Pollokshields
United Reformed Church
Our
mission in action
With its roots firmly set in the Scottish Congregational movement,
Pollokshields URC is now part of the United Reformed Church in the Synod
of Scotland.
Though one of the smaller of Britain’s ‘mainstream’
denominations, the URC stands in the Reformed tradition but is very
ecumenical in outlook and is always looking for increased unity in the
world wide church.
Theologically it is a broad church; its congregations come from evangelical,
charismatic and liberal understandings of the Christian faith and all
are valued.
The mission of the church is viewed as the whole work of the church
with particular emphasis on Justice Issues through the Commitment for
Life programme, which is a partnership between Christian Aid, the World
Development Movement and the URC.
Pollokshields URC focuses on partners in Bangladesh who help the very
poorest people in society, including the empowerment of women, HIV/Aids
awareness and the provision of clean water. It is a Fairtrade church.
The church supports the school Christian community, especially the
Christian Union and Scripture Union.
In the community of Pollokshields the congregation are involved through
Pollokshields Churches together in the promotion of better youth services,
both Christian and secular.
A Bible study group meets fortnightly in church member’s homes.
The church feels poised to react in any way required to accommodate
new members and although the average age is very high, would be very
responsive to the needs of new members.
Activities on the Premises
The church no longer owns its buildings and instead has a unique partnership
contract with Hutcheson’s Grammar School.
During the week the former church buildings are now part of the ‘Fotheringay
Centre’ which houses the school's music and computer technology
departments. The facilities are really wonderful with modern lighting,
sound system, disabled access, etc.
The minister has a small vestry to work from and the church uses the
facilities by prior arrangement with the school.
A Guide group meets every Friday evening. Joint services with the
school are becoming a regular event. Fund-raising concerts for community
youth work and coffee mornings in support of church funds also take
place.
The church is very keen to make best use it can of these excellent
premises for the work of the church and community.
Our history
Pollokshields Congregational Church was formally opened on April 18th,
1903, on land secured from Pollok estates.
Blessed with a vibrant congregation and served by ministers of renown,
the church has always played an important part in the Christian life
of Pollokshields.
In the year 2000 the Scottish Congregational Church became part of
the United Reformed Church by act of Parliament.
This coincided with the new partnership with Hutchesons’ Grammar
School and the church now looks to the future in faith.
