Pastor's delight as church announces reopening date

The church at St Andrew Square has been shut since the start of lockdown at the end of March.

Members will now be able to visit every weekday between noon and 1pm.

Pastor Paul Coventry is pleased to be opening the doors once again.

He said: "Our church will be open each weekday to allow people to come into a quiet space for personal reflection and prayer in these challenging times.

"Many within our community have suffered bereavement, as well as loss of other kinds, and they may appreciate the opportunity to come into a church and be still with their own thoughts."

There will be hand sanitiser available on entering the church and the prayer space will have chairs arranged in a socially-distanced way.

People who attend will have the opportunity to give a donation to the foodbank.

Pastor Coventry says the church has adapted well and found other ways to keep in touch with congregation members throughout lockdown.

He said: "It has been extremely challenging for the church community but we have responded well by using Zoom to host virtual meetings, and the congregation keep in regular contact with one another by 'phone.

"A recorded service is also posted every Sunday morning on the Greenock Baptist Church YouTube channel as well as on our website and Facebook page.

"Like everyone else, we are glad to see the lockdown restrictions beginning to ease and we look forward to the day when we can gather together again for worship.

"At any time of challenge and loss, faith is a very important part of our lives.

"Covid-19 has caused many in society to ask big questions about life and death.

"We have been exposed to the fragility of our lives and the assurance and hope that comes from a God who points us above and beyond the temporal is a great comfort."

Meanwhile Inverkip Parish Church has also opened its doors to the public.

The church is open for private prayer on Monday evenings from 6.30-8.30pm and again on Wednesday afternoon from 1pm to 3pm.