our diocese is looking for an alter/frontal for the school chapel. If your church has one going spare, please get in touch with Sam Scott, who can pass the information along! |
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Together we will be praying for the renewal of the Holy Spirit for ourselves as well as for our churches and diocese, and for others to come to faith in Christ. Worship will be led by young people from around our diocese, Bishop Philip will be preaching, sung worship will be wonderfully varied and ranging from the cathedral organ to Taize to time led by a worship band. There will be prayer stations set up for creative personal prayer in the chapels. For more information contact kate.seagrave@winchesterdiocese.org. |
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Free Resources for Christian Aid Week |
3 May, 3:30pm, Winchester Cathedral
Dean Chris invites you to come to the Cathedral for Evensong on 3 May to pick up any resources you might need in your parish for Christian Aid Week, beginning on 10 May! At Evensong we'll hear from Ray Hasan, the Director of Impact at Christian Aid, and afterwards there will be a chance to meet for tea and collect resources such as envelopes, prayer diaries, leaflets, and posters. |
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Events Around the Diocese |
29-30 April, 9:30am, St Paul’s Bursledon |
7 May, 1:30pm, Old Alresford Place |
11 May, 2pm, Old Alresford Place |
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16 May, 10am, St Paul's Bursledon |
1 July, 9am, St Paul's Winchester |
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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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