In order to keep their flock safe, local church leaders have decided to keep their doors shut to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

As of last Wednesday (July 15) churches across the country are allowed to welcome back worshippers into their buildings.

However, New Cumnock Parish Church will not be allowing people to return just yet, saying they want to “keep our buildings closed to help keep our community safe.”

Although the church doors are set to remain shut, church leaders do not want the public to feel that they are shut out, so they have arranged innovative ways to worship.

The Kirk Session said said: “As they say – ‘as one door closes, another door opens’ and quite a number of doors have opened up to allow everyone who wishes to join us for worship, prayer and even for ‘Tea in the Hall’!”

Among the methods being suggested for churchgoers to keep connected is a dial-in ‘Phone Worship’, a simple phone call to the church on 01290 800045 at either 11am on Sundays for the Sunday Worship Service or on Wednesdays at 7pm for the Short Service followed by ‘Tea in the Hall’.

The Kirk Session said: “The Phone Worship is, of course, extremely important as not everyone is online but most people are able to use the telephone.

“We are delighted with the number of people who have come through the doors and joined us in these ways.”

As well as the Phone Worship the kirk have also been running Youtube and Facebook video events.

Worshippers can join in via their Youtube channel to

join in with various services, such as the ‘Tea in the Hall’ on Saturdays at 9am, the Candle Light Prayer for Corona on Sunday evenings at 7pm and the 11am Sunday worship.

Similarly their Facebook page will host a ‘Guided Prayer Time’ on Wednesdays at 6.45-7pm.

Rev Helen Cuthbert is on hand for any pastoral concerns and for help with the technology and is available on 01290 338296.