2 May 2025, 13:21Blandine Damtse | Edited by SM CommunicationsGlasgow, Glasgow City, Scotland, United Kingdom
Glasgow Teens' Choir Reflects on the Hope of Resurrection During Weekend Retreat
The Adventist Melodies Choir’s Easter weekend retreat in Glasgow blended uplifting worship, youth-led music, fun fellowship and spiritual reflection, marking both farewells and new beginnings.
The Adventist Melodies Choir (AMC), led by volunteer pastor and musical director Allan Zukowski, hosted an impactful musical Sabbath on April 26, using the Easter season as an opportunity to share the Gospel through song and worship at their church in Glasgow.
After weeks of preparation, the teen choir delivered a series of moving performances, opening with the popular worship song Above All Powers. The service also featured a short sermon by volunteer pastor Samuel Matheus, titled The Cross, The Lamb, and Forgiveness, based on Luke 23:33–34.
The programme also featured a performance by the children’s choir, who sang He Has Done Marvellous Things—a piece that complemented the children’s story about Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. The service concluded with collaborative renditions of Power in the Blood and Oh Happy Day, performed by the teen choir, the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir, and the congregation—offering everyone a chance to express their joy and gratitude for the salvation freely offered through Jesus Christ.
A bittersweet moment came as Zukowski officially passed the baton of leadership to Tiffany Mbiba and Anesu Mandaza, entrusting them with the future direction of the teen choir. A special tribute was paid to both young leaders, with Zukowski acknowledging their dedication and musical promise.
During the service, Matheus announced his appointment as Associate Pastor at Vitória Seventh-day Adventist Church and as Coordinator of the Adventist Volunteer Service for the local conference in Brazil. He was prayed over by church elders, marking an emotional farewell. The departure of both Zukowski and Matheus signified the end of a transformative year of ministry in Scotland—one that included leading baptisms, supporting youth ministries, and advancing digital evangelism.
“When I was a teenager, I prayed for God to fulfil my dream of preaching in English one day—and my dream has come true,” Matheus reflected.
Both Zukowski and Matheus joined the Scottish Mission in April 2024 on one-year renewable volunteer contracts. While Matheus is returning to Brazil, Zukowski plans to continue his pastoral studies at Newbold College and has launched a fundraiser to support his theological education: https://gofund.me/e3ca3b6e
Local pastor Claudiu Popescu praised their ministry, describing it as inspiring, sacrificial, and transformative, noting the significant impact both had made across church communities in such a short time.
The day continued with a series of enriching activities for the youth, including Bible study, interactive games, shared meals, and a movie night—designed to nurture fellowship and promote spiritual growth among the teens.
One young choir member shared that being part of the choir has helped her discover her vocal range and improve her singing. She also expressed how much she enjoyed the sleepover, particularly the mobile phone ban, which allowed everyone to fully engage with each other and enjoy a restful night.
Following the weekend, Zukowski thanked parents for their support and gave thanks to God for the positive development he had witnessed in the children’s confidence, maturity, and professionalism. He concluded by expressing his hope that the choir will continue to enrich worship, strengthen the church community, and provide opportunities for spiritual and musical growth.
The Adventist Melodies Choir’s Easter weekend retreat in Glasgow blended uplifting worship, youth-led music, fun fellowship and spiritual reflection, marking both farewells and new beginnings.
The Adventist Melodies Choir (AMC), led by volunteer pastor and musical director Allan Zukowski, hosted an impactful musical Sabbath on April 26, using the Easter season as an opportunity to share the Gospel through song and worship at their church in Glasgow.
After weeks of preparation, the teen choir delivered a series of moving performances, opening with the popular worship song Above All Powers. The service also featured a short sermon by volunteer pastor Samuel Matheus, titled The Cross, The Lamb, and Forgiveness, based on Luke 23:33–34.
The programme also featured a performance by the children’s choir, who sang He Has Done Marvellous Things—a piece that complemented the children’s story about Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee. The service concluded with collaborative renditions of Power in the Blood and Oh Happy Day, performed by the teen choir, the Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir, and the congregation—offering everyone a chance to express their joy and gratitude for the salvation freely offered through Jesus Christ.
A bittersweet moment came as Zukowski officially passed the baton of leadership to Tiffany Mbiba and Anesu Mandaza, entrusting them with the future direction of the teen choir. A special tribute was paid to both young leaders, with Zukowski acknowledging their dedication and musical promise.
During the service, Matheus announced his appointment as Associate Pastor at Vitória Seventh-day Adventist Church and as Coordinator of the Adventist Volunteer Service for the local conference in Brazil. He was prayed over by church elders, marking an emotional farewell. The departure of both Zukowski and Matheus signified the end of a transformative year of ministry in Scotland—one that included leading baptisms, supporting youth ministries, and advancing digital evangelism.
“When I was a teenager, I prayed for God to fulfil my dream of preaching in English one day—and my dream has come true,” Matheus reflected.
Both Zukowski and Matheus joined the Scottish Mission in April 2024 on one-year renewable volunteer contracts. While Matheus is returning to Brazil, Zukowski plans to continue his pastoral studies at Newbold College and has launched a fundraiser to support his theological education: https://gofund.me/e3ca3b6e
Local pastor Claudiu Popescu praised their ministry, describing it as inspiring, sacrificial, and transformative, noting the significant impact both had made across church communities in such a short time.
The day continued with a series of enriching activities for the youth, including Bible study, interactive games, shared meals, and a movie night—designed to nurture fellowship and promote spiritual growth among the teens.
One young choir member shared that being part of the choir has helped her discover her vocal range and improve her singing. She also expressed how much she enjoyed the sleepover, particularly the mobile phone ban, which allowed everyone to fully engage with each other and enjoy a restful night.
Following the weekend, Zukowski thanked parents for their support and gave thanks to God for the positive development he had witnessed in the children’s confidence, maturity, and professionalism. He concluded by expressing his hope that the choir will continue to enrich worship, strengthen the church community, and provide opportunities for spiritual and musical growth.
