A THOUGHT FOR HOLY WEEK FROM BISHOP PHILIP |
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On Sunday I had the unique opportunity, in this diocese at least, of entering into a Roman city, just as Jesus did that first Palm Sunday, as Ruth, Noggin and I took part in Silchester Palm Sunday procession. Yet on the very same day the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, the most senior Catholic dignitary in the Holy Land, was denied entry to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre to say Mass. Where I was free to enter, he was not. |
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And yet, for all that Jesus was welcomed into Jerusalem that first Palm Sunday, he was crucified, in accordance with Roman custom, outside the city walls, excluded from the city he had entered as ‘Son of David’, the great King, just a few days before.
But it was his very exclusion that leads to our inclusion. He was alienated on the cross, not only from the city, but from the deep intimacy that he enjoyed with his Father. He was forsaken. But he was forsaken that we me might be forgiven, included ourselves with the embrace of the Father’s love. In the words of the letter to the Hebrews, ‘Jesus also suffered outside the city gate in order to sanctify the people by his own blood' (Hebrews 13:12).
This Easter, let us praise him, that his exclusion – even from life itself – has led to our inclusion in the resurrection life that he alone can offer. |
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Donkeys, Palm Waving and Processions: Palm Sunday Celebrations Across the Diocese |
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The start of Holy Week has been celebrated across our diocese with special services to mark Palm Sunday, remembering Jesus’ triumphant journey into Jerusalem. Celebrations included walks of witness, processions with donkeys (and Noggin the dog), open air services, baptisms, and even a brass band! |
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An Art Exhibition Rooted in God’s Love for All |
A recent exhibition at St Paul’s Church, Winchester, shone a light on the creative efforts of some of the most vulnerable members of the community. Revd Jonathan Rowe said, “Many of the contributors are often thought to be on the margins of society, in prison for example. A church gives others a platform to express themselves, this is very much part of our Christian mission for life in all its fullness." |
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Church Hosts Pupils to Explore the Easter Story Through Lego |
This Holy Week, Rotherwick Church invited over 50 pupils and their teachers from Whitewater School to explore the Easter story through hands-on practical activities and games, including Lego, a graffiti wall and making Easter gardens. Revd Helen Sherlock said, "We want the pupils to know that they are loved and that Jesus is for them and so is this church, and they can come whenever they are ready." |
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Our Bishops Share an Easter Message with the Diocese |
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6 -12 July 2026
RECOGNISE is the national CofE's week to celebrate everyone involved in ministry to children, young people & families. Now is the time to start considering ways you can recognise those in your own context! As a diocese we want to help pay tribute to these volunteers, so we have created a nomination form.
Why not nominate someone in your parish here? >>>
Find resources for RECOGNISE via the Church Support Hub nearer the time. |
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Neurodiversity and the Church - Free Webinar |
15 April, 12pm, Online
This webinar for church leadership teams will explore the challenges faced by neurodivergent children, young people and adults, and their supporting families, detailing some of the steps parishes can take to help those who are neurodivergent to participate fully in church life. |
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Diocesan Creation Care Colleagues Gather at Connect 2026 |
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Last week, representatives from all 42 dioceses spent two days at Connect 2026, an annual conference for diocesan Creation Care officers. Our diocese was represented by Sam Scott, Diocesan Environment Officer, and Lucy Howlett, Project Coordinator for Net Zero Carbon, who, like the others who attended the conference, went away with a renewed hope and energy for the work ahead—supporting our parishes as they tend God’s creation and love our neighbours. Read more about the conference here >>> |
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The Good Practice Charter |
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Become a Recovery Course Leader |
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This event will be a great opportunity to hear from a range of speakers on different topics to support you in caring for your church building. These include understanding tourism and community outreach opportunities for your church building, hearing from the Victorian Society, as well as the opportunity to ask the Diocesan Registry any and all questions! |
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RSCM Conference: The Power of Music in Worship |
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25 April, Sarum College, Salisbury
Whether you’re clergy, an experienced or novice organist, chorister, music or church leader, or just enjoy singing, there’s something for you at this RSCM conference! A unique opportunity to build confidence, refresh and re-energise the music at your church. |
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Events Around the Diocese |
21 April 9:30am, Old Alresford Place |
22 April 6:30pm, Old Alresford Place |
29-30 April, 9:30am, Old Alresford Place |
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11 May, 2pm, Old Alresford Place |
16 May, 6:30-8pm, Winchester Cathedral |
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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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