Traditional approaches such as showing Jesus on the cross and Bible quotations are a turn-off to non-churchgoers, according to one of two suggested advertising campaigns drawn up by agencies.
But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
I Cor 1:23,24
...churches should target 30 to 40-somethings who have the trappings of success but feel there is something missing.
What about those of us who miss the cross? ...there are literally millions of non-churchgoers who want to know God
Many years ago, before I could afford my C8, I was forced to make due with a pair of binoculars for a couple of years. I have always since appreciated the time spent with them and would strongly recommend binoculars to the beginner.
There's an awful lot of good stuff up there that is accessible with binoculars, including most of the Messier catalog and the moons of Jupiter. Best of all, you'll really learn the sky and how to find things. Meanwhile, go to star parties and learn about how scopes are used. When your ready to buy one, you'll know for sure what you want.
Don't spend a lot. Try to find an inexpensive pair of 50x7's; 50x10's if that's all you can find. Get Tirion's Sky Atlas 2000 and you're set for quite awhile.