The first of five clergy study days got under way on February 3 at our centre for Christian discipleship and prayer in beautiful Ribble Valley.

The focus of this year’s events (taking place across Lancashire) is on a key strand of our Diocesan Vision 2026 … ‘inspiring children and young people’, and the mornings are being led by staff from our Diocesan Board of Education.

There were video contributions from around the County shown during the event, outlining some good examples of work with children and young people across the Diocese. Parishes featured included Buckshaw Village Church; St James’, Clitheroe; St John’s, Ellel; St John’s Leyland and more. 

Clergy attending the Whalley event were welcomed by Archdeacon David Picken and Acting Diocesan Secretary, Stephen Whittaker. Bishop Philip North and Archdeacon Mark Ireland also attended.

In a message to clergy, Bishop Julian Henderson, who is recovering from a recent operation, said: “We want children and young people across Lancashire to hear about the love of God. There is a responsibility on this generation to tell the next generation.” 

All the study mornings also feature an excellent recorded message from Archbishop Stephen Cottrell.

The Archbishop says: “Get to know children and young people where they are.

“You must make them a priority, see that someone is doing this and you are supporting them. Be intentional.”

There are four more study mornings for clergy to come … bookings still open. All details for booking are here: https://bit.ly/3uCU2v9