Churchgoers urged to pick up the phone for Sunday worship

Realising that not everyone has a computer or a tablet to ‘stream’ services, Burns and Old Parish Church minister Bob Johnston has cleverly put the focus on an item that everyone owns,

And that is a telephone.

Using the principles of conference calling Reverend Bob has invited his congregation to dial in and greet each other in a ‘hangout’ by landline or mobile phone.

Together they can listen to the Sunday service - before staying on the line if they wish to chat for longer.

The ingenious idea which also enabled Holy Week services to take place was showcased on BBC Radio Scotland’s Good Morning Scotland show on Monday (April 13).

Here, the minister said: ‘‘We expected a bit of a rammy when people called in at first but it has proved to be very successful.”

He has also told worshippers: “The Coronavirus situation is enormously worrying for all of us but please be assured that the church is not closed, only the buildings.

“We are excited at the worship possibilities this creates for us. All are warmly welcomed to participate in this.”

Good timing is key for those who want to hear the service on Sunday.

Callers should dial 03300 883434 at 10.50am where standard call rates will apply.

They will then be asked to key in the PIN number 462824

The service itself begins at its usual time of 11am.

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