Eclipse 2026

There will be a solar eclipse across the UK on Wednesday 12 August, the last before 2090. Methodist churches are encouraged to use this as an opportunity to host eclipse parties – opportunities to invite local communities to come together for a once in a lifetime shared meaningful experience, during which we can gently and appropriately share something of the good news of Jesus.

For some of us, conversations about what we and others believe comes naturally. For others of us, this is less familiar. We hope that hosting eclipse parties will be an easy way for all of our congregations to dip our toes a little further into the living water of faith-sharing at a moment when the awe and wonder of creation is writ large before us. And that by doing so we will all become a little more confident in telling the stories we have to share. After all, no-one learns to swim from reading a book or attending a webinar about swimming.

Sheffield Methodist District is offering £500 grants towards the cost of eclipse parties or similar events. Whilst Methodist/ LEP members should be actively involved, we encourage and will provide grant support for events organized jointly with ecumenical or other partners.

Excellent comprehensive guidance on how to plan and organise an eclipse party is available online at https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/evangelism-growth/practise-evangelism/day-of-outreach/

Event posters, invitations and social media graphics have been created by our District Communications Officer. You can download them here or email comms@sheffieldmethodist.org for a link to the Canva files.