Published on: 16/03/2026
Which resources have been flagged at Stainforth and Fishlake?
The resource sent out in Advent / Christmas of the picture of a modern refugee Holy Family at a bus stop was very powerful. I printed it on the back of our weekly notice sheet across our four churches. I used the image as the basis of my sermon at the Carol Service at St Mary’s Kirk Bramwith.
What has the response been like?
There was a very positive response from the congregation. One man in his 30s visiting his Grandparents for Christmas (one of our regulars) said it was one of the most powerful sermons he had ever heard. I wondered if it was only one of maybe three he had heard but was told later that he is a regular worshipper at church.
Tell us about the Christmas campaign
For our annual Candlelit Carol Service at St Mary’s Kirk Bramwith I preached on the picture mentioned above, encouraging the congregation to look at it and reflect as I spoke. I used some of the words which the artist had written about it and shared some of Revd Anesia Cook’s thoughts, adding my own based on the need for welcome within our communities, including a fair asylum system. We reflected upon Jesus’ radical acceptance of all, whatever their culture, background and however they identify themselves. I spoke of choosing these Kingdom values in all the small decisions and priorities of each day, as Hope like faith is an active choice. This resonated with the congregation as we have had significant anti refugee issues in one of our parishes with physical attacks and threats.
At one of our churches St Mary’s Stainforth we also host a monthly Rainbow Cafe Church. It is a safe place of welcome and listening for the LGBTQI+ community and friends.
What ways do you think churches can be more diverse and inclusive?
It’s all about the welcome and prayer. When we had no diversity I prayed God would send us people of diverse cultures and slowly they are coming.
I flood our Facebook pages with welcome, love and positivity. Newcomers of all backgrounds have named our Facebook pages as a source of welcome which they followed for months, before stepping into the church.
We have a phased start to our Sunday service at Stainforth, serving refreshments at the beginning rather than the end of the service. People find this more relaxed and welcoming, especially families. We’ve noticed some of our African friends like to filter in gradually over the first 10 minutes or so of the service. We have adapted to this.
We preach and pray constantly on inclusion and welcome for all. Not just on Racial Awareness Days, though we honour these.
I am encouraging Jenny, one of our African congregation, to liaise with others from multicultural families, to guide us moving forward. I feel it is important to listen to their needs.
Jenny and her husband Ricky hosted our Confirmation Group in their home last year, which helped them build bonds with other church members. Jenny speaks of the great leveller that Messy church for multicultural families. Her family has experienced wonderful welcome and fellowship there.
Jenny has agreed to be our representative on the Diocesan Intercultural group. We are very excited going forward.
Revd Jacqui Jones is Priest in Charge of St Mary Stainforth and the united benefice of Fishlake, Sykehouse, Kirk Bramwith with Fenwick and Moss, and Oversight Minister in the Flowing Waters Mission Area