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Invite a Friend to Church Season

In the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego, we are called to extend a spirit of hospitality, welcome, and connection within our congregations and beyond. The “Invite a Friend Sunday” season is an opportunity for us to embody this calling, offering a simple invitation to those around us. Whether it’s through a friendly conversation, a personal invitation, or a special event, each effort invites them into a vibrant and inclusive community where everyone can experience the love of Christ.

From October 13 to November 17, EDSD is encouraging every congregation to participate in the “Invite a Friend to Church” initiative. 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.

Throughout this season, we invite you to reflect on the impact of a personal invitation. How have you seen lives touched or transformed through a warm welcome or a listening ear? How has your church embraced this season in the past, and what new ideas are you trying this year?

Every church has its own way of inviting others into the life of faith. The EDSD News wants to highlight these efforts and celebrate the ways your church is engaging with your communities. By sharing your stories, you can inspire others to take their own steps in this ministry of invitation. Whether it’s a casual coffee conversation that leads to a Sunday visit or a special community event that opens doors to new connections, your stories matter.

Consider hosting a special “Invite a Friend Sunday,” where members of the congregation are encouraged to bring a guest to experience a day of worship, fellowship, and connection. Some churches may choose to hold a family-friendly event, such as a potluck, picnic, or outdoor service, that creates a welcoming environment for newcomers. Others may find that small, personal invitations are the most effective way to connect with those who are seeking a community.

Let us know how you’re making this season special. Are you planning a series of community events, a dedicated Sunday service, or a targeted social media campaign? Are your parishioners sharing their personal faith stories as a way to reach out to others? What materials or resources have you found helpful in preparing your congregation for this season of invitation? EDSD has prepared resources for your use, available at www.edsd.org/invite

Here are five simple ways you can invite someone to join you at church:

  1. Send a Personal Text Message: Reaching out with a personal message can be a heartfelt way to invite someone to church. Craft a candid text, expressing how much it would mean to you to have them join you. Highlight any special aspects of the service or event that you think they might enjoy. This approach allows the recipient to consider your invitation at their own pace and respond when they’re ready.
  2. Share on Social Media: Use your social media platforms to extend an invitation. Share a post about “Invite a Friend Sunday” and tag your friends or send them a direct message. You can also share posts from the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego’s accounts that resonate with you. Social media is a powerful tool for spreading the word and reaching out to those who might be interested in joining you.
  3. Casual Conversation: Sometimes, the best invitations come up naturally in conversation. While chatting with friends, family, or colleagues, mention the upcoming service and how excited you are about it. Ask if they have a church they attend or if they’ve ever considered visiting one. This can lead to a meaningful discussion and an easy way to invite them without pressure.
  4. Host a Virtual Gathering: For those who might feel uneasy about attending in person, consider hosting a virtual gathering. Invite friends to join you in watching the service online from the comfort of their own homes. You can set up a video call before or after to discuss the service, making it a shared experience without the need to step into a physical building.
  5. Plan a Day Together: Turn your invitation into a day of fun and fellowship. Plan to attend the service together and then enjoy a meal or an outing afterward. Whether it’s brunch, a picnic, or a visit to a local attraction, combining the church visit with other enjoyable activities can make the invitation more appealing and provide more opportunities to bond and discuss your experiences.

The “Invite a Friend to Church” season isn’t just about a one-time effort—it’s about practicing a culture of invitation and welcome within our congregations. It’s an opportunity to deepen relationships, foster a sense of community, and remind us all that sharing Jesus is a part of our everyday lives. As we invite others to share in the joy of faith, we are also opening ourselves to the possibilities that God places before us.

Every week during the “Invite a Friend to Church” season, EDSD is releasing a series of short videos featuring stories from people across our diocese, sharing how they create a welcoming environment in their churches. These videos highlight the simple yet impactful ways that individuals and congregations extend hospitality, from a warm greeting at the door to creating meaningful connections during worship. We hope these stories offer practical examples and heartfelt encouragement for making everyone feel at home in our church communities. Be sure to follow along and share these videos with your own friends and church family!

Share your “Invite a Friend to Church” experiences with the Diocese! Send your stories, photos, and reflections to Director of Communications, Chris Tumilty (ctumilty@edsd.org), so that we can feature them in our newsletter, website, and social media. By sharing your efforts, we can inspire others to engage in this important work and build a stronger, more connected church community. We can’t wait to hear how your church is making a difference in the lives of others through the simple act of invitation.

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