More than 200 people from across the County attended a diverse International Worship celebration at the weekend, featuring music and scripture in many languages; a renowned Christian gospel singer and even the launch of a new music video! 

St Luke’s, Brierfield was the venue on Saturday for the event, organised by St Luke’s alongside St Cuthbert’s, Burnley. 

Christians of various nationalities and ethnicities attended, including some from even further afield than Lancashire. They enjoyed an appearance by gospel singer Majeed Masih from Pakistan, alongside other singers. 

A selection of hymns and songs were sung and the Scriptures were read in at least nine different languages.  

The reflection was delivered by Rt Rev Philip North, Bishop of Burnley, who said: “Christians from every nationality and ethnicity are important parts of one body of Christ which is the Church. We love to see Church in Lancashire grow as a diverse Church, united in Christ as one body.” 

The hosting Vicar, Rev Munawar Din, added: “This worship experience has been amazing and I am so humbled to see many Christians coming together to sing praises of God in different languages. I hope events like this will continue to help us to embrace, with the love of Christ, those who may be different from us.” 

Rev Munawar Din also launched his first Urdu song video at the event which is now available on YouTube at this link.  

Also attending the International Worship celebration was Rev Sarah Gill, who is Bishop’s Adviser on UKME Matters and Vicar of Blackburn St Stephen’s and St James’. 

She commented: “It was very encouraging to worship in different languages. It was an opportunity to remember that God is at work in the world, He embraces diversity of cultures and languages and people are free to worship in their own languages.” 

Meanwhile, celebration was followed by a lunch and fellowship in the St Luke’s church hall also organised by the wonderful team of St Luke’s and St Cuthbert’s.

Captions for the above pictures, top to bottom
All pictures by Clive Lawrence

• (l-r) Bishop Philip North, Majeed Masih, Rev Sarah Gill and Rev Munawar Din 
• Gospel singer from Pakistan, Majeed Masih 
• The congregation at the celebration worships at St Luke’s  
• One of the singing groups in full flow during the celebration 
• A group of women pictured worshipping during the celebration event