Churches within the Diocese of Sheffield are invited to sign up for Church Explorer Week via the sign-up form here. During this week we aim to open our places of worship to the public and provide a warm welcome to those wishing to visit and explore. Churches can participate via an open day, the offer of a guided tour, a heritage display, a family trail, an outdoor activity or simply an open door and some refreshments. Other ideas for participation are welcomed; this is also our opportunity to explore new ways of encouraging people to discover what our churches have to offer.
Church Explorers Week is an opportunity for us to celebrate and showcase our churches and outdoor spaces, putting them on the visitor map. It aims to encourage footfall, support and appreciation of our unique places of worship through fun exploration and discovery.
We will look to categorise participation into 5 themes: History & Heritage, Family Fun, Outdoors & Nature, Open Days, and Music.
Leading up to Church Explorers Week we aim to promote the initiative via our own communication channels, social media and nearer the week in question, a press release.
Your Mission Area Support Team are here to answer any questions and if you would like any help or support towards taking part in Church Explorers Week – do get in touch.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Who is Church Explorers Week aimed at?
Everyone! CEW seeks to encourage a strong welcome for all and an opportunity for people to explore our churches through bringing our special places to life through fun family activities, interpretation and open days. We believe churches are places where all ages can learn something new.
Do we have to open every day for Church Explorers Week?
No, we welcome participation through whatever suits. Opening for one day during the week is fine, or multiple dates within the week is also good. Participation is at the heart of CEW, so go with what you are able to do comfortably.
What are we supposed to offer during Church Explorers Week?
Participation can be through anything from a simple open day to other activities and interpretation you may have considered in the past but not had chance to try. You may wish to use the week as an extra opportunity to show your Heritage Day Material or you may wish to plan a new event – we welcome all ideas.
How do we sign up?
Sign up is via form here.
Can we get help and support in participating?
Contact your Mission Area Support Team who can assist in supporting with help with event ideas, generosity and contactless support, promotion and more.
How will Church Explorers Week be advertised?
Whilst this is the pilot/launch year for CEW we aim to spread the news as far and wide as possible. We will be advertising the event via all our internal communications, social media and hope to do a press release nearer the time.
Is Church Explorers Week instead of Heritage Open Days?
Absolutely not, CEW is an extra opportunity to showcase your church’s stories and bring them to life during a half term week. Whilst you may wish to replicate your displays made for Heritage Open Days during CEW, it is also an opportunity to try some thing new if you so wish.