Churches across the Diocese of Oxford have been welcoming children through their doors this summer, with thousands of children taking part in holiday clubs offering faith, friendship, creativity and plenty of fun.
Across the summer holidays, 16 Lighthouse holiday clubs welcomed around 2,400 children, supported by more than 1,500 volunteers. Fifteen of the Lighthouses were held across the Diocese of Oxford, with churches and volunteers from different denominations working together to make the clubs possible.
The clubs took place in communities including Bicester, Beaconsfield, Bracknell, Burghfield, Burnham, Cressex, Denham, Great Missenden, Haddenham, Hazlemere, High Wycombe, Loudwater, Marlow, Princes Risborough, Shelswell and Water Eaton.
Bishop Dave and Archdeacon Cassa have shared their thanks to everyone who's been involved in supporting and running a Lighthouse club this year. Bishop Dave visited his local Lighthouse in Marlow at the start of August, and Cassa made a special appearance dressed as Princess Peach at the Haddenham club. Bishop Dave said:
"We want to say a massive message of thanks to everyone involved in all the different Lighthouses that have been happening this summer. You have literally changed the lives of thousands of children and hundreds of teenagers as they've got involved with the weeks of fun that you've organised for them."
Cassa added:
"One of the many strengths of Lighthouse is the youth. So thank you to all you young people who have made such a difference. And the other major strength is Churches Together. So thank you for so many people from so many different churches working together for the kingdom."
Lighthouse: walking, talking Jesus
The Lighthouse clubs are delivered through partnerships between churches of different denominations, bringing volunteers and communities together to offer children a welcoming and fun experience of Christian faith.
This year's Walking, Talking Jesus theme invited children to explore five ways of putting faith into action:
- choosing to care for God's beautiful world
- listening to God's voice
- looking out for those around us
- helping others whenever we can
- telling others the good news.
For many children, the clubs offer a chance to discover Christian faith in a relaxed environment, while also building friendships, trying new activities and enjoying time together during the school holidays.
The scale of the programme is made possible by the commitment of hundreds of volunteers. People give their time to organise, cook, lead activities, welcome families, provide pastoral support and create safe spaces where children can flourish.
As churches across the diocese celebrate another summer of holiday clubs, they are also looking ahead to the relationships built and the opportunities to continue welcoming children and families into their communities.
Please pray for the children, families, churches and volunteers involved in holiday clubs across the diocese. And for the relationships and seeds of faith that will continue to grow long after the summer ends.
If you are interested in starting a lighthouse holiday club contact director@lighthousecentral.org.