Throughout May, Bishop Julian will hold four ‘Primary Visitations’ across the Diocese, where all the Churchwardens in our parishes will be sworn in as officers.

The Bishop will also commission, or recommission, new and existing Parish Vision Champions.

These events replace, for this year, the usual Visitations led by the Archdeacons although the Archdeacons will be present.

Around 300 – 400 people are expected at each service, many of whom will be there to support officeholders and pray for them.

Copies of the annual publication ‘Archdeacons Visitation News’, with invaluable information for churchwardens and their parishes, will be distributed as usual. 

And at each Primary Visitation, Bishop Julian will also formally launch his ‘Bishop’s Bible Challenge’. To mark the moment, he will introduce a new booklet to encourage us to engage more with the Bible and to help us to become better disciples.

‘Bishop’s Bible Challenge – Knowing The Scriptures Better’ is written by Ruth Hassall, our Director of Discipleship and is packed with reading suggestions; memory verses; space to write reflections and more.

The booklet is free and will be distributed to all who attend the Primary Visitations, with additional copies available by emailing siobhan.trickett@blackburn.anglican.org and stating the number you require.

For more information about the Bible Challenge, which is now part of our ongoing focus on whole-life discipleship as a Diocese, visit this page. 

Venue details for the Primary Visitations are:

• Blackburn with Darwen, Chorley and Leyland Deaneries, May 2, 7.30pm at St Paul’s Adlington, Chorley PR6 9QZ
• Garstang, Lancaster and Morecambe and Tunstall Deaneries, May 13, 7.30pm at St Thomas’, Lancaster, LA1 1XX
• Accrington, Burnley, Pendle and Whalley Deaneries, May 20, 7.30pm at St John’s, Accrington, BB5 6AG
• Blackpool, Kirkham, Poulton and Preston Deaneries, May 21, 7.30pm at St Cuthbert's, Lytham, FY8 5QL

Meanwhile, Churchwardens should also note that Churchwardens’ Briefings, with the Archdeacons, will take place on June 10 at Lancaster Priory and July 4 at Whalley Abbey, starting at 7.30 pm.

Ronnie Semley, April 2019