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During the Season for Creation, Revd Dr Amy Roche, Diocesan Head of Mission and Ministry writes...
There’s currently a lot of debate about artificial intelligence. Some are filled with excitement about the possibilities. Others are marked by deep anxiety. Is technology developing faster than society can keep pace with? Who is in control and where is God? |
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In the media, AI is often presented either as a source of enormous hope or profound anxiety. But Creationtide invites us to pause. As Christians, we’ve never understood humanity primarily through the lens of what we can create, invent or control. The opening chapters of Genesis remind us that before we are innovators, consumers, leaders, or users of technology, we are creatures. We receive life as a gift from God. We are made in God's image, entrusted with the care of creation and called into relationship with one another and with our Creator.
This perspective has something important to offer the current debate. AI may well transform many areas of our common life. Yet technological capability cannot answer deeper questions about wisdom, dignity, purpose, truth, or love.
Creationtide encourages us to look again at the world around us. Our task is neither to embrace every innovation uncritically nor to resist change out of fear. Rather, it’s to ask how technology can strengthen communities and honour the God in whose image every person is made. Whilst not offering answers to the debate, Creationtide offers perspective. A helpful reminder that, despite the rapid changes around us, the deepest truths remain unchanged. The earth is still the Lord's. Human dignity is still rooted in God's image. Our hope is still found not in technological progress, but in the eternal and unchanging faithfulness of God. |
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The Joy of Serving God Through the Clerical Registry |
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For more than a century, our Clerical Registry has helped ensure worship continues across our churches whenever clergy cover is needed. We spoke with three of our clergy, who explained why continuing in service brings them joy and why they would encourage others to join. Revd Bruce Hartnell said, "It’s about sustaining the worshipping life of a parish, which doesn't have enough clergy, or perhaps anybody at all, to lead services." |
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Riding, Walking, & Discovering Our Church Communities |
From cycling 58 miles and visiting 40 churches to a 22 mile countryside tour, this year’s Ride and Stride brought people together to explore the countryside, discover new churches and raise money for their local church and the Hampshire and the Islands Historic Churches Trust. And it wasn’t just Ride and Stride that got people on their bikes this year. Maggie from Lovechurch Bournemouth took on a very different cycling challenge... |
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Community Hub Aims to be a Beacon of Hope and Light |
St Andrew’s Boscombe has created a ‘Living Room’ for its community, a place where people can feel at home, build relationships and find a warm welcome. The community hub aims to get to know its neighbours and develop friendships beyond the church walls. Revd Lorraine Kingsley said she started the hub because "I believe that God is relational. We are called to be relational, and we can't speak into people's lives unless we know them." |
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We recently shared that at the start of September, the diocese submitted a funding application to the national Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board. |
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In this video, our bishops invite you to pray with us, that we can see mission flourish across our diocese, and no matter the outcome, we will continue to live out Christ’s love in our communities through our service. |
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Season of Creation 2026 - Renewal and Restoration |
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Join Us on a Pilgrimage Walk |
26 September, 10am, Starting at Hengistbury Head Carpark
The Camino Project, the Education Team's next project, focuses on pilgrimage, and as part of this, several walks have been planned! The first walk will be the easiest – it’s fully accessible and flat, starting at Hengistbury Head and walking to Bournemouth Pier. Walking there and back will be around 10 miles, but there'll be stops along the way where people can turn around to suit their needs. |
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£1,000 Unrestricted Grants |
The easyfundraising Impact Fund is back for a second round, with unrestricted grants of £1,000 available for churches. Applications close on 8 November. If you applied previously, you can apply again, whether you were successful or not. The application is simple, and as the grants are unrestricted, the money can be spent wherever it's needed most. |
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New Chorister Safeguarding Toolkit Launched |
The National Safeguarding Team recently launched the Chorister Safeguarding Toolkit, designed to help cathedrals and churches strengthen safeguarding practice, promote wellbeing and support positive experiences for choristers. The Toolkit offers practical tools, examples and resources to support safer environments for children and young people. |
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Get Free Tickets for the Church Resources Exhibition (CRE) |
14-15 October, Sandown Park, Surrey
Come and discover how technology and national Church of England services can help make church administration a little easier! The Church Resources Exhibition includes demonstrations from The Church Organiser, iKnow Church, MyFundAccounting, and the Parish Buying team. |
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Safeguarding Sunday Evensong |
15 November, 3:30pm, Winchester Cathedral
Safeguarding Sunday has become a fixture and feature in the Church's calendar - and one which we must celebrate with both joy and seriousness. Winchester Cathedral would like to invite Parish Safeguarding Officers to a Safeguarding Sunday Evensong on Sunday 15 November.
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The service will be themed appropriately with hymns, music from our Cathedral choir, Bible readings and sermon. As part of the intercessions, we will pray specifically for your work and service and there will be an act of commitment to the ministry of Parish Safeguarding. The service will last between 50 and 60 minutes. After the service there will be a drinks reception in The North Transept, a chance to speak with other PSOs, members of the Diocesan Safeguarding Team, as well as members of the Cathedral Team.
To assist the cathedral with catering requirements, PSOs are asked to complete this form, and accompanying clergy are asked to complete this form. |
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A Deeper, Rooted, Lasting Faith: Your Church's Ministry to Parents & Carers |
7 October, 10am, Online
Church leaders, youth workers, family ministers, and volunteers are invited to join an online course led by Jess Rodewald from Parenting for Faith. The workshop will give you:
- Practical ways to fit discipleship into real life
- Strategies to build confidence in parents and carers
- Access to a wealth of free resources
- Time for group discussion and context reflection
Find out more and book >>> |
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Events Around the Diocese |
26 September, 9:15am, St Boniface, Chandler's Ford |
30 September, 2pm, Old Alresford Place |
3 October, 9:30am, Christ Church Freemantle |
6 October, 9am, Old Alresford Place |
7 October, 8:15am, St Mark's Kempshott |
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10 October, 11am, Winchester Cathedral |
14 October, 10am, St Luke's Sway |
15 October, 8:15am, Christ Church Colbury |
2 November, 7pm, Online
4 November, 2pm, Old Alresford Place |
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We are pleased to announce that Elizabeth Folarin has been appointed as Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP). Elizabeth said, "As I begin the role, I’d really value prayers for wisdom, openness and good relationships – that I listen well, ask the right questions and provide both support and constructive challenge where it is needed." Read more here >>> |
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This month, we say goodbye to Revd Rhiannon Wilmott, Assistant Curate at Winchester St Matthew, who has moved to the Diocese of Suffolk, and Revd Helen May, Assistant Curate of Hartley Wintney with Elvetham and Winchfield and Dogmersfield, who will be becoming the Vicar of St Mary's, Shalford and St Michael's, Peasmarsh, in the Diocese of Guildford.
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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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