8 January 2026 | Glasgow, Scotland [Adina Lupu, Scottish Mission and tedNEWS]
The Glasgow Adventist Gospel Choir (GAGC) entered a new chapter of ministry on 14 December 2025 by performing for the first time inside HM Prison Barlinnie, following an invitation from the Church of Scotland Chaplaincy. The choir presented an Advent-themed concert during the prison’s Sunday service.
The service included gospel songs and traditional carols, interspersed with Bible readings reflecting on the birth of Jesus. A notable moment came when an inmate volunteered unexpectedly to accompany the choir on the piano for two carols. During the performance of Amazing Grace, several prisoners were visibly moved, a response the chaplain later noted as common, describing the hymn as one of the most cherished during services.
To conclude the service, Prison Chaplain Reverend Jill Clancy read the lyrics from Life is a Blessing, a song performed by the choir and arranged by GAGC musical director Maestro Samuel. He also thanked the choir, describing their presence as a “blessing” for the prisoners and noting that many had commented on how uplifting the service had been.
Reflecting on the year, a choir member described 2025 as “fruitful and exciting,” highlighting the ministry opportunities in care homes, hospitals, charity events and community celebrations, culminating in the choir’s first prison outreach. “Who would have thought, when we stepped out in faith at the start of the year, that God would provide such meaningful opportunities to share and serve?” they said.
Pastor Claudiu Popescu, the minister of Glasgow Seventh-day Adventist Church who established the partnership with HM Prison Barlinnie and coordinates the choir’s initiatives, reflected on the church’s wider mission and community engagement. He said a question he first encountered two decades ago, “Would your community miss you if your church no longer existed?”, has continued to shape his approach to ministry.
Popescu said the church seeks to prioritise outreach that “changes things, where people’s lives are touched and impacted and the surrounding community notices that they matter.” Describing the work so far as “a humble beginning,” he added that the church remains committed to continuing the journey.
[Photos: Courtesy of the Scottish Mission Communication Department]
The original version of this article was posted on the Scottish Mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church website.
