New members making a splash at at Barrhead kirk

East Renfrewshire church has been making a splash in the local community with four baptisms at its Easter Sunday service.

St Andrew's Parish Church in Barrhead also welcomed 17 new people from three continents into the church family as members.

Parish minister Rev Tim Mineard, who was assisted by student minister William Gibson during the busy service, described it as a fantastic occasion for the celebration of new life.

"We borrowed a portable baptistry from Perth North Church for the occasion, and I was privileged to be able to baptise three people by full immersion and one individual from the font," said Mr Mineard.

Three of those being baptised, Olivia Czarnik and siblings Corren and Elyza Frame, are under 18.

Joining them was Lisa Grier, who has just completed an Alpha course with the church and wanted to be baptised as a sign of her new commitment.

The new members had a truly international flavour, including three Ukrainians, several Nigerian families and a couple from Hong Kong who have been attending the church over the past year.

"As a church we have seen a number of new people joining over the past few years," Mr Mineard explained.

"Some of the surge is due to our employment of a full-time youth and community worker in April 2024.

"We have also seen a big increase in people coming from all kinds of different ethnic backgrounds and have made a big effort to welcome them.

"For example, we have held dedicated African Sundays over the past few years."