News Stories
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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
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16 Nov. 2025
in GeneralYoung bell ringer designs fundraising calendar
A 12-year-old bell ringer has designed a calendar featuring images of St Peter and St Paul Church in Fareham. Brandon Joyce hopes to sell copies and raise money to help essential repair work to the historic church - including to the bell tower and clock. He would ultimately love to become tower captain at the church Read more
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14 Nov. 2025
in GeneralSpectacular poppy display inside and outside church
Thousands of poppies have been hung inside and outside a Petersfield church, as part of a special community project for Remembrance. More than 17,000 poppies were created by local community groups, schoolchildren and worshippers, to be displayed at St Peter's Church, in the centre of the town Read more
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7 Nov. 2025
New youth worker aims to make a difference in Leigh Park
Kathy Bacon has been appointed as the new youth worker for an innovative project working with Park Community School and local churches in Leigh Park and Warren Park. She is currently PA to the vicar of St Jude’s, Southsea, and chair of governors at St Jude’s CofE Primary School. She has felt a calling to help young people to navigate the pressures of modern life. Read more
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4 Nov. 2025
in GeneralChurch celebrates a year of hosting lunch
Worshippers at Holy Trinity, Gosport, have celebrated 12 months of hosting Saturday lunches within their historic church. They marked their year of hospitality by inviting the Mayor and local councillors to join them Read more
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3 Nov. 2025
New city vicar enjoys breadth of pastoral work
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Daniela Eisentraeger to be the new vicar of St Luke’s Church in Southsea. She is currently interim associate priest at Maybush in Southampton. She feels well suited to her new role, which will involve serving students, and those who live and work in the centre of Portsmouth. Read more
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30 Oct. 2025
New Harbour congregations are created
Two new congregations are being created as part of Harbour Church. The all-age service at St Alban’s Church, Copnor, began in September, while the new contemporary service at All Saints, Commercial Road, is scheduled to start in January. Both of these churches have been helped by funding from the national Church of England, which has enabled two new team vicars to be recruited – as well as refurbishments to both church buildings. Read more
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29 Oct. 2025
Mini-stroke gave me impetus to think about confirmation
Bishop Jonathan confirmed 22 Isle of Wight candidates during a service at St Mary’s Church, Brading. Among them was Lynne Ferguson, who recalls how suffering a mini-stroke three years ago gave her the impetus to think about church. As soon as she walked into St Mary’s, Brading, it felt like home. So this service did genuinely feel like an affirmation of her Christian commitment Read more