Good Friday is helping to bring together churches across different traditions this Easter for a special event in Doncaster.
Organised by Passion for Doncaster, the ecumenical gathering is aiming to bring the good news to people during the celebration service through the city. Using the tagline ‘Good Friday=Good News’, church congregations will gather just before midday at the Market Place as a witness to unity. It’s hoped the groups of churches will walk through to the centre for a time of praise and worship, involving modern worship and traditional hymns at the newly refurbished Corn Exchange .
Around 40 churches are connected with Passion for Doncaster, and a British Sign Language (BSL) signer will be part of the service. The day will also feature live music, performances from the Passion for Doncaster gospel choir and an interview with ex-Doncaster rugby league player and criminal, Allen Langham, who became a Christian because of what happened on the very first Good Friday.
Andrew Yelland, Chief Executive of the Doncaster-based Christian mission charity WorldShare, is heading up the events taking place. He has also been involved in organising different events in the build up to Holy Week, including prayer days and prayer walks around the city.
He said:
“It has been exciting to see Christians from across the city join together over many months, to prepare for this major outreach event. Our vision is to see the church unite further in the months to come, to share the gospel in relevant ways to all ages.”
Revd Adam Priestley, Oversight Minister in the parish of Resurrection Doncaster, will be delivering a message of hope during the service, based on a passion narrative from Luke chapter 23.
He said:
“There’s been a quiet revival among younger people, especially the Gen Z cohort, in exploring faith. People are starting to be bolder, and I think that’s going to be a big thing that Christians, especially younger Christians, are able to walk into this and know they’re part of something bigger.
“I remember the first time I ever went to a Christian festival in 2006 and being overwhelmed by the fact I was a new Christian surrounded by loads of other people that believe in Jesus.
“Good Friday is a solemn occasion to remember Jesus and his sacrifice, but there’s a good sense of unity and joy about this as well. People need to hear the good news of Jesus; it’s not just a bunch of do’s and don’ts. Good Friday is good news not just for the church but for everybody.”
