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Continuing our series from deanery leaders, Revd Canon Dr Ben Kautzer, Area Dean of Basingstoke, writes...
This September, NASA scientists will be launching a project destined to transform our understanding of the universe. The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope boasts a field of view at least 100 times larger than Hubble's and has the potential of measuring light from a billion galaxies in its lifetime. By blocking starlight, its equipment will also seek to glimpse into the cosmic mysteries of dark energy, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics. |
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When I behold images from NASA – glimpses into the seen and unseen depths of our universe – I often find myself contemplating glimpses of other mysteries. Those radically ordinary moments – often wedged right in the midst of the noise and strain of ministry – in which I suddenly behold something of the boundless, endless grace of God. Rather than a spiral galaxy, it might be at park bench, a hospital beside or a cracked wafer placed in life-weathered hands.
In his letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul prays for his church family that ‘you […] may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge – that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God’ (Eph 3:17b-19).
The NASA telescope projects remind us just how little we see and understand of our universe at first glance. By comparison, how little do we see and understand of the true depth of God’s loving mercy. As with our universe, it’s not that our God is therefore unknowable. Rather, our God is endlessly knowable. Perhaps the truly astonishing mystery is that this endless knowable God draws near to us in even the most surprising of places.
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A Statement from the Bishop of Southampton |
Following the tragic death of Henry Nowak and subsequent violent protest, Bishop Rhiannon spent time in the community in St Denys Southampton and has issued a statement. She said, "The terrible manner of Henry's death raises questions that as a society we need to talk about. These conversations need to happen with calm, openness, compassion and understanding. Responding to violence with violence, whether in action or speech, is never the answer - only love drives out fear." Read the full statement here >>> |
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Meet the New Ecumenical Canons at Winchester Cathedral |
Congratulations to Paul Woodman, Leader at City Life Church in Southampton, and Fr Mark Hogan, Parish Priest at St Peter and the Winchester Martyrs Catholic Church, who will be installed as Ecumenical Canons at Winchester Cathedral this Saturday. These roles are intended to strengthen relationships across the wider Christian community, as well as encourage churches to work together serving their local communities. |
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Gathering Together on the Fifth Sunday of the Month |
In many of our churches, the fifth Sunday of the month provides an opportunity for congregations across a benefice to come together, strengthening community relationships and deepening a sense of belonging within the wider church family. Having just marked five Sundays in May, we spoke to the benefices of Brokenhurst, Tadley with Pamber Heath and Silchester, and Thorngate and Blackwater... |
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Confirmation Services Across the Diocese |
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A huge congratulations to all those who have been confirmed recently! Our bishops have been confirming individuals in churches across the diocese, pictured above at Winchester Cathedral and St Lawrence Alton. Please pray for those confirmed as they take the next steps in their Christian faith. |
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+Kelly Visits Basingstoke Police Investigation Centre |
Bishop Kelly recently visited the Basingstoke Police Investigation Centre, meeting with members of the chaplaincy team there, along with various departments including the custody suite. Police chaplains support officers as well as staff and volunteers, recognising the demanding and stressful nature of police work. Find out more about police chaplaincy here >>> |
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Meet the Next Archdeacon of Winchester! |
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We're delighted to announce that the Revd Simon Butler, currently Assistant Priest in the North Hampshire Downs Benefice, will be the next Archdeacon of Winchester, offering parish support with special responsibility for the northern deaneries. Revd Simon said, "I'm really looking forward to getting out and about across the northern archdeaconry and beyond, and looking forward to meeting the clergy and the churches that make up our amazing parishes here in the diocese." |
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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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It's Not Too Late to Apply for a Quick Wins Grant! |
Quick Wins provides small grants for small carbon reduction projects, such as LED lighting, pew heaters, insulation or updating electricity supplies. The deadline for applications is 15 June 2026. |
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Reflections to Inspire Your Rural Mission and Ministry |
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Richard Lister, Project Relationship Manager for the Growing Rural Parishes Project (GRPP), has started a 'Rural Reflections' series, a series of thoughts and blogs based on some great examples of what churches and communities are doing in rural areas. Watch/read all the reflections here and watch this space for more inspiring reflections from Richard and other contributors! |
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Lord Mayor's Prayer Breakfast |
9 June, 8am, St Michael's Church Southampton
Church communities from across Southampton are invited to the Lord Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, to connect, reflect and pray for the city of Southampton. Don't miss out on this uplifting morning gathering, with a free breakfast included! Find out more and book >>> |
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The People’s Emergency Briefing Screening |
7 June, 2pm, St John’s Church Hartley Wintney
St John's Church invite you to a screening of the film The People’s Emergency Briefing, which aims to inform people about the climate and nature crisis we're facing, while at the same time sharing opportunities that this crisis represents to change and respond. Please book in advance here >>> |
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Sea Sunday 2026: Becoming 'Harbours of Hope' |
12 July 2026
Churches are invited to take part in Sea Sunday, a global day of prayer and action for the 1.9 million seafarers who transport around 90% of the world’s goods. Organised by The Mission to Seafarers, churches can get involved by praying and giving generously. |
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Events Around the Diocese |
17 June, 8:15am, Old Alresford Place |
25 June, 8:15am, All Saints Ringwood |
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1 July, 9am, St Paul's Winchester |
8 July, 9:30am, St Luke's Burton |
14 July, 9:15am, Old Alresford Place |
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- 9 June: St Mary’s, Andover
- 18 June: Romsey Abbey
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- 25 June: Christchurch Priory
- 22 July: Zoom
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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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