News Stories
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2 May 2022
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
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28 April 2022
in GeneralFirst host to be linked with Ukrainian refugees
More than 70 people across our diocese have offered to host Ukrainian refugees fleeing the conflict that has seen homes and livelihoods destroyed. The first of our hosts to be linked with a Ukrainian family is Judy Walker. She talks about her motivation for offering rooms within her house to those who are desperate for safety. Read more
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21 April 2022
Vicar to climb mountain to fundraise for hospice
Isle of Wight vicar Amanda Collinson plans to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Africa’s highest peak – to help raise money for her local hospice. Her inspiration to do so comes from the care the hospice has given to friends, as well as her Christian faith. Read more
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21 April 2022
in GeneralChurch hosts refugee hub helping those in need
Portsmouth City of Sanctuary runs a weekly Refugee Hub at St Luke’s Church, Southsea, helping those who have come to the UK, fleeing conflict and persecution. Each Monday morning, they help with support and advice in the church hall. Read more
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19 April 2022
Teenagers discover more about God on activity weekend
Fifty teenagers from churches across the Portsmouth area spent a weekend on the Isle of Wight learning more about God. They are from the ecumenical High Tide group - in which church youth groups join forces each month for worship and teaching. They headed to the Westbrook Centre near Ryde, for paintballing, swimming, bushcraft, making tie-dye t-shirts, worship, testimony and creative prayer. Read more
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12 April 2022
The 93-year-old who makes an eight-hour trip to play the organ
This is 93-year-old Geoffrey Holroyde, who makes an eight-hour round trip each time he plays the organ at a historic Gosport church. He'll be stepping down as a regular organist on Easter Sunday after playing a significant role in restoring the organ in Holy Trinity Church, which was once played by Handel Read more
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11 April 2022
in GeneralHundreds of Easter eggs donated for families in need
More than 600 Easter eggs and some gardening equipment has been donated to help vulnerable and needy families from local charities. Kind-hearted members of our churches and communities - plus councillors from Portsmouth City Council - donated as part of a Lent appeal run by St Mary's Church, Fratton Read more
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8 April 2022
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
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5 April 2022
in GeneralNew safeguarding manager Emily Hassan is appointed
Our new diocesan safeguarding manager Emily Hassan introduces herself Read more
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4 April 2022
in GeneralMemorial stone dedicated to recall wartime sacrifice
A new memorial stone has been dedicated on the South Downs Way to recall the sacrifice made by 33 servicemen in the Second World War as they prepared for D-Day. Former and serving military personnel, as well as civic dignitaries and guests, attended the dedication service near Warnford, at which the names of those who died were read out. Read more