A MORAY CHURCH CONGREGATION will soon be able to enjoy a return of regular services following an extensive refurbishment operation.

The Burghead Free Church is set to reopen on March 12 with the congregation extending a special invitation to everyone in the coastal village and beyond to join them in a celebration service.

Having revitalised the local church community since his arrival two years ago, Peter Turnbull set about the process of a £100,000 refurbishment of a building that dates back to 1845.

The majority of the funding for the project came from donations with some also coming from the sale of pews from the church.

Mr Turnbull said: “Our aim was to create a welcoming, flexible and contemporary space that would be a great base for making the good news of Jesus known, and that would be a resource for our community.”

Over the last 10 months old pews have been removed, a new floor laid, and large sections of the interior gutted and reinstated. The building has been updated with new heating, flexible seating and modern audio-visual facilities, plus fresh coffee is always on hand from the new drinks station.

Following the reopening service the church plans five weeks of ‘Invitation Services’, a special opportunity for those who wouldn’t normally go to Church to do so.

Mr Turnbull added: “It’s been a privilege to serve the Church family at Burghead, who have been wonderfully welcoming, as well as forward thinking and visionary – they love people, and they love the good news of the Christian faith.

“The congregation have been working hard, the building is looking stunning, and we’re looking forward to welcoming many new folks along to our re-opening service and the Season of Invitation that follows.”

More information on the work in Burghead can be found online.