Students from Saint Aidan’s, along with those from Fleetwood’s Charity Primary School, were invited to St. Oswald’s Church to welcome Philip, Bishop of Blackburn, on his charity bike ride across the Diocese. Bishop Philip is raising both money and awareness for the Bishop’s Harvest Appeal. The appeal encourages parishes and schools to learn more about the lives of Christians in the Free State in South Africa,
Bishop Philip arrived in Preesall fresh from a ride down from Lancaster. The Bishop spoke to both schools and told them the Parable of the Widow’s Mite, explaining how we can all contribute, no matter our circumstances. The Bishop also shared a prayer written by members of Lancaster congregations; indeed, at every stop, Bishop Philip is sharing a prayer written by Christians from his previous stopover!
Headteacher Katie Benter said, “We were delighted to have been invited to support Bishop Philip’s arrival in the Garstang Deanery, on his epic cycle challenge to visit all the Diocesan Deaneries in a day. Our Head Girl, Head Boy and Worship Champions chatted with Bishop Philip and enjoyed his mini sermon on the theme of being generous. His words reminded us that charity is not measured by how much we have to give, rather that we have the intent to make any small difference we can.”
Head Boy Oliver Davidson commented, “On Friday morning, I, along with six other students, visited St Oswald’s Church to meet Bishop Philip as he cycled across Lancashire, stopping at various churches to raise awareness and funds for the harvest appeal in regions such as Africa. He prayed with us and shared reflections on his journey. Afterward, he continued on his bicycle to the next church.”
If you wish to support Bishop Philip’s appeal, you can learn more here:
