The churches of Abernyte, Inchture & Kinnaird, Invergowrie and Longforgan ... are now the

united parish of  Carse of Gowrie Kirk (Church of Scotland) - Scottish charity number SC009839.

Our local Sunday gatherings and the local church buildings are now:

Carse Kirk @ Abernyte,  Carse Kirk @ Inchture, Carse Kirk @ Invergowrie, Carse Kirk @ Longforgan.

What’s the vision (beyond reorganising) ?

In the face of secularisation, disenchantment, individualism and decline, there are many challenges. But much more important is a vision. We can't wait to get the union/re-organising process behind us so that we can get on with the real work of being the church we desperately need where … 

… despite our differences, we worship, love and serve together, a visible sign to society; 

… community is authentic and hospitable;

… everyone, equally, feels they have something valuable to contribute; 

… and yet there is diversity, also in styles and formats;

… we as a whole seek new ways to touch the hearts of all;

… not only young children and older people find a spiritual home but all generations in their own ways; 

… people are nourished in faith and can grow spiritually; 

… we can explore, adventure and experiment; 

… not finances and buildings consume all time and effort but an ever deeper love of Christ is the focus;

... and we have time and energy to spend with people.

Presbytery has unanimously approved this union and it has started on 1st January 2025. The details are written in the 'Basis of Union'. We are now one  parish, one charity, with one kirk session, although still with four places of worship  (one in each of the four larger villages). 

In this union, everything does belong to everyone. Sharing works best, as in a family, when everyone takes the well-being of the other to their own heart.

What is happening next?

On 29th January the united kirk session bringing together Abernyte, Inchture & Kinnaird, Invergowrie and Longforgan will decide on the way forward.

For Thursday 20th February a 'Service of Union' is in planning: all neighbours, friends and members of our churches are invited to come together, worship and celebrate. Presbytery will organise and plan for this together with local people.

Who can I ask about all this?

Graeme, Debbie, Jackie - in  Abernyte.

Euan, Menna, John - in Inchture & Kinnaird.

Claire, Susan, Peter - in Invergowrie.

Vivien, Freddie, Alex - in Longforgan.

Why a union ?

As in many walks of life now (health, education, care, ...) there is a lack of able people to fill all positions.

Also, all over the country, churches are coming together in unions - sometimes of just two partners, sometimes quite a number of churches together. The parishes of Fowlis&Liff, Lundie&Muirhead and Auchterhouse are since 1st Jan. 2024 a union of one parish: Sidlaw Church.

What about my church building?

We envisage a union with four places of worship (so no change in that to the current situation); none of the four church buildings will close because of union, although we will keep them all under review.

Instead union is about re-organising, being better at responding to today's challenges. It is not about closing buildings.

If you want your church building to stay open, it needs to be as fully used as it can be, reaching out to the community. You can help with this:

- be inviting to your neighbours and others around,

- get involved in activities,

- start new activities.

Presbytery will review the situation of buildings every year.

Read more detail here:

Basis of union - published from 8th October 2024 onwards

Basis of team ministry - published from 8th October 2024 onwards

the 'pros' and 'cons' of union - this was published in our church newsletter in May 2024

the financial overview of our four charities/churches - published 10th June, revised 24th June 2024