Many Allegany County churches are gearing up to observe a national Back to Church Weekend observance next month, with the number to date being the most per county of any area of Upstate New York and beyond.
In addition, participation by the five churches of Friendship is the largest per population in Upstate counties.
Signs were seen today in Friendship as churches there remind community residents about the observance, which will be occurring nationally in less than three weeks.
The September 16-17 weekend is designed to encourage congregants to return to church after summer vacations and those who aren’t affiliated with a church to check one out.
Three Friendship churches already have scheduled special welcoming activities during the Back to Church Weekend:
– The United Church of Friendship, meeting at The Carter House Ministry Center at 37 East Main Street, will hold a dish-to-pass dinner following its 11AM Sunday morning service.
– Bible Baptist Church at 43 West Main Street will provide sweet rolls and beverages, starting at 10AM, prior to a devotional time and its 11AM service.
– Followers of the Way – Nile Community Church, at 4094 State Route 275, will host a time of light refreshments following its 11AM Saturday service.
The Church of God in Christ – Mission Agape, at 77 West Main Street, also is observing the weekend, with Sunday School at 10AM, followed by its worship service at 11AM.
The First United Methodist Church holds weekly services at 9AM.
Additional participating county churches to date,, currently totaling 13, include:
Almond — The Almond Community Church, 11 Main Street.
Cuba — The United Methodist Church, 49 East Main Street.
Wellsville — Brookside Wesleyan Church, 3469 State Route 417, East; Crosstown Alliance, 450 North Highland Avenue; First Trinity Lutheran Church, 470 North Main Street; Riverside Assembly of God, 3218 Riverside Drive (State Route 19 North); The Salvation Army, 25 East Pearl Street; and Wellsville Full Gospel Church, 2221 Hanover Hill Road.
Three churches, just over the border in Upper Potter County, Pennsylvania, also are participating, including the First Baptist Church, 120 West Academy Street and the Myrtle Gospel Tabernacle, 1127 PA 44, both in Shinglehouse; and the Harrison Valley Alliance Church at 217 East Main Street.