Sunday 7th June to Sunday 14th June 2026
Learning and Loving
INTRODUCTION
A celebration of faith and generosity in action is planned for June 2026. Spanning nine days, Faith & Generosity Week will be an opportunity for us to celebrate God’s unfathomable generosity and reflect on our faithful response using two themes from ‘Walking the Wessex Way’: Learning and Loving.
By reflecting on these themes we hope to learn more about what sharing God’s generosity means to us as church communities connected through His love and mercy.
Set lectionary readings will remind us how the lectionary cycle helps us learn that living generously is fundamental to Christian discipleship.
Faith & Generosity Week is also an opportunity to use existing resources if you wish.
THE VISION WE SHARE IS TO…
- Encourage teaching on faith & generosity from the lectionary cycle.
- Celebrate and inspire action in loving service to others, rooted in faith.
- Increase confidence in speaking about faith and generosity.
- Encourage deeper discipleship, rooted in the message of God’s generosity and our faithful response.
- Encourage unity of purpose, bringing parishes across the Diocese together around a shared vision of faith and generosity and mutual support.
BISHOP’S STAFF
The Bishop of Winchester, the Bishops of Basingstoke and Southampton and senior clergy look forward to visiting and preaching in parishes across the Diocese.
INVITATION TO PARISHES
Parishes are invited to:
- Reflect on the suggested themes and lectionary readings for 7th and 14th June 2026.
- Share the children’s videos, youth videos and discussion material in services and/or children’s and youth ministry
- Explore faith & generosity resources for this week and beyond.
- Share with our diocesan communications team one or more examples from your church community of generosity and/or loving service. Please send end your stories of faith and generosity to faithandgenerosity@winchester.anglican.org by Tuesday 5th May 2026 if possible.
SUNDAY 1: 7TH JUNE 2026
Theme – ‘Learning — deepening our discipleship as followers of Christ’
Abraham trusted God’s promise even when it seemed impossible. Matthew left everything when Jesus said, ‘Follow me.’ A woman reached out in faith and found healing. Discipleship isn’t about having everything worked out, it’s about learning to trust Him enough to take the next step.
Key message: Sometimes following Jesus starts with just one step. Every step on our journey of faith matters. Generosity matters.
Lectionary readings: Romans 4:13–25; Matthew 9:9–13, 18–26
Children’s video resource: Short, gentle video on The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats with a focus on kindness as love for Jesus.
Youth video resource: Faith Steps – learning to walk where Jesus leads (working title)
SUNDAY 2: 14TH JUNE 2026
Theme – ‘Loving — making the loving presence of Jesus known in our midst’
Jesus didn’t just love people from a distance, He came close. He saw injustice, pain and suffering and was moved with compassion; and He sends His followers to do the same. God’s love, poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, is given to us to share generously, to take into every place we go.
Key message: We are sent to love. God’s generous love is a gift to be shared, generously.
Lectionary Readings: Romans 5:1–8; Matthew 9:35 – 10:8
Children’s video resource: Short, engaging video on The Parable of the Good Samaritan.
Youth video resource: Sent to love – carrying His love into every place we go (working title)
RESOURCES
SERMON OUTLINES & PREACHING NOTES
- Exegesis and thematic connections for each Sunday
- Sermon notes
- Sample reflection/sermon(s)
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY VIDEOS*
- Sunday 1 – Parable of the Sheep and the Goats
- Sunday 2 – Parable of the Good Samaritan
- Accompanying discussion questions and activity suggestions
YOUTH MINISTRY VIDEOS*
- Sunday 1 – Faith Steps – learning to walk where Jesus leads
- Sunday 2 – Sent to love – carrying His love into every place we go
PUBLICITY*
- Poster Templates
- Social Media Graphics
- Bulletin Wording ideas
STORYTELLING
There are so many examples of faith and generosity in action across the diocese! Examples of loving service to others. During the week the Diocesan communications team will share as many stories as possible via the diocesan website, social media channels, and e-bulletins.
Resources will be available soon. Please look out for news in the Diocesan weekly newsletter over the coming months. Thank you.
*Most faith & generosity week resources will be suitable for use throughout the year.