From village greens to pub gardens, churches across the Diocese of Winchester have been taking worship outdoors this summer, creating opportunities for people to encounter God in community spaces. By holding services alongside popular local events, churches have also been able to welcome regular worshippers and newcomers alike. Here are some of their stories:
Churches Together in Boscombe
Congregations from across Boscombe, Pokesdown and Southbourne came together with over 200 people gathering for ‘King’s Praise in King’s Park’. The three-hour event included worship from 3 choirs and music groups and activities for children.
Sue Dyke from St Andrew’s Church in Boscombe said, “There was a prayer tent where people could go and pray or talk if they wanted to. For the children, we had face painting and games and for everybody there was free ice cream which of course went down very well!”
Revd Lorraine Kingsley added, “‘King’s Praise in King’s Park’ is the summer outreach of Churches Together in Boscombe, which is a vibrant group made up of many churches in our socio-economically deprived part of the UK. Members of St Andrew’s have played a key role in CTiB for a number of years. Many of the congregants happily volunteer to litter pick and do whatever is needed to help King’s Praise in King’s Park happen. We also support an open-air carol service that is held at Christmas in our local high street. We want our community to know that the church is here – proclaiming boldly – in words and in action – that the Good News of the gospel really is good news. We want people to know that our loving God cares about them, and that we, as his church, are an extension of his love, grace and mercy. We love because God loves – and if one person leaves the open-air service knowing that, that’s why we do what we do.”
Benefice of Bentley, Binsted and Froyle
Bentley Church made the most of its presence at the village fete by reusing the marquee for its Sunday morning service, bringing worship into the centre of the village.
The all-age service featured worship songs, hymns and a drama performed by young people and their leaders, followed by refreshments. Holding the service in the village centre provided an opportunity to welcome those who may not usually attend church.
The day before, the church had hosted a stall at the fete with face painting, crafts, church information and a prayer tree, giving visitors a space to pause, reflect and pray amid the busy day.
The service was led by Lay Minister Steve Fice, who said, “It is always a joy to hold our Sunday service in the large marquee after the fete and flower show. The church stall is always popular, especially the face painting.
“It is particularly special for me to be the announcer at the fete and then lead the service the following day. A great deal of thought went into every part of the service including the drama, music, the liturgy and the core message of the service from Proverbs 3:5: ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.’
“We wanted the service to be relatable and applicable to all, especially those who don’t regularly come to church. We wanted to provide a joyful service, to show that we are here for everyone in our community and share God’s love to all.”
St Leonards, Sherfield on Loddon
St Leonard’s Church also brought the community together in the centre of the village with its annual Songs of Praise service, held in the garden of The White Hart.
More than 50 people gathered on a sunny morning with singing accompanied by the local Tadley Concert Brass. Each hymn was introduced by a member of the congregation who shared its background and their own personal reflection on what it meant to them.
The church had also been part of the Sherfield Fete the previous day, hosting the popular tea and cake tent.
A collection, taken after the service, was donated to St Michael’s Hospice and its work providing bereavement support for children and young people.
Parish member John Moule said, “At St Leonard’s, we pride ourselves on being open to all and having a family feel, but we do much more. As the community church for over 900 years, we take the message of Jesus beyond the walls and out to the surrounding estates and villages.
“The church is wherever we are and God is already at work in the world. Our role is to allow people to encounter Jesus in their own lives and communities. We do this by holding and supporting local events, showing that God is present in everything we do. We have a saying in our church ‘Our Worship has finished…Let the service begin.’”
Churches Together in Wellow
An open-air service was held at Canada Common in the New Forest, attended by Bishop Rhiannon and drawing people from all the churches in Wellow including Anglican, Methodist and Pentecostal. There was a brass band to play the hymns and activities for children and families. The morning concluded with tea and cake, providing time for fellowship.
Revd James Pitkin said, “Bishop Rhiannon gave a talk about the parables of ‘The Mustard Seed’ and ‘The Pearl of Great Price’. There was plenty of tea and cake – served in the Methodist Chapel on Canada Common. At the same time as the service, there was “Messy Church Lite” in the shade of a tent next to the Chapel. Unfortunately, the donkeys didn’t appear, as they usually do – must have been too hot!”
Members of choirs from across the Benefice of Thorngate and Blackwater also came together at the Wellow Village Fete.
Revd Sara-Jane Stevens, Associate Priest, said, “This was a combined fete, with all the smaller groups in the village joining forces to raise funds and a few smiles together. There were craft stalls, food and drink, games and activities and a music stage throughout the day. The first act was ‘St Margaret’s Choir and Friends’ who led the fete in 13 ‘Primary School Bangers’, school assembly favourites. Watched by a seated crowd of about 20 people, the whole field was dancing and singing to the chorus of ‘Lord of the Dance’ and ‘Shine Jesus Shine’.”
