More than One thousand people attend the Diocese of Blackburn’s centennial celebration in Blackpool

Last weekend, more than a thousand Christians from all over Lancashire came together in the center of Blackpool to commemorate the Diocese of Blackburn’s centennial. Worshippers, clergy, families, and church organizations from parishes throughout the county came together for “The Big Day Out,” a day of worship, music, activities for all ages, and outdoor outreach with the theme “All for Jesus’.
Many visitors also stopped to take in the performances and participate in worship, which were set against the backdrop of the Blackpool Tower and the surrounding Winter Gardens.
Families flocked to Blackpool Church St John’s in the morning for a children’s program that included storytelling, singing, and Jesus-themed crafts. Meanwhile, a nearby youth area at St John’s Church of England Primary School provided games, inflatables, and food for young people.
Throughout the day, St. John’s squre, hosted live music and stage shows in addition to social and conversational opportunities. Along with offering a complimentary hog roast lunch, the organizers screened a number of recorded testimonies from Christians in Lancashire who related their own experiences of coming to faith.
During the main worship celebration, Blackburn Bishop Rt Rev Philip North spoke to the assembly and said, “Jesus sacrifices everything to find you.”. He has joy in store for you. Jesus risked everything and went to the cross for this reason.
Because Jesus is all for us, we are “All for Jesus” in our centennial year and every year. Rev. Ian Sarginson and Narina Harborne of Buckshaw Village Church, which is close to Chorley, said during lunch that it had been “great” to get together with Christians from all over Lancashire to celebrate the Diocese’s centennial.
Christ Church Thornton parish administrator “Sally Johnson” praised the volunteers for being “patient and kind” and said that children who attended with her friends particularly enjoyed the activities.
Curate from St. Paul’s Hoddlesden and St. Barnabas’ Darwen, Rev. Matt Gaze, called the event “an awesome day,” while Rector of Bowland Benefice, Rev. Grace Gaze, called it ‘a huge joy.’. The Bishop of Lancaster, Rt Rev Dr. Jill Duff, and Rev. Andy Dykes from Blackpool Church St John’s, whose church was instrumental in the event’s planning, led the afternoon worship.
The event was “full of joy, laughter, and faith,” according to Rev. Steve Haskett, director of mission for Blackburn Diocese and chair of the organizing committee.
He thanked volunteers, church employees, and local organizers who had spent months planning the event, saying, “It’s been wonderful to watch people of all ages encounter Jesus in such a welcoming and creative way.”. The Great.
