Benefice News
Here is the weekly news sheet for w/b 2nd November
Unlike some weeks in the benefice, this one has been relatively quiet. Pete and I enjoyed our visit to our son’s home in West Norwood and I survived the drive there! It was lovely to be able to spend time with our family and experience a little of their day to day life where they are.
We now enter this November into a season of remembrance. This week we remember the saints and next week the fallen. On All Souls we remember those we see no longer. It is an opportunity to reflect on what’s gone before and reach the climax at the end of the month with our reflection on Christ the King right at the end of the Church year. Remembering those who have gone before us is always important but don’t forget that we also live among saints too. As Sowing Seeds will find out on Sunday – We’re all SAINTS!
We look forward to seeing you!
Revd Joy
Latest News and Upcoming Events
Remembrance event from 20th October until 8th November
Revd Coleen Jackson: Christ Church Portsdown is holding a Remembrance event from 20th October until 8th November (Monday to Saturday) at Christ Church, London Road, Portsdown, which was a Garrison church and has D Day windows and a military cemetery. The exhibition will be open from 10 am to 3 pm each day, and from 12 – 2, there is a programme of activities. You would be more than welcome to come and have a look at the exhibition, which is inside and outside the church.
Amos and the Grumpy Owl
Start your Christmas with a magical story. The Artless Theatre company brings the story of Amos and the Grumpy Owl to the Merchistoun Hall, Horndean, Saturday 20th December at 6pm.
When a boy gets lost in a snowstorm, he seeks shelter with a grumpy man called Amos. The boy begs Amos to hear a story he wants to tell about a grumpy owl so desperate to get some peace and quiet, he almost misses the first Christmas.
Discover the magic in this very special Christmas production for all the family. Tickets are £10/adult and £5/child over 3 years old and they can be purchased by scanning the QR code or following the link to the booking page.
Horndean and Clanfield Foodbanks
We are collecting for the Horndean and Clanfield foodbanks. They need, cereals, long life milk, spreads, pasta and sauces, tea, small jars of coffee and biscuits, tinned fruit, custard, rice, noodles, snack pots, beans, hoops, macaroni cheese, toiletries, tinned vegetables, tinned meat, tinned fish, tinned pies. Please, no fresh produce or short date items. Details from Revd Joy.
Community Clothing Bank
Holy Trinity’s Clothing Bank at Blendworth Church Centre, Blendworth Lane, Waterlooville, PO8 0AA, will be open on the 4th Saturday of the month from 10am to 12pm or by appointment by contacting 07443 488864 or email Blendworth Church Centre.
Launch of a new film about Saint Hubert’s
The film tells the story, in an exciting and holistic approach, about this special church and its surroundings.
One of Hampshire’s oldest churches – St Hubert’s at Idsworth – is now using modern technology to tell its fascinating story for all its many visitors to enjoy. Accessible by a QR code at the church, the 20-minute film is the result of a collaborative project between the Parochial Church Council of St Hubert’s and the University of Portsmouth’s Heritage Hub.
The film looks at the rich history of the location and the present, almost 1,000-year-old, church building, with its nationally important wall paintings, alongside landscape, archaeology, people, usage and conservation. “The film aims, and has the capacity, to raise awareness and communicate key narratives of this significant historic site to local, national and international audiences.”
Press play to view.
St Hubert’s is open every day from 9.00 am until 6.00 pm from 1st April until 30th September and from 9.00 am until 4.00 pm from 1st October until 31st March. There are church services every Sunday at 9.30 pm unless otherwise stated on the church notice board or on the calendar.
The BCI Churches
Revd Joy Windsor
Priest in Charge 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.
Photographs from Revd Joy’s licensing and installation are on the About Us page.
What’s happening in The Benefice
You can find out about all our church services here. There are some special events in The Benefice coming up in the next few weeks. More details about these events can be found by selecting the images below.
Anna Chaplaincy
BCI Churches and the United Benefice of Catherington and Clanfield are looking for an Anna Chaplain who could come alongside our Anna 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.
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 Parishes of Blendworth, Chalton and Idsworth are fully committed to safeguarding all of God’s people. The Benefice Safeguarding Policy was agreed at the Benefice Standing Committee meeting held on 10th February 2025. If you have any questions, or to report a safeguarding concern, please contact Revd Joy, 07730 168291. If you prefer to contact somebody from outside of the parishes, please contact the Diocesan Safeguarding Team. Monday to Thursday 9am-5pm Email: safeguarding@portsmouth.anglican.org, 023 9289 9665 or Out of Hours advice can be sought from the Thirtyone:eight helpline on 0303 003 1111, selecting option 2.
Registered Address:
Benefice Office,
Blendworth Lane,
Waterlooville, PO8 0AA