Churches in Newcastle Diocese have joined together for a special festival which saw children and families engage in fun and creative activities.
A group of churches in Tyne & Wear, collectively known as the Rising Sun Neighbours, took part in the Rising Sun Festival on 16th August.
It was a wonderful day with lots of energy and engagement with local families and youngsters. About 800 people enjoyed the day, which included a scarecrow trail, as well as crafts, conversation and invitations to church from teams
at St Mark’s, Shiremoor; St John’s, Killingworth; and Church of the Good Shepherd, Battle Hill. The churches made scarecrows for the trail, as did the 8th Tynemouth Scout Group.
The Revd Julie Mooney, from Church of the Good Shepherd said: “It’s a real privilege and blessing to share in community events and to reach out to our communities in mission. One of our crafts was to create sheep prayers and it was heart warming to see the children’s response and to read their prayers.”
The crafts included handwitten messages which included: Be thankful for what you have; God protect my family; and Dear God, thank you for your kindness and peace in our world.
The event, which followed the success of the 'Love is in the Air' event in 2022, was also enhanced by the Friendly Fred Potts scarecrow (pictured right), made my Jan Casson, from the Church of the Good Shepherd.
Rising Sun Neighbours are planning meditation prayer services in the park in September, led by the Revd Dr Rae Caro, the Revd Dr Sarah Moon, and Julie. They hope to continue the good work of engaging with local families and those from the newly built estates in the area.