Ayrshire Post

Plea to encourage parents to take children to church

- Sarah Hilley

A church elder this week called on parents to take children to church as the number of young faces in congregati­ons continue to dwindle.

Grandfathe­r of- two Malcolm McGregor said religion gave him a good grounding growing up.

The Kingcase Church goer pointed to recent research revealing an average of 10 children attend a Church of Scotland service regularly.

And a quarter of places of worship have no children at all.

Former Heathrow immigratio­n officer Malcom, 74, said: “I remember learning from the Bible at school. So many aspects of it are relevant to life today.

“I took my son and daughter to church.

I feel it benefited them. They went to Sunday School, Boy’s Brigade, the Brownies and Girl Guides. When I was growing up every child went to some form of worship but not now. It was a way of life then.

“Church gives children a moral framework.

“We have a problem with a lack of young in churches generally but particular­ly in the Church of Scotland.” And he urges parents to “try it.” Malcolm , of Prestwick, is pictured ( above) with 10- month- old grandson Lachlan at a recent church event.

A yr St Col umba minister Fraser Aitken spoke out about fewer children attending church. He said they were the “lifeblood of the church of tomorrow” and “should be valued as a part of the community of faith today.”

 ??  ?? Young blood Malcolm McGregor with baby grandson Lachlan
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Young blood Malcolm McGregor with baby grandson Lachlan 030318king_ 04

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