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A sun, seven metres in span, suspended in the Cathedral nave, must be saying something about God. The nave itself already speaks of creation, with its spreading tree-like columns and vault separating the heavens and the earth. What message could a pulsating star be giving?
It speaks of our total dependence on solar light and heat, of an energy that would annihilate us were it not for the distance between us, and our thick atmosphere. Unlike Mars, our rivers did not dry up 2-3 billion years ago. |
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With St Francis, we praise God for the marvellous order of creation:
Praised be You my Lord with all Your creatures,
especially Sir Brother Sun,
Who is the day through whom You give us light.
And he is beautiful and radiant with great splendour,
Of You Most High, he bears the likeness. |
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And we praise God for the order of redemption, that in Jesus we can draw close to the life and light of God without burning up. In his face we can see the face of God and live. And that with Christ we can pass through the curtain into the holy of holies with full assurance, unafraid.
Revd Canon Dr Roland Riem, Interim Dean of Winchester |
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Tadley Church Raises Money Through Breakfast! |
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Nearly £6000 was raised last year by St Mary's Church in Tadley, all from fried breakfasts! While this might not be the healthiest way to raise money, it certainly has been the tastiest, benefiting 11 local and national charities and involving all of the local community. The St Mary’s team joke that they are probably the only church in the diocese with food in its strapline (Faith, Food, Family), and that it is known locally as the ‘cake church'. Revd Steve McKay said, "It is church as it should be: welcoming, warm, honest, inclusive, and generous.” |
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Encouraging News from the Growing Rural Parishes Programme... |
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Dever Benefice Celebrates Links with Local Schools |
The Dever Benefice recently held its first 'Prayer Space Day' in Micheldever School on the theme of 'the water of life'. It’s part of the benefice’s growing engagement with its two local primary schools which includes a lunchtime 'Church Club'. The church is also offering a new Messy Church service and youth club, all of which has been supported through the Growing Rural Parishes programme. |
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Overton Benefice Shares Plans to Grow in Faith & Community |
The Overton Benefice has named 2026 as a ‘Year of Connection’ to develop their relationships with God, with each other and with the community, following support from the Growing Rural Parishes training and funding. Revd James Russell said, “There's lots of energy, lots of people doing good things and we’re seeing new people coming most weeks.” |
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Stay Tuned for Our Lent Programme! |
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Our theme for Lent 2026 is 'Crossing the Divide', and along with Winchester Cathedral we'll be sharing a series of talks and reflections on the theme of reconciliation in our divided world. Find out more about the programme here, and on the cathedral website here. Watch this space for the teaching videos coming next week! |
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Is Reconciliation Possible in a Post Christian Society? |
19 February, 7pm, Winchester Cathedral Quire
To start our Lent programme, Professor James Walters, the founding director of the Faith Centre at the London School of Economics, is giving a free talk examining how ideas of reconciliation, forgiveness, and community might still matter in an increasingly polarised society. Book tickets here >>> |
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Last Chance to Complete the 2026 Clergy Wellbeing Survey |
The deadline for completing the 2026 Clergy Wellbeing Survey, which has been sent to all clergy under Common Tenure, is 17 February 2026. Please contact Paul Gelman or Beverley Teahan if you have any questions. |
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Women's Clergy Day Invitation |
A reminder to women clergy to check your inboxes and RSVP to the invitation to a Women's Clergy Day, with Bishop Rhiannon and Bishop Kelly, no later than 13 February. If you have any questions, please get in touch with Sue Pakenham-Walsh. |
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25 February 2026
Created by Church Homeless Charity, Woolly Hat Day is an easy, inclusive way to support people experiencing homelessness. All it takes is a woolly hat, a small donation, and a willingness to start conversations about an issue that affects 1 in 200 people across the UK. |
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New Talking Faith & Generosity Lectionary Reflection |
This month's reflection from the Faith and Generosity Team, which can be used in services or as a personal reflection, explores the story of the Transfiguration, and how it reveals what God desires for all of us. |
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13-20 May 2026
Get involved in a week of action bringing together communities, faith groups and charities, making visible the everyday acts of hope and solidarity that often go unnoticed. From food banks to litter picks, millions of people are already serving one another. An online briefing call will take place on 23 February, 3-4pm, outlining the campaign and how faith groups and organisations of all sizes can take part. |
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Deanery Synod Elections This Year! |
Don’t forget that deanery synod elections need to take place at your APCM this year. The number of reps that you elect is based on the number on your electoral roll. This year, it's doubly important that you inform us of your new deanery synod reps by the end of June as the General Synod elections will begin shortly after. Deanery synod members form the electorate for the General Synod elections and all members will be invited to cast their vote via the online portal. |
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Parish Safeguarding Survey |
The national church are conducting a brief survey of how useful their safeguarding resources are for parishes, and what further resources could be useful. The survey should take around 15 minutes to complete, and the closing date for responses is 20 February. Please share your views!
Take the survey here >>> |
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Statistics for Mission Deadline Extended |
A big thank you to everyone who has submitted their Statistics for Mission data, which helps the national church to plan mission and ministry. The initial deadline has passed, but the deadline has now been extended to 13 March to gather as much data as possible.
Submit your data here >>> |
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This year’s parochial visitations will be booked with individual churches over the coming months. We know that these can feel a little daunting, so we're offering a short, practical webinar to help parishes understand what’s involved and how to prepare in a straightforward way. |
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Roots of Jazz - Mixing Jazz with Faith |
27 March, 7:30pm, St Mary's Church, Basingstoke
The Roots of Jazz is a live Jazz performance that explores the intertwined stories of jazz and the Christian faith. Ticket prices to the event include refreshments and all profits will be donated to charity.
Book tickets here >>>
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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 |
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7 March, 10am, St Mark's Kempshott |
11 March, 8:15am, Christ Church Colbury |
11 March, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
18 March, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
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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@winchester.anglican.org. |
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Copyright © 2025 Diocese of Winchester, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this message because you are: an office holder in the Diocese of Winchester; a member of church staff in the diocese (including PCC members); or you have opted in to receive emails from the diocese via our website.
Our mailing address is:
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