News Stories
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21 Jan. 2026
in GeneralReaders’ conference provides fun and fellowship
Readers from across our diocese came to the Meon Valley Hotel for a weekend conference. They heard from the Rev Neil Smart, our diocese’s Lead for Revive, and also enjoyed worship, fellowship and fun together. Read more
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19 Jan. 2026
Congregation renews Portsmouth church by planting
Worshippers are renewing St Philip's Church in Cosham by planting a new congregation within the building and helping it to grow. The Rev Fran Carabott explains how God called him to plant a second church in Portsmouth, and what has made a difference there. Read more
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5 Jan. 2026
MY FAITH: Island holiday led to being Spirit-filled
Anna Britchfield was on a High Tide residential holiday on the Isle of Wight when she first experienced God. Since then, she has had ups and downs in her Christian life – but is now focussed on serving God. Read more
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2 Jan. 2026
in GeneralChurch marks 180th anniversary with unique box project
Worshippers at St Barnabas Church, Swanmore, marked their church’s 180th anniversary with a unique project. Groups and organisations from around the village were each invited to decorate a small box, and these contributions were ultimately brought together to form a fascinating display in the church’s foyer. Read more
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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