The Bishop of Derby, Dr Alastair Redfern, has today issued a You Tube rallying call to people across Derbyshire to go and try their local Church this weekend http://www.youtube.com/dioceseofderby .

A national initiative, Back to Church Sunday, is being backed by dioceses and churches across the country and Dr Redfern issues the appeal on the basis of the many connections between communities and churches across the region.

The film, which is just under a minute in length, is unscripted and personal.

Filmed in his kitchen, the Bishop says that just as people need food and drink to live - more and more people are considering what kind of spiritual food they need in order to enrich their lives.

"Food and drink and friendship are important to all of us but the church also offers vision and hope and I know that for many people - this is a very important part of life and living. We are about enriching people's lives," said Dr Redfern this morning.

"I look forward to seeing you in Church," says the Bishop.

Churches across the region are doing a variety of different things to encourage people to come back to church. Special services, hospitality and visiting speakers are part of the mix on offer in churches across Derbyshire.

http://www.backtochurch.co.uk/

www.derby.anglican.org/backtochurch - visit the Derby Back to Church Sunday web site page for an evaluation form to share your experience of Back to Church Sunday and any encouraging 'good news stories' that come out of it.