Inviting others to Church.
In a recent poll about why people came to church, it was stated that 86% came because they were invited by a friend. The remaining 16% were spread between such issues as, people being lonely, people receiving a leaflet through the door (3%) and a variety of other reasons.
It is us that need to invite people, we have a gospel to share, good news in a world of turmoil. No new government, no freshen initiatives are going to change the hearts and minds of people, however the transformative power of the Holy Spirit can do this.
In another poll church attendees For asked why they didn't invite people to church. The answers were quite surprising!
The major difficulty for those who responded was coping with the fear of rejection, other said it was not their job, that's what they had a vicar for. A number were confused as to why we needed to invite people and several said 'why should I, my Club doesn't expect me to'. Others did not want to be known as a religious freak, whilst others were not sure what they were inviting them to and we're afraid that if their friends came, they would find it boring.
We need to remember in all this that people bring people. When did you last invite someone to church with you?
Hymn singing. One of many things it is impossible to get right are the hymns at Mass. the lament that 'we didn't know them' or 'they were dreary' or 'we had that hymn only five years ago, why repeat it?' is a sad reflection upon our engagement with the liturgy. Here's what Dietrich Bonhoeffer had to say about hymn singing: "Why do Christians sing when they are together? The reason is, quite simply, because in singing together it is possible for them to speak and pray the same Word at the same time; in other words, because here they can unite in the Word. There should be singing, not only at devotions, but at regular times of the day or week. The more we sing, the more joy will we derive from it, but, above all, the more devotion and discipline and joy we put into our singing, the richer will be the blessing that will come to the whole life of the fellowship from singing together. It is the voice of the Church that is heard in singing together. It is not you that sings, it is the Church that is singing, and you, as a member of the Church, may share in its song. Thus all singing together that is right must serve to widen our spiritual horizon, make us see our little company as a member of the great Christian Church on earth, and help us willingly and gladly to join our singing, be it feeble or good, to the song of the Church." ~from LIFE TOGETHER by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Thank you.
A very big thank you to all who continue to support us financially. It is no exaggeration to say that it is humbling to witness such generosity. I realise it's not easy and that there are many demands upon our resources. By giving to the church, we strengthen our life together and then are enabled to go out and take the gospel to those in need of both spiritual and material support. You can give, via this link, to our ‘give a little’ donation site. If you have online banking, you can transfer money via the Church bank account, the details of our bank account are; NatWest plc., Baker Street Branch. Sort Code: 56-00-14. Account: St Cyprian’s Parochial Council. Account Number: 12138126.
Safeguarding
St Cyprian's Church is committed to Safeguarding Children, Young People, Victims/perpetrators of Domestic Abuse and Vulnerable Adults.
The PCC has adopted the Church of England’s policies and best practice on safeguarding which may be found on the Church of England’s website.
https://www.churchofengland.org/more/safeguarding
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Sarah Daniels who may be contacted at the church. 020 7723 0426
What is Prayer?
I used to pray that God would feed the hungry or do this or that, but now I pray that God will guide me to do whatever I'm supposed to do, what I can do. I used to pray for answers, but now I'm praying for strength. I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes me and you and we change things. St Teresa of Calcutta
In a recent poll about why people came to church, it was stated that 86% came because they were invited by a friend. The remaining 16% were spread between such issues as, people being lonely, people receiving a leaflet through the door (3%) and a variety of other reasons.
It is us that need to invite people, we have a gospel to share, good news in a world of turmoil. No new government, no freshen initiatives are going to change the hearts and minds of people, however the transformative power of the Holy Spirit can do this.
In another poll church attendees For asked why they didn't invite people to church. The answers were quite surprising!
The major difficulty for those who responded was coping with the fear of rejection, other said it was not their job, that's what they had a vicar for. A number were confused as to why we needed to invite people and several said 'why should I, my Club doesn't expect me to'. Others did not want to be known as a religious freak, whilst others were not sure what they were inviting them to and we're afraid that if their friends came, they would find it boring.
We need to remember in all this that people bring people. When did you last invite someone to church with you?
Hymn singing. One of many things it is impossible to get right are the hymns at Mass. the lament that 'we didn't know them' or 'they were dreary' or 'we had that hymn only five years ago, why repeat it?' is a sad reflection upon our engagement with the liturgy. Here's what Dietrich Bonhoeffer had to say about hymn singing: "Why do Christians sing when they are together? The reason is, quite simply, because in singing together it is possible for them to speak and pray the same Word at the same time; in other words, because here they can unite in the Word. There should be singing, not only at devotions, but at regular times of the day or week. The more we sing, the more joy will we derive from it, but, above all, the more devotion and discipline and joy we put into our singing, the richer will be the blessing that will come to the whole life of the fellowship from singing together. It is the voice of the Church that is heard in singing together. It is not you that sings, it is the Church that is singing, and you, as a member of the Church, may share in its song. Thus all singing together that is right must serve to widen our spiritual horizon, make us see our little company as a member of the great Christian Church on earth, and help us willingly and gladly to join our singing, be it feeble or good, to the song of the Church." ~from LIFE TOGETHER by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Thank you.
A very big thank you to all who continue to support us financially. It is no exaggeration to say that it is humbling to witness such generosity. I realise it's not easy and that there are many demands upon our resources. By giving to the church, we strengthen our life together and then are enabled to go out and take the gospel to those in need of both spiritual and material support. You can give, via this link, to our ‘give a little’ donation site. If you have online banking, you can transfer money via the Church bank account, the details of our bank account are; NatWest plc., Baker Street Branch. Sort Code: 56-00-14. Account: St Cyprian’s Parochial Council. Account Number: 12138126.
Safeguarding
St Cyprian's Church is committed to Safeguarding Children, Young People, Victims/perpetrators of Domestic Abuse and Vulnerable Adults.
The PCC has adopted the Church of England’s policies and best practice on safeguarding which may be found on the Church of England’s website.
https://www.churchofengland.org/more/safeguarding
Our Parish Safeguarding Officer is Sarah Daniels who may be contacted at the church. 020 7723 0426
What is Prayer?
I used to pray that God would feed the hungry or do this or that, but now I pray that God will guide me to do whatever I'm supposed to do, what I can do. I used to pray for answers, but now I'm praying for strength. I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes me and you and we change things. St Teresa of Calcutta
