The Diocese of Sheffield is inviting Christians across South Yorkshire to make an intentional effort to shine the Light of Christ for two weeks (18 October – 1 November 2026). While we can reflect the Light of Christ throughout the year, as the season changes and the nights get darker, Shine Your Light Fortnight is a special opportunity to share the hope and light that Jesus brings.
In partnership with Arise Sheffield, we’re encouraging Christians across the Diocese to open their conversations, their homes, and their churches to create opportunities to shine the light of Jesus.
Shining Your Light as an individual
Wear your faith
For the last four years, we have encouraged believers across our Diocese to dedicate a fortnight to wearing their faith in the form of jewellery, badges, T-shirts and more! Many people have embraced the challenge and found that it has created opportunities to talk about Jesus, so wearing your faith is definitely one way that individuals can shine their light this year.
Decorate your home
Halloween is a time when many people decorate their homes, and when the light within our homes shines out into the street. Why not take the opportunity to decorate your home with a message of hope, peace, light and joy?
Some of the messages you could use are:
- Jesus is the light of the world
- God’s light shines in the darkness
- When I am afraid, I can trust in God
- Jesus said: Let your light shine
Shining Your Light together
Serving your community
Shine Your Light Fortnight is an opportunity to band together and make a big difference in your neighbourhood. This could mean getting your hands dirty with a litter pick or a community gardening effort, volunteering for a local charity or organisation, preparing meals for vulnerable neighbours, or meeting any need that you see in the world around you. Why not get creative and see how you can shine your light as servants of your community?
Truth and Treat bags
These are an easy way to share the Gospel with families in your community. They come with a children’s story book and stickers, plus a glow-in-the-dark wristband. Fill them with your own sweets and share them with anyone that comes to your door!
Shine Your Light with a Light Party
Light Parties can be hosted at schools or in church buildings, they’re a celebration of light which is perfectly timed for when the nights start drawing in! Whether your light party has music, food, games or fancy dress, it’s a chance to draw together as community without the scariness of the Halloween season.
Shine Your Light at a school assembly
Leading a Shine Your Light assembly is a great way to talk about Jesus as the light of the world and to celebrate how the children have been shining their light during the first few weeks of the school year. The celebration assembly can be planned in conjunction with a light party in school for the children and their families.
Complete the form below to access downloadable resources for Light Parties and Shine Your Light assemblies.