Two new volunteer support roles have just been announced – a Winchester Diocesan Lead for Chaplaincy and a Single Clergy Representative. Find out more about these roles and how they can support clergy below…
New Winchester Diocesan Lead for Chaplaincy
We are delighted to announce that Revd Lisa Thomas has agreed to volunteer in the role of Lead for Chaplaincy. Within this role, she hopes to foster and strengthen chaplaincy across the diocese, ensuring that chaplains are well-equipped, supported, and encouraged in their ministry. Supported by the Head of Mission and Ministry, Revd Lisa will help enable chaplains to flourish in their calling as the Church responds to emerging opportunities for chaplaincy in existing and emerging contexts.
The Diocese of Winchester supports a network of Christian chaplains in a breadth of contexts across the diocese through termly in-person gatherings. These provide continuing development, support and encouragement. This proposal is to expand and deepen our capacity to provide these through the appointment of a volunteer Lead for Chaplaincy. It echoes the significance underlined in Walking the Wessex Way of the vital role chaplaincy plays in an expression of the Church’s mission to serve, offering pastoral care, spiritual support, and a Christian presence in diverse settings beyond the traditional parish structure.
The next Chaplaincy network gathering will be on Thursday 4 June, 2-4pm at Old Alresford Place. All chaplains (or those considering chaplaincy) very welcome and we look forward to seeing you there. This time we are delighted to welcome the Reverend Canon Richard Kirlew, Chair of the Agricultural Chaplains Association to speak about chaplaincy in rural and farming contexts. Come in good time for tea and cake, then a time of worship will be followed by a presentation and small group discussions.
New Single Clergy Representative
We are delighted that Revd Ann Devereux has agreed to volunteer in the role of Single Clergy Representative within our diocese. As a diocese, we recognise the unique challenges faced by our clergy in different life circumstances, and for this reason, we established a new role of Single Clergy Representative, a role dedicated to fostering community and mutual support among single clergy members who would like the opportunity to connect with others through organised social events and/or an invitation to mutual prayer support. Revd Ann offers the following invitation:
Launch of a Single Clergy Network!
Are you a single clergy member looking to connect with others in similar roles? We’re excited to announce the launch of a new social network designed especially for single clergy — a space for support, mutual encouragement, and shared friendship.
We’re hosting a relaxed online gathering to chat, share ideas, and begin planning our first in-person event — a meal together, generously subsidised by the diocese.
Join us on Zoom: Tuesday 27 May 2025, 7:00 PM (Meeting ID: 894 1207 4537)
Whether you’re curious to learn more, keen to get involved, or simply want to suggest a great local pub or restaurant, we’d love to see you there.
Can’t make it to the Zoom? No problem — just drop us a line, and we’ll keep you in the loop. Looking forward to connecting with you!
Contact Revd Ann Devereux: annd@acnb-church.org
Please cc Frances Ter Haar on Frances.TerHaar@winchester.anglican.org
