Churches across the Diocese of Winchester have been marking Lent in many different ways. It’s an important time in the church calendar for reflection, study and preparation for Easter. Here are a few stories from our churches.
Beaulieu, Exbury and East Boldre Churches
Revd Catherine Cowie invited people to join her to explore different forms of prayer and meditation and to follow in the footsteps of the Cistercians. The ambience and history of Beaulieu Abbey Church was embraced to encourage people to ‘Go Deeper this Lent’, with readings, poetry, music, sounds and prayers. The sessions were designed to be calm and thought provoking.
Revd Catherine said, “Our first gathering, ‘Words of Wisdom,’ was an exploration of faith and spirituality. I wove together readings from Scripture with guided breathing exercises, Christian meditation, and mindfulness techniques, creating a contemplative atmosphere that invited participants to deepen their walk with God. We drew inspiration from the rich heritage of faithful mystics. These included 20th-century writers Etty Hillesum and Viktor Frankl, who exemplified the transformative power of faith in the midst of darkness. Our meditation on a single raisin, inspired by St. Julian of Norwich’s profound reflections on the love of God, became a poignant reminder of the beauty and simplicity of Christ’s presence in our lives, and the importance of appreciating even the most insignificant of God’s creation.”
She continued, “Our second gathering, “Sounds of Healing,” was a sacred experience that harmonised music, prayer, and worship. I invited local musician Fiona to perform on her gongs in the gallery, surrounded by the soft glow of candles, an ancient wooden statue of St. Mary, and the reverent silence of the Abbey Church.”
“As participants lay down, they were enveloped by the soothing sounds of the gongs, bells, and our own Abbey Church Angelus bell, which was rung by me, creating a sense of peace and tranquility that seemed to emanate from the very presence of God. The unexpected four-fold increase in attendance, including many who don’t typically attend church services, was a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit to draw people to places of worship and spiritual renewal. As we gathered in the name of Jesus, we experienced a sense of community and connection, reminding us that we are all one in Christ.”
Bright Waters Benefice
Over 40 people attended five lent groups in Whitchurch, with a further four groups in the surrounding villages. Some groups used the Bible Project material featuring a series on the Sermon on the Mount, and The Royal Priesthood. Others looked at the ALIVE film series on the resurrection, Hope Explored, The Romans Course, and poetry by Gerard Manley Hopkins. Those who attended the groups commented that they found it a learning experience, thought provoking and a way of getting to know one another better.
Revd Russell Smart said, “The short films are full of Bible references and great visuals which have helped us understand the theme in a straightforward, but challenging way. These groups are transformational – not only to the individuals that attend, but to the church community as a whole. One group leader said ‘I have had more meaningful conversations with church members over the last few weeks than I can ever remember.’ Some of the groups may carry on after Lent, but even if they don’t, relationships will have been changed – deepened and rooted in Christ. Studying the bible together is life-changing!”
One group leader said, “Personally, I have loved discovering how the theme of priesthood is developed through the whole Bible, literally from Genesis to Revelation in five weeks! We have discussed topics including animal sacrifice, the imagery of the temple, the significance of the ripping of the curtain as well as the profound themes of sin and God’s mercy. We have pondered the big questions of life: Who I am? and Why am I here?’”
Benefice of Hamble and Hound
Two Lent groups were held in the benefice to give as many people as possible the opportunity to attend. One was held in Netley and the other in Hamble and with extra importance this year as Revd Hayley Richens explains:
“We learn so much from each other and have enjoyed getting to know more about each other too as we are a brand new benefice, only formed in February. We are reflecting on ‘Living Hope’ as we follow the Church of England theme together. We have a daytime group in one parish and an evening group in the other so attendees have chosen the best time for them meaning that both groups are a mixture of the two parishes. Conversation has been lively with 12 or more in each group!”.
Parish of St Luke’s with St Mark’s, Winchester
Five guided Parish prayer walks have taken place during Lent, each one taking a different route from St Mark’s to St Luke’s Church. Each walk has focused on a different theme, with the aim of engaging with the community and deepening relationships with God.
The walks were designed to reflect on the themes of repentance, discipline, compassion, hope, sacrifice, and the journey to the cross. Each walk included Scripture readings, prayers, and reflections at various stations along the routes. Prayers were also said for the streets in the Parish that were passed enroute.
Revd Marianne Foster said, “This Lent at St Luke’s and St Mark’s, Winchester, we’ve been heading out on weekly prayer walks, taking time to slow down, breathe deeply, and pray as we walk through our local community. Each week we’ve taken a different route, aiming to cover all the neighbourhoods in our parish. It’s been a simple but powerful way to journey through the season together, using scripture, silence, and conversation with God along the way. Whether through parks, past schools, or along quiet streets, we’ve found that walking and praying helps us notice God at work all around us, and reminds us we’re not walking alone.”
Parish of St Matthew with St Paul, Winchester
Members of the churches have enjoyed talking part in the Winchester Stations of the Cross pilgrimage through the city. The walking trail booklet was produced by Churches Together in Winchester for Lent. It includes a map with 14 stations of the cross and associated reflections.
Pictured are Revd Mary and Revd Rhiannon who were joined by Anne Odling, the Church Warden of St Matthew’s, and Sheila and her grandson from the St Paul’s congregation who spent time in prayer and discussion.
The church has also been running a Lent course based on the Nicene Creed. This has taken place in their small groups and a Saturday group, based on five videos recorded by the clergy.
A stations of the cross colouring activity has been set up in St Paul’s for anyone to drop in and colour, as a way to quietly focus on the events of Easter. Each station has a bible reading and suggested reflections. The completed pictures will be on display around the church during Holy Week.
Revd Rhiannon Wilmott said, “We wanted to form a Lent preparation that would engage us in three dimensions. Our ‘Do you believe this?’ course was developed by the clergy team, and its videos are a great starting point for discussion around the Nicene Creed. This walking trail was assembled by Churches Together in Winchester; we look on it as a mini pilgrimage. We have followed it several times, and each time we’ll speak and listen with God in a different way. The colouring sheets of the stations of the cross come from Illustrated Ministry and are set up near the entrance to St Paul’s, offering a contemplative time to be silent and reflect within the simple and repetitive motion of colouring. We pray that with these activities, our hearts and minds are turned towards Christ in the season of Lent as we move toward Easter.”
St Christopher’s Church, Thornhill
St Christopher’s Church ran a Lent group on a Wednesday and Saturday over five weeks with their Bible based discussion looking at the last week in the life of Jesus.
Revd Richard Graham said, “The Lent course which we followed at St Christopher’s was a home grown one looking at the days of Holy Week. I wanted us to enter into the:
- The Joy of Palm Sunday
- The parables Jesus taught during this week
- The goodbye of Maundy Thursday
- The darkness of Good Friday
- The desolation of Easter Saturday.
We looked at the comparisons of the gospel writers and tried to feel what the disciples were feeling without our hindsight.”
