Latest News 

4th May 2025
Announcement from our Rector

I love being your rector, I want to be the Rector of the Arle Valley Benefice,
I want to be your Rector. But I can't. I cannot continue as your Rector.
I have submitted my letter of resignation to the Bishop of Winchester, I have resigned as Rector. 

I am not moving to another role; I have not even looked for another role or job. 

I am tired, I cannot work the very full-time hours required of this role. In recent months my physical and mental health have not been good. 

I have given a long period of notice for my leaving. My last Sunday will be 29th Sept.
My hope is that between now and then I can work together with the 4 PCCs and all of you to ensure that the Benefice is in the best possible shape when I go.

We are all called to be many things. I was 100% called by God to be here as Rector, but that calling has reached its end and I am returning, for now, to my calling as a wife and mum, as well as being a daughter and granny.

This has not been an easy or a quick decision. 

This decision has had a great deal of prayer, as well as thought and I do of course believe that this is God’s will.

I know that God is already calling the person who is to be the next Rector of this Benefice and he or she will have the energy and capacity for the role. Sadly, I can no longer sustain that energy.

I also know that God has more work for me to do as a priest, but for now I need a time of rest. We will be moving home to our house in Wiltshire to rest, reflect and await God's call. 

I promise to continue to do my absolute best in the 5 months that I remain here. I believe that we are already thriving and in a much better place than when I arrived.  We have wonderful people here, you are wonderful people, good and dedicated disciples. I love every one of you and leaving you will be one of the most difficult things I have ever done. I am sorry, truly sorry. 
Heather.
 
From the Churchwardens:
As your Churchwardens, James and Rosie would be grateful if you would respect Heather’s space at this challenging time and direct any questions or comments to us in the first instance. While we recognise that this news is a big shock to all of us, Heather is keen to continue the work that she has begun for the rest of her time here with us and we would encourage everyone to work together in a positive and productive way.
 
LET US PRAY FOR HEATHER AND HER FAMILY AND FOR ALL OF US IN THE ARLE VALLEY BENEFICE.
Heavenly Father, we ask you to be with Heather and Mick and the family and support them with your love and peace at this difficult time. 
Please help us all to work together with Heather over the next few months to embed the grace and leadership she has shown us.
We pray for each one of us in the benefice and ask that you give us wisdom and strength to support each other as we move into a time of change.
Help us to hear your voice through scripture and the leading of the Holy Spirit.
In Jesus name. Amen

 

St. John's Welcomes a New Churchwarden! - 29th April 2025

After St. John's APCM on 29th April, James Lees was welcomed as the newest churchwarden in the Benefice.  He will be working alongside St. John's current churchwarden, Rosie Waring Green.  We wish James all the best and are excited that he has joined the St. John's team!

Benefice Farewell Service for Bishop David - 2nd February 2025

There was a lovely turnout today for the Benefice Farewell Service and Brunch for Bishop David as he soon heads to Truro. Bishop David received our warmest and heartfelt thanks for his unfailing support and service to our community over the years. He also received a few location appropriate gifts for his new journey to sun soaked (mostly!) Cornwall. Thank you again, Bishop David!

Monday Meet and Eat - January 2025

Monday Meet and Eat (!) are on the Winchester Diocese website as part of an article on Warm Winter Welcomes across the Benefice. Photo (below) at the top of the page and scroll down to the bottom in the link for a great report and photos - very exciting!!


 

Christingle Service

On 1st December, we held our Christingle Service at St. John's as part of the start of Advent.
Thank you to all the children and adults who joined us and made beautiful Christingles, representing the light and love of Christ.

A Gift From St. John's - 30th November

A big thank you to everyone who gave their time and energy to make this year's Gift From St. John's and Angel Festival a special event for our community and beyond (a big shout out to our Liphook visitors and even some further afield)!

We truly loved being able to offer St. John's as a place where everyone can come together to socialise, be creative and enjoy festive food and drink.