8 Jan 2026, 14:22Adina Lupu; edited by SM CommunicationsGlasgow, Glasgow City, Scotland, United Kingdom
Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir Ministers to Inmates at Scotland’s Largest Prison
Sharing music and ministry, the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir made its first-ever visit to HM Prison Barlinnie, performing an Advent-themed concert that touched the lives of inmates and staff.
The Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir (GAGC) stepped into a new chapter of ministry on 14 December, performing for the first time inside HM Prison Barlinnie. Responding to an invitation from the Church of Scotland Chaplaincy, the choir presented a special Advent-themed concert during the prison’s Sunday service.
The service featured gospel classics and carols interspersed with Bible readings reflecting on the birth of Jesus. A memorable moment occurred when an inmate unexpectedly offered to accompany the choir on piano for two carols. The performance of Amazing Grace drew visible emotion from some in the audience, a moment the Chaplain later noted as one of the hymns most cherished during services.
To close the service, the Chaplain read the lyrics from Life is a Blessing — a song performed by the choir and arranged by GAGC Musical Director Maestro Samuel — inspired by a traditional Irish blessing:
"May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sunshine warm upon your face
May the rains fall upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you
In the palm of His hands"
As the visit concluded, Prison Chaplain Reverend Jill Clancy thanked the choir for their visit, calling it a “blessing” for the prisoners and noting that many had commented on how uplifting it was.
Looking back on 2025, a choir member described the year as “fruitful and exciting,” highlighting performances at care homes, hospitals, charity events, and community celebrations, and concluding with the opportunity to minister at Barlinnie Prison. They added, “Who would have thought, when we stepped out in faith at the start of the year, that God would provide such meaningful opportunities to share and serve!”
Pastor Claudiu Popescu of Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church, who established the partnership with Barlinnie Prison and coordinates the choir’s initiatives, reflected on the church’s outreach and its wider mission. He said the question he first encountered 20 years ago — “Would your community miss you if your church no longer existed?” — has guided his approach ever since. He added that Glasgow church is rising to this challenge by choosing ministry that “changes things, where people’s lives are touched and impacted and the surrounding community notices that they matter.” Reflecting on the work so far, he described it as “a humble beginning” but affirmed that the church is committed to continue the journey.
Sharing music and ministry, the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir made its first-ever visit to HM Prison Barlinnie, performing an Advent-themed concert that touched the lives of inmates and staff.
The Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir (GAGC) stepped into a new chapter of ministry on 14 December, performing for the first time inside HM Prison Barlinnie. Responding to an invitation from the Church of Scotland Chaplaincy, the choir presented a special Advent-themed concert during the prison’s Sunday service.
The service featured gospel classics and carols interspersed with Bible readings reflecting on the birth of Jesus. A memorable moment occurred when an inmate unexpectedly offered to accompany the choir on piano for two carols. The performance of Amazing Grace drew visible emotion from some in the audience, a moment the Chaplain later noted as one of the hymns most cherished during services.
To close the service, the Chaplain read the lyrics from Life is a Blessing — a song performed by the choir and arranged by GAGC Musical Director Maestro Samuel — inspired by a traditional Irish blessing:
"May the road rise to meet you
May the wind be always at your back
May the sunshine warm upon your face
May the rains fall upon your fields
And until we meet again
May God hold you
In the palm of His hands"
As the visit concluded, Prison Chaplain Reverend Jill Clancy thanked the choir for their visit, calling it a “blessing” for the prisoners and noting that many had commented on how uplifting it was.
Looking back on 2025, a choir member described the year as “fruitful and exciting,” highlighting performances at care homes, hospitals, charity events, and community celebrations, and concluding with the opportunity to minister at Barlinnie Prison. They added, “Who would have thought, when we stepped out in faith at the start of the year, that God would provide such meaningful opportunities to share and serve!”
Pastor Claudiu Popescu of Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church, who established the partnership with Barlinnie Prison and coordinates the choir’s initiatives, reflected on the church’s outreach and its wider mission. He said the question he first encountered 20 years ago — “Would your community miss you if your church no longer existed?” — has guided his approach ever since. He added that Glasgow church is rising to this challenge by choosing ministry that “changes things, where people’s lives are touched and impacted and the surrounding community notices that they matter.” Reflecting on the work so far, he described it as “a humble beginning” but affirmed that the church is committed to continue the journey.
