19 Sep 2025, 10:42Blandine Damtse; Edited by SM CommunicatiosEast Kilbride, South Lanarkshire, Scotland, United Kingdom
East Kilbride Concert Unites Churches in Music and Mission
Music, fellowship, and community service came together on 7 September 2025 as the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir performed at East Kilbride Methodist Church, celebrating its 50th anniversary and supporting Beatson Cancer Charity.
On 7 September 2025, East Kilbride Methodist Church hosted the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir (GAGC) for a concert that blended vibrant worship with community impact, raising £420 for Beatson Cancer Charity. The event formed part of the Methodist Church’s 50th anniversary celebrations and marked the choir’s first performance in a non-Adventist church.
Some choir members initially felt hesitant about performing in another denomination, but their concerns were eased by Maestro Samuel Santos. Drawing on his experience of leading Seventh-day Adventist choirs in other denominations in Portugal, he reminded the group that music is a powerful way of sharing the gospel. He recalled one performance where a song about meeting Jesus and reuniting with loved ones sparked conversations about biblical teachings on the state of the dead.
True to his style, Santos introduced each song by explaining its message and background, helping the audience connect with the music. The response was immediate: the congregation joined the choir in singing cherished pieces such as Amen, Oh Happy Day and the Zulu hymn Siyahamba. The church hall resounded with voices of all ages, united in worship.
The evening closed with a standing ovation, followed by fellowship tea generously provided by the Methodist Church. Members of both congregations mingled, sharing conversations and building connections across church families in an atmosphere of unity and joy.
Local preacher Fiona Dryburgh described the concert as “amazing, engaging, inspiring, absolutely wonderful and uplifting.” She explained that the idea to invite the choir came from the long-standing relationship between the two congregations, as the Adventist Church has held Sabbath services at East Kilbride Methodist Church for the past three decades. She highlighted that it was the first time another denomination had fully led an event they had initiated. “It was inspiring to see God working through both the choir and the musicians,” she said, adding that she smiled throughout the evening and looks forward to the choir’s return.
Pastor Brian Magadzire, Minister of East Kilbride Methodist Church, called the concert “beyond imagination.” While familiar with Adventism’s a cappella tradition, he noted how the use of instruments—guitar, piano and drums—added a vibrant dimension, describing the performance as “a foretaste of heaven.” Reflecting on the occasion, he said it was a highlight of the anniversary programme. “It was a privilege to welcome a visiting choir for the first time, and I look forward to inviting them again.”
Pastor Claudiu Popescu of Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church also reflected on the significance of the evening: “We live in a world full of challenges, where everyone is watching to see how the church will respond. The truth is that community issues are far too complex for any single church or organisation to tackle alone. That is why I believe the church should partner with others in bringing solutions. Collaboration is a necessity for successful ministry in today’s world. We are grateful for the invitation GAGC received to celebrate East Kilbride Methodist Church’s 50th anniversary with the local community, and look forward to deepening our partnership in service.”
Elder Gordon Saggers of East Kilbride Adventist Church praised the performance, noting the funds raised for Beatson Cancer Charity and expressing hope that this would be the first of many community-focused events. Beatson’s Community Fundraising Manager, Maisie McCormick, thanked the choir for their donation and invited them to perform at Glasgow Central Station’s Grand Hall on 13 December.
The GAGC concert will be remembered as an uplifting moment in the 50th anniversary celebrations of East Kilbride Methodist Church, leaving a lasting impression of faith, fellowship, and community service.
Music, fellowship, and community service came together on 7 September 2025 as the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir performed at East Kilbride Methodist Church, celebrating its 50th anniversary and supporting Beatson Cancer Charity.
On 7 September 2025, East Kilbride Methodist Church hosted the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir (GAGC) for a concert that blended vibrant worship with community impact, raising £420 for Beatson Cancer Charity. The event formed part of the Methodist Church’s 50th anniversary celebrations and marked the choir’s first performance in a non-Adventist church.
Some choir members initially felt hesitant about performing in another denomination, but their concerns were eased by Maestro Samuel Santos. Drawing on his experience of leading Seventh-day Adventist choirs in other denominations in Portugal, he reminded the group that music is a powerful way of sharing the gospel. He recalled one performance where a song about meeting Jesus and reuniting with loved ones sparked conversations about biblical teachings on the state of the dead.
True to his style, Santos introduced each song by explaining its message and background, helping the audience connect with the music. The response was immediate: the congregation joined the choir in singing cherished pieces such as Amen, Oh Happy Day and the Zulu hymn Siyahamba. The church hall resounded with voices of all ages, united in worship.
The evening closed with a standing ovation, followed by fellowship tea generously provided by the Methodist Church. Members of both congregations mingled, sharing conversations and building connections across church families in an atmosphere of unity and joy.
Local preacher Fiona Dryburgh described the concert as “amazing, engaging, inspiring, absolutely wonderful and uplifting.” She explained that the idea to invite the choir came from the long-standing relationship between the two congregations, as the Adventist Church has held Sabbath services at East Kilbride Methodist Church for the past three decades. She highlighted that it was the first time another denomination had fully led an event they had initiated. “It was inspiring to see God working through both the choir and the musicians,” she said, adding that she smiled throughout the evening and looks forward to the choir’s return.
Pastor Brian Magadzire, Minister of East Kilbride Methodist Church, called the concert “beyond imagination.” While familiar with Adventism’s a cappella tradition, he noted how the use of instruments—guitar, piano and drums—added a vibrant dimension, describing the performance as “a foretaste of heaven.” Reflecting on the occasion, he said it was a highlight of the anniversary programme. “It was a privilege to welcome a visiting choir for the first time, and I look forward to inviting them again.”
Pastor Claudiu Popescu of Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church also reflected on the significance of the evening: “We live in a world full of challenges, where everyone is watching to see how the church will respond. The truth is that community issues are far too complex for any single church or organisation to tackle alone. That is why I believe the church should partner with others in bringing solutions. Collaboration is a necessity for successful ministry in today’s world. We are grateful for the invitation GAGC received to celebrate East Kilbride Methodist Church’s 50th anniversary with the local community, and look forward to deepening our partnership in service.”
Elder Gordon Saggers of East Kilbride Adventist Church praised the performance, noting the funds raised for Beatson Cancer Charity and expressing hope that this would be the first of many community-focused events. Beatson’s Community Fundraising Manager, Maisie McCormick, thanked the choir for their donation and invited them to perform at Glasgow Central Station’s Grand Hall on 13 December.
The GAGC concert will be remembered as an uplifting moment in the 50th anniversary celebrations of East Kilbride Methodist Church, leaving a lasting impression of faith, fellowship, and community service.
