People in churches across the diocese marked Pentecost on Sunday, May 24.
At Bradford’s City Park people from churches across the Bradford area gathered for a Pentecost Festival.
During the two-hour festival people worshipped Jesus led by a band comprised of members from different churches, heard testimonies of how God has changed the lives of people in our city, and we heard a Gospel message from Andy Hawthorne from the Message trust.
People were led in prayer by a variety of people, including the Rt Revd Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford.
There were opportunities for kids and young people to have their faces painted, spend time doing crafts, utilise a breakout space, as well as cool down in the fountains.
Many people received prayer from a trained prayer team.
The Revd Leah Leighton, Priest in Charge at St Margaret’s Frizinghall, said: “The afternoon was blessed and God moved in a powerful way.
“We have already heard reports of people giving their lives to Jesus that Sunday.
“The event was ecumenical and organised by a variety of churches in Bradford.
“It was very precious to gather together in unity and celebrate with one another.
“Next year we’re hoping to build on this – watch this space!”
A Huddersfield Deanery prayer walk connected churches in their area, including a school Pentecost service.
The walk, now in its third year, brings people from the deanery together to walk between all the churches in the deanery in a week.
Walkers gather at a church, use a short order of prayer, dedicate the walk, enjoy hospitality and move on.
At one church in vacancy the walkers were surprised to find themselves joining a school Pentecost service.
The deputy head giving a talk about the Holy Spirit which had the walkers, the children and their parents captivated.
Fr Simon Crook, who organised the prayer walk, said: “It’s hard to put into words the impact this year’s walk has had on those involved, but all of them, whether walkers or welcomers, have said how wonderful it’s been.
“The Bible is full of walking, not just as a means of getting somewhere, but as a time for encounter.
“We have really felt the presence of God with us this year, we’ve got to know people from across our deanery and have united all our churches in prayer.”
At St Paul’s Barnsley eight young people were confirmed by the Rt Revd Stephen Race, Bishop of Beverley, with three being baptised as well.