Hospitality Ministry

We’ve noticed a trend of many a pilgrim wandering through our doors on any given Sunday, en route to Iona. They are Americans, English, Germans and Kiwis. They're an exasperated Presbyterian pastor on sabbactical, a Church of England prayer group on retreat, or college students from a North Carolina university on a journey.

In the past we have given our greetings and offered coffee and the essential biscuit, but we see that there is a real opportunity for a greater vision. We have asked ourselves the question, "how may we extend the right hand of fellowship to our brothers and sisters in Christ from around the world?" Oban is a little place, but it is such a vibrant locale because of the many visitors that mold and shape its character. We at the Kilmore Oban Church don't just want to greet you at coffee, but acknowledge you as a fellow brother and sister on the road.

Oban itself has a rich history of Christianity that has been about for millenia; in the nearby town of Kilmore Christians have settled since the 5th century. We have a little prayer room that we dedicated this last February in our Corran Esplanade sanctuary which contains photographs taken by one of our members of holy sites, "thin places" all across Argyll and Bute. Iona is a large part of this, but there are many other sites seeped in the communion of the saints all around us.

We extend the hand of fellowship to you not as a passerby, but as a soul friend. Whether you are planning an excursion to Iona for sabbatical or taking a group from your congregation, we would love to be a part of the road with you. Perhaps we can show you some of the sacred spaces here in Argyll, or provide for you some quiet time for retreat and prayer on your journey. We are still beginning to envision what our ministry of hospitality will look like, but please don't hesitate to contact us at obancofs@btinternet.com. We would love to hear from you.

Please also visit our Presbyterian Pilgrimage blog