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Continuing our series from deanery leaders, Revd James Pitkin, Area Dean of Romsey, writes...
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, to be with you for ever.” John 14:16
This Sunday’s Gospel reading (John 14:15-21) is part of Jesus’ farewell speech to his disciples. Unusually, Jesus does not pick a successor from among his disciples. Instead, he says he will ask the Father to send “another Advocate” (NRSV), or “comforter” (Tyndale Bible). |
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Those who love Jesus, who follow his great commandments to love God and to love their neighbour as themselves, have something about them that speaks to others. It can be very clear that the Holy Spirit is within and working through such people. Some may show their love creatively, inspiring others to love God through art, music or poetry.
Others may show their love through practical action, either in a professional or voluntary capacity, or simply in the way they live. Anyone who cares for others as much as Jesus does, whether as part of their job, or as a volunteer, can inspire others to love God, and love others as much as they do.
Don’t Forget ‘The Upper Room’ in Winchester Cathedral on Saturday 16th May from 6.30pm. You have been invited! |
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St Luke’s Youth Café Provides Food, Fellowship and an Introduction to Faith |
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A decade ago, St Luke's Church in Hedge End began opening its doors to secondary school students through a Youth Café. Today, more than 100 young people gather there each Thursday. Revd Ben Jones said, "It’s that first step of being in a church where they feel welcomed and accepted that might help them take tentative steps to begin exploring the journey of faith.” |
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96 Year Old Man Confirmed in Romsey Care Home |
Last week, Jeff Musslewhite was confirmed in a special service at a care home near Romsey. While Jeff has been a churchgoer for many years, he wasn't christened until he was 90, and has now been confirmed 6 years later! Bishop Geoff, who led the service, commented that Jeff is living proof that it’s never too late to affirm your faith in Christ. |
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Celebrating 57 Years as a Church of England Priest |
A joyful service was held at St Leonard’s Church in Sherfield-On-Loddon to celebrate with the Very Reverend John Morley as he retired after 57 years as a CofE priest, with heartfelt moments honouring John’s compassionate leadership and steadfast dedication. |
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Mothers’ Union Celebrates its 150th Anniversary |
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The Diocese of Winchester is the birthplace of the Mothers’ Union, which this summer celebrates its 150th anniversary through various events and initiatives! Mary Sumner founded the organisation in the vicarage at Old Alresford with a vision to support families. Hedge End branch leader Sally Lloyds said, “Mothers’ Union is still important today because it enables members to put faith into action whenever they can.” |
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Resources for The Great Big Green Week 2026! |
c6-14 June 2026
Christians are getting involved in this year's Great Big Green Week, finding many creative ways to care for God's creation, from film screenings to Climate Services. Find a resource guide for Christian communities below! |
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Thy Kingdom Come 2026 Resources |
14-24 May 2026
Thy Kingdom Come is a global ecumenical prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray for more people to come to know Jesus. Find ideas below for how your church could take part! |
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Quick Wins Grant Applications Open on Monday! |
Quick Wins provides small grants, usually up to £3,000, for small carbon reduction projects. This includes projects like LED lighting, pew heaters, insulation or updating electricity supplies. Applications are open between 11 May and 15 June. |
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Join an Online Catch Up With Bishop Kelly |
A reminder that the first of Bishop Kelly's catch up sessions for clergy, LLMs and churchwardens in the Northern Archdeaconry will be taking place on 12 May at 7pm! Please get in touch with Sue Pakenham-Walsh if you've not received an email. |
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General Synod Elections 2026 |
General Synod elections will be taking place this summer, an opportunity to represent the concerns of your community at a national level. Each diocese has a number of clergy and laity seats depending on its size, and you don’t have to be a member of a Deanery Synod to be able to stand. |
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Don't Forget to Add Our New Website and Email Addresses |
Just a reminder that while our old website and email addresses will be redirected until the end of the year, your parish should update all references to the new one (winchesterdiocese.org) across your website & printed materials. This is particularly important with any materials referencing safeguarding. |
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Share the Good News With £1 Bibles |
In response to growing interest in Christian faith, ReBible is making giving Bibles away as easy as possible, offering them for just £1, including delivery. Why not order some for your church today? |
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Your Church Could Receive a £1,000 Funding Pot |
Throughout May, when your congregation shops online with Tesco via the easyfundraising website or app, your church will not only raise free funds, but is also in the draw to receive £1,000 in funding! |
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14 May, 9:30am, St Paul’s Church, Southampton
Join us to hear from The National Churches Trust, Benefact Trust and Charity Spark, as well as our very own Sam Scott and Jordan Shepherd, all sharing advice on funding and grants. A valuable day not to be missed!
Find out more and book >>> |
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Called By Name - A Vocations Event for All of UKME Heritage |
11-13 September, Sarum College, Salisbury
This annual national UKME vocations weekend is for anyone on the journey to lay or ordained ministry, and is a time of fellowship, mutual learning and support. Speakers include the Rt Revd Karen Gorham, Bishop of Sherborne, and the Revd Edith Iheama from the UKME Ordinands. |
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Events Around the Diocese |
11 May, 2pm, Old Alresford Place |
14 May, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
16 May, 10am, St Paul's Bursledon |
16 May, 10am, Old Alresford Place |
16 May, 6:30pm, Winchester Cathedral |
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17 June, 8:15am, Old Alresford Place |
25 June, 8:15am, All Saints Ringwood |
1 July, 9am, St Paul's Winchester |
14 July, 9:15am, 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@winchesterdiocese.org. |
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Copyright © 2026 Diocese of Winchester, All rights reserved.
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Our mailing address is:
Diocese of Winchester, Old Alresford Place, Alresford, SO24 9DH
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