Churches celebrate Christian heritage
Churches across Suffolk will celebrate their heritage and their place at the heart of the local community during Open Churches Week (6th-13th August).
More than 40 Suffolk churches are offering teas or holding events, ranging from bell ringing and tower tours to local crafts and art exhibitions.
More quirky happenings include a Teddy Bears’ Picnic at Belstead, the display of over 200 jigsaws at Newmarket St Mary, and an amusing illustrated talk on the History of Sanitation, graphically described as ‘How we used to go’, at Barnham St Gregory.
Out of the 478 churches in the diocese, over 60% (291) are open throughout the year, every day, dawn until dusk. This will be boosted to 80% (382) in Open Churches Week.
‘The aim is to make churches open and welcoming to everybody, not just during Open Churches Week but all year round,’ says Church Buildings and Tourism Officer Marion Welham.
‘More and more churches are opening up and offering regular events such as coffee drop-ins and local produce markets. Those that have taken the plunge and become committed to serving the local community in such practical ways have found it hugely rewarding.’
‘Open Churches Week brings a chance to discover the secrets of these architectural gems, many in beautiful countryside surroundings.’
The Rt Revd Nigel Stock, Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese, said Open Churches Week was a reminder that churches should be accessible to everyone, whether tourists, pilgrims or local people ‘There is much to learn and discover in these wonderful buildings but, more importantly they are powerful reminders of centuries of Christian worship,’ he said.
Things to do in Open Churches Week include ringing a bell at Honington All Saints; indulge in cream teas at Blythburgh, Metfield and Copdock; climbing the church tower at Sudbury All Saints; walking the local history trail at Rickinghall Inferior; enjoying free tea and toast or coffee and cake at Ipswich St Matthew; dropping in at the Annual Fayre and barbecue at Raydon St Mary.
Originally published on the Diocesan website, and reproduced with permission.
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