News Stories
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22 Dec. 2025
in ChristmasThousands pack into Christmas carol services
Thousands of worshippers are packing into carol services around our diocese as we celebrate the birth of Jesus as our Saviour. Among the many services taking place are those that are candlelit, plus special crib services, Midnight Masses and Christmas Day celebrations. Our cathedral held four identical carol services, and Newport Minster held a special service in partnership with the Royal Foundation Read more
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17 Dec. 2025
New training facilitator to help with rejuvenate strategy
A new training facilitator has been appointed to help ensure we create thriving ministries for children, families and young people across our diocese. Becca Chamberlain, from St Faith’s, Lee-on-the-Solent, will begin to work for our diocese in February. She has more than 25 years of experience of ministry with children and young people in a variety of settings Read more
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15 Dec. 2025
in ChristmasChurches host drama productions on Christmas theme
Our churches have hosted drama productions for children and families this Christmas, telling the Nativity story with a fresh twist. Among them was a magical family show based on the Nativity staged in Horndean. There was also the annual Christmas spectacular hosted by Harbour Church, Portsmouth. And St Clare’s Church, Warren Park, also hosted the latest of the annual community pantomimes, which brought together a huge cast to enhance local community spirit. Read more
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11 Dec. 2025
in GeneralBishop presents cheques to recipients of Lent Appeal
Bishop Jonathan has presented cheques to three charities that we raised funds for as part of the Bishop’s Lent Appeal 2025. Generous donations and fundraising ensured that our Lent Appeal for 2025 raised £9,000 which was split equally between the charities USPG, Tearfund and Vista – based at Harbour Church, Portsmouth. Read more
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6 Dec. 2025
in ChristmasFamilies flock to Christmas tree festivals
Families are flocking to Christmas tree festivals across our diocese. Our churches are hosting displays of trees that have been beautifully decorated by local community groups, as well as offering music, refreshments and activities during the day. Read more
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5 Dec. 2025
in GeneralBishop makes maiden speech in House of Lords
Bishop Jonathan has made his maiden speech in the House of Lords. He was responding to the government’s Budget proposals, and was keen to emphasise how churches in our diocese already help those in need. Read more
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21 Nov. 2025
in ChristmasLive animals, tree festivals and other Christmas events planned
Our churches are planning all sorts of special events for Advent and Christmas this year – from live Nativities with real animals to Christmas musical spectaculars, and from festivals with decorated Christmas trees to family-friendly retellings of the story of Jesus’s birth. Read more
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19 Nov. 2025
Our clergy learn more about youth work
Clergy from across our diocese learnt more about how to begin and develop youth work in a five-session training programme. Entitled ‘Launchpad’, the course was developed by the charity Youthscape and delivered by our diocesan children, youth and families officer Heather Powney, with the vicar of St Margaret’s, Southsea, the Rev Dan Greenfield. Read more
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18 Nov. 2025
in GeneralAnimals blessed in Droxford church service
Animals including a Shetland pony and many dogs were blessed as part of a service hosted by St Mary and All Angels Church, Droxford. The annual pet blessing service was led by the Rev Jill Kingston. Read more
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17 Nov. 2025
in GeneralIsland priest to take charge of Meon Valley parishes
Bishop Jonathan has announced that the Rev Sandra Matthews has been appointed as the interim priest-in-charge of the Meon Valley parishes. Sandra, who is currently rector of Whippingham and East Cowes and priest-in-charge of Wootton, will become the interim priest-in-charge of Swanmore, Newtown, Soberton and Hambledon, and the Bridge benefice. Read more