Ascension Trust (Scotland) and a team of local volunteers in Lerwick have been working on setting up a new intiative ready to respond to the needs of the community. A meeting was held this week, reported Shetland News, to share more with the community as the team get closer to being ready to go out.
A Church of Scotland spokesman said to Shetland News: “Shetland Church of Scotland is already in discussion with our local ecumenical partners regarding the introduction of a street pastor service and is recruiting volunteers to sharing the caring and loving example of Jesus in practical ways.
“Church of Scotland members, along with volunteers from other denominations, are serving as street pastors in town and city centres, at festivals and other events across the country, helping diffuse tension, or offering practical aid from hot drinks and foil blankets on cold nights to flip-flops for revellers who cannot walk any further in their high heels.
“They also provide a sympathetic ear for people – predominantly young – who may be facing a range of issues, from mental health struggles to homelessness or the impact of abuse or violence.
“We look forward to helping extend that listening, careful and non-judgmental care to the Shetland community.”
To read more about Street Pastors in Scotland see scotland.ascensiontrust.org.uk/locations
