Published on: 13/07/2026
A new campaign is looking to encourage Christians across South Yorkshire to shine as lights for Christ later this year. Bringing individual Christians, church and school communities together, ‘Shine Your Light Fortnight’ (SYLF) is an opportunity for followers of Jesus to share his light and hope with others as the nights get darker.
Taking place from Sunday 18 October to Sunday 1 November, SYLF is building on the Wear Your Faith Fortnight campaign run jointly by the Diocese and Arise for the last four years. The emphasis is now changing from wearing to sharing faith – making a special effort during these two weeks to share the love and hope of the Christian faith with others.
Recognising that wearing symbols of faith and talking about them can be a routine for some and a stepping out of comfort zones for others, SYLF aims to give people the opportunity to be intentional about their faith in a way that’s natural to them.
Individuals might take part by continuing to wear their faith, to decorate their homes with messages of light and hope, or intentionally serve their community in some way during the fortnight.
Churches and schools might organise ‘light’ parties as a positive alternative to Halloween. They could organise opportunities for people to serve their communities during the two weeks, such as a litter pick, hosting a community meal or volunteering with a local social action project.
A range of ideas and resources will be available on our website later in the summer to help individuals, churches and schools to get involved and make the most of the season. They can be found here: https://www.sheffield.anglican.org/your-calling/lights-for-christ/seasonal-resources/shine-your-light-fortnight/
Lights for Christ Enabler Hannah Sandoval said:
We are excited to be building on the momentum of Wear Your Faith Fortnight in previous years and hope to give Christians in South Yorkshire fresh inspiration for sharing the love of God with those around them. How might you bless those in your community this autumn?
Assistant Lights for Christ Enabler Joe Goodchild said:
I’m so looking forward to seeing how believers respond, as church families and as individuals, to the darker, spookier season. There are so many ways that we can be people who both be and bring good news; Shine Your Light Fortnight is an opportunity to really get creative with the call to share the light of Jesus with our neighbourhoods!