Hamstead church tempts worshippers back with curry

Sep 29 2008 by Emma McKinney, Birmingham Mail

BRUMMIES were hoping to curry favour with God when they flocked to church at the weekend.

Hundreds of people paid a visit to dozens of Anglican and Methodist churches in Birmingham yesterday as part of national Back to Church Sunday to encourage people who have turned their back on worship to give it another go.

The Rev Smitha Prasadam, vicar of St Paul’s Church, Hamstead, said: “Originally we were going to serve up traditional tea and cakes, but we thought it would be fun to make curry and a chapati.

“Many of the extra people that came last year are still part of the congregation now and we are hoping that will happen again this year.

“It’s a brilliant idea because it really gives us the opportunity to break down the myths that surround the church and show people what it’s really like.”

The Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Rev David Urquhart, said: “Each year millions of people come to church for a wedding, baptism or funeral or come into contact with the church community through a project, school or mission event,” he said.

“We know people find it easier to come to a church when they know they won’t be the only newcomer, and that is part of the success of Back to Church Sunday.

“We also understand that simple things can be off putting like piles of books and papers, not knowing which door to come in through or being unsure where to sit.,“

“On Back to Church Sunday, churches ensure that it is as easy as possible for someone who does not know the building or the pattern of worship to come in, meet people and join in the worship.”

In the run -p to the event, the bishop visited at Shirley High Street, Paradise Forum and Christ Church CE Primary School, in Oldbury.

“I want to find out how people perceive the Church and what we can do to help people rebuild or strengthen their connection with their parish church,” he said.

“People sometimes think that the church is like a club that exists for its members but Back to Church Sunday is a good reminder to us all that the church exists to fill its neighbourhood with the love of God demonstrated by the life and death of Jesus Christ.”

For more information about the campaign visit www.back2churchsunday.org.