WITH their normal festive programme curtailed, Barrhead churchgoers are finding alternative means to spread hope and joy this Christmas.

Bourock Church is asking their congregation to put an angel in their window this Advent and hope this symbolic act will catch on around the town.

The children who attend the Junior Church call on Zoom every Sunday are also making different angels and are being encouraged to share them, so residents may find one on their doorstep this festive season, too.

Linda Dye, the church’s session clerk, told the Barrhead News: “You may have noticed some angels appearing on the railings at the church. We just felt we wanted to do something visible because the church is closed just now.

“It doesn’t matter what your religious beliefs, angels are a sign of hope for everyone.

“Surely most people will have an angel ornament or Christmas decoration that they could put in their window. It would be lovely if these messengers of hope and joy could appear in every window of our town right through December.”

The church has kept services going throughout the pandemic by taking them online and by allowing those without the internet to call in and listen over the telephone.

This year, however, their nativity has been cancelled and carol singing is banned, so QR codes have been fixed to nine spots around Main Street, which can be scanned by a mobile phone in order to hear a carol and a Christmas message.

The “carol walk” uses material produced by Scottish ministers for the Spill the Beans junior worship programme.

The codes have been placed at venues such as St Andrews Church and the Barrhead URC.

Linda added: “Hopefully people will be encouraged to walk down Main Street, look out for them and enjoy listening to them all.”