PARISHES?across East Hampshire have committed to a Lent course run by the diocese of Winchester encouraging people to ‘live the mission of Jesus’ in practical ways in their communities.

Entitled ‘i-Witness’ it follows five themes over the five weeks of Lent until Palm Sunday on Sunday, March 20.

These include ‘Stewarding Faithfully’, with vicarages urged to do their bit for the environment.

Many have had solar panels installed already to help them eliminate the use of fossil fuels.

Another is ‘Acting Justly’, with positive action encouraged to improve social justice.

The Footprints Project charity has been working with the church on this, to help former offenders reintegrate into society.

Launching ‘i-Witness’, the Rev Canon Mark Collinson said:?“It’s easy to talk the talk but we need to walk the walk and put into practice the good news of Jesus in ways that contribute to society.”