Benefice News
We have finally entered into a pleasant part of this rather unpredictable summer and events in the world have been rather inclined towards the unpredictable as well! We look to our leaders as sheep look to their shepherds and as we find in this week’s Gospel reading from Mark, people flocked to Jesus because the ‘system’ has failed them and left them vulnerable. Jesus, in his healing ministry, restored health and gave people renewed hope – and we as a church community are charged with doing the same.
But first we have to connect with our communities and next Saturday, all three churches are hosting or putting on events where people are invited to meet us. If you have not already committed to help with the Blendworth Fete or intend to donate items for the Tombola or cake stall, please let Gill Hill know that you can assist; it saves a great deal of stress on the organising team. Purbrook Community Choir will be putting on a fundraising concert at Chalton; if you are in Chalton, please try to support them and in the evening relax with a picnic at St Hubert’s as the Friends raise money for the historic building.
However we are also seeing the emerging fruit of the past year of work that I have been doing for Catherington but will also ultimately be of benefit to BCI as well. We have initiated and brought together the Kings Arms and local councillors to talk about a possible Youth Centre at the old Library at Horndean. Please read the attached information sheet for more details. I know that Janet, who represented me at the last meeting, was very impressed by what she heard. Similarly we have now been asked to put on a Youth Alpha at HTC and we’ll be starting in September working alongside the Baptist Church to run this course at the school. Revd Richard and I will also be running an Alpha Course in the Autumn at Merchistoun Hall. We will be looking for volunteers to help provide the meals which start the evening. We hope that these small seeds will allow the local church to grow in the coming year.
Revd Joy
Revd Joy Windsor
Assistant Minister
07730 168291
We worship together on Sunday mornings, and are involved in many other aspects of church and village life. We would love to welcome you to any of our churches and get to know you, so please click on the links to find out more.
With a wealth of history to explore, and many unique and beautiful features we are well worth a visit.
Latest News and Upcoming Events
Here is the weekly news sheet for w/b 21st July.
Anna Chaplaincy
BCI Churches and the United Benefice of Catherington and Clanfield are looking for an Anna Chaplain who could come alongside ourAnna Chaplain, Dawn, to accompany older people at this age and stage of their lives. It is an ecumenical, community-based, chaplaincy promoting the spiritual welfare of older people. Anna Chaplaincy is a person-centred and non-judgemental ministry for people of strong, little or no faith at all. We have expanded our ministry to 4 nursing and care homes and one sheltered housing complex. We are in need of someone willing to train as a Chaplain with the Diocese and to be able to work with our team of ‘Anna Friends’ to bring this ministry to our older residents. You would need to be able to give one to two days a month at minimum. Please talk to either Revd Richard or Revd Joy in the first instance.
There is training in the Diocese starting in May and all recruitment is subject to safer recruitment rules and to DBS clearance and to undertaking the necessary safeguarding training.
About our Churches
Thank you for visiting our website which I hope you will find both welcoming and useful. The BCI Churches are a benefice of Holy Trinity in Blendworth, Saint Michael and All Angels in Chalton and Saint Hubert’s in Idsworth. However, we are more than just buildings; we are a community of people who are inspired by our faith in God, to learn from the teachings of Jesus and seek to be led by the Holy Spirit, to love and serve the community around us.
Our Safeguarding Policy
The BCI Churches are fully committed to the Church of England’s Safeguarding Policies. Our parish safeguarding statement to this effect can be read here.
Any safeguarding concerns about either children or vulnerable adults should be brought to the immediate attention of Ms Janet Laws, our Safeguarding Officer.
Registered Address:
Benefice Office,
Blendworth Lane,
Waterlooville, PO8 0AA