News Stories
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18 Oct. 2021
The powerlifting priest who tackled a new sport during lockdown
The Rev Deborah Curram used the pandemic lockdowns to learn how to powerlift, working alongside her son Huw. She's using her new skill to help raise funds for NHS charities and the local churches she works for in Hayling Island. Meanwhile, Huw is competing in the world powerlifting championships in Poland. Read more
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9 Oct. 2021
in GeneralOur new bishop tours the diocese
On the day he was announced as the tenth Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Jonathan Frost toured our diocese, meeting worshippers, community leaders and young people. He outlined his priorities, was prayed for by others and listened to some of the issues our communities face. Read more
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8 Oct. 2021
in GeneralNew Bishop of Portsmouth is announced
The tenth Bishop of Portsmouth will be the Rt Rev Dr Jonathan Frost, who is currently Dean of York Minster. Downing Street today announced this news on behalf of HM the Queen. He will succeed the Rt Rev Christopher Foster, who retired earlier this year.
He will spend today touring the diocese, meeting churchgoers, community leaders and church school staff and students. He'll spend time at Portsmouth Cathedral, Newport Minster and St Peter's, Petersfield, in prayer as he takes on this responsibility.
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5 Oct. 2021
in GeneralNew chaplain to older people to be commissioned
The diocese’s first ‘Anna Chaplain’ is to be commissioned this Sunday, to work with older people in West Wight. Anne Powell will take on this role after she is commissioned by her vicar, the Rev Leisa Potter, at All Saints Church, Freshwater, on October 10. Read more
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4 Oct. 2021
in GeneralChurch’s outreach to vulnerable marks 15 years
Friday Fridge, based at St Jude’s Church, Southsea, initially offered a spiritual chill-out to those leaving pubs and clubs in Southsea late on Friday nights. It has now evolved into an outreach to the most vulnerable in the local community, with those who are homeless, or are on the margins of society, turning up each week for food and hot drinks.
Over the pandemic, the drop-in cafe became a takeaway service only. To mark its 15th birthday it will revert back to being a drop-in cafe. The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth will officially re-open the Fridge as a cafe on Friday 8th October. Read more -
27 Sept. 2021
in GeneralNew parish centre planned to serve community
Worshippers at St Mary’s Church in Alverstoke have unveiled the design of their new parish centre, which will aim to serve the community. The new design was unveiled at a launch weekend, which included the launch of fundraising to pay for the remaining cost of the centre. It ultimately aims to be a venue for groups across Gosport and beyond to use to help create community. Read more
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24 Sept. 2021
in SchoolsEnvironment concerns at top of agenda in West Wight
Worshippers in the West Wight Mission Community are putting environmental concerns at the top of their agenda. They are enjoying ‘Forest Church’ as well as engaging with schoolchildren on green issues. Read more
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23 Sept. 2021
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
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21 Sept. 2021
in GeneralBasic healthy food on offer via Cosham Larder project
The Cosham Larder is run by local churchgoers and provides basic, healthy food to people living in Cosham, Wymering and Paulsgrove. Read more
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8 Sept. 2021
in SchoolsEmotional scenes as new building opens as church and school
There were emotional scenes as a brand new school building opened to serve the people of Whiteley. The £12m building will also double as the base for the C of E church in the town, giving the congregation their first permanent base since Whiteley Church began in 1995. Bishop Rob, our commissary bishop, opened the building in the first act of collective worship in the school on ths first day of a new term Read more