National Back-to-Church Sunday, Sept. 19

Many churches saw a decline in parishioner attendance with the onset of the pandemic. It is logical to think that attendance would have increased when people needed to grow closer to God. However, some local pastors believe the decrease was motivated by fear of the unknown, and some people refused to expose themselves to a virus that was taking lives. With a better understanding of the virus, people are more at ease, but the issues we face in the world are forever mounting and causing additional emotional trauma. For these reasons, churches are uniting to promote the National Back to Church Sunday on Sept. 19.

Churches across the U.S. have celebrated National Back to Church Sunday every third Sunday in Sept. since 2009. According to the organization that began the movement, “National Back to Church Sunday started as a call to action and invitation --action for the church, invitation for the world.” The organizers tout that more than 4 million Christians have participated through more than 40,000 churches since its inception, and it continues to grow every year.

Harrell Braddock, Jr., Pastor of First United Methodist Church (FUMC) in Olney, and the FUMC members encourage the community to attend church and fellowship with other believers.

“We would love for people who don’t have a church home to join us every Sunday at 9 a.m. for our one hour service,” Pastor Braddock said.

The church offers rides to anyone interested by calling 940.564.3261 or 940-206-0744. You may also join church online via Facebook Live or YouTube @fumcolneytx. FUMC is located at 110 W. Elm St. in Olney.

Please refer to our Religion Page (5) for a complete listing of all the local churches that would welcome you with open arms.