PCC News

The week aims to encourage visitors and remind people that the majority of our churches are open all year round and visitors are welcome.

Over the centuries, Norfolk and Waveney have had strong connections with the wider world, through trade, conflict, migration and tourism. Our churches and churchyards contain stories revealing how our ancestors travelled the world, how people came to the UK, and about our current overseas links.

This year Open Churches Week aims to celebrate these connections with the theme: ‘Our Parish and the World’.

If you have events planned, do remember to add them to the Diocese website. Perhaps you are still thinking about how to make the most of Open Churches Week. Below we’ve put together a checklist:

• Make sure your church is unlocked and that signage promotes it’s open. Display a ‘Church Open’ banner and ‘Church Open’ posters
• Is your church and churchyard welcoming? (Uncluttered, clean, fresh flowers, etc.)
• How hospitable is the church? Not every church can offer teas and coffees but do you have a dog bowl?
• Have you got sufficient signage so that people can Gift Aid a donation?
• Do you have a welcome pack or leaflet visitors can take away? This may encourage them to return
• Create prayer stations focusing on countries connected to the parish or benefice
• Hold talks and tours and invite history groups, schools and uniformed groups
• Create eye catching displays for visitors to learn about your church
• Hold an international food evening and serve food from countries connected to your parish
• Make sure to have plenty of Exploring Norfolk Churches Booklets on display for visitors to take.

For more on Norfolk Open Churches Week please visit www.norfolkopenchurches.com

6x2ft ‘Open Church’ outdoor banners can be purchased for £30 from the online shop or by calling Bethany Grimshaw on 01603 880853. You can also order or download ‘Open Church’ posters from the Diocesan website.

Literature stands are a great way to profile copies of The Magazine, the Exploring Norfolk Churches booklets or other publications in your church. They cost £3 + postage and packaging and are available in A4 and A5 sizes. These can be purchased from the online shop at shop.dioceseofnorwich.org or by calling Bethany Grimshaw on 01603 880853.