30 Jan 2026, 11:06Pastor Wil Masih; edited by SM CommunicationsInverness, Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom
Inverness Church Group Continues Its Focus on Community Engagement
Strengthening its connection with the local community, the Inverness church group hosted a welcoming day focused on worship, hospitality, and open conversation.
In a nation shaped by the legacy of the European Enlightenment and marked by an increasingly secular outlook, the Inverness church group in the Highlands continues to explore thoughtful and intentional ways of engaging with its local community. This was reflected on Saturday, 24 January, when the church hosted a special day led by Pastor Wil Masih, warmly inviting community members to attend, participate in the praise and worship, and share in a fellowship lunch.
The service was intentionally planned to be accessible and welcoming, particularly for first-time visitors and those unfamiliar with the Seventh-day Adventist faith. Several local residents were present, some of whom were attending for the first time. During the Bible study session, a number of visitors joined the discussion, offering thoughtful questions and comments that contributed to a spirit of open learning and respectful dialogue.
Among those attending for the first time was a local gospel singer who had become aware of the church through its musical events last year and wished to connect further. Friends of church members were also present, drawn by the opportunity for fellowship. Other local residents joined the congregation to share in worship and conversation, reflecting the church’s ongoing commitment to openness and hospitality.
In his sermon, Pastor Masih shared a message entitled “God’s Promise for the New Year,” centred on Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” He encouraged the congregation to trust that both the joys and challenges of the past year, and the year ahead, can be held within God’s greater purpose.
The message concluded with an invitation for the Inverness church family to remain faithful in its mission by nurturing spiritual growth within the congregation while continuing to look outward to the wider community. Emphasis was placed on extending hospitality, listening well, and creating safe spaces for conversation with those who may have questions about faith. This reflects the church’s desire to be present and engaged within its local context, seeking understanding and meaningful relationships in a diverse and pluralistic society.
Following a shared lunch, Pastor Masih expanded on the church’s focus for the coming year, noting a renewed intention to engage thoughtfully with those who hold secular perspectives. He said, “We have committed to working closely with people in the community and to creating opportunities for open conversations around some of life’s bigger questions.”
Reaffirming the church’s emphasis on welcome and inclusion, Pastor Masih added, “Anyone who walks through our doors is warmly received, wherever they may be on their faith journey.” As the year unfolds, the Inverness church looks forward to continued opportunities for worship, dialogue, and service within the Highlands community.
Strengthening its connection with the local community, the Inverness church group hosted a welcoming day focused on worship, hospitality, and open conversation.
In a nation shaped by the legacy of the European Enlightenment and marked by an increasingly secular outlook, the Inverness church group in the Highlands continues to explore thoughtful and intentional ways of engaging with its local community. This was reflected on Saturday, 24 January, when the church hosted a special day led by Pastor Wil Masih, warmly inviting community members to attend, participate in the praise and worship, and share in a fellowship lunch.
The service was intentionally planned to be accessible and welcoming, particularly for first-time visitors and those unfamiliar with the Seventh-day Adventist faith. Several local residents were present, some of whom were attending for the first time. During the Bible study session, a number of visitors joined the discussion, offering thoughtful questions and comments that contributed to a spirit of open learning and respectful dialogue.
Among those attending for the first time was a local gospel singer who had become aware of the church through its musical events last year and wished to connect further. Friends of church members were also present, drawn by the opportunity for fellowship. Other local residents joined the congregation to share in worship and conversation, reflecting the church’s ongoing commitment to openness and hospitality.
In his sermon, Pastor Masih shared a message entitled “God’s Promise for the New Year,” centred on Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” He encouraged the congregation to trust that both the joys and challenges of the past year, and the year ahead, can be held within God’s greater purpose.
The message concluded with an invitation for the Inverness church family to remain faithful in its mission by nurturing spiritual growth within the congregation while continuing to look outward to the wider community. Emphasis was placed on extending hospitality, listening well, and creating safe spaces for conversation with those who may have questions about faith. This reflects the church’s desire to be present and engaged within its local context, seeking understanding and meaningful relationships in a diverse and pluralistic society.
Following a shared lunch, Pastor Masih expanded on the church’s focus for the coming year, noting a renewed intention to engage thoughtfully with those who hold secular perspectives. He said, “We have committed to working closely with people in the community and to creating opportunities for open conversations around some of life’s bigger questions.”
Reaffirming the church’s emphasis on welcome and inclusion, Pastor Masih added, “Anyone who walks through our doors is warmly received, wherever they may be on their faith journey.” As the year unfolds, the Inverness church looks forward to continued opportunities for worship, dialogue, and service within the Highlands community.
