The Year of Matthew - Living the Mystery of Faith Lent Course

Starting Week Beginning Monday 23rd February

This Lent, journey through Matthew's Gospel and discover Jesus as the promised King. Our Lent course will explore his life, teaching, and mission, helping each week deepen faith and understanding of God's promises.

There will be three opportunities to engage with the Lent course this year across the Benefice, each slightly different. Please do sign up for the one that suits you.

Monday Evening Home Group - 7pm Digging Deeper

Neil and Carolyn Watt's home, 10 Lynch Down, Funtington. This will focus on study questions around the scripture passages and historical context before applying them to our lives today. This track is most suited to those wanting more in-depth group discussion.

Tuesday Afternoon - 2pm - Reflective and Creative

St Wilfrid's, Chidham. Using both quiet and reflective guided readings and reflection culminating in an opportunity to respond with a simple creative activity. No creative skills required.

Wednesday Lunchtime - 12:30pm Lunch Discussion Group

St Mary's Church Room. After a shared lunch there will be an opportunity for discussion, exploring one aspect of the passage in greater detail and how this might apply to our daily lives.

See Calendar for further details

2026 Changes in Service provision

First Sunday                      10 am Funtington        Family Service                                Revd Jo King

Second Sunday              8am      Funtington        Said Eucharist                                 Revd Jo King

Third Sunday                    10 am West Stoke       BCP Eucharist                                 Revd Jo King

Fourth Sunday                10 am Sennicotts         BCP Eucharist                                   Revd Jo King

Fifth Sunday                      10 am Benefice              Eucharist alternating Parishes      Revd Jo King

Sharing the Chalice during Communion

We have been reminded by our visiting priests that Bishop Martin instructed the Diocese in 2023 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.

Parish Magazine Support

The Commissioning Editors of our much loved and widely respected Parish Magazine have received encouraging messages of support to enlarge the production and delivery team. Volunteers are still needed but we are making progress. 

Back numbers of the Parish Magazine are now available online from March 2025 back to April 2021 - see the menu above