Today we launch a year-long campaign to celebrate all that we are and all that we do here in the Diocese of Leeds.
Called We Are the Diocese of Leeds, this short film reveals a day in the life of our rich and varied churches as they serve their communities where they are.
Using your responses to last year’s Lent workbook when we asked you to think what Confident Christians; Growing Churches and Changing Communities meant to you in your context, you helped shape the film you see here today:
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z68kMP_YsO8]
A pop-up shop in a local shopping centre, a Prize Cup for the best Blue Faced Sheep in your local agricultural show; making bread together with Year 5 pupils; chaplaincy at the local Auction Mart; serving and keeping young people safe at Leeds Fest; fresh expressions of church; craft projects; lots of community meals – and the all important everyday: worship, celebrating our Readers, flower festivals, bellringing; weddings and baptisms.
Despite our differences – from tarn to town and everywhere in between - it is clear that community is at the heart of all we do: serving those around us; whatever their need may be; connecting and showing them a loving God; a God who loves his people where they are.
Bishop Nick said: "This film is a wonderful window into the wide range of life, celebration and work done by thousands of confident Christians in diverse communities across the Diocese of Leeds. We have some inspirational people and places.
"It is hugely encouraging to see the many ways in which our churches are loving, living and learning in their communities."
Please use this film where you can – show it in your churches; your parishes; your schools, your church halls, your house groups, chapters, deaneries...where-ever you can to give people a glimpse of the life of our churches and in our church communities here in this Diocese of Leeds.
And thoughout this year we will upload a new short film every two weeks – to coincide with the e –news – telling some of the stories you see in the film - and more - from across our Diocese.