Fortrose Free Church overcomes coronavirus lockdown to welcome new minister
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FORTROSE Free Church have welcomed their new minister Rev Rory Stott virtually – and by doing so made history by becoming the first congregation on the Black Isle to do so.
Originally it had been hoped to have a special service in their new Church Street building in the Black Isle community.
But in light of the coronavirus outbreak restrictions, the service to officially mark the beginning of Mr Stott’s ministry in Fortrose was webcast by Zoom and YouTube.
Over 500 devices logged in to follow last week's service, which also included the welcoming of new ministers to the Free North in Inverness (Rev Angus Macrae) and Evanton (Rev Gavino Fioretti).
Mr Stott (48), originally from South Africa, had previously been a minister in Ayr and Kilwinning. He is no stranger to the Highlands, having been an addictions worker at Beechwood House and a homeless day centre care worker in Inverness prior to entering the ministry. His wife Kirsteen did part of her nursing training at Raigmore and also worked as a qualified nurse there. They have a sixteen month-old daughter, Faith.
Rory said: “I never thought for a single moment I’d be making history in this way, but it just shows what can be done with modern technology and how churches can embrace change. Despite a very unusual start to our ministry in Fortrose, we are delighted to be here. We have been made very welcome despite the social distancing limitations on people.
“I’m pleased to get started as at a time of great uncertainty with the coronavirus outbreak, all of our communities need to hear about the God of compassion, comfort and hope - who transforms lives through Jesus Christ. Kirsteen and I are aware that many people are finding social isolation very difficult and many are anxious with everything going on. We look forward to getting to know and embracing the community but also to being of any help we can in this time of crisis. Feel free to make contact with us via the Fortrose Free Church Facebook page.”
Donnie Cumming, one of the congregation’s elders, added: “We are all living in unprecedented times, but we’re absolutely delighted to have Rory, Kirsteen and Faith with us in Fortrose.
“Normally the first thing a new minister would be doing is going around the village and meeting everyone, but obviously in present circumstances that won’t happen for the time being. Rory’s making do with phone calls, emails and WhatsApp messages for just now.
“We’re also incredibly thankful that so many folk are online these days, as I think ten or even five years ago it would’ve been a real challenge for us as a congregation to webcast services live.We hope in due course to have a special service in the church for everyone in the community to attend to properly welcome Rory, Kirsteen and little Faith to the village.”
Instead of meeting physically together on a Sunday for worship, the Fortrose congregation has taken their services online by webcasting via Facebook live.
He will take his first service as the new minister of Fortrose Free Church on Sunday, April 5 at 11am.
The congregation’s previous minister Rev Sandy Sutherland retired at the end of February last year.
How have you managed to overcome lockdown restrictions? Share your story and picture by emailing hector.mackenzie@hnmedia.co.uk
