Did you know that there is a National Cat Herder Day, National Squirrel Appreciation Day and an International Bacon Day? Yes, these are among an onslaught of national and international days that are designated to appreciate something or someone of interest.
Cats, squirrels and bacon are all awesome, but what if you could participate in a National Day that appreciates someone who isn’t just a one-day wonder? What if your participation could ignite a positive chain reaction where every day is appreciated?
The National Back to Church Sunday movement is just that. Celebrated on the third Sunday of September, which will be Sept. 15 this year, this single-day event aims to invite communities to attend church.
Those who have strayed from regular church attendance or are still looking for a faith community are encouraged to take a leap of faith and attend church on Sept. 15. Those who are already actively participating in a church are asked, “Whom are you called to invite home?”
There are many excuses for displacing the priority of going to church. The movement, however, puts responsibility on the shoulders of parishioners by revealing that, while “only 5% of Americans have received a personal invitation to church, 80% of Americans would be open to attending church if invited by a friend.”
This sobering accountability has created a renewed effort among many parishes to invite people back to church. For instance, the Catholic Church in America is encouraging their parishioners to “Walk With One” as part of their “Invite One Back Initiative.”
More than ever, people need a faith community that gives them true purpose and identity built upon God’s unwavering love, mercy and forgiveness. Attending church regularly allows individuals to become part of a community based on their shared identity as children of God.
Scripture emphasizes the importance of gathering as the people of God in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”
We are all invited to participate, but many are waiting to be invited.
This is your invitation to join Christians across America on Sept. 15 for the National Back to Church Sunday. We are God’s priority, so let us make Him our priority moving forward.
Come. Participate. Invite. Appreciate. It is much easier than herding cats.
This column may include both fiction and nonfiction, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of The SUN. Submissions can be sent to editor@pagosasun.com.
