Churches in Oxon, Berks and Bucks invite people ‘back to church’

THE DIOCESE of Oxford has launched its ‘Back to Church’ Sunday campaign for 2008.

Churchgoers in Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire are being encouraged to invite friends and neighbours to come to church with them on a particular Sunday in the early autumn – and to make sure that their guests receive a particularly warm welcome when they arrive.

This is the third time the Oxford diocese has taken part in the Back to Church Sunday initiative. And for the first time this year, the Diocese has developed its own tailor-made resources.

The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd John Pritchard, said: “A large number of parishes have now taken part in Back to Church, and there’s lots of good experience across the diocese to share.

“We have heard many encouraging stories from churches who have found ‘Back to Church’ a really useful tool for outreach and we hope many parishes will take part again this year.

“Feedback from parishes who ran ‘Back to Church’ in 2006 and 2007 suggested that we need a flexible approach. In particular, several parishes told us that they wanted undated resources, so that they could hold events on a different date if necessary.

“We’re delighted with our designs and believe they will have a real impact.”

Research into the ‘Back to Church’ initiative suggests that the key to success lies in the personal invitation, from one person to a friend or neighbour. The Oxford resources are based on a striking image of a cinema ticket and the strapline ‘Admit one’ which emphasizes this. The design also offers suggestions for ‘red carpet’ events and other ways of making ‘Back to Church’ a special occasion.

The Diocese of Oxford is again offering training events in each of the three counties, to help equip churches who may be doing ‘Back to Church’ for the first time. Information and advice about running and following up ‘Back to Church’ is also available on our Back to Church pages.

Notes for editors

1. Images of the Oxford resources are available. Please phone or email sarah.meyrick@oxford.anglican.org or 01865 208224.
2. The resources are available in two packs: Pack A contains 100 invitation cards, 100 prayer cards, one A3 and two A4 posters and costs £15; Pack B contains 50 invitation cards, 50 prayer cards, one A3 and one A4 poster and costs £9. Prices include p&p. Packs can be ordered via the website or by contacting Jane Manley on 01865 208225 or jane.manley@oxford.anglican.org.
3. ‘Back to Church Sunday’ began in Manchester Diocese in 2004, and grown ever since. For more on the national campaign, see www.backtochurch.co.uk.