As Christians we don’t have all the answers but we believe that Jesus came to show us what God is like, and how we can live generous and hope-filled lives, even in challenging and changing times. Please see below for some of the ways we try to do this.
Worship
We treasure our opportunities to gather in worship and sacrament, and to be spiritually equipped for the week ahead. We play an active part in Churches Together in Winchester.
Prayer
Prayer underpins all our activities. Join in with the benefice prayer group, or the Julian Group, or with ecumenical partners for West View Hostel. Prayers can be left on the boards in all three churches when they are open. You are also welcome to join the Ministry Team for Morning Prayer on Fridays at 9am in St Lawrence.
Hospitality
You will receive a warm welcome at any of our services and refreshments are served on Sunday mornings. You are also most welcome at our monthly coffee mornings and other social events, such as concerts, Open Days, picnics and other gatherings.
Children and Families Ministry
We run a weekly term-time toddler group called Little Wrigglers, and we have strong links with St Bede CofE Primary School. See our Families page for more information.
Students
We offer an inclusive welcome at our services and a welcoming home for those looking for a more traditional style of worship.
Pastoral Care
Whether at home (through our Pastoral Visitors and the St John’s Hand in Hand scheme) or in Abbotts Barton Care Home.
The Environment
St Lawrence has achieved Silver EcoChurch status and we are now working towards a Bronze award at St Bartholomew’s. We celebrate Creationtide in September and take part in Winchester Green Week. At St Bartholomew’s Churchyard in June we take part in ‘Churches Count on Nature’ .
Overseas Links
We have links with Ikona School in Kisiizi, Uganda and the Church of the Province of Myanmar. For details of our sponsorship please click here Kisiizi
Social Engagement
This includes support for the Winchester Basics Bank, the Trinity Centre, Winchester Beacon, the City Centre Chaplaincy, the Samaritans and Winchester Hospice.
Exploring Faith
Including the big questions of life, in Bible Study groups and our monthly 'Going Out With Questions' (at St Lawrence after the service on the 1st Sunday of the month). Leaflets on all sorts of aspects of faith are available from the porch at St Lawrence. We help to organise Space in the City, a biannual series of talks with invited speakers.
Sanctuary
St Lawrence and St Swithun churches are normally open during the day, offering places of peace and prayer in the busy city centre. All are welcome to visit, and to leave a prayer so that we can pray for you and whoever is on your mind. St Bartholomew’s is open on Saturdays 10am-1pm.
Culture and Community
Our churches are available for community use and events eg choir rehearsals, concerts, lectures and Hyde900 events (via the Bookings tab above). St Lawrence Parish Room in Colebrook Street is also available for meetings and other community gatherings.
Do join us!
We would love to include you in any of these activities, and would welcome your time, skills, experience and/or financial support. For more details about any aspect of our church life, please contact our Parish Office using the ‘Contact’ tab above.