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Continuing our series from deanery leaders, Revd Canon Michael Smith, Area Dean of Bournemouth and
Christchurch Deaneries, writes...
I love the weeks after Easter – and in particular the stories of encounter with the risen Christ. Moments where fear gives way to recognition and sorrow turns to hope. Again and again, the risen Christ comes close to people in their doubt and uncertainty. To the disciples behind locked doors, afraid and unsure of what happens next, he stands among them and gently greets them with ‘Peace be with you.’ |
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On the road to Emmaus two disciples journey together in their grief and lack of understanding of what has happened, unable to recognise the Christ walking beside them. It is only in the breaking of bread that their eyes are opened. How often do we miss Christ walking with us only to glimpse him later in something unexpected?
These stories remind us that we are a resurrection people; that this is not just for Easter. We are a people of hope. But when we hit times of uncertainty, doubt and fear we are met by Christ who comes among us and speaks peace into those places. |
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Moving Testimonies Shared at Special Confirmation Service |
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There were tears of joy and emotion during a service of baptism and confirmation at St Luke’s Church in Hedge End as eight people shared extraordinary and moving testimonies of their journeys with Christ. Among them were a number of young people who described how God was working in their lives. 18-year-old Evie said, "I've been struggling with a medical illness for a long time now, and He's really shown me that even though I'm suffering, He's still with me and I'm not alone. He’s given me that strength to be able to get through it all." |
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Celebrating the New Parish of Southbourne-on-Sea |
On Sunday, the first joint service and bring-and-share lunch was held in the new parish of Southbourne-on-Sea in Bournemouth. Three churches have come together in a merger that has been more than five years in the planning. Revd Mike Powis said, “All parties bring their own gifts and abilities to the parish and this should enable a fresh chance to serve the people of Southbourne with God’s love.” |
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Bishop's Staff Team Away Day |
Yesterday the Bishop's Staff Team enjoyed a day out of the office surrounded by the beauty of the Itchen Valley, thanks to the generosity of one of our diocesan family who offered their home for the day. The BST couldn't resist snapping this photo of the team sitting in the many windows!
It was a wonderful time of fellowship and planning, developing our bid for national funding, and taking time out to pray together and discern God's call for the future. |
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St Paul’s Winchester Consecrated After 150+ Years! |
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This Sunday marked a special day in the life of the parish of St Matthew and St Paul in Winchester, as St Paul’s Church was consecrated by Bishop Philip. Although the chancel was consecrated in 1872 when the church was first built, the rest of the church had simply been licensed for services. As a sign of the consecration, Chrism oil was used to make the sign of the cross in the four corners and centre of the church, setting it aside for the work of the Holy Spirit.
Revd Dr Jonathan Rowe said, “It was great day for a parish church at the centre of our community. St Paul's has now been fully consecrated - 154 years, 17 bishops and 11 Rectors after the chancel was first consecrated! Our prayer is that St Paul's will be a beacon of the resurrection, a place to grow in faith and service, and a place where Jesus is known and made known." |
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Catch Up on Our Faith & Generosity Reflections
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Clergy and diocesan staff have shared video reflections on God's call for us to show generosity. We are asked to bring what we have, no matter how small, for God to use for the glory of His kingdom. This is a resource for everyone in our diocese and all are encouraged to use these videos for preaching or personal reflection. |
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National Safeguarding Recommendations Report |
Through Turning the Page, a new programme led by the Data Analysis, Research & Evaluation (DARE) Unit within the National Safeguarding Team every national safeguarding recommendation made since 2020 has been gathered, assessed, and placed into a clear, transparent framework for action, through a one-page summary and a full report. |
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Resources for Celebrating St George's Day |
23 April 2026
Next week, many churches and communities will celebrate St George’s Day, through services and local events. These often include readings, prayers and music that will call to mind St George and his example of faith and steadfastness in the face of persecution and tyranny. Find prayers, readings, and further resources here >>> |
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Could You Be a Paint Pots Trustee?
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Paint Pots, a diocesan social enterprise that runs nurseries and preschools in the Southampton area, is looking to appoint new voluntary trustees for their board. Trustees play a vital role in ensuring Paint Pots remains sustainable, well-governed, and true to its mission of delivering high-quality early years education and care. For further details and an initial discussion, please get in touch with Executive Director Canon Nick Ralph. |
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One of our parishes has recently been in touch to advise of an email scam. An email claiming to be from the incumbent was sent to a member of the congregation, asking them to purchase gift cards on his behalf. While no harm was done in this instance, we urge parishes to be alert and vigilant to similar email scams. Useful guidance can be found on the Parish Resources website. You can also forward any suspicious emails to the National Cyber Security Centre. |
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Mental Health Awareness Week |
11-17 May 2026
This year's Mental Health Awareness Week takes place 11 -17 May. This year's theme is 'Action', because, while awareness is vital, real change comes when we take action too. |
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Bishop Philip will be hosting a gathering which will bring together people to share experiences, to listen to each other and to explore how our diocese can support Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities. Whether you're a member of these communities, are involved in pastoral care and social justice, or want to help to tackle the marginalisation faced by GRT communities, you are welcome to join us. |
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Open Q&A Sessions for Victims and Survivors |
The new Lead Bishop for Safeguarding, Robert Springett, and the Director of the National Safeguarding Team, Alexander Kubeyinje, are holding Open Q&As for victims, survivors, survivor groups and advocates. These meetings are an opportunity to ask challenging questions about safeguarding in the Church. |
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The next events are:
- 4 June, 6-8pm: Q&A for victims and survivors
- 17 June, 6-7.30pm: Q&A for survivor groups, advocates, and representatives
Please register here by 27 May. If you're eligible for both events, please choose one session to attend. |
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Winchester Diocese Evangelical Network Launch Event |
25 June, 12pm & 7pm, All Saints Eastleigh
At this launch event, hear from speaker Revd Dr Ian Paul during afternoon and evening talks: |
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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 |
7 May, 1:30pm, Old Alresford Place |
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16 May, 10am, St Paul's Bursledon |
16 May, 6:30-8pm, Winchester Cathedral |
1 July, 9am, St Paul's Winchester |
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We are delighted to offer our prayers and best wishes to Sarah Stockton, Assistant DAC Secretary, as she heads off into maternity leave from Friday 17 April. During Sarah’s maternity leave, Richard Streatfield and Libby Davies (respectively DAC Secretary and Church Buildings Support Officer) will be supported part time by Kiah Smith. Please be aware that there may be a period of adjustment as the three settle into a new routine. Thank you! |
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We are very sad to share the news that the Revd Matthew Grayshon, Honorary Curate in the Portway and Danebury Benefice, died on 31 March. Bishop Philip said, 'Matthew was a gifted and dedicated priest with a rock solid faith in Christ. It was that which led him to exercise such wisdom and authority in deliverance ministry, which he led in this diocese for all too brief a period. It was that too which led him to face his own death with such faith and composure. I thank God for him, and send Jane and his family my deepest condolences and the assurance of my prayers.'
The funeral will be at St Mary’s Church Andover at 12 noon on Monday 27 April. Donations in Matthew’s memory may be sent either to Mucknell Abbey (the Benedictine Monastery which was a place of great spiritual resource for Matthew) or to the Congo Churches Association marked for the support of Bishop Elisha Tendwa. |
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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