Reaching out at the bar

Dec 2 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A PERTH kirk congregation is planning to take the traditional Watchnight Service out into the community.

In a unique move, the Rev Scott Burton of St Matthew’s Church will follow-up a traditional family service earlier in the evening, relocating to a section set aside in the adjacent Capital Asset bar on Christmas Eve.

Festive season revellers at the Wetherspoon's outlet will be invited to join the celebrations.

It’s all part of the kirk’s bid to spread the news of the gospel and reach out to non-churchgoers.

Full details of the ground-breaking initiative are expected to be unveiled tomorrow by the go-ahead Tay Street kirk.

It’s the latest ground-breaking strategy by city centre churches to appeal to the wider Fair City community.

Previously, the North Church has thrown open its doors and also spearheaded the popular and high profile Street Pastor project.

Meanwhile, two “Bethlehem Experience” events planned for Perth Concert Hall in the countdown to Christmas have met with an amazing response from the Big County public.

Last year hundreds queued outside and many had to be turned away from celebrations unfolding in the main area. So this year it was made all-ticket.