The Diocese of Chester has announced plans for the finale of Journey into Light, an exhibition of artwork produced by prisoners from Styal and Thorn Cross prisons.
The special final event and thanksgiving service will be held at St George’s Church, Stockport, on 17 December from 6pm. It will be the final chance for members of the public to see the exhibition and to learn about the inspirational stories behind the pieces of art.
The opening night was at Chester Cathedral in October 2018, the finale will be at St George's Church, Stockport on 17 December 2019
The Revd Debbie Dalby, Director of Social Responsibility in the Diocese of Chester, says the exhibition has been very well received: “When we launched Journey into Light in October 2018, we saw quite quickly just how powerful the exhibition would be. On the opening night at Chester Cathedral, as guests walked around the exhibition, I saw some of them moved to tears as they read the stories behind the artwork and let themselves be transformed in their understanding of what it means to be a prisoner. Since then, Journey into Light has exceeded all expectations. We’re very excited about the final event.”
As well as the exhibition, visitors to St George’s Church, Stockport, will be treated to music, carols, and canapes at what it is hoped will be a joyful and hopeful finale to Journey into Light.
Parishes will receive further details in the post in the coming weeks including information about how they can give a gift to prisoners at HMP Styal and HMP Thorn Cross this Christmas, as part of the special event.
Just under 40 parishes have hosted Journey into Light since it was launched at Chester Cathedral in October 2018. Around the diocese, an estimated 6000 people have viewed it.
Listen to some of the comments people made at the launch in October 2018 by clicking play below.