News Stories
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5 June 2025
in GeneralWorshippers surround all seven deaneries with prayer
Worshippers from our churches are spending seven days walking around all seven of our deaneries in turn, praying as part of Thy Kingdom Come. The global prayer initiative happens from Ascension Day to Pentecost Sunday each year, and this is its 10th anniversary. Each Prayer Pilgrimage during the day is followed by an evening prayer celebration in one of the churches in that deanery. Read more
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2 June 2025
in GeneralSafeguarding role for parish priest
Bishop Jonathan has appointed the Rev Beth Yeandle as associate priest for Crofton parish. That means she’ll continue to minister in Holy Rood and St Edmund’s Churches in Stubbington. She also has a national role, advocating on behalf of survivors of church abuse, as part of the implementation of the Makin Report. Read more
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27 May 2025
in GeneralWhiteley church thrives in new home
Hope Church, Whiteley, is thriving in its new home in Cornerstone CofE Primary School. It means the congregation can now relinquish land that it had previously earmarked for a newly-built church. Read more
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23 May 2025
in GeneralFormer curate takes on lay ministry role
The Rev Matt Grove has been appointed as our new Lay Ministry Discipleship Officer. He will take overall responsibility for the training, development, and ministry of Licensed Lay Ministers across our diocese, and look to start and develop other training programmes. That means he will effectively be our Warden of Readers, and will also be responsible for other Licensed Lay Ministers, including lay pioneers and other lay workers. Read more
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20 May 2025
in GeneralNew podcast for young people by young people
A ground-breaking new podcast, designed by young people, for young people, with help from the Council of Social Responsibility, is creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive space to discuss emotional wellbeing. Read more
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13 May 2025
in General80th anniversary of VE Day marked on Isle of Wight
Our clergy, churches and communities on the Isle of Wight were involved in a variety of activities to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day last Thursday. It included a major service in Newport Minster, as well as Acts of Remembrance at war memorials, and engagement with schools and veterans. Read more
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8 May 2025
in GeneralCivic service at Havant to mark VE Day anniversary
The Mayor of Havant and Havant MP Alan Mak were among those who laid wreaths after a service to mark 80 years since VE Day. The service at St Faith’s Church commemorated 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe. Read more
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6 May 2025
in GeneralVeteran helps church to mark VE-Day anniversary
Bishop Jonathan, the Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, the High Sheriff and other dignitaries attended a service at Christ Church, Sandown, to mark 80 years since the end of the Second World War. Among the congregation was 100-year-old Alec Penstone, who served in the military during the war. It’s one of several events designed to mark the 80th anniversary of VE-Day around our diocese. Read more
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17 April 2025
in GeneralBishop urges clergy and lay ministers to combat poverty
Bishop Jonathan used his sermon at the annual Chrism Eucharist to inspire clergy and lay ministers to act to help those living in poverty. He said the work of the Church was to proclaim “good news to the poor”, which involves alleviating both spiritual and physical poverty. Read more
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15 April 2025
in GeneralHundreds of Easter eggs donated to needy families
More than 500 Easter eggs have been donated this year to help families who are struggling. The eggs were collected by churches and communities across Portsmouth and handed over to staff from the Roberts Centre in Landport, as treats for families in need. Read more