News Stories
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13 Dec. 2024
in ChristmasDrama productions bring Christmas cheer
Re-enactments of the Nativity story and spectacular Christmas performances are helping our churches to tell the timeless story of Jesus’s birth. And an annual Christmas pantomime in one church has once again helped to bring the local community together. Read more
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9 Dec. 2024
in ChristmasWorshippers help those in need over Christmas
Worshippers in our churches will be helping those in need in various ways in the run-up to Christmas. They’ll be holding events to provide second-hand Christmas gifts, hosting Christmas meals for those who otherwise might feel isolated, and providing gifts for those on the margins who might not have received a present. Read more
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26 Nov. 2024
in ChristmasChurches can be oases of calm in run-up to Christmas
Churches across our diocese will be hosting carol services, Nativity re-enactments and Christmas tree festivals to mark Advent and Christmas this year. And many of them will be part of the national Church of England’s ‘Calm and Bright’ campaign, aiming to turn our churches into places of calm and reflection amid the busyness of Christmas preparations. Read more
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4 Jan. 2024
in ChristmasGenerous worshippers create happy Christmas for those in need
Churches across our diocese helped to make it a happier Christmas for families and those in need. Several provided food or Christmas hampers for those who might otherwise have gone without. Read more
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25 Dec. 2023
in ChristmasCathedral’s Midnight Mass broadcast on BBC1
Our cathedral’s Midnight Mass was broadcast live by the BBC as we began our Christmas Day celebrations. The service was led by the Dean and the sermon was preached by Bishop Jonathan. It was one of many carol services held during December as we celebrated Advent and Christmas. Read more
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4 Dec. 2023
in ChristmasCommunity panto leaves audience in stitches
Hundreds of locals turned out to watch the Leigh Park and Warren Park Community Panto Players perform ‘Snow White’ in St Clare’s Church, Warren Park. The large cast included the vicar, the Rev Jonathan Jeffery, performing as Dame Dotty Dumpling, plus members of the congregation and community. Read more
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1 Dec. 2023
in ChristmasPortsmouth church hosts Radio Solent carol concert
BBC Radio Solent came to St Mary’s Church in Fratton to record their annual Christmas carol concert. Worshippers donned Santa hats and Christmas jumpers as they sang traditional carols and listened to some pop classics. Radio Solent presenters Lou Hannan and Alun Newman introduced the carols and interviews with listeners who had made a difference in their local communities. Read more
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27 Nov. 2023
in ChristmasCathedral choir to premiere new carol on BBC
Our cathedral choir will give the TV premiere of the Church of England’s new Christmas single. They’ll sing a new version of ‘The First Nowell’ at Midnight Mass, which is being broadcast live on BBC1 on Christmas Eve. This version of the popular carol has been written by renowned composer Bob Chilcott, and is being sung at our cathedral’s carol services and across the country – as well as being released on music streaming services. Read more