Churches across Lancashire are throwing open their doors for a special missions weekend, to celebrate the Diocese of Blackburn’s centenary.
Centering on the theme ‘All for Jesus’, thousands are expected to take part in community events from Friday until Sunday. Activities are designed to be welcoming for those who do not usually attend Sunday services, so churches can encourage people to ask questions and help them encounter Jesus.
It is thought to be the largest co-ordinated initiatives undertaken by parishes in the diocese, with its 170 churches encouraged to host events that reflect the character of their community.
Activities include family fun days, teddy bear’s picnics, football tournaments, heritage talks and music performances. Some churches are hosting lego-building sessions and retro gaming events. The annual duck race takes place at Whalley Abbey too, with prizes for the best dressed duck.
Rev Canon Anne Beverley, director of mission in the diocese, told Premier Christian News there is a “buzz” around Lancashire churches with everyone excited to host.
She said: “Parishes actually are really good at just putting on a bit of a do, having lots of fellowship and lots of fun, and then using those events to reach out to people with the love of God.”
Asked about what success would look like, she said: “to have conversations with people we don’t normally reach. We want to reach outside of our buildings and reach into our communities, to tell people that there is hope in Jesus, that there is a different way to live our lives, that we have got some good news and something to share.”
“The biggest thing for us is to pray for the people who are putting on the events, that they will have the courage and the confidence to be able to share their faith. That God will provide us with opportunities, to speak to people and that God would work through our humanity and the words that we say, to help people to make those connections this weekend”, Rev Canon Beverly added.
Churches will be holding the events alongside Sunday services, with later follow-up opportunities. The Bishop of Blackburn Rt Rev Philip North will be attempting to visit as many events as possible, alongside other leaders in the diocese.