Minister set to welcome her online congregation
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As churches across the north-east look to welcome back parishioners, one local minister is hoping to convert her "Facebook congregation" into regular attendees.
Rev Kay Gauld from Insch Leslie Premnay Oyne Parish Church said: “We are looking forward with excitement to our first service which will hopefully be on July 26.
“We are well prepared for the new one way system which will have to be introduced, but we are waiting to hear from the First Minister as to how many people will be allowed for services and for funerals.
“ Depending on how restricted the numbers are, I will be happy to conduct another service on the Sunday, either in the afternoon or early evening.
“We will send out a questionnaire asking folk for their preference.”
She added: “From the minister’s point of view, it will seem very strange looking out at faces covered with masks.
“That said, there will be many smiling eyes!
"I have bumped into a number of people while out walking and many of my regulars, despite being over seventy and even eighty, are desperate to get back to regular worship.
“ I have missed seeing them although I have tried to keep in contact with those not on Facebook by ‘phone calls, letters and cards.
“The greatest loss to worship though - at the moment - is singing hymns.
“ Singing is such an important part of our worship, even to those who can’t sing but who can make a joyful noise!”
As most places of worship have taken to social media to continue their services virtually during this difficult time, sje said:“I have conducted a live service every week on the Church Facebook page and have been pleasantly surprised by how many people of all ages have joined me every week from all over the country.”
“ My virtual congregation have become a new Church family.”
“I have missed seeing every single person who comes to Church because we have such a strong bond as the family of God.
“ We miss one another.
"We won’t all come back on the first Sunday, but the Lord works in mysterious ways so, hopefully, some of the Facebook congregation will take a step over the door and join us on a Sunday.”
