GOSPEL SUNDAY BRUNCH: Who Will You Invite?

On Sunday, October 18, we’re doing something special at our 9:00 a.m. Gospel Family Service.

We’re having brunch.

But here’s the important part:

The brunch really isn’t for us.

It’s for the person who isn’t here yet.

The Gospel Family Service was created with a very particular mission: to reach families in College Park who may not currently have a church home—or who may not be sure church is for them at all.

We believe St. Michael’s is a wonderful community filled with love, joy, grace, and some pretty amazing people. More importantly, we believe that through this community, people can encounter the welcome and love of God.

But before they can experience it, somebody has to invite them.

And that somebody is us.

Research has consistently shown just how powerful a personal invitation can be. One study found that 82% of unchurched people said they would be likely to attend church if invited by someone they know.

Not because they saw an advertisement.

Not because they drove past our sign.

But because someone they trusted said, “Come with me.”

That is what Gospel Sunday Brunch is all about.

WHO?

You—and someone you know who doesn't have a church home.

Think about your neighbors. The family down the street. Someone from your child’s school. A coworker. A friend at the gym. The couple you regularly see at the coffee shop.

WHAT?

Come together for our joyful, relaxed Gospel Family Service, followed immediately by a delicious brunch where we can eat, laugh, meet one another, and simply enjoy being together.

WHEN?

Sunday, October 18

9:00 a.m. Gospel Family Service

Brunch immediately following.

WHERE?

Right here at St. Michael’s—the church you already know and love.

WHY?

Because Jesus never intended the Church to exist only for the people already inside it.

There are people all around us who are hungry for community. Hungry for meaning. Hungry to know that they are welcome, that they matter, and that they are loved.

And sometimes the distance between someone who feels disconnected from church and someone discovering a community of faith is surprisingly small.

Sometimes it is one invitation.

So, between now and October 18, I’m asking every one of us to think of one person or one family we could invite.

Don't make it complicated. Don't make it weird. You don't need a sales pitch.

Just say: “Our church is doing something really fun on October 18. Come to church with me, and then let’s have brunch together. I think you’d really like it.”

That’s it.

We’ll provide the worship.

We’ll provide the music.

We’ll provide the brunch.

We’ll provide the welcome.

You provide the invitation.

Because this isn't really about filling a room.

It's about opening a door.

And you never know what God might do when you simply invite someone to walk through it.

Who will you invite?

ST. MICHAEL'S PRAYER LIST

Those who have commended themselves to our prayers: Amy, Bill L., Cindy S., Donna S., Fara, Lauren, Pete, Steve C., Tara, Tim, Toby A.

Long-Term Prayer List: Angela, Alex, Alexa C., Alyssa R., Andrew, Angie, Ashley T., Benny W., Betsy C., Brigid, Brittney R., Brooks Family, Bryan Family, Cannon, Carla, Caryl, Charlie B., Chris M., Chris P., Claire B., Colton, Connor R., Curt R., Cynthia L., Darrell, David B., Deirdre E., Doriana, Ella, Ellen, Elijah, Emma, Emmanuel, Emily, Eloise, Eugenia, Felicia, Gary B., Gary M., George T., Gylla, Henry R., Isabella, Jacob B., Jackie, Jackson, Jan, Janina G., Jason, Jeff G., Jeffrey, Jett, Joyce B., JoAnn O., Joseph T., Jimmie, Joan R., Joe, Joe H., Joey K., John M., Julia L., Justin, Karen H., Karen M., Kathy G., Kathy J., Kristel, Kris R., Kyle, Lavelle B., Linda, Linda A., Lisa, Lisa L., Lola, Lucille, Macauly D., Marci A., Marcia C., Margie S., Mary Lu, Master Nguyen, Margaret, Matt F., Matt P., Megan and son, Melinda M., Melissa, Martin, Muriel M., Nathan W., Oliver, Paul, Paul T., Paula, Pauline, Pedro, Peggy H., Phil, Rebecca, Robby, Robin, Roger J., Ryan, Sally C., Sam, Sarah, Scott S., Sharon, Shelley (Warren),Shaun B., Sonia, Stephen, Stephanie G., Steve, Steve (Jackie), Susana C., Susan A., Susan M., Thomasina M., Thai, Tim, Tracy, Tripp, Victor, Will, William, Wilson F.

Those serving in the armed forces and in harm’s way: Aaron D., Ben V., Bradley H., Chad S., Christopher E., Gloria, Hank H., Hope H., Jonah H., Kenneth K., Matt F., Nick R., Will M., Stuart R.

Birthdays: 27: Chet Parker, Lila Midkiff, Ethan Hilton, 28: Charlie Lang, Christina Phillips, 29: Pam Webb, Thomas Cole, Alexandra Milbrath, Robert Nevill, Cheryl Henson, Rebecca Collora Buckman, 30: Jim Garner, Ellis Searl, Elizabeth Barnhart, 31: Logan Baker, Magda Christou, 1: Luke Jaberg, Karen Conrad, Douglas McMahon, 2: James Hamil, ZaZa Bosko, Amy Hutyra

Anniversaries: 28: Andrew and Angelica Cole, 29: Ed and Joanne Murphy, Rick and Katrena Luoni, 30: Tom and Deborah Cook, 31: David and Katherine Pace, Phil and Lori Demro, 2: Thomas and Kathy Gillman



A Gentle Reminder About the Prayer List: Names that have been placed on the prayer list will remain on the short-term list for 2 weeks. At that time they will transition to the long-term list for the remainder of a 90 - day period.

To place someone on the prayer list, please get in touch with Ashleigh in the parish office at ashleigh@stmichaelschurch.com or call 407-843-8448.

CLERGY AND MINISTERIAL STAFF

The Rev. Rick Luoni, Rector

The Rev. Greg Favazza, Assisting Priest

Omaldo Pérez, Director of Music Ministry

Mike Robertson, Director of Outreach

Tiffany Stieger, Director of Children’s Ministry

Melanie Olivier, Director of Preschool

Mark T. Cole, Director of Youth Ministries