News Stories
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21 Feb. 2023
in GeneralVicar hosts Ukrainian refugees as our diocese relaunches appeal
Hayling Island vicar Jenny Gaffin is hosting two Ukrainian refugee families in her vicarage as part of our diocese’s scheme to offer hospitality to refugees fleeing the conflict there. She’s hosting Anna and Katya in her own home, just as worshippers from across our diocese have opened their homes to Ukrainians since the invasion 12 months ago. We’re now relaunching our appeal for hosts and hope to have spaces for another 100 refugees by Easter. Read more
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18 Feb. 2023
in GeneralDiscussing the big issues over pizza and a pint
Harbour Church runs regular Alpha Courses, sometimes in one of the local pubs. Students and other young adults are invited to discuss the big issues about life and faith over pizza and a pint. Holding a course introducing them to the basics of faith in a place where they already feel comfortable makes a real difference. Read more
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17 Feb. 2023
Excited children enjoy holiday club fun
Children aged four to 11 enjoyed songs, games, drama, craft – and a gunge tank – at the annual holiday club hosted by Church of the Good Shepherd in Crookhorn. Although it has been running each February half-term for more than 20 years, this was the first proper, four-day holiday club since before the pandemic. Entitled ‘The Great Transformer’, this year’s looked at Bible stories in which people were transformed by meeting Jesus. Read more
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13 Feb. 2023
Bishop launches annual pilgrimage to Taizé
Bishop Jonathan is launching an annual pilgrimage for young people to the Taizé Community in France. It's a place that has helped to shape his spirituality, and he'd love to see a new generation experiencing something similar. It offers a combination of intensive Bible study, uplifting worship, practical service and living in community with Christians from across the globe. Read more
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8 Feb. 2023
Seeing refugees in Poland was an eye-opener
Our refugee co-ordinator Maricar Jagger visited Poland to see for herself the conditions Ukrainian refugees endure before they reach us. She saw the cramped conditions and lack of privacy they have while they wait to be matched. Having helped to match 51 refugees with 22 families in our diocese, she's now hoping to match another 50 as the conflict in Ukraine continues. Read more
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3 Feb. 2023
Anna Chaplaincy celebrated at cathedral
Anna Chaplains across our diocese gathered at the cathedral for our first celebration of Anna Chaplaincy. The cathedral hosted an afternoon session of networking and training, followed by a celebration of this ministry at a Candlemas service. Bishop Jonathan was among those celebrating this important work of spiritual development in older people in our local communities. Read more
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24 Jan. 2023
Bishop meets teenagers in parish youth group
Bishop Jonathan met teenagers from TGI Thursday, based at St Faith’s, Lee-on-the-Solent. It’s just one of the church youth groups across our diocese that is encouraging young people to deepen their Christian discipleship. Read more
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13 Jan. 2023
in GeneralMusic is led from within the congregation at this church
Musicians at St Jude’s Church in Southsea lead worship from within the congregation itself – to show that the focus of people’s attention is not the worship group. The vocalists and instrumentalists play inside a V-shape in the nave, with the congregation on either side. Read more
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12 Jan. 2023
in GeneralWorship band integral to all-age services
The worship band at Hart Plain Church is integral to their all-age services, on the first Sunday of every month. And you don't have to have special musical qualifications to join. Read more
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9 Jan. 2023
in GeneralEmsworth musicians collaborate well together
The musicians leading worship at St James, Emsworth, have played with each other for so long that collaboration feels very natural. They currently play at the monthly family service and Breakfast Church in the church hall, after working together for 15 years or so. Read more