"Come Home" : Anglican church calls on young people and inactive members to return

GREAT BAY--The Anglican Church is extending a special invitation to Anglicans across St. Maarten, particularly young people and adults who have drifted away from regular church attendance, to reconnect with their faith and church community during a homecoming initiative on Sunday, October 25, 2026.

Under the theme "Come Home: Bring an Anglican to Church," the initiative encourages members of the congregation to reach out to relatives, friends and others who were baptized in the Anglican faith but are no longer actively involved in the Church.

Special services will be held at 8:00 a.m. in Philipsburg and 10:30 a.m. in Marigot, providing opportunities for Anglicans on both sides of the island to participate.

During a recent Sunday service, Father Rawlins encouraged every member of the congregation to invite at least one Anglican to accompany them to church on October 25. His appeal places particular emphasis on reconnecting with younger generations who grew up in the faith but may have become less involved as they pursued their education, careers and other responsibilities.

Father Rawlins recalled a recent encounter during a church fundraiser with an individual who had been baptized Anglican. After completing studies abroad and returning to St. Maarten, the individual acknowledged not having resumed regular Sunday worship.

The experience highlighted a situation familiar to many churches, where young people raised within a religious community gradually become disconnected as their lives and circumstances change.

Through the homecoming initiative, the Anglican Church hopes to encourage renewed participation while reminding those who have been absent that they remain welcome and valued members of the church family.

The Church's message is simple: "Come home. You are still part of our church family, and our doors are open to you."

Parents, grandparents, godparents, relatives and friends are being encouraged to take an active role by personally reaching out to someone who may have lost touch with the Church.

Rather than waiting for individuals to return on their own, the initiative emphasizes the importance of a personal invitation and the role existing members can play in rebuilding connections.

The Anglican Church hopes the October 25 services will provide an opportunity for former and less active members to renew their connection with the congregation, participate in worship and rediscover their place within the church community.

All Anglicans, particularly those who have been away from regular worship, are encouraged to attend the homecoming services in Philipsburg at 8:00 a.m. or Marigot at 10:30 a.m.

The Church reminds its members that sometimes one personal invitation is all it takes to bring someone home.

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