The congregation of Lancashire church has celebrated being back in their building after a major refurbishment by holding a special relaunch service at the weekend.

The 'Homecoming Service' at St Luke's in Blackburn followed a successful community event to mark the completion of the building works last week. Full coverage of that event can be found here. 

The main church building has been completely reordered and redecorated while a new-build church hall now lies alongside and is already nominated for two architectural awards.  

The packed congregation at the relaunch service on Sunday was joined by Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff, Anglican Bishop of Lancaster; the Venerable Mark Ireland, Archdeacon of Blackburn and his wife Gill Ireland, who is President of Blackburn Diocese Mothers' Union; Rev Canon Cath Brooks, Vicar of the Benefice of St Luke’s and St Aidan; Rev Jason Gardner, Church Leader at St Luke’s and his wife Rachel, who is the Youth Innovation Leader. 

St Luke’s is now part of the Diocese’s exciting and innovative ‘Lighting Up New Generations’ project following massive and much appreciated investment from the National Church.  

That means, in addition to serving its local community, St Luke’s is also looking to establish a multi-generational ‘resourcing church’ in the town that supports youth ministry there of course, but also across the whole Diocese. 

“St Luke’s Church has been witnessing to the love of Jesus for nearly 150 years. Covid threatened it with closure as our faithful but ageing congregation met in the local school. 

"But Sunday’s re-opening as a multi-generational Youth Resourcing Church marks a new season of faith and hope for Galligreaves and Blackburn. 

"I am also delighted that it will continue to serve as a Youth Resourcing hub for youth work across Lancashire. I pray that many beacons will be lit here, many deep wells of faith unblocked to resource the next 150 years of faith in Blackburn and the wider Diocese.”

• Last week's community event was covered extensively on BBC Radio Lancashire. Click here on BBC Sounds to listen to it at 0.28.17, 1.08.50, 1.43.39, 2.08.30, 2.47.30, 3.13.00 and 3.53.45.

Captions below for the pictures from the 'Homecoming Service', top to bottom:
All pictures taken by Clive Lawrence

• Archdeacon Mark and Gill Ireland are greeted by Curate Rev Alan Gault
• Bishop Jill speaks during the service
• Confetti cannons finish the service with a bang
• Packed congregation meets under the stunning new-look ceiling
• Rev Jason Gardner and Rachel Gardner during the service