WORSHIPPERS have been packing the pews to discuss the Church of England in Lancashire’s 12-year plan to boost congregations across its parishes.

The final event takes place in Blackburn tonight, with organisers hoping to get the total attendance at six prayer events on the subject close to 1,000.

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The Bishop of Blackburn, the Rt Rev Julian Henderson, will lead the event at Christ Church on Mosley Street near the town centre. Just 241 more Anglicans and others are needed to get to the magic four figures.

So far, 759 people have attended the first five discussions to put flesh on the bones of his Vision 2026 package to tackle dwindling congregations and attract more young people into the Christian faith. The package was launched in October 2014.

With 213 at the event at St Andrew’s Church in Leyland on Tuesday and 170 at the second discussion, at St Leonard’s in Padiham, on October 6, Diocese of Blackburn bosses are hoping for a bumper turn-out.

Bishop Julian will be flanked by Bishop of Burnley Philip North and parish priest Andrew Raynes for the 90 minutes of prayer and reflection starting at 7.30pm.

Bishop Julian said he was delighted by the fantastic turnout to discuss his blue-print for Vision 2026: Healthy Churches Transforming Communities and the way Lancashire Anglicans have made the document their own.

After feedback from the six prayer evenings has been analysed there will be two major events next year including a four-day mission weekend in September led by Archbishop of York John Sentamu.

Bishop Julian said: “We have developed a vision that is confident about our future as God’s people in Lancashire and invites us to make disciples, be witnesses and grow leaders for Jesus Christ.

“Prayer should always be central to our Christian life but these special evenings are important events at which people can engage with the purpose of the vision, pray for its success and share in fellowship together. We are praying we will see growth in the region over the next 10 years, with a deep renewal of our life in the existing church and then with new church congregations.”