14th September 2026

Joyous three days as parishes are 'All for Jesus' across our centenary mission weekend

Church of England Parishes across Lancashire are celebrating after a remarkable weekend of community activity and outreach for Diocese of Blackburn's Centenary Mission Weekend.

More than 90% of churches across towns, villages and cities throughout Lancashire hosted hundreds of events over the weekend or on days nearby; reflecting the Diocese's centenary theme of 'All for Jesus'.

The weekend saw those churches throw open their doors, with parishioners welcoming people inside and also taking their faith outside onto streets, parks, playing fields, schools, to country shows and in all kinds of community spaces.

Across the county, alongside regular worshippers, occasional visitors and many people who have little or no previous connection were warmly welcomed.

For many parishes, the weekend created opportunities for new conversations, fresh relationships and invitations to discover more about the message of Jesus Christ.

The story of the weekend is told through two key videos filmed in locations across the County by the Diocesan Digital Team and available on Facebook and Instagram now. 

The massive mission was a key part of the Diocese of Blackburn's centenary year celebrations and it is thought to be one of the largest coordinated mission outreach initiatives ever undertaken by churches in Lancashire.

Rev. Steve Haskett, Director of Mission for the Diocese of Blackburn, said: "What an incredible weekend it has been.

“All across Lancashire we have seen churches stepping out in faith, working together, serving their communities and finding creative ways to share the hope of Jesus Christ.

"There has been a real sense of joy, enthusiasm and expectation throughout the weekend and it has been wonderful to hear stories of new connections being made and people engaging with church for the first time.

"A huge thank you goes to everyone who prayed, organised events, volunteered, invited friends and neighbours and helped make the weekend possible.

"Most of all, we thank God for all that has taken place and look forward to seeing the fruit of these conversations and relationships in the weeks, months and years ahead."

From coastal communities to market towns, rural villages to busy urban centres, churches embraced the vision of being 'All for Jesus’; serving their communities and sharing the Christian faith in ways that were relevant, welcoming and accessible.

Excitement for what was happening was palpable in parishes everywhere – the variety of events being held was staggering! Examples include …

In PRESTON, St Matthew’s Church’s ‘Street Team’ were on the streets around their church building on New Hall Lane inviting people doing the school run to church, to explore more about the Christian faith on an Alpha Course. Rev. David Owens commented: “The flyers for the Alpha Course we are giving out today are Gospel invitations to come and explore who Jesus is. Similar events we held recently have seen six or seven families come to church on the back of meeting our Team.”

Meanwhile in HODDER VALLEY, the local parishes were at the heart of their local community, with a church tent for the very first time at the Hodder Valley Country Show. Wendy Leeming, from Whitewell St Michael’s Church, was one of the parish volunteers. She said: “It’s exciting to be reaching out to people to introduce ourselves to as many people as possible. We are meeting people of all ages today and giving them welcome packs they can take away; prompting further questions about Jesus.”

In BURNLEY there was a multi-cultural community gathering at St Luke’s Church where Rev. Munawar Din said: “The challenges are always there when you are sharing your faith but it is friendship that comes first and it’s important to be friends with the people around you. If you’re not friends with them and hold community events like this, how can you share you share the Good News of Jesus with them?”

Over in COLNE, there was a Christian music festival held in the grounds of the local rugby club and in partnership with The Message Trust. Churchwarden, Paul White said: “We decided we didn’t want to do something small in church but rather something huge the whole of Colne could experience over the weekend.” Meanwhile, Sam Ward, CEO of The Message Trust, added: “I’m just so impressed with a local church that wants to impact its neighbourhood. It doesn’t expect the neighbourhood to come to the church – the church has gone to their neighbours.”

And in STANDISH, the Prospect Brass Band entertained a large audience at St Wilfrid’s Parish Church where Rev. Andrew Holliday added: “The most important thing is this is not an end, this is the beginning. Even some of the conversations I’ve had in the run-up to this weekend have involved people asking me ‘how do I get involved with the church again? I said ‘come and see and let’s journey together.”

Throughout the weekend, diocesan social media channels were filled with photographs, videos and stories reposted from every corner of Lancashire; showcasing the imagination, hospitality and enthusiasm of local churches. The Diocese will continue to share highlights and stories from the weekend on its social channels.

Like Rev. Andrew Holliday’s church, other churches across Lancashire will also be offering follow-up events and opportunities for people who would like to explore the Christian faith further; so look out for more stories of people coming to know Jesus for the first time!

Rt Rev. Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn, picked up the theme in his response to the weekend commenting: “What an unbelievably inspiring weekend! In every possible context, inner city, rural and suburban, Christians have been present this weekend, speaking to thousands of people and sharing the Good News of the Gospel.

“Almost every parish has put on events, reaching out with an invitation to people to be part of the family of the church. And I hope this is just the start of something … with every parish putting on a mission weekend each year; reaching out to their communities in simple and enjoyable ways.”

Captions for pics, top to bottom ... 

1      Members of the Street Team from St Matthew’s in Preston take time out from doing street evangelism during the Diocese of Blackburn Centenary Mission Weekend

2      A heritage mission event at St Cuthbert’s, Fulwood, featured speakers; great food, special displays and a gospel message Diocese of Blackburn Centenary Mission Weekend

3      The scene in the marquee for ‘Light Up Colne’ as the concert gets underway during the Diocese of Blackburn Centenary Mission Weekend

4   Rev. Karen Herschell, second left, in the church tent at Hodder Valley Show, with volunteers from the local parishes during the Diocese of Blackburn Centenary Mission Weekend

5      Bishop Philip North preaches at a multi-cultural community gathering held at St Luke’s, Brierfield during the Diocese of Blackburn Centenary Mission Weekend

Ronnie Semley, September 2026