NOTICES - 16th July 2025

Please see here for news of the appointment of our new Priest in Charge.

Appointment of the new Archdeacon

The Reverend Dr Tom Carpenter, Parish Priest of Holy Trinity & St Luke's Southport, has been appointed as the next Archdeacon of Chichester. 

Acting Rural Dean

From July 16th our Acting Rural Dean will be The Reverend Tom Robson from Southbourne, this is while Mother Jessica is on her Maternity leave, we give her thanks for all her support and advice and wish her joy.

Please see the Calendar for Church Services 

Church In Our Community Meetings

- The Prayer Meetings: On 21st July there will be prayers in the church room from 5pm to 6pm –everyone is welcome and encouraged to come and pray for our church and community. During August we will have a prayer walk instead of the normal prayers (weather permitting). Monday 4th August around East Ashling meeting at 5pm at the Horse and Groom car park. Monday 18th August around West Ashling meeting 5pm at the village hall car park. Do come and join in these walks and pray for our local community as we walk around.

- The Ideas Meetings: the next meeting will be on Wednesday 16th July to review plans for the new Parish website. There will be another on 30th July and then we will break for August. Come and contribute your ideas and help plan our events to benefit the community in our Parish. Everyone warmly welcome!

Cream Teas at West Stoke Village Hall - 3pm to 5pm

6th July - W.I, 13th - Riding for Disabled, 20th July - Parish Churches, 27th - Cancerwise. 3rd August - West Stoke Village Hall, 10th - East Ashling Association,17th - Queen Mother’s Clothing Guild, 24th -Good Neighbours, 31st August - Dementia support

Car Parking

Please can we remind everyone that we officially only have 2 disabled parking spaces and we cannot use the top end of the vicarage drive to turn around. Unfortunately this is still not being respected. Thank you for your cooperation.

Sharing the Chalice during Communion

We have been reminded by our visiting priests that Bishop Martin instructed the Diocese last year that we should all be sharing the Chalice during the Act of Communion and not to intinct (dip our wafers in the wine). This is because drinking from the silver Chalice is less of an infection risk than dipping the wafer. We have been told that if we do not wish to drink from the Chalice we can take communion by sharing the bread only.

Chidham School are still in need of a Governor

If you are interested please talk to Jessica Reid (Rural Dean)

Invitation to try Bell Ringing at St Mary's Funtington

Have you ever thought of trying this fascinating hobby? The next "have a go" session is on Sunday 16th June. You need to be 12 years old or over. Come and see if you would like to take up this wonderful activity.

Data Protection Update

So that we are compliant with the Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) please would everyone complete the "Consent to Share" form at the back of each of our churches and return them to Deborah Hughes or the church wardens.

Contactless Giving by Debit/Credit Card

We now have contactless giving machines in St Mary's Funtington, so you no longer need to bring cash to put in the collection plate. The St Andrew's West Stoke machine is having teething problems, in progress. You can donate by using your debit or credit card which will also help reduce Parish administration. If you are not sure how it works, please speak to one of the Churchwardens. Meanwhile, here is first QR code for online donations. Either scan it with your phone camera or click on the link to make a payment:

QR Code for donations

During the Interregnum the website is being regularly updated and any changes and future events will be there so please check from time to time. We also have a “WhatsApp” phone group to which information is also added. If you want to join this group please let Carolyn Watt know.


Pastoral Reorganisation - Consultation Deadline

Consultation Deadline: 2nd June 2025 A Diocese Notice giving the objects of proposed pastoral reorganisation affecting this parish has been displayed near the main doors of all our churches and on the Church of England website. The Notice includes the last date by which representations regarding the proposed reorganisation may be made to the Church Commissioners. This includes plans for the sale of the Funtington vicarage.


Appointment of our new Priest in Charge

Introduction to the Rev.Jo King, our new Priest in Charge


2025 - IMPORTANT ANNIVERSARIES

1,700th Anniversary of the Nicene Creed - 950th Anniversary of the Diocese of Chichester and Chichester Cathedral

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