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News from Deacon Hugh in New Zealand

As many of you will be aware, Deacon Hugh is on holiday in New Zealand.  He has been visiting our sister parish St Joseph’s Papanui which unfortunately  suffered irreparable damage in the 2011 earthquake.  Here is a brief report and some photos from Hugh:

Deacon Hugh and Margaret have visited St Joseph’s Church in Christchurch New Zealand during their holiday. St Joseph’s Papanui is currently using the neighbouring parish church of St Gregory’s Bishopdale, a neighbouring parish. This arrangement has been in place since the 2011 earthquake when St Joseph’s building was rendered unusable and subsequently demolished. Plans are afoot for a replacement building.

Like their UK sister parishes, the two parishes share clergy and the first weekend we were there, Fr Benito was supplying for Greymouth parish, a mere 3 hour drive each way!! The pictures show Fr Benito receiving a picture from St Joseph’s and Holy Redeemer and the congregation responding.

They were all most hospitable and grateful for the contact and prayers….it is hoped that the relationship may grow.

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Alpha 2019 coming soon…

‘Taster’ Session  THIS COMING TUESDAY 17 Sept 2019 
7.15-9.15pm
Free Meal, Film & Info
No Pressure
St Joseph’s, Christchurch BH23 1EH

You are invited to Alpha for a time of great food, great conversation and films that make you think – a chance to explore life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal environment.

Our Taster Session gives you the chance to sample what it will be like with no further commitment.
The ball is in your court – what have you got to lose?

Key dates if you decide to go ahead:
(All at St Joseph’s starting 7.15pm except ‘AwayDay’)
– Taster Session (includes 1st Alpha film):  17th Sep 2019
– Session 2:  1st Oct 2019
– Then every Tuesday evening (except 29th Oct) until…
– Final Session:  10th Dec 2019
– Local ‘AwayDay’:  Saturday 23rd Nov 2019, 10am-5pm
– Celebration Evening:  Tue 14th Jan 2020
(Note: You can just turn up for the Taster Session, but you will need to register if you wish to go ahead afterwards)

Visit our Alpha page for more information
To register your interest, please email  alphaavonstour@gmail.com 
View invitation postcard

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New Coordinating Pastor

Canon Paul Townsend VG has asked to step down from being Coordinating Pastor of Avon Stour Pastoral Area and Dean of St. John XXIII Deanery West Solent, in order to devote himself more completely to his other duties. I express here our profound gratitude to him for his service. Meanwhile, I am pleased to announce that Fr. John Chadwick has agreed to take on this role. With thanks, please remember him in your prayers.