Blackburn Diocesan Board of Education

24/06/2026

Would you like to learn more about how to use social media as an outreach tool in your church?

Join us next Tuesday at Whalley Abbey for a day of social media traning delivered by Joe Hartropp from the Church of England's Digital Labs team.

The day is free and there will be lunch provided; however, places are limited so make sure you book your place to avoid disappointment!

Book here: https://eu.jotform.com/261604492519056

📱 Want to feel more confident using social media in your church?

Join us at Whalley Abbey on 30th June for social media training with Joe Hartropp from the Church of England’s Digital Labs.

We’ll cover digital outreach, AI, handling online challenges, creating great video content on your phone and how to write a social media strategy.

✅ Lunch included
✅ Suitable for people who have some experience in social media and want to grow their skillset

Book your place here: https://eu.jotform.com/261604492519056

Spaces are limited and are first come, first served.

24/06/2026

National Month of Prayer for Toddler Groups: Day 24 - Find Your Name

Look for your name on a big piece of paper with lots of different names written on it. Circle your name every time it appears.

Say thank you to God that he knows all about us and knows each of our names.

23/06/2026

Thank you for coming!

23/06/2026

St Luke’s Church in Blackburn, a key part of our ongoing Lighting Up New Generations project, held a stakeholder lunch today for 32 community partners and leaders.

Lighting Up New Generations is our major renewal programme focused on enabling churches to connect with children, young people and families in new and sustainable ways.

Backed by significant national The Church of England investment the aim is to grow younger and more diverse congregations, planting new worshipping communities, strengthening discipleship and equipping leaders to share the gospel with a rising generation across Lancashire.

The event today gave stakeholders the chance to air their views on what's happening in central Blackburn; hear what St Luke’s is doing and explore how they can all work together to strengthen local partnerships for the good of the area the parish serves.

Partners represented included , Spark Drug and Alcohol support; Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen Blackburn with Darwen Family Hub, Asda and many more.

Rev. Jason Gardner from St Lukes commented: “Today has been a really important moment for us at St Luke’s, bringing together people who care deeply about the future of this community. We are committed to walking alongside our neighbours, especially children, young people and families, sharing hope in very practical ways and building partnerships that can make a lasting difference."

Philip North Jill Duff Lancashire Telegraph Lancashire Post BBC Lancashire Church Times

23/06/2026

National Month of Prayer for Toddler Groups: Day 23 - Scissor Skills

Practice scissor skills by cutting along the different shaped lines on pieces of paper. Try to follow a wavy line, a zig-zag, a loop or a spiral with the scissors – it’s okay if it’s not perfect!

Pray: Thank you, God, for helping us learn new things and for being with us while we try our best.

22/06/2026

The wonderful Steph Openshaw shares a final prayer for toddler groups in this National Month of Prayer. Steph prays for the connection between toddler groups and schools in our diocese and for all of the leaders who work so hard in each setting.

22/06/2026

We're so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for coming 😊

22/06/2026

Thank you for coming! We're glad you enjoyed the afternoon 😀

22/06/2026

A brilliant afternoon at Blackburn Cathedral as over 500 Year 6 pupils from our church schools gathered for their Leavers’ Service.

With uplifting worship from Chip Kendall, an inspiring message from Bishop Philip, and a powerful drama of Peter stepping out in courage, children were encouraged as they look ahead to the next chapter. The children were also presented with their very own Bibles as they left the celebration.

We pray they go forward boldly, living “All for Jesus.”

We look forward to welcoming another 500 pupils in Chorley on Friday!

Philip North
Blackburn Cathedral
Diocese of Blackburn

22/06/2026

National Month of Prayer for Toddler Groups: Day 22 - Counting Sheep Sensory Bin

Create a fun, sheep-themed sensory bin and enjoy finding and counting the sheep within it. Just as each sheep is important and looked after by the shepherd, God wants us to care for and look after his creation.

Pray asking God to help us do that.