All About Back to Church Sunday

When?    Sunday, September 28th 2008
What's the idea?    Very simply, everyone in your congregation invites someone to come to Church with them on that day. That's it really!
Whose idea was this then?    Back to Church Sunday began in Manchester Diocese in 2004. It was a response to research that showed that many of the people who used to go to Church would return, if only someone would ask them. Since then it has grown to cover most dioceses in the Church of England and other denominations. This year Leicester Diocese has adopted it.
Does it work?    Yes. Feedback from participating churches suggests a consistent average of ten new people per parish. But 'success' isn't a number or a percentage. If one person comes back to church because of the invitation of a friend, then it's worked.
How do we get involved?   
Back to Church Sunday packs, including prayer and invitation cards, postcards, pens, posters and balloons are only available through the diocese (cost £25 or £40 including 5 Fairtrade T-shirts). The diocesan contact is Carol Gibbons (Carol.Gibbons@LecCofE.org  0116 248 7411).  Please contact her now if your parish/mission partnership would like to be involved. The deadline for orders is May 15th.
How can we find out more?    The national website is www.backtochurch.co.uk . Local 'champions' are Susan Leighton, Tom Meyrick and Richard Dixon. Carol Gibbons can arrange for them to talk to chapters, mission partnerships or deanery synods, or to phone individuals.

Tel us about what your plans are for Back to Church Sunday - and share your ideas with others in the Mission Partnership.