St. Aldhelm is important to us for a number of reasons. Firstly, he is the only true English saint. Secondly, he was the first Bishop of Sherborne. And thirdly, he was commended by King Alfred for taking Christianity out of buildings and back to the people. As a Saint, he was a poet, musician, riddle-writer, miracle worker, church builder, and much, much more.
The recent union of the two Channel Island deaneries to the Diocese of Salisbury is beginning to bear fruit. Guernsey is delighted to welcome the Salisbury Cathedral Choir to the deanery this week, and wish them well on their onwards travels to Jersey.
Last year we shared Calne St Mary, Clock and Bells restoration project. We were pleased to report that the five year project is soon to be complete, but not without help from 5th Battalion REME, who offered to assist with moving large beams, weighing over 370 kilogram, into the tower.
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Motorcycle instructor and rider, Michael Donnell has created a new regular Christian meeting called "Lazarus Biker Church". The inspiration for this newly formed church came from wanting to find a place for those with an interest in faith and motorbikes to meet, share fellowship and pray together.
Lent is a time of focus and reflection as we look ahead to the glories of Eastertide. This Holy Week (the last week of Lent) we share reflections from our Bishops and other senior leaders in the diocese and education department, over this reflective week. Please do share these on your social channels and with your congregations.
The Salisbury-Sudan's partnership is amongst the most active in the Church of England and last Saturday, 18 March 2023, the Salisbury-Sudan's Partnership held their annual 'Sudan's Day' to update the many supporters from across the diocese and beyond. They were joined by Bishop Stephen, Her Excellency Ambassador Agnes Oswaha, the South Sudan Ambassador to London and Dr Anna Butchart, the Deputy Head of the Sudans Unit in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, among others.
We asked Mel why she had decided to undertake her first ever marathon. She said: "How blessed we are… we have the food to fuel, the health to run, the warmth to sleep. How would it feel to be without food, be in poor health and have no place to sleep? Sadly, this is a reality for too many.
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The 16 health clinics supported by the diocese parishes, deaneries and individuals are truly making a difference. Drugs are reaching their destinations and lives are being saved as a result.
Each year on the fourth Sunday of Lent, countries worldwide celebrate Mothering Sunday. This typically involves lavishing mothers with gifts and attention whilst celebrating the women who have nurtured us throughout our lives. But how many of us know its true origins?
On 12 March, Bishop Karen held a confirmation service in the West Purbeck Benefice. She spoke about how important a marker in a person's faith journey confirmation is. She said: "I think it is more important than ever. Marking a decision individuals have taken on their faith journey, rather than an entry to Holy Communion. It's great to see so many making a decision to follow Christ."
