Burghead Free Church to host series of community events this month
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BURGHEAD Free Church will play host to a former gangland criminal, an MSP and an Edinburgh Fringe magician this month.
The church will join over 800 congregations across the UK in a series of community events aimed at engaging contemporary culture with the Christian message.
Nine events will be hosted in Burghead over a two week period as part of the initiative, dubbed "Real Life", beginning March 12.
For Peter Turnbull, the church's minister, the initiative represents the latest move in what has been a 'journey of revitalisation' for the congregation.
Mr Turnbull said: "I've been here for six years. We've been growing from a congregation that was mostly small and elderly to being a bit larger and a bit younger.
"These events tie into that really. It's a range of events that will, in different ways, tackle some of the big questions of life and engage people about talking about the Christian faith in different ways.
"We're kind of gearing it up to be church for people who don't really do church.
"We're hoping that it will appeal to different people."
A series of interview evenings will be held at the church. That includes talks from Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser and a local couple who lost their son. Eddie Murison, once one of Scotland's most notorious and violent criminals will also speak about how becoming a Christian helped him change his ways for the better.
Stephen Allison, a magician and former member of the Edinburgh Magic Circle, will also perform his show 'The House Always Wins' to round off the week. He'll talk afterwards about truth and illusion in relation to the Christianity.
But despite Christianity being a prominent theme over the two weeks, Mr Turnbull has insisted the events are suitable for anyone who is curious.
"It will be an informal relaxed atmosphere," Mr Turnbull added.
"We don't do religious jargon. We try to put things in a way that is comprehensible to everyone and the invitation is there for anyone to go for it really.
"Obviously it's good for a range of ages as well because we have things like the magic show which could be good for children.
"The message is basically come along because we'd love to see you."
The events will be free of charge.
More information can be found here.
