15 May 2026, 15:41Blandine Damtse; edited by SM CommunicationsGlasgow, Glasgow City, Scotland, United Kingdom
Glasgow Church Holds Visitors’ Day and Ordination Service
Celebrating faithful service, Glasgow Church held a special Visitors’ Day and ordination service recognising two elders and seven deacons and deaconesses.
On 2 May 2025, Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church held a combined Visitors’ Day and ordination service, during which two elders and seven deacons and deaconesses were ordained, recognising their faithful and long-standing service within the church community.
A celebratory atmosphere filled the church, with special decorations and members dressed in traditional attire. Under the theme “Thriving in Crisis,” the day featured uplifting praise and worship, an ordination service, an interactive afternoon programme, and a sermon by Pastor Max McKenzie-Cook, Associate BUC Secretary and SM Secretary, as well as Interim Welsh Mission President.
Preaching from Romans 8:18 and drawing lessons from 1 Kings 17, Pastor McKenzie-Cook reminded the congregation that suffering is temporary, God remains faithful in unexpected ways, and believers are called to trust Him and share testimonies that strengthen Christian resilience.
Ordination Ceremony
The ordination ceremony began with the candidates standing before the congregation as their service and commitment were acknowledged by local pastor Claudiu Popescu.
Referring to 1 Timothy 3, Pastor Popescu highlighted the role of elders in providing spiritual care and guidance, alongside deacons who serve as support leaders within the church.
Elder Phelomen Mukangiliye was recognised for 15 years of service in Children’s Ministry, including 11 years as safeguarding lead, and for her call to eldership in 2023. She was commended for her diligence, commitment, and faithfulness, receiving warm affirmation from the congregation, particularly from the children and young people she has served.
Elder Beavon Sanderson, one of the church’s longest-serving members, described Phelomen as “the backbone of the children’s ministry,” recalling how she willingly accepted leadership of the department when no one else would. She also highlighted her lasting impact on both children and parents.
Special recognition was also given to Elder Regimon Mathew, formerly head deacon and appointed as an elder in 2023. He was commended for his humility, reliability, commitment and consistent spirit of service. Pastor Popescu, calling him a ‘Pastor at heart’, highlighted his willingness to effectively carry responsibility without complaint.
The deacons and deaconesses ordained were Tabitha Stephen, Sidumizo Gwizi, Simon and Constance Ampabeng, Charles Kasowanjete, Pawkeelar Sirmu, and Briseyda Carranza. Each was recognised for faithful service, hospitality, creativity, and care for others despite personal challenges.
The service concluded with a prayer of dedication by Pastor McKenzie-Cook as ministers gathered for the laying on of hands. The newly ordained leaders were presented with gifts and warmly congratulated by the congregation.
Following the service, members and visitors shared a multicultural fellowship lunch featuring dishes from various countries, reflecting the diversity of the church family. Decorated with national flags, the hall celebrated the value of every culture within the congregation.
Afternoon Programme: Faith in Times of Crisis
The afternoon programme, led by pastor-in-training Geanina Rusu alongside Pastors Popescu and McKenzie-Cook, focused on resilient faith, Christian identity, and coping with crisis.
Through group discussions, participants reflected on identity in Christ as rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus rather than doctrine alone. The panel also explored compromise, doubt, spiritual fatigue, and the importance of trusted relationships, shared burdens, and the church as a place of renewal.
Discussion also addressed youth disengagement, often linked to disillusionment, relational distance, and communication barriers. Leaders encouraged humility, forgiveness, unity, and testimony-sharing as part of spiritual growth and community life.
The day concluded with members and visitors departing encouraged after a day marked by worship, fellowship, celebration, and reflection.
Celebrating faithful service, Glasgow Church held a special Visitors’ Day and ordination service recognising two elders and seven deacons and deaconesses.
On 2 May 2025, Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church held a combined Visitors’ Day and ordination service, during which two elders and seven deacons and deaconesses were ordained, recognising their faithful and long-standing service within the church community.
A celebratory atmosphere filled the church, with special decorations and members dressed in traditional attire. Under the theme “Thriving in Crisis,” the day featured uplifting praise and worship, an ordination service, an interactive afternoon programme, and a sermon by Pastor Max McKenzie-Cook, Associate BUC Secretary and SM Secretary, as well as Interim Welsh Mission President.
Preaching from Romans 8:18 and drawing lessons from 1 Kings 17, Pastor McKenzie-Cook reminded the congregation that suffering is temporary, God remains faithful in unexpected ways, and believers are called to trust Him and share testimonies that strengthen Christian resilience.
Ordination Ceremony
The ordination ceremony began with the candidates standing before the congregation as their service and commitment were acknowledged by local pastor Claudiu Popescu.
Referring to 1 Timothy 3, Pastor Popescu highlighted the role of elders in providing spiritual care and guidance, alongside deacons who serve as support leaders within the church.
Elder Phelomen Mukangiliye was recognised for 15 years of service in Children’s Ministry, including 11 years as safeguarding lead, and for her call to eldership in 2023. She was commended for her diligence, commitment, and faithfulness, receiving warm affirmation from the congregation, particularly from the children and young people she has served.
Elder Beavon Sanderson, one of the church’s longest-serving members, described Phelomen as “the backbone of the children’s ministry,” recalling how she willingly accepted leadership of the department when no one else would. She also highlighted her lasting impact on both children and parents.
Special recognition was also given to Elder Regimon Mathew, formerly head deacon and appointed as an elder in 2023. He was commended for his humility, reliability, commitment and consistent spirit of service. Pastor Popescu, calling him a ‘Pastor at heart’, highlighted his willingness to effectively carry responsibility without complaint.
The deacons and deaconesses ordained were Tabitha Stephen, Sidumizo Gwizi, Simon and Constance Ampabeng, Charles Kasowanjete, Pawkeelar Sirmu, and Briseyda Carranza. Each was recognised for faithful service, hospitality, creativity, and care for others despite personal challenges.
The service concluded with a prayer of dedication by Pastor McKenzie-Cook as ministers gathered for the laying on of hands. The newly ordained leaders were presented with gifts and warmly congratulated by the congregation.
Following the service, members and visitors shared a multicultural fellowship lunch featuring dishes from various countries, reflecting the diversity of the church family. Decorated with national flags, the hall celebrated the value of every culture within the congregation.
Afternoon Programme: Faith in Times of Crisis
The afternoon programme, led by pastor-in-training Geanina Rusu alongside Pastors Popescu and McKenzie-Cook, focused on resilient faith, Christian identity, and coping with crisis.
Through group discussions, participants reflected on identity in Christ as rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus rather than doctrine alone. The panel also explored compromise, doubt, spiritual fatigue, and the importance of trusted relationships, shared burdens, and the church as a place of renewal.
Discussion also addressed youth disengagement, often linked to disillusionment, relational distance, and communication barriers. Leaders encouraged humility, forgiveness, unity, and testimony-sharing as part of spiritual growth and community life.
The day concluded with members and visitors departing encouraged after a day marked by worship, fellowship, celebration, and reflection.
