A CHURCH is extending an invitation to the local community to encourage non-attenders back into the fold to see what transformations have been made.
35 years ago St Margaret's Church, in Windsor Street, Uxbridge, lost much of its congregation, partly due to a damp and leaking building.
However, since then it has thrived anew with around 350 adults and large numbers of children and young people attending its services and range of activities.
These include a cafe, two parent and toddler groups, bereaved drop-in service, breakfast and lunch events and it is in the process of launching a new children's club for Friday nights.
This Sunday marks the start of Back To Church Week, where every member of the congregation is asked to bring a friend, neighbour or family member to St Margaret's who has not been there before.
It is the idea of vicar, The Reverend Andrew Sheard, who said: "I'm always hearing stories about how people have come back to church here and loved it,
"I'm convinced people will be surprised at just how much church has changed since their last visit.
"We thought Back to Church Week would be a great opportunity to invite friends, neighbours, family and the wider community to check it out for themselves.
"Whether it's a first time visit, or a return visit to church after some time, we're hoping people will discover church isn't as they thought or remember. And all can be assured of a welcome at any of our services."
Back to Church Week begins this Sunday with services at 9am, 10:45am and 7pm, and continues through the week with services on Tuesday at 1pm, Thursday at 10:30am and Friday at 12:40pm.
Further details from 01895 258766 or visit www.uxbridgeparish.org
