Church attendance

Our Vicar, Revd Canon Richard Hancock (Oxford Diocese, UK) recently attended in Sweden a conference to consider Church Attendance and, in particular, why so few young men go to Church.  In his sermon today he pointed out that there are far more distractions nowadays than there were years ago when there was no tv and no cinemas or sporting activities on Sundays (Chariots of Fire ?) - whereas now Mums and Dads often have few other opportunities to take the kids swimming or to football; and with so many Mothers working they need their rest at the end of the week.  This brings us back to “you don’t have to go to Church to be a Christian” .  There must be lots of reasons for lower Church attendance, the main one being - I think - that youngsters are no longer brought up to it.  But the biggest change in the last few years has been the growth of Information Technology: I don’t think I know any youngsters who do not have Internet access - but where do they read about Church activities in their area?  They don’t, usually, because we have not cottoned on to the use of the Internet to publicise what is going on.  And how do you find the C of E TV channel?  You don’t, because there isn’t one.  And how many parishes circulate a newsletter to every home at least once a month?  Very few, I suggest - I don’t know of any: they all offer news-sheets to Church attendees but they’re the very people who don’t need them!  I have always thought that my Vicar’s sermons are exceptionally good - but he is preaching to the converted.  His words need to be circulated to those outside the building as well as those inside.  Just a few thoughts.......