On Friday 2nd December the church is hosting both a craft fayre and a light switch on in support of Sheffield Children’s Hospital. Like the hospital, the church will be covered in snowflakes that will light up at the event.
Last year was the first time the snowflakes were put up, with each individual piece paid for by different local businesses and groups.
James Gould is an Ordinand on placement from St Hild’s College:
“It’ll look great on the main road because it gives the church some life, and it’s a really good way of raising lots of money for the Children’s Hospital.
“A few hundred people came along last year, which was great. We didn’t really publicise the event as much, so with some more planning we’re hopeful it’ll be even bigger this year. We’ve built on the feedback we received in 2021 and will have more light this year, plus a licence for mulled wine!
“As it’s in early December it’s a great time to get people into the Christmas spirit.”
The fayre will include a brass band from Oughtibridge with singing from the Steel City Choristers. Market and food stalls will be set up, plus it’s hoped a children’s fairground ride can be provided as well. There’ll also be a Santa’s Grotto inside the church, along with a quiet space for prayer.
James says it’ll be good to have the church as a focus for the community to come and have fun together:
“Supporting the local community is important as things have been difficult for businesses post-Covid. The craft markets will have lots of local people running them, so it’s a way to raise awareness for them as well.
“Having a way for people to come in contact with the church in a very natural way over Christmas is fantastic. We want to help people who may not attend St John’s know that they are very welcome, and we’re here for them.
“This event is for everybody, and it’s raising money for a great cause. It’s the church doing something for the community and the city, rather than the church doing something to try and get more people to come to the building.”
The switch on takes place on Friday 2nd December from 5pm.