Diocese of Portsmouth
The Church of England

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News Stories

  • 3 Feb. 2023
    in Vision and Strategy

    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

  • 27 Sept. 2022
    in Vision and Strategy

    Anna Chaplaincy takes off on island

    One of our bishop’s priorities is to provide practical and spiritual support for the more elderly members of our communities via Anna Chaplaincy. This will involve a network of Anna Chaplains working in parishes, benefices and clusters across south-east Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The first of our Anna Chaplains to be commissioned, Anne Powell, is already going into care homes and visiting individuals at home. Read more

  • 2 May 2022
    in Vision and Strategy

    First Anna Chaplain licensed on the mainland

    The first of a network of Anna Chaplains to minister to older people has been commissioned on the mainland. Dr Coleen Jackson, who was already a Reader, was licensed as an Anna Chaplain by Bishop Jonathan, who has already announced his desire for an Anna Chaplain to serve in every parish, benefice or cluster of our diocese. Former Meridian TV presenter Debbie Thrower, who created Anna Chaplaincy in Alton, preached during the service at St Michael's Church, Chalton. Read more

  • 8 April 2022
    in Vision and Strategy

    Bishop offers us roadmap for 2022

    Bishop Jonathan outlined his thoughts about the future of our diocese - and offered us a roadmap to help us to negotiate the rest of 2022. He was speaking to our Diocesan Synod, which welcomed his emphasis on building renewed confidence in Jesus Christ. Read more

  • 23 Sept. 2021
    in Vision and Strategy

    Clergy and laity consider vision at conferences

    Our clergy and laity considered our diocesan vision and strategy at conferences held on the mainland and the Isle of Wight. It was a chance for them to all gather together for the first time in around 18 months, and to be open and honest about their feelings relating to the way forward. Bishop Rob led the day, which included input from those in our parishes. Read more

  • 24 Aug. 2021
    in Vision and Strategy

    Families at heart of relaunch of Gosport church

    Dozens of families will be at the heart of the relaunch of a Gosport church. Christ Church in Stoke Road, Gosport, will launch with a new team inside a refurbished building in the week from September 6-12. The launch week includes a spectacular show for schoolchildren, civic reception, gig night, fun day and a launch service. Read more

  • 29 July 2021
    in Vision and Strategy

    Church for seniors that meets in a pub

    It might not look like a church, but these older people meet in a pub for their regular dose of teaching about faith, fellowship and spirituality. 'Oasis' is the name given to this Fresh Expression of Church which is part of St Mary Magdalen Sheet. It was launched four years ago to reach those who might not ordinarily attend regular church services Read more

  • 29 June 2021
    in Vision and Strategy

    Transformed church opens cafe and soft play area

    St Margaret’s Church in Southsea has been celebrating a radical transformation that has seen it open a cafe and soft play area, alongside its existing community shop and Foodbank. It has been an amazing journey for the building, which was almost beyond repair in 2015. But the vision of a small team from St Jude’s Church to make St Margaret’s into a thriving hub for the local community has attracted funding, volunteers and worshippers Read more

  • 21 May 2021
    in Vision and Strategy

    Families connect God and nature in Wild Church

    Families gathered in the churchyard at St James Church, Emsworth, for the first ever meeting of 'Wild Church'. This is a way of connecting nature with spirituality in a family-friendly way. It's going to be happening each month from now on. Read more

  • 2 May 2021
    in Vision and Strategy

    Team for North Gosport completed by double licensing

    The licensing of the Rev Samantha Martell and the Rev Jude Greenfield as team vicars of Gosport North has completed the team to run this new parish. They were licensed together at St Mary the Virgin, Rowner, by the acting Archdeacon of the Meon Read more

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