Elgin, renowned for its stunning Scottish landscapes of rolling hills and sparkling lochs, became the setting for a landmark event on Saturday, the 21st of September, 2024. For the first time, four Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) congregations from Aberdeen, Bucksburn, Elgin, and Inverness gathered for a joint worship service at Elgin SDA Church. This historic gathering, organised by Pastors Weiers Coetser and Wil Masih, celebrated unity, fellowship, and shared faith among the SDA communities in North East Scotland. The event, themed "Family Togetherness", was attended by over 100 people, including Tola and Temitayo Odewusi from Edinburgh, the Scottish Mission sponsors of the Family Ministries department.
The guest speaker for the day, Pastor Wayne Smikle, along with his wife Thamer Smikle, brought a powerful message centred on the importance of family unity in the Christian faith. Pastor Wayne’s sermon, filled with biblical insights and practical advice, resonated with many in the audience. He stressed that the closeness we develop within our homes directly impacts our walk with God. His message was timely and relevant, addressing challenges many families face today, and encouraging them to be intentional about nurturing love, faith, and unity in their homes.
The Family Ministries department from Aberdeen Church played a pivotal role in the event's organisation. In the week leading up to the service, they facilitated a series of Zoom meetings, helping the congregations prepare for the gathering. These meetings focused on practical ways families could strengthen their spiritual bonds and contributed to the day's overall theme of "Family Togetherness."
Music also played a central role in the worship experience. Various congregations contributed to the musical praise, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflected the joy and diversity of the gathered believers. One of the highlights was the processional march by the Pathfinder drummers from Aberdeen Church, whose rhythmic beats energised the congregation and set the tone for a day of celebration and worship.
Following the morning worship service, attendees were treated to a light lunch. The weather, unseasonably warm and sunny for September, allowed many to step outside and enjoy their meals in the sunshine. The break provided an opportunity for attendees from different congregations to mingle, chat, and get to know one another. Many took to Elgin’s bustling high street, engaging with locals and sharing the warmth of their faith community. “It was such a beautiful day, and being able to chat with people outside, enjoying the sunshine, really added to the experience,” shared one church member.
The afternoon session featured a dynamic Q&A with Pastor Smikle and his wife Thamer. The couple answered questions from the congregation, offering further insights into how families can grow closer in their faith journeys. They spoke candidly about their own experiences, sharing practical strategies for building stronger, more faith-centred homes. Topics ranged from communication in marriage to raising children in faith, and many left feeling encouraged and equipped with tools to strengthen their family life.
One attendee reflected on the event, saying, “I really felt inspired by the number of people that attended and meeting some people for the first time. There was a real sense of community, and it was a reminder that we are all part of something bigger.”
Pastors Coetser and Masih, buoyed by the success of the event, expressed their enthusiasm for future collaborative efforts. “This is just the beginning,” said Pastor Coetser. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re already discussing plans for the next event. Bringing our congregations together like this not only strengthens our individual churches but also helps us realise the broader mission we share in the North East of Scotland.”
Pastor Masih echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of continuing to build on this foundation. “This gathering has reminded us of the power of unity and the joy that comes from worshipping together as one body. We’ve seen the fruits of collaboration, and I believe God has more in store for our churches as we move forward.”
The event’s success also reinforced the vital role of Family Ministries in the life of the church. As families are strengthened, so too is the church, and the commitment of the Family Ministries department in Aberdeen, led by Koye and Hazelloy Edwards, was widely appreciated.
As the day drew to a close, there was a real sense of anticipation for what the future holds. Many attendees expressed a desire to see more events like this, where the congregations could gather for worship, fellowship, and learning.
The gathering at Elgin SDA Church on September 21st, 2024, was a real milestone for the SDA congregations of Aberdeen, Bucksburn, Elgin, and Inverness. It was a day marked by unity, spiritual growth, and the celebration of family, both in the literal and spiritual sense. As the churches in the North East of Scotland continue to collaborate and strengthen their bonds, this event will undoubtedly be remembered as the first of many such joint gatherings in the region.
