Blessing the Website 8th October 2000 A 'First' - for the Winchester diocese if not for the Anglican Church
		The Archdeacon of Winchester, with the Rector of Highclere, Rod Chamberlain, Ian Briggs and Horace Mitchell

The Archdeacon of Winchester, Ven. John Guille, formally blessed the Highclere and District website as part of the Highclere Morning Service on Sunday 8th October 2000. 'I am really thrilled to be with you at this service todat and to have been asked to bless your parish and village website', the Archdeacon said in his address. 'It is certainly a first for me and I think for the diocese.'

The community working together

'It is really refreshing to know that various groups within this community have worked together to create this new web site', he continued. 'The pages are clearly laid out, the information readily accessible, the information feels friendly and welcoming.'

A powerful statement by this community

The Archdeacon noted that the blessing was made during a service that combined the best of the old, using prayers from the Book of Common Prayer, published in 1662, with a fresh and exciting way to spread the Good News of the Gospel. He told us that 'the web site is an expression of confidence in the future . . . a powerful statement by this community of faith in the future and living faith now'.

A catalyst for reviewing everything we do

'What you are undertaking is terrific', the Archdeacon told us. 'Keep the web site up-to-date and be determined not to see the creation of the web site as an end in itself, but as a catalyst for reviewing everything you do.' He linked this theme with the Church of England's introduction of Common Worship, a new set of services that includes elements from the Book of Common Prayer alongside elements from the existing Alternative Services Book and some material which is new.

A welcome for all

Even when we are not blessing a website we try to make our services fun as well as spiritually rewarding - a time set aside each week to worship together and pray together, away from the distractions of the busy world. Why not come along to one of our churches at Highclere, Ashmansworth and Crux Easton and give it a try! Details of our services can be found in the Services and Diary sections.