18 Nov 2025, 13:07Aaron Easton; edited by SM CommunicationsEdinburgh, City of Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
Edinburgh Church Calls Members to Spiritual Renewal in "Back to the Altar" Service
Encouraging members to renew their devotion, Edinburgh Church hosted a ‘Back to the Altar’ service focused on rebuilding personal altars and deepening daily prayer.
On the first Sabbath of November, the Edinburgh Seventh-day Adventist Church gathered for a special “Back to the Altar” service. Guided by Beverley Anderson, Scottish Mission Prayer Ministries Sponsor, the programme encouraged attendees to deepen their devotional journey through worship, reflection, and practical steps to strengthen daily prayer.
The morning began with a shared breakfast, giving participants the opportunity to fellowship and connect before the worship programme commenced.
The service continued with Elder Jose Mendes, who opened with a prayer and called on members to strengthen their devotional lives both at home and within their communities. Drawing on 1 Kings 18:30, he highlighted Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal as an example of spiritual revival, urging the congregation to rebuild their own altars through worship, praise, and reverence.
Presenting the sermonette, Beverley Anderson emphasised that this was “not a one-off presentation but a continuation of an eternal message.” She explored seven key principles for repairing personal altars with God, each pointing to Christ and His desire to restore wavering or broken relationships with His followers.
After a short break, the congregation divided into several groups to explore how these principles could be applied in their daily lives. Participants shared testimonies of how the principles had already shaped their walks with God and discussed ways to make them a permanent part of their personal altar rebuilding. One group focused on “Disciple Others to Jesus” (Matthew 28:19-20; Galatians 5:22-23), reflecting on the importance of sharing faith not only through words but through actions that demonstrate Christ’s love. Elder Jose Mendes shared a personal example of a young man who expressed his desire to know Christ after witnessing the fruits of a faithful life.
The service concluded with Elder Owen Anderson leading a role-playing activity that engaged members of all ages, vividly illustrating what it means to surrender to God. Children and adults alike were challenged to consider one simple yet profound question: “Who should we put in the driver’s seat of our lives?”
Following the interactive session, a private prayer circle was formed, offering members the opportunity to seek guidance, intervention, and spiritual renewal.
Beyond individual reflection, the service reinforced the strength of community, as members supported one another through prayer, shared experiences, and practical guidance for living out their faith. The event highlighted the church’s ongoing mission to cultivate both personal and collective spiritual growth.
Encouraging members to renew their devotion, Edinburgh Church hosted a ‘Back to the Altar’ service focused on rebuilding personal altars and deepening daily prayer.
On the first Sabbath of November, the Edinburgh Seventh-day Adventist Church gathered for a special “Back to the Altar” service. Guided by Beverley Anderson, Scottish Mission Prayer Ministries Sponsor, the programme encouraged attendees to deepen their devotional journey through worship, reflection, and practical steps to strengthen daily prayer.
The morning began with a shared breakfast, giving participants the opportunity to fellowship and connect before the worship programme commenced.
The service continued with Elder Jose Mendes, who opened with a prayer and called on members to strengthen their devotional lives both at home and within their communities. Drawing on 1 Kings 18:30, he highlighted Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal as an example of spiritual revival, urging the congregation to rebuild their own altars through worship, praise, and reverence.
Presenting the sermonette, Beverley Anderson emphasised that this was “not a one-off presentation but a continuation of an eternal message.” She explored seven key principles for repairing personal altars with God, each pointing to Christ and His desire to restore wavering or broken relationships with His followers.
After a short break, the congregation divided into several groups to explore how these principles could be applied in their daily lives. Participants shared testimonies of how the principles had already shaped their walks with God and discussed ways to make them a permanent part of their personal altar rebuilding. One group focused on “Disciple Others to Jesus” (Matthew 28:19-20; Galatians 5:22-23), reflecting on the importance of sharing faith not only through words but through actions that demonstrate Christ’s love. Elder Jose Mendes shared a personal example of a young man who expressed his desire to know Christ after witnessing the fruits of a faithful life.
The service concluded with Elder Owen Anderson leading a role-playing activity that engaged members of all ages, vividly illustrating what it means to surrender to God. Children and adults alike were challenged to consider one simple yet profound question: “Who should we put in the driver’s seat of our lives?”
Following the interactive session, a private prayer circle was formed, offering members the opportunity to seek guidance, intervention, and spiritual renewal.
Beyond individual reflection, the service reinforced the strength of community, as members supported one another through prayer, shared experiences, and practical guidance for living out their faith. The event highlighted the church’s ongoing mission to cultivate both personal and collective spiritual growth.
