Inviting and welcoming

Our Bishop has asked churches in the diocese to observe an "Invite a Friend to Church Season" from August 9 to September 13. As our EDSD newsletter says, "Inviting a friend to church may seem like a small gesture, but it can make an incredible impact on someone’s life. It is an act of love, care, and faithfulness that reflects our commitment to the mission of the church. As we reach out to our friends, neighbors, and colleagues, we are offering them a chance to experience a community of faith, hear the message of hope, and encounter God’s grace in new ways."

So we are right on time with our Community BBQ this weekend! Many of you are bringing friends and family who don't normally come to church, exactly as hoped. Our vestry planned this event as a way to welcome the community, and intends to offer more such events throughout the year. It should be a fun time - we'll all be hot, but we'll have good food and great fun together anyway.

But many of you have also made a point of inviting friends to church on Sunday mornings, a wonderful act of hospitality. Let's make an extra point of this in the next several weeks, inviting and welcoming all who come.