A pastor who moved from a bustling inner-city parish to a Moray village kirk hopes to begin a “new era” for its congregation this weekend.
Peter Turnbull left a 900-strong flock in Sheffield to lead 30 mainly elderly parishioners at Burghead Free Church last month.
The 30-year-old is encouraging all members of the coastal community to attend a special invitation service at the historic
fishing port on Sunday, even those with reservations about religion.
He said: “We welcome anyone and everyone, and our hope is that it will become a real community event.
“Some may be decidedly sceptical about Christianity and others may be looking for a way back into church having drifted out of attending services.
“Either way, we think they’ll find a warm welcome and have an interesting time with us on Sunday.”
He added: “I’ve been inviting people on the doorsteps and outside the local shops, many folk are curious as to what we’re up to as a church.
“We won’t assume people believe, or know lots about the Christian faith.
“Visitors don’t have to wear anything special and won’t be asked to do anything strange.”
In an attempt to attract a younger audience, the Burghead Free Church has set up its own Twitter and Facebook accounts, and has dubbed itself “the church for people who normally wouldn’t go to church”.
And existing members have been urged to ask along guests to the community invitation service, which will focus on the theme of true love.
It will be held at 11am on Sunday in the Grant Street church.