25 Jul 2025, 13:27Pr Wil MasihInverness, Highland, Scotland, United Kingdom
Inverness Church Welcomes Former Scottish Mission Pastor and Celebrates Community
Inverness Church was delighted to welcome Pastor Gordon Smith and his family from the US last Sabbath and be blessed by his sermon. The day highlighted the church’s spirit of kindness, inclusivity, and vibrant fellowship, reflecting its warm hospitality and strong community.
On Sabbath, 19th July, the Inverness Church experienced a day filled with kindness, warmth, and divine presence, one that will long be remembered by all who attended.
From the moment guests stepped into the sanctuary, it was clear that something special was unfolding. The Inverness church family opened its doors and hearts wide, welcoming both familiar faces and first-time visitors into a worship experience that celebrated unity, faith, and the gentle whisper of God’s hand in our lives.
A particularly moving highlight was the presence of Pastor Gordon Smith and his family, who had travelled from the United States while on holiday in the Highlands. It was an honour to have him preach a message that struck a deep chord with many. His sermon, “Seeing the Invisible,” reminded all present of the unseen ways God moves in our lives, guiding, sustaining, and comforting us, even when we can’t always see the path ahead. His words stirred hearts and offered renewed strength for the journey of faith. He had served in the Scottish Mission many years before and related fond memories to the congregation.
Local leadership also took a moment to celebrate some of the individuals who have become part of the church’s vibrant story. Pastor Wil Masih, district pastor for the Highlands, acknowledged Bradley, a gifted local musician who has become a regular visiting presence at the church and now blesses the congregation each week by playing the keyboard during the worship. He also welcomed Larissa, a passionate PhD student from Brazil who looks forward to sharing presentations on Creation, and Ruth, another recent arrival from Brazil who is making Inverness her new home.
The worship service was just the beginning. What followed was a time of joyful fellowship during a beautifully prepared fellowship lunch, lovingly organised by the church’s catering team led by Jackline. With dishes representing different cultures, the meal became a feast not just of food, but of stories, laughter, and friendship, a true expression of the church’s richly diverse and growing community.
Conversations over lunch reflected on what makes Inverness Church such a magnetic and meaningful place. Guests and members alike spoke of the genuine warmth and open heartedness they felt, a church that sees people, values them, and makes space for everyone to belong. Even as the church continues to grow, it holds fast to its identity as a welcoming spiritual home where new friendships are born and old ones are deepened.
As the gathering came to end on this special Sabbath, it was clear that the blessings of the day would ripple far beyond its final amen. Faith had been renewed. Lives had been touched. And seeds had been planted, for future visits, future friendships, and deeper walks with God.
Looking ahead, Inverness Church remains committed to its mission: to be a beacon of hope and hospitality in the Highlands. The doors remain open, the welcome ever warm, and the message of God’s love ready to be shared with all who enter.
The church leadership extends heartfelt thanks to the visiting friends from the US, to all dedicated volunteers, to the visitors who joined, and to every member who continues to embody the spirit of Christlike welcome.
Inverness Church was delighted to welcome Pastor Gordon Smith and his family from the US last Sabbath and be blessed by his sermon. The day highlighted the church’s spirit of kindness, inclusivity, and vibrant fellowship, reflecting its warm hospitality and strong community.
On Sabbath, 19th July, the Inverness Church experienced a day filled with kindness, warmth, and divine presence, one that will long be remembered by all who attended.
From the moment guests stepped into the sanctuary, it was clear that something special was unfolding. The Inverness church family opened its doors and hearts wide, welcoming both familiar faces and first-time visitors into a worship experience that celebrated unity, faith, and the gentle whisper of God’s hand in our lives.
A particularly moving highlight was the presence of Pastor Gordon Smith and his family, who had travelled from the United States while on holiday in the Highlands. It was an honour to have him preach a message that struck a deep chord with many. His sermon, “Seeing the Invisible,” reminded all present of the unseen ways God moves in our lives, guiding, sustaining, and comforting us, even when we can’t always see the path ahead. His words stirred hearts and offered renewed strength for the journey of faith. He had served in the Scottish Mission many years before and related fond memories to the congregation.
Local leadership also took a moment to celebrate some of the individuals who have become part of the church’s vibrant story. Pastor Wil Masih, district pastor for the Highlands, acknowledged Bradley, a gifted local musician who has become a regular visiting presence at the church and now blesses the congregation each week by playing the keyboard during the worship. He also welcomed Larissa, a passionate PhD student from Brazil who looks forward to sharing presentations on Creation, and Ruth, another recent arrival from Brazil who is making Inverness her new home.
The worship service was just the beginning. What followed was a time of joyful fellowship during a beautifully prepared fellowship lunch, lovingly organised by the church’s catering team led by Jackline. With dishes representing different cultures, the meal became a feast not just of food, but of stories, laughter, and friendship, a true expression of the church’s richly diverse and growing community.
Conversations over lunch reflected on what makes Inverness Church such a magnetic and meaningful place. Guests and members alike spoke of the genuine warmth and open heartedness they felt, a church that sees people, values them, and makes space for everyone to belong. Even as the church continues to grow, it holds fast to its identity as a welcoming spiritual home where new friendships are born and old ones are deepened.
As the gathering came to end on this special Sabbath, it was clear that the blessings of the day would ripple far beyond its final amen. Faith had been renewed. Lives had been touched. And seeds had been planted, for future visits, future friendships, and deeper walks with God.
Looking ahead, Inverness Church remains committed to its mission: to be a beacon of hope and hospitality in the Highlands. The doors remain open, the welcome ever warm, and the message of God’s love ready to be shared with all who enter.
The church leadership extends heartfelt thanks to the visiting friends from the US, to all dedicated volunteers, to the visitors who joined, and to every member who continues to embody the spirit of Christlike welcome.
