A CULTURE OF INVITATION 

“Learning about how to become an Invitational Church is a must for all who care about shaping congregations and reaching communities.” Right Rev Paul Bayes, Bishop of Liverpool
 
A general observation from visitors to our church is that it is very warm and welcoming – and that is great and as it should be!
 
A culture of welcome is important but it is only effective when people walk through the door… and it takes a brave person to cross the threshold into a church building on their own, let alone initiate a spiritual conversation with a Christian.
 
That is why developing a culture of invitation, alongside a culture of welcome, gives the best opportunity for ‘God-encounters’ that can transform a person.
 
Michael Harvey will once again be visiting St Mary's to deliver inspirational teaching on Developing a Culture of Invitation.  Each of the 4 sessions will consider in further depth how we can overcome the barriers that we feel hold us back and inspire us to be an inviting church.
 
The events will take place on Tuesdays 15th Jan, 5th Feb, 5th Mar & 19th Mar, 7.30pm, St Mary's.  During these weeks small group notes will not be provided and groups (both small groups and clusters) will be encouraged to attend the evenings.
 
Look out for further details, and make a note of the dates in your diary now.
 
Steve Rankin
Vicar