CHURCHES in and around Gloucestershire are sending out a special invitation this Sunday (September 25) to ask people to come back to church.

"Whether you used to go to church, have never been before, or only usually attend for special occasions, your local church would love you to come along. People that currently go to church are all being encouraged to bring a friend to the service with them," says a diocesan spokesman.

"Come along, find out what happens during a service and to get to know some of the people in your local area. If you can't make church this Sunday, why not come along to a Harvest Festival celebration?"

Andrew Braddock, missioner for the Diocese of Gloucester, said: "Many people visit our churches through the year. Back to Church Sunday is a great way for local congregations to extend an invitation to many in our society just waiting to be asked. It's a way of saying 'We're here for you – church is for everyone, because God is for everyone'."