Mayflower Congregational Church offers "Back to Church" service Sunday September 21

CONTACT: Jim Farrell, PR First, 781-681-6616, jfarrell@prfirst.com

Mayflower Congregational Church joins 30,000 churches in national “Back to Church Sunday” movement; invites everyone to try September 21 service

KINGSTON, MA, ISSUED SEPTEMBER 3, 2014…”Back to Church Sunday,” part of a national movement of churches across America, will be held at Mayflower Congregational Church on Sunday, September 21, at 10 a.m., at a special service.

Mayflower Congregational Church invites everyone to attend, and first-time visitors are especially encouraged. The service lasts approximately an hour; refreshments will be available after the service, in the Briggs Hall. The service offers worship in a casual atmosphere, along with music, children’s church ministry and much more.

National Back to Church Sunday (www.backtochurch.com) is an initiative that is “Inviting America Back to Church.” It seeks to reach the “un-churched” and “de-churched”—people who have never attended church, or who once attended church but don’t any more—and invite them to return on a special Sunday. In 2013, a Gallup survey stated that 87% of people believe in God. Yet only 27% of those surveyed individuals attended church in the last 7 days. In addition, 82% of people who don’t attend church say they would attend if invited by a friend, yet only 2% of Christians ever invite someone to church.

Since its inception six years ago, National Back to Church Sunday participating churches have extended an estimated 8.5 million invitations to their churches. Over 30,000 churches representing 120 denominations are expected to invite over 3 million people to church this year.

There are nearly 100 million Americans, including teens and children, who do not currently attend services, as people increasingly move away from attending church and practicing religion. Back to Church Sunday is intended as more than a single day; it is intended as a movement to empower church members to invite everyone to come to church.

Although September 21 does not have to be the only day that church members are encouraged to invite their friends, family, and neighbors, 84% of churches who participated in Back to Church Sunday last year reported that having a designated day to invite people plays an important role in motivating members to reach out with an invitation.

Reverend John T. Dale, Pastor of Mayflower Congregational Church, said, “In these troubled times when people are concerned about world conditions, the economy, and the future, it can be very reassuring to have faith to guide you and show you the way.” He continued, “We all have interests, ranging from sports, to celebrities, TV shows, books, and more; but if someone looked at your life and these interests, would they really get a picture of who you are? We are all busy with many items on our ‘to do’ lists. But one item that definitely should make the list is attending church.”

He continued, “At Mayflower, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere, live music, and real talk for real people. Join us Sunday the 21st and see for yourself.”

Mayflower Congregational Church is located at 207 Main Street, Kingston, MA 02364. For additional information, please call 781-585-3167 or visit www.mayflowercongregationalchurch.org.