Bulwell United Reformed Church recently hosted its annual Light Night event, themed “Be a Spark in the Dark: Spread Joy, Not Fear.” This year, the event drew approximately 580 children, young people, and adults from the community, providing a free, welcoming alternative to Halloween. With support from the Synod Mission Fund, the church transformed into a beacon of light, demonstrating the power of faith in action.
The evening featured a warm atmosphere inviting attendees to reflect on embodying joy and hope in their daily lives. Participants engaged in crafting activities, creating Light of the World pumpkin lanterns, glow-in-the-dark tattoos, colourful hanging decorations, Light of the World lightbulb handprints, and rainbow scratch cards, each linked to meaningful scripture.
Dave Dennis, the Children, Youth & Family Worker, remarked, “Our open community events represent a new form of congregation. We are meeting the community where they are, making faith accessible and inviting to everyone.”
We extend our gratitude to the East Midlands Synod for their invaluable support, which was crucial to the success of this event. The presence of our CYDO and Moderator provided great encouragement, and we were pleased to be visited by the Regional Leader for Scripture Union.
Moreover, we are thrilled that one of our other Area Partnership Churches has also opened their doors for the first time in a similar way.
Inspired forward by the success of Light Night and the support of our Synod, we are now looking with renewed confidence and anticipation towards our varied programme of Christmas activities. Then it’s on to once again opening our doors for our Easter Eggstravaganza. Together, we aim to keep spreading joy and embodying the light of Christ in our community.