A HILLFOOTS Church seeks to reach out to the community by creating an accessible and welcoming environment.
Alva Parish Church has just launched a community cafe where people can go, have a cup of tea and have a drink every week.
The café will be open every Tuesday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Alva Parish Hall, while people will also be able to access online services.
The church is also introducing Michelle McAdoo as the probationary minister.
Originally from Alloa, mother of three Michelle and her family were members of Stirling North Parish Church, soon after she became a Christian.
Most recently, the family joined St Mungo Parish Church in Alloa and she and her husband Roger – a teacher at Alloa Academy – served as elders until she began her ministry journey.
Michelle, whose family returned to Stirling Church as she completed her studies and internships, graduated from Edinburgh Castle at the end of this summer with a BA in Theology from New College, this which was an “incredible way” to mark the end of his studies.
She said: “I spent my last internship with Reverend David Cameron’s joy filled in South Queensferry with Dalmeny and a new church phrase called Sanctuary that was online.
“I joined the church when the service was taped live at the church with just the tech crew and ended just as the service reopened for them.
“It has been such a difficult time to learn new ministry skills under such changing circumstances, but there have also been many opportunities to learn new ways to reach people.
“We spent again this summer in the Highlands for an experience working with churches in Kyle of Sutherland and the highlight was the reopening of Croik’s Church for worship.
“We have been richly blessed with all of our experiences in my formative churches and we also greatly appreciate being a part of the Alva Parish Church family.”
Indeed, Michelle has completed successful internships throughout Scotland, including at Callander and Lochinver Parish Church, where she was the first woman allowed to preach, lead prayer, and study the Bible.
After the pandemic, Michelle began learning everything online during her internship at Steeple during a difficult but fun time.
Highlights of Michelle’s studies also include trips to learn more about Luther in Wittenberg, Germany, and a trip to Rome.
Hopefully, there is still a postponed trip to Jerusalem to come in February.
Speaking on behalf of the family, including Lewis, 20, Peter, 17, and Orla, eight, Michelle added: “We welcome your continued prayers for all of us as a family during my probationary period at Alva parish service. ”
Sunday service takes place at 10:30 a.m. each week in Alva with private prayer available every Tuesday and Thursday between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
Visit alvaparishchurch.org for online services or call 01259 606 303 to listen to the sermon of the week.
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