Ian Clarke Christians in the Dereham area are joining a national initiative to invite people back to church to show them what they are missing.Back to Church Sunday is on Sunday September 28 and has been developed from an idea started in 2004 in Manchester with the message “Missing You.

Ian Clarke

Christians in the Dereham area are joining a national initiative to invite people back to church to show them what they are missing.

Back to Church Sunday is on Sunday September 28 and has been developed from an idea started in 2004 in Manchester with the message “Missing You.”

It has spread nationwide and thousands of churches will be making a special effort to encourage people in - and crucially encourage them to become regular worshippers.

Dereham Baptist Church is also holding an open day on Saturday September 27 from 10am-3pm, including offering visitors a free baguette or cream tea.

About 2000 cards have been printed and will be given out around the town.

On the church driveway there will be marquees and activities with a range of old fashioned fairground games and also live music by members of the church's Portuguese congregation.

In the church there will be displays of church activities from toddler groups to the women's group to youth work and a programme of live entertainment.

Refreshments will be available in the back hall as well as an Esther Spa area.

The back garden will be brought to life with activities for children including a bouncy castle and face painting.

Minister the Rev Chris Densham said: "We have got lots of really good things going on and we want people to be aware of it."

The local churches have issued a list of services on Back to Church Sunday:

*Dereham Baptist Church, harvest thanksgiving for all ages, 10.30am, contact 01362 695521, website: www.derehambaptist.org;

*Wellspring Family Centre, 10.30am service, contact 01362 854581, website www.wellspringfamilychurch.org;

*Trinity Methodist Church, 10.45am service, contact 01362 695582, website www.eamethodist.org.uk;

*Toftwood Methodist Church, harvest thanksgiving 11am, Songs of Praise 6pm, contact 01362 695582, www.eamethodist.org.uk;

*Cowper Congregational Church, harvest thanksgiving 11am, Gospel Praise 6.30pm, contact church secretary 01362 692396;

*Salvation Army, services at 11am and 6pm; contact 01362 696341, e-mail dereham@salvationarmy.freeserve.co.uk;

*Sacred Heart Catholic Church, mass 9am and 11 am, contact Fr. John Barnes 01362 694066;

*St Nicholas Dereham, 8am holy communion, 9.30am harvest family parade service;

*Scarning Parish Church, 6.30pm harvest festival service;

*Swanton Morley Parish Church, 11.15am harvest family service;

*East Bilney Parish Church, 9.30am harvest parish communion, contact Parish Office on 01362 693143