New minister welcomed to Lanarkshire church and pioneer project

dailyrecord.co.uk:

A new Church of Scotland minister who was ordained in Hamilton this month is now beginning his first ministry and aims to develop a pioneering initiative supporting people with autism.Rev Steven Owens is working to build online community St Thorlak’s, bidding to make church life more accessible for those with autism and their families, as well as taking up his first charge at Bellshill West parish church.He was ordained as a minister of word and sacrament at a celebratory service at Hamilton Old parish church, where he completed his final placement, and is now an assistant minister to the presbytery of Forth Valley & Clydesdale.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now.

Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android Prior to ministry, Rev Owens was the head of autism training at the National Autistic Society, and had previously worked in a residential school and as a manager in an adult residential service.He said: “I know I am in the right place with Bellshill West for this time and trust that God will lead me to where I am meant to be next; and there is plenty for me to do here and in developing St Thorlak’s community further.“It will seek to develop an online community for autistic Christians and work to make church life more accessible for them and their families; if I can help the church grow in this way, I feel I will be answering part of the