september 2014

www.kirkgatechurch.org.ukRegistered Scottish Charity SC023003

messengerArdrossan & Saltcoats

kirkgateCHURCHPARISH

3

Some of you will know that I like poetry. One of my favourite poets is Rainer Maria Rilke (1875 – 1926). I love his haunting poetic images and I am always challenged by how he tries to put his experiences of God and the life of faith into words in an age of disbelief, solitude and disconnection. This line from one of his poems is a favourite of mine: “He does not always remain bent over the pages; he often leans back and closes his eyes over a line he has been reading again, and its meaning spreads through his blood.”

Does this ever happen to you when you are reading? All of a sudden the penny drops. The words make sense. Their meaning hits you, as if for the very first time. Well it was like that when I first started to read the Bible for myself. The words cut deep into my soul and their meaning took hold in my life. It was like that when I started training for Ministry. I went back to university at the age of 43 and a whole new world of meaning opened up before me. There was so much to learn and absorb. Things I had always struggled with gradually became clearer as I discovered the vast wealth of theological history and biblical scholarship that had previously passed me by.

Like Rilke, writing a century or so ago, we live in age of disbelief, solitude and disconnection. But unlike him, we live in a fast moving generation where visual media and computer technologies are taking over from the printed word so it is vital that we should read and keep on reading - books yes - but most especially the Bible. We need to keep returning to the Bible, because in its pages we find ancient words - of faith and hope and love, of struggle and doubt, of light and darkness - all echoing down through the centuries. Ancient words – yes – yet God’s inspired Word is still living and active today. It never ceases to amaze me how I can always find something new in its pages, even in passages I know well.

When I take time to study the Bible there are always moments when I sit back and close my eyes in wonder over a line I have been reading. This is a moment when time stands still and the Word of God spreads through my blood.

“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

I am planning to set up a monthly Bible Study Group, starting in January 2015. If you are interested in being part of this group, please let me know (01294 463571 or by email: dorothygranger61@gmail.com) by the end of September. Numbers will determine the type of study we do and where we will meet.

Blessings

Dorothy

From the Manse . . .

4

Church Register Pastoral Care

Open House at the Manse

BAPTISM “Suffer the little children to come unto me”

24th August 2014 Adam John Stuart MacPherson, 25 Anderson Terrace, Ardrossan

FUNERALS “In my Father’s house are many mansions”

Congregation

Mr Russell McLaren, Beith, formerly of Springvale Street, Saltcoats

12th August 2014 Mr Andrew Cochrane, 32 Duddingston Avenue, Kilwinning

1st September 2014 Mr Andrew Cluckie, 1A, The Braes, Saltcoats

Parish

20th June 2014 Miss Agnes (Nan) Higgins, Caledonia Nursing Home, Saltcoats

Mrs Elizabeth Yarr, 8 Keir Hardie Drive, Ardrossan

15th July 2014 Mr William James Armstrong, Currie Court, Ardrossan

31st July 2014 Mr Ross Fletcher, 9 Millar Place, Ardrossan

28th August 2014 Mrs Annes (Nancy) Miller, South Beach House, Ardrossan

At this time of transition, it is important to keep the Pastoral Care Team up to date with information about people who need pastoral care or support. Please don’t assume that they already know. They would rather hear several times over than not at all.

The two main contacts for pastoral care are now Miss Alison Buick (01294 464531) and Mrs Morag Forsyth (01294 463762).

Alternatively please speak directly to Rev Dorothy Granger on 01294 463571

As you are probably aware, ministers no longer have access to ‘in patient’ lists at any of the hospitals so the Pastoral Care Team rely on family and friends to keep them informed if someone has been admitted to hospital.

Over the summer, three Open House afternoons were held at the Manse (10 Seafield Drive, Adrossan) – on Tuesday 1st July; Friday 18th July and Wednesday 27th August. We were blessed with three lovely sunny afternoons and, over the three afternoons, 44 people popped in for refreshments and a chat.

The Open House afternoons were held to give us a chance to get to know one another a bit better in a relaxed environment over a cup of tea. I certainly enjoyed myself and I hope that those of you who made it along on one of the afternoons did too. Thanks too to those who helped out and brought baking or biscuits, jam and flowers. I hope to do this again next summer and maybe (diary permitting) during the Advent period for mince pies and mulled wine. So keep an eye on the intimations later in the year.

Rev Dorothy Granger

5

Church Diary

SEPTEMBER

Friday 5th7.15 p.m. *Cunninghame Flower Club Enrolment Night

Sunday 7th10.45 a.m. Morning Worship12.00 noon Prayers‘Messenger’ & Life & Work available for uplifting

Monday 8th 10.00 a.m. Keep Fit Resumes

Tuesday 9th 7.30 p.m. Presbytery meets in Saltcoats: St Cuthberts

Thursday 11th 10.30 a.m. ‘30 Minute’ Service 2.30 p.m. Country Dance Club

Sunday 14th 10.45 a.m. Morning Worship

Wednesday 17th2.00 p.m. Guild Presbyterial Council Communion Saltcoats: North Parish – Rev A Noble

Thursday 18th 10.30 a.m. ‘30 Minute’ Service 7.30 p.m. Country Dance Club – Billy Gray Playing

Friday 19th 7.15 p.m. *Cunninghame Flower Club

Saturday 20th 10am – 1pm Introductory Meeting to Presbytery

Sunday 21st 10.45 a.m. Morning Worship – Sacrament of Holy Communion6.30 p.m. Songs of Mission Praise followed by Fellowship Meal at approx 7.30 p.m.

Monday 22nd 7.00 p.m. Guild Committee Meeting

Wednesday 24th3.00 p.m. Presbytery Business Committee Meeting

Thursday 25th 10.30 a.m. ‘30 Minute’ Service2.30 p.m. Country Dance Club

Friday 26th Material required for ‘Messenger’

Sunday 28th 10.45 a.m. Morning Worship – Harvest Thanksgiving

OCTOBERThursday 2nd10.30 a.m. ‘30 Minute’ Service7.30 p.m. Country Dance Club

Sunday 5th 10.45 a.m. Morning Worship 12.00 p.m. Prayers‘Messenger’ & Life & Work available for uplifting

Monday 6th 7.30 p.m. Guild Dedication & Communion Service Rev Dorothy Granger

Tuesday 7th7.30 p.m. Presbytery Meets in the Church

Thursday 9th 10.30 a.m. ‘30 Minute’ Service 2.30 p.m. Country Dance Club7.30 p.m. Kirk Session

Pleased be assured of a warm welcome at all our services. Tea & coffee served in hall afterwards

Sunday 10.45 a.m. Creche & Sunday SchoolMonday 10.00 a.m. Keep Fit Group 7.30 p.m. The GuildTuesday 2.00 p.m. KA Leisure Aerobics 4.00 – 8.00 p.m. The Craft TeamWednesday 6.15 – 8.30 p.m. *Senior Guides

* External Groups who use our premises

THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS ALSO MEET REGULARLY EVERY WEEK

SONGS OF MISSION PRAISESunday 21 September at 6.30pm

Followed by a Fellowship Meal approx 7.30 p.m.

We Extend a Warm Welcome to Everyone

Come along and enjoy

singing some of your

favourite hymns.

Return your nomination

slip by Sunday 14th Sept.

A note for your diary:

Kirkgate Christmas Fair Saturday 29th November 2014

For the last number of years I have been raising small amounts of funds with the congregation ordering items from the Webb Ivory Christmas Catalogue. These will be available in a few weeks time for anyone who would like to take one and pass it on to friends and family.

We make 25% on almost everything purchased. I prefer to have a couple of large orders rather than lots of small ones as we are charged £3.99 postage on each order. Please see me about the catalogue, every little helps! Moira Cooper

6

Regular Activities within Kirkgate Church

You are most welcome to come along and enjoy any of the meetings

PRAYERSOn the first Sunday of each month we offer a short time of prayers for members after the morning service. This is informal and open to all. Sometimes it affords a discipline to help us pray. Concerns of personal health problems, or of church, or our world – anything that lies heavily on your heart. If unable to come yourself then your concerns can be passed to Maureen Hunter for inclusion.

KEEP FIT GROUPThe group resumes on Monday 8th September at 10.00 a.m. when we hope to meet up with all our friends for another session. A welcome cup of tea is always served at the finish.Solveig McCulloch

THE GUILDThe regular guild meetings commence on Monday 6 October at 7.15 p.m. and we hope you will find something of interest in the syllabus which we have planned. The Membership Fee is £10. There is a time of fellowship when tea/biscuits are served afterwards.

CHAIR AEROBICSThis is an exercise class which is held in the church hall on Tuesday afternoons from 2.00 p.m. -

3.00p.m. Exercises can be done sitting in a chair or standing and you only do as much as you feel able to. The class is taken by a qualified instructor from KA Leisure. At the end of the class tea/coffee is provided. There is a Membership Fee of £5 and £2.50 per class per week. You are most welcome to join us if you can and enjoy light exercise and friendly banter.

THE CRAFT TEAMThe Craft Team are up and running again. We meet in the small hall from 4.00 –

8’ish on a Tuesday. At the moment we have seven members and would be delighted if anyone else would like to join us. The team make a range of cards and can make individual ones to order, all profits going to Kirkgate Church Funds. Everyone enjoys making the cards but we also enjoy our meal together, especially our pensioners fish supper delivery on the first night!!

It’s early to think of Christmas; however we are planning to have a Coffee & Cards morning before then, the date still to be arranged. On behalf of the team we appreciate your support, the sales have been fantastic so thank you to all our customers.

SENIOR GUIDING SECTIONWe meet every Wednesday 6.15 – 8.30 p.m. anyone aged 14 -26 years of age welcome. We are working towards ‘Awards’. Ring Marian Reid on 01294 603550 for further information. THE COUNTRY DANCE CLUBWe meet at 2.30p.m. and 7.30 p.m. on alternate Thursdays. We have a good mixed membership but always welcome any newcomers. We sometimes dance to live music which makes a change from recorded music. For further information please contact Elizabeth Howie.

CUNNINGHAME FLOWER CLUBThe Club meets once a month in Kirkgate Church hall on a Friday evening at 7.15 p.m. starting on 5th September with our enrolment night and a DVD of the Glasgow Cathedral Flower Festival held to commemorate the opening of the Commonwealth Games. We have demonstrators at our regular meetings when we hope to learn something new and get ideas. The Subscription Fee is £25 and we serve tea at the end of the evening. You can come along for free to any one of the following nights 19 September, 17 October, 20 February, 20 March and 17 April for a sample taster of this relaxing and enjoyable way to create your own beautiful arrangements of flowers.

7

Prayer Diary

HOW MUCH DOES GOD LOVE YOU?

Do you ever look up to see the stars at night?

Have you tried to count them allor imagine their number,

feeling small and insignificantand overwhelmed at the sight?

Do you ever try to picture the hand that puteach star in place,

that knows their number,and – more importantly –

knows that you are looking upto see the vastness of His universe?

He sees your face, hears your thoughts and reads your heart

God loves you more than all the stars in heaven.there’s an endless amount of lovethat He is always sending you,and His love is there to cover

every moment of your life.

Barbara J. Hall

A PRAYER FOR PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EASTGod of justice, bless those who work for peace through justice. Strengthen their resolve in the face of seemingly endless violence. Guide the leaders of the people of the Middle East to know your will and to support a just peace for all of your children.

God of love, lifting up the holy land for all humankind, breathe love and compassion into our prayers with a desire for nothing other than peace: peace in our hearts, peace for all creation, and especially peace in the land that is called holy.

*God of hope, we lift up the city of Jerusalem, distracted and divided, yet still filled with promise as all the cities of the world. Come again into our cities, places of worship, Upper Rooms and Gethsemanes, that we may be given sight to recognize you.

God of mercy, even as we long to understand that which is often beyond our comprehension, we lay before you the hearts, minds and bodies of all those suffering from conflict in Palestine and Israel and from the ongoing occupation. Shower upon all the people of the Holy Land the spirit of justice and reconciliation.

God of the nations, give to all our people the blessings of well-being, freedom, and harmony, and, above all things, give us faith in you that we may be strengthened to care for all those in need until the coming of your son, our Saviour and Lord.

Amen.

8

Blythswood Care Christmas Shoe Box Appeal 2014

Your response last year in supporting the Blythswood Christmas Shoe Box Appeal was overwhelming and very much appreciated and we would ask you to once again consider supporting this very worthwhile charity.

If you are happy just to bring your donations along and put them into the general box at the front of the church we will be delighted to receive them. Alternatively, if you wish to cover a shoebox or as many shoeboxes as you like with Christmas Paper then fill it/them with your choice of goods. That too will be very acceptable. The ladies who dealt with the boxes last year have again kindly volunteered to pack the items into the shoe boxes on your behalf and in advance we thank them very much.

To help you we have printed a copy of items they are seeking. It is up to you to decide who to fill a box for; it could be a baby, a young child, a teenager, a man or a woman. Official checklists will be available shortly and all we ask is that you tick off the items on the checklist that are in your box. As we go to print we do not have a deadline date for the uplifting of the boxes but it is usually the beginning of November. Hopefully by the next magazine we will have checklists and be able to let you know the closing date.

If you have any spare shoeboxes please bring them to the church and if you require a box to fill then please feel free to uplift as many as you wish.

BLYTHSWOOD CARE CHRISTMAS SHOE BOX APPEAL 2014

Your response last year in supporting the Blythswood Christmas Shoe Box Appeal was overwhelming and very much appreciated and we would ask you to once again consider supporting this very worthwhile charity.

If you are happy just to bring your donations along and put them into the general box at the front of the church we will be delighted to receive them. Alternatively, if you wish to cover a shoebox or as many shoeboxes as you like with Christmas Paper then fill it/them with your choice of goods. That too will be very acceptable.

The ladies who dealt with the boxes last year have again kindly volunteered to pack the items into the shoe boxes on your behalf and in advance we thank them very much.

To help you we have printed a copy of items they are seeking. It is up to you to decide who to fill a box for; it could be a baby, a young child, a teenager, a man or a woman. Official checklists will be available shortly and all we ask is that you tick off the items on the checklist that are in your box. As we go to print we do not have a deadline date for the uplifting of the boxes but it is usually the beginning of November. Hopefully by the next magazine we will have checklists and be able to let you know the closing date.

If you have any spare shoeboxes please bring them to the church and if you require a box to fill then please feel free to uplift as many as you wish.

SHOE BOX APPEAL 2014

Christian care for body and soul

GOODS REQUIREDEMPTY SHOE BOXES

Toothbrushes Toothpaste Soap Face Cloths ToiletriesCombs Small Toys Pens/Pencils Notebooks RubbersCrayons Socks Gloves Hats ScarvesBaby Goods (NO TALCUM)

No foods are permitted apart from sweets (no chocolate) and they must have aBest Before date MARCH 2015 or later

Please also note that all clothing must be new

Essential items for each box aretoothpaste/toothbrush, soap, hat/scarf,

gloves, warm jumper, small toy car or small dolleverything else is optional.

Closing date for filled boxes still to be confirmed

If you require a box to be uplifted please ring any of the office-bearers

ChristmasShoeboxAppeal

Blythswood

9

Congratulations

BAPTISM Adam John Stuart MacPhersonwith Judith & Ewan his Mum & Dad along with Rev Dorothy after his Baptism on Sunday 24th August 2014.

We send the family our Best Wishes and every Blessing.

THE QUEEN’S BADGE On 1st June 2014 David McFarlane was presented with The Queens Badge, the highest award in the Boys Brigade at the Relief Church of Scotland, Bourtreehill, Irvine.

He is continuing with officer training within the 1st Irvine Boys Brigade Company and in September is going to study Aeromechanical EngineeringAt The University of Strathclyde.

We wish David every success for the future.

BEST WISHESGary Cooper has recently qualified as a chartered Accountant with P.W.C and is going to work in Vancouver for two years. Gary leaves on 16 September and we wish him a safe journey and every success in his chosen career.

RETIREMENTSBest wishes are sent to three of our ladies who have all retired from their teaching profession namely, Vivien Bruce, Evelyn Green and Jean Rainey, we wish them every happiness as they begin their new career as ladies of leisure!!

10

Communication in Kirkgate Church

Welcome to the first edition of the Kirkgate Messenger. I hope you enjoy the new magazine. Part of the reason we have a magazine is to keep you up to date with things that are happening in the life of our congregation. So if you have something you want to share, or highlight or an event needing publicised, this is the place to do it – just get in touch with the Editor, Elizabeth McMahon Tel: 464428 or Email: elizabeth.mcmahon@talktalk.net.

As you will know, all aspects of church life are overseen by the Kirk Session. The Kirk Session is made up of Elders and is moderated (chaired) by the Minister. This year (2014/15), the Kirk Session will meet at 7.30pm in the small hall on seven occasions: 4th September; 9th October; 13th November; 12th February; 12th March; 14th May; and 11th June. Additional meetings may be called, if required, as long as two Sundays notice is given. Kirk Session meetings are open to all members of the congregation, but you cannot speak or vote unless you are an elder or an office bearer. A summary of the business and decisions of the Kirk Session will be produced for Kirkgate Messenger this year. If you should need further information about how the Kirk Session operates, or if you wish an item of business to go on the agenda for a meeting, then please contact one of the Session Clerks: Mr Stuart McMahon, 93 Montfode Drive, Ardrossan KA22 7PH. Tel: 01294 603848 Email: stuart@md93.co.uk or Miss Mima McSwan, 7 Springvale Street, Saltcoats. Tel: 01294 602410. Email: j.macswan716@btinternet.com.

Communication is vital in the life of Kirkgate and, since the union, we have been working to improve communication. As well as the magazine, we have the weekly Sunday service sheet. If you have things you want intimated, then get in touch with Stuart McMahon (details above) and he will include your intimation in the weekly service sheet. Please do take your service sheet away with you after the service, so you have a reminder of what’s on in the coming week. If you are not at worship for any reason, perhaps you could ask a friend or one of the elders to pass on a copy of the service sheet to you, so you don’t miss out on news and information.

If you have questions about the life and work of Kirkgate, or want to know more about what is happening, the Minister and the Session Clerks are always happy to help. Please don’t be in the dark or feel frustrated or unsure about what is happening, the answer or at least an explanation is only a phone

call or an email away.

And finally, if you do decide to phone me at the Manse, please do not be discouraged if you get my answering machine. The job of a Minister means I spend much of my time out of the house, or if I am in, I may have someone with me. So do please leave a message and I will call you back as soon as I can.

Rev Dorothy GrangerTel: 01294 463571 (Email: dorothygranger61@gmail.com)

NOW FOR A FEW GROANERS . . .• Thieves who steal corn from a garden could be charged with stalking.• If you take a laptop computer for a run, you could jog your memory.• With her marriage, she got a new name and a dress.• Show me a piano falling down a mineshaft and I’ll show you A-flat miner.• You are stuck with your debt if you can’t budge it.• A hard-boiled egg is hard to beat.

11

I hope you all enjoyed the summer time, we were certainly fortunate to have some decent spells of sunny weather in Ayrshire this year.

As most of you will know, I was away on an extended break this summer, a special and long anticipated holiday in America to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary. While we were away (21st July to 14th August) my two younger children celebrated their 18th (Rachel) and 21st (Ross) birthdays.

The holiday certainly lived up to expectations. It was our first time in America and we visited Boston, New York and Washington, spending three days in each city. Then from Washington, we flew to Florida where we spent two weeks in a villa in Naples on the edge of the Everglades National Park. From there, we explored the Florida Keys and Key West. The boys even managed to see a football match at the Sun Life Stadium in Miami between Manchester United and Liverpool! It was a wonderful trip and we are looking forward to returning in the future, to see more of this vast and varied country.

Thanks to you all for your good wishes and travel blessings. I thought you might like to see a wedding photo (circa 1984):

Summer Memories

POEM Holiday Wishes

We wish for you a holiday

That's better than your dreams,

Filled with peace, good will and hope

And firelight that gleams,

Overflowing with holiday spirit

Good food and holiday laughter;

And when it's done, We hope that you

Live happily ever after.

by Joanna Fuchs

12

Commonwealth Stories

The North Ayrshire Baton RelaySuzanne Fernando received the baton outside Barony St John’s from her daughter Jordan Fernando. Suzanne was named as a community champion for the fundraising she does for Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, having recently beaten cancer herself, and Jordan is autistic and fundraises for the National Autism Society. On behalf of the church Stuart wished Suzanne well.

Next it was a quick sprint along to South Beach House where Margaret and the residents were waiting to greet the Baton.

Earlier in the afternoon theRed Hot Chilli Pipers performed a private concert for the residents of South Beach House while they waited for the Baton to arrive. Pictured opposite are two of the band with local radio DJ Gina McKie, and Margaret Cassidy, Manager of South Beach House.

13

Commonwealth Stories - Cont’d

Glasgow Cathedral Flower Festival

Two of our very own Clydesiders

Several ladies from Cunninghame Flower Club who meet on our premises once a month were invited to help decorate the Cathedral for the Service of Thanksgiving to be held on the Tuesday before the opening ceremony of the games. They prepared 13 exhibits in our church hall on the Sunday night and transported them on the Monday morning to the Cathedral and when the festival was over they kindly donated two of their arrangements to the church for display on the Sunday. They originally contained purple stocks which did not stand well in the extreme heat that we experienced at that time so they had to be replaced with more carnations and roses but I am sure you will agree that they looked lovely and we thank the ladies for bringing a bit of the games back to Saltcoats.

I was selected to be a Clydesider (volunteer) at the Commonwealth Games, working as a ‘Field of Play Mopping team member’ at the badminton though the umpires called us the floor managers. This involved mopping the courts during the matches to clear sweat and debris to stop the athletes slipping. We had the best seats in the arena, right next to the line judges so we could also enjoy the games. My roster included the semi-finals of the main competitions plus the finals of the team competitions where I had the chance to have a wee chat with Prince Edward. The officials and players were all friendly towards us and I also had the chance to meet medal winning cyclists as the velodrome was just next door. I had 8 shifts which included clearing the arena after the games finished. We were allowed to either bin items or take posters, bins, signs etc home. I had to phone my dad to collect me as I had so many treasures to take home with me. I was lucky to have my picture taken with Craig McLean the Pilot for Neil Fachie who won Gold in the Men’s Sprint B Tandem Cycling Race. It was a really enjoyable experience.David McFarlane

I was selected to be part of the cast for Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games closing ceremony. I didn’t really know what to expect and was a bit worried as I had no dance experience at all, but I soon realised that everyone was in the same boat! The rehearsals at Bellahouston Academy were quite intense, especially on the lead up to the ceremony, but they were good fun and everyone was getting excited for the performance! On the day of the ceremony, we arrived at Hampden Park and went straight into rehearsals. I was lucky enough to be selected to carry the Pakistan flag during the handover to the Gold Coast, so I had additional rehearsals to get through before getting my costume, hair and make up ready. The actual performance was a bit of a blur! The crowd at Hampden were amazing and the adrenaline was definitely pumping for the full performance! I managed to get this photo taken with Lulu and a few ‘selfies’ with the athletes too, which was an added bonus! Overall, I had a great experience and it was something I will never forget.Laura Forsyth

14

FInance Report

33 Weeks to 17th August 2014The Profit and Loss Account for the 33 weeks to 17th August 2014 reveals that overall givings are ahead of budget. The (Gift Aid) tax refund received is well ahead of budget, due to a "catch up" on the old Barony tax reclaim, this falls to be adjusted by the £6,000 transfer to Fabric Account. After factoring in this adjustment overall income is re-stated as £57,138 which is £1,000 ahead of the budget of £56,163.

Total expenditure of £60,118 is £1200 ahead of the budget figure of £58,968. Contributions to 121 George Street are slightly behind the target for 33 weeks. Overall the financial position is as anticipated for the first 33 weeks of the financial year.

Angus Dodds, Treasurer

15

We have an exciting programme planned for the new session and there is much to look forward to. Meetings of local interest, Bible Study, news on the projects, card demonstration by our own craft team, slides show and much more.

We have four fund raising events planned throughout the year starting with an evening of Christmas Music at the beginning of December which will be held in the church and performed by Cumnock & District Hand-bell Ringers, in January a Ceilidh with the Largs Accordion Band, in February a Fashion Show by Bon Marche

and in March a Beetle Drive. We anticipate these evenings as social gatherings for all the congregation and friends and we hope you will enjoy supporting them as much as we will enjoy hosting them. Most of all we hope that some new members male & female will be encouraged to come along and enjoy the fellowship that the Guild has to offer.

Ardrossan Presbyterial Council Communion is the first meeting to be held on Wednesday 17th September at 2.00 p.m. in Saltcoats: North conducted by Rev Alex Noble. We then commence our own weekly meetings on Monday 6th October at 7.30 p.m. with a Dedication and Communion Service conducted by the Rev Dorothy Granger.

A copy of our syllabus will be available soon at the front vestibule to help you plan your diary and in the meantime we print the programme for October.

PLEASE NOTE THE NEXT COMMITTEE MEETING WILL BE ON MONDAY 22 SEPTEMBER AT 7.00 P.M. IN THE SMALL HALL

DATES FOR YOUR DIARYWed 17 Sept 2.00 pm Presbyterial Council Communion

Saltcoats: North – Rev Alex NobleMon 6 Oct 7.30 pm Dedication & Communion Service

Rev Dorothy GrangerMon 13 Oct 7.30pm North Ayrshire Food Bank - Craig CrosswaitheMon 20 Oct 7.30pm Poppy Lady – Anita Murray (Items for sale)Mon 27 Oct 7.30pm Project – Passage from India – Lorna McKenzieMon 3 Nov 7.30pm Burns in Rhyme –J Hodgart & Friends

Elizabeth McMahon, Secretary

The Guild

16

World Mission Peace Be Still

NEEDING A NEIGHBOURWorld Mission are concerned about the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan and we are all asked to pray for peace in that country.

The Rev. Peter Gai, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan visited Angus Presbytery and during his stay in May, opened the eyes of many people. After it gained independence in 2011 his country was doing well but due to political in-fighting war broke out last December. Rev. Peter sees it as his job to keep alive, the light that was burning brightly through the words and actions of Christ. He drank fresh clean water from the South Esk river and explained there was no clean water where he lives.

The scope of the work in which the World Mission Council is engaged, is broad all round the world.

CARIBBEAN - CUBALife has improved there since the Revolution but conditions are still challenging. The WMC hopes to take a group to Cuba in 2015

AFRICA - SOUTH SUDANWe are committed to working alongside the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan to support relief and healing.

EUROPE - CZECH REPUBLICTogether with the Evangelical Church of the Czech brethren we are in a relationship which is committed to an exchange of people.

MIDDLE EAST - ISRAEL AND PALESTINEWMC is supporting a joint initiative through the east Jerusalem YMCA and the YWCA of Palestine. The olive tree campaign distributes saplings to farmers who have seen their trees uprooted and destroyed.

ASIA - KOREAThe general Assembly has instructed WMC to support the Korean churches in their efforts for healing, reconciliation and peaceful reunification.

Extracted from the August/September 2014 World Mission report

Alison Buick

If you ever happen to be in Portpatrick at the start of their Gala Week you should make every attempt to be at the annual dedication of the Life Boat. One of the ministers from the surrounding area conducts this very moving service which consists of a few hymns, prayers, a reading from the Bible and the blessing of the boat and her crew. This year instead of a reading from one of the Gospels he read the message below. With the hills behind and sea before us it was very apt. I’m sure you will enjoy it.

PEACE BE STILLWhen the gloaming cam’ doon on Lake Gallilee’s side, and the Maister was fain nae langer to bide the wee boat was launched and a’ nature was still on the bonnie blue loch at the fit o’ the hill. The men and the Maister were busy a’ day the healing the sick folk that roon the toon lay, sae busy was He wi’ His love work for men He was gled tae step ower and lie doon in the end.

Then a’ o’ a sudden the sky was o’ercast and doon frae the hilltops there swept such a blast the wind raced alang and their hearts filled wi’ fear the thought o’ their loved ones and a’ they held dear. Their faces turned ghost-like thae got such a fricht they forgot that the Lord would see them a’ richt. The dear weary Saviour was sleeping sae soon and kent nought ava o’ the tempest a’roon the waves loupin’ high cam ower the boat and a’ they could dae couldna keep it afloat.

O waken up Maister or doon we will gae who’da thought this wad happen the day.But oh then the Saviour rose up at their cry what gaed ye be feared! Ye kent it was I.Oh where is your faith, what do you fear, when ye kent your ain Saviour was sleeping sae near. One word from His mouth a look o’ His e’e and the watter went doon and there wisna a soon.

He only spak three words “Peace Be Still” and the lake lay like glass at the fit o’ the hill.Oh what kind of man can this be at a’ that the wind and the waves obey at His ca’.These are his subjects, the watter and win’ He has only to speak to stop a’ the din.

So when ye are tossing on life’s gey rough sea and you’re fair pit aboot and ye feel like tae dee just mind your ain Saviour says “What do you fear” naething can harm ye while I am near.

Contributed by Margaret & Archie McAllister

17

HARVEST PROJECT 2014: Al-Shurooq School For Blind Children

Our harvest service will be held on Sunday 28th of September . This year we will be raising money for Al-Shurooq School for Blind Children in Jerusalem and raising awareness of the work of this school in a very difficult and often dangerous environment. The National Society for the Visually Handicapped (NSFVH) was founded in 1962 in Jerusalem and its first role was to produce books in Arabic and English Braille, creating a library serving the Middle East.

In 1981, Al-Shurooq School for Blind Children was established as the educational facility of the society. The school is one of the few organisations in Palestine that takes care of disadvantaged blind and partially sighted children and it is the only school in Palestine that takes children of preschool age. The school is open to children between 3 and 12 years old and most of the children come from deprived families living in the West Bank. At the school they find education, food and shelter. Due to the war and destruction in Gaza, the NSFVH is expecting to receive more children, since most of the organisations and infrastructure in Gaza has been destroyed.

Since 1994, the school has been located in Beit Jala, a Palestinian Christian town 10 km south of Jerusalem. It lies on the western side of the Hebron road opposite Bethlehem, just 2km from the Church of the Nativity. Their current premises are rented, but the NSFVH has purchased land in the area and hopes eventually to build a permanent and specially adapted centre – with a school and a resource centre for the blind and visually impaired.

The NSFVH, is financed by the ongoing support of churches (especially the Church of Scotland), the McCabe Educational Trust and through partnership projects, such as child sponsorship programmes. They also receive local support in the form of food and clothing for the children. The running expenses for the Society and the school come to approximately $15,000 USD per month and they need help and support to sustain the services they offer .

Our harvest project will raise money as a one off gift to the society, but if you would like to find out more about their child sponsorship programmes or if you would like to make regular donations to the work of the Society you can find more information on their website www.nsfvh.org or you can get in touch with them directly by emailing info@nsfvh.org or through their mail box: NSFVH, PO Box 19924, Jerusalem 91198. A copy of the Society’s latest Newsletter is enclosed with this magazine, but all their recent Newsletters can be found on their website.

This is a very worthwhile project which will help vulnerable children living under terrible circumstance in an area which has been much in the news recently because of the terrible tit for tat conflict ranging in Gaza. Gaza and other war torn areas have been the subject of our ongoing prayers for peace and reconciliation which we have offered up as part of the Moderator’s Dove of Peace Campaign. Please also remember in your prayers, the staff of this Society and School, working under very difficult conditions, doing their best to bring a future and a hope to the children they serve.

Rev Dorothy Granger

18

Kirkgate Messenger Please note that material for the October edition of the ‘Kirkgate Messenger’ should be handed in by Friday 26th September at the latest.

The ‘Newsletter’ team have been working behind the scenes preparing for the launch of our new magazine the Kirkgate Messenger (we are sorry but there will be no signings!!)

We have to thank Stuart with his graphic expertise for designing the new front page & advertisers’ pages. He has also been instrumental in helping me on a steep learning curve to produce what we hope you will find to be a slightly different look to the magazine. Obviously it is early days and we are still finding our feet with the new programme and machine but we hope in the meantime you find the magazine interesting and enjoy the colour which the new machine allows us to print.

The distribution districts have also been updated and if you volunteered some months ago, then you will find your name on a folder in the hall – they are arranged in alphabetical order. Inside you will find a list with your district – you do not need to knock on doors unless you really want a blether but in your travels should you come across any discrepancies with names or addresses please let me know so that I can correct it for next month.

To keep the magazine fresh and up-to-date please remember we are always looking for new material and you can email anything to me at elizabeth.mcmahon@talktalk.net should you have access to a computer – if not then a written copy will be fine. We like to record any achievements or special events like 90th Birthdays, Special Wedding Anniversaries – please let us know if you hear of anyone celebrating something special.

The new Risograph we hope will enhance any advertising or publications we require as a church and if any of the organisations require a printing job done or if any member of the congregation wishes a private printing of something done then please do speak to me or Stuart.

Finally I would just like to thank the many people who have assisted over the years in producing both the Barony St John’s magazine and New Trinity magazine – they are too many to mention and I would probably miss out someone so please accept this huge thank you for all your help from the Kirkgate Communications Team.

Elizabeth McMahon, Editor

Kirkgate News from

the Editor

19

Thanks to all my friends old and new in Kirkgate Church for the beautiful flowers I received recently.Winifred Smith

Many thanks for the beautiful flowers I received after my feet

surgery, also for the cards and phone-calls. The kindness and caring from our church Family is, as always, greatly appreciated.Margo Curtis

I would like to say thanks to the congregation for the flowers, cards and good wishes I received on the occasion of my retirement. They all mean a lot to me as I begin this new phase of my life.Vivien Bruce

We would like to thank the Kirk Session, church flower helpers and deliverers for the lovely flowers sent to Bill after his ‘tumble’ in the bus. He has made a good recovery. Also we must give many thanks for the beautiful bouquet sent later to compensate for us not being able to attend our granddaughter, Emma’s wedding in Valencia. Such kindness.May & Bill Watson

Very many thanks for the flowers I received on communion Sunday, they were really beautiful. Thanks also for the kindness of sending cards, visits and phone calls over the past months, they were very much appreciated. Margaret Campbell

Thank you for the beautiful flowers and support and visitations I received after my operation and recovery. They were all very much appreciated.Elsie Wilson

Thank you to everyone in Kirkgate Church for the lovely flowers I received. They were most appreciated.Kay Montgomerie

To all at Kirkgate Church. Your kindness and thoughtfulness will always be remembered, also thanks for all your visits.Sandra Craig

Annie McMaster would like to thank Kirkgate Church for the beautiful flowers she received on the occasion of her birthday in May.

Thank you very much for the beautiful basket of flowers you sent to Mum (Eunice Macpherson) on the occasion of her 90th Birthday. They were a lovely surprise and very much appreciated. Mum had a lovely day with the family all around.Allison Macpherson

To all at Kirkgate Parish Church, I was just delighted to receive the beautiful church flowers to mark a summer of wonderful family celebrations and milestone events. Thank you for cards, gifts, flowers and kind words.Evelyn Green

My sincere thanks for the beautiful flowers I received from the Church on Sunday 27th May. I also wish to express my thanks for the many cards and good wishes, as well as visits from Dorothy, which were all very much appreciated. Anne Jack

I would like to thank the congregation of Kirkgate for the flowers you kindly sent me following my recent attack by a dog. The scars are healing nicely now, and there appears to be no foaming at the mouth – at least, no more than is to be expected from a lifelong Kilmarnock supporter!! But seriously, thank you all very much. Your kindness was greatly appreciated.Donald Murchie

Just a wee note to thank you for the lovely flowers – sorry I missed you at the door when they were delivered. The bouquet brightened up my day during what has been a sad time.Thea Fletcher

I would like to thank my church family for the lovely flowers I received on the loss of my father. It was a gesture that helped to sustain me in the days that led up to the funeral. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those who sent me cards and those who were present at St Cuthbert’s for the funeral. You have all held me in a warm embrace.Fiona Kerr

Thank you for the church flowers which Liz delivered to me after the death of Andrew. Thanks also to Dorothy and all who sent cards.Nina Cochrane

Letters of Appreciation

20

21

Sunday Church Door Duty Rota

DATE TEAM COORDINATOR

Sept 14th Team A Mr A Colquhoun

Sept 21st Team B Mrs J Rainey

Sept 28th Team C Mrs D Kirkhope

Oct 5th Team D Mr A Dodds

Oct 12th Team E Mr A Macdonald

Oct 19th Team A Mrs E McInnes

Oct 26th Team B Mr A Colquhoun

Nov 2nd Team C Mrs J Rainey

FLOWER ROTA FLOWER DISTRIBUTIONSept 14th Mr Wilson Miss E Breakenridge

Sep 21st Mrs Passway Mr I Martin

Sep 28th Mrs Bannatyne Mrs M Cooper

Oct 5th Mrs Martin Mrs S McCulloch

Oct 12th Mrs O’Hanlon Mrs M Darroch

Oct 19th Mrs Meney Mrs E McCrackenOct 26th Mrs Massie Mrs C Gilmour

Nov 2nd Mrs Cooper Mrs K Hyslop

TEAM AMrs P MartinMiss A BuickMrs E GreenMiss E HowieMrs E McCracken

TEAM BMrs C LeeMrs J HayMrs M HunterMrs L ClarkMiss E Breakenridge

TEAM CMrs F LiddellMr G CampbellMrs B McWilliamMrs V BruceMrs C Gilmour

TEAM DMiss M PatersonMrs M CooperMrs E MurchieMrs E Gaw

TEAM EMrs S McCullochMrs M CassidyMrs A O’HanlonMr G ArmstrongMrs P Armstrong

DATE TEAM COORDINATOR

Nov 9th Team D Mrs D Kirkhope

Nov 16th Team E Mr A Dodds

Nov 23rd Team A Mr A Macdonald

Nov 30th Team B Mrs E McInnes

Dec 7th Team C Mr A Colquhoun

Dec 14th Team D Mrs J Rainey

Dec 21st Team E Mrs D Kirkhope

Dec 28th Team A Mr A Dodds

22

ARDEERBEITHPARISHLOCHRANZABRODICKCLARKMEMORIALCUMBRAEFAIRLIEKILBIRNIEAULDKILMORYKILWINNINGOLDKIRKGATELAMLASHLARGSSTCOLUMBAS LARGSSTJOHNS LIVINGSTON

MANSFIELDTRINITYNORTHPARKPIRNMILLSTANDREWSSTCUTHBERTSSTMARGARETSSTMARYSSTMOLIOSSTPETERSSTEVENSTONHIGHDALRYTRINITYWESTKILBRIDEWHITINGBAY

For Your Amusement: Name That Church

Find That Church

S S U L P S A T L L S H E N L V M D N J U Q T I A R T O K T A D T A L A R A O Z K C N E D I C M C E I M R R N N R L S C O T I E V H R U A R T G L S O W K R T B X Y E I R E T O B R S A F A H N L Y P E D R F A I H N L M S G I G I S L O T E M L L N L B H I S T E E A T K I H S R T S A Z U E I K C C T L M I R M R O W I E U A P R A T V O I D O N K N E I I R N R B E T S S E L I T M G N R R L T C K I S U S Q E G U I R N B F I H O A P S O T F U V W W M D I N A G P L M I T L S E Y W B K Q B F N B Y R M S T D R G A C Z A I L S A Y I G A G U I S T S Q N H X Y O G I S T T Z M O W U Z B I O B R O D I C K X R Y F A I R L I E M L W N C U M B R A E H S I R A P H T I E B I K I L M O R Y J E S H S W E R D N A T S K S T M A R Y S D L O G N I N N I W L I K K R A P C K Y B Q S R S N H O J T S S G R A L B H U N

ARDEER

BEITHPARISH

BRODICK

CLARKMEMORIAL

CUMBRAE

DALRYTRINITY

FAIRLIE

KILBIRNIEAULD

KILMORY

KILWINNINGOLD

KIRKGATE

LAMLASH

LARGSSTCOLUMBAS

LARGSSTJOHNS

LIVINGSTON

LOCHRANZA

MANSFIELDTRINITY

NORTH

PARK

PIRNMILL

STANDREWS

STCUTHBERTS

STEVENSTONHIGH

STMARGARETS

STMARYS

STMOLIOS

STPETERS

WESTKILBRIDEWHITINGBAY

Created by Puzzlemaker at DiscoveryEducation.com

Find That Church

Answers in next month’s “Messenger”

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

Tel: Donna Dunlop07874 365415

Gents’ Barber

DEE DEES CUTZ

3 Young Street, Ardrossan

www.deedeescutz.co.uk

Handmade sterling silver jewellery

Commissions undertaken

www.etsy.com/shop/silvertreesuk

Susan M MontgomerieTel: 01294 466334

11 Portland Street, KilmarnockTel: 01563 525024

www.jrdpartnership.co.uk

D&L Motor Co.

Unit 4B, Stevenston Industrial Estate, KA20 3LR

Tel: 473038

All servicing and repairsPetrol & Diesel

Tyres, Exhausts & BatteriesFREE Battery & Anti-freeze check

PETROL & DIESEL MOT CENTRE

Discounted annual subscriptions available through the church

www.lifeandwork.org

The monthly magazine of the Church of Scotland

Ask your local pharmacist: You'll be taking good advice

6 Central Ave, Ardrossan 01294 46404441 Glasgow St, Ardrossan 01294 6017611 New Street, Dalry 01294 83364419 Dockhead St, Saltcoats 01294 46334241 Hamilton St, Saltcoats 01294 463524Saltcoats Health Centre 01294 60213413 New Street, Stevenston 01294 6464259

Gallagher Pharmacy

Sunnyside Nursery

Flowers for all occasionsUK-wide delivery of our own bouquets

freshly made at Sunnyside

Off Hazelgrove,Kilwinning Tel: 552113

Fantastic deals on Alton and Robinsons Greenhouses

• Flower Shop • Garden Centre• Nursery • Greenhouse Agents

www.sunnysidenursery.co.uk

42 DOCKHEAD STREET, SALTCOATSTelephone: 462305 and 465019

T. BAILLIE & SONButchers and PoulterersOnly Finest Home-Fed Beef

and Lamb Stocked

2012 Scottish Black Pudding ChampionSilver Awards – 2010 and 2012 Speciality Burgers

2004 Best Beef Sausage in Scotland Champion

Tel: 01294 468753 Mob: 07717 796257 Email: merlin@bs7671.plus.com

• Commercial• Domestic • Industrial

Arthur Robertson Proprietor

We offer our clients independent professional accountancy, taxation and business advice through two

legal entities at three separate locations within Ayrshire.

David Robb PlumbingAll plumbing work

undertakenDisabled Shower

Specialist

Tel: 01294 463060Mob: 07810 566480

ELECTRICAL

Scottish Building Standards Approved

Contact: Mr John Conlan, Ardrossan Ind. Estate, Hill Street, Ardrossan

Tel: 01294 602020

MOBILEBLINDSAll vertical and roller blinds supplied

Kirkgate Craft Team• Wide range of hand-

made greetings cards

• Individual cards made to order

• Orders now being taken for Christmas

Come and help the Craft Team make cards

Every Tuesday in Kirkgate Church Hall, from 4pm-8pm

INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS

email: info@funeral-scotland.co.ukwww.funeral-scotland.co.uk

29 Chapelwell Street, Saltcoats KA21 5EBtel: 01294 607001 fax: 01294 606407

3 Lade Street Largs KA30 8AZtel: 01475 670555 fax: 01475 670555

Golden Charter Funeral Plans

24 Hour Service

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

16-70 seater coaches fitted with seatbelts available for private hire

For a quote or to book call 0800 072 0373

Roadside Flower Shop

Open 10.00am - 5.30pm50-52 Boglemart Street, Stevenston

Tel: 462859

Weddings - FuneralsHand tied bouquetsExotic and traditional flowersDelivery Service availableAll major credit cards accepted

New showroom at:21 Mackintosh Place, South Newmoor Ind. Estate, Irvine KA11 4JT

Tel: 01294 211888www.ashgrovehomeimprovements.co.uk

Kitchens, Bathrooms, Bedrooms and Marble Fireplaces. Stockists of Aqua Floor and Wallboard.

We also cater for the less abled.Our specialist staff will tailor a design to meet your needs and help inspire you to create the home of your dreams.

Peter Piper

Weddings, Burns Suppersand Other Celebrations

Tel: Peter Martin01294 46331307515 820619

Piping for all occasions

Magazine produced by Kirkgate Parish Church - www.kirkgatechurch.org.uk. Registered Scottish Charity No: SC023003.

Cavani’s

68 Hamilton Street, Saltcoats Tel: 464638

Quality Home Made IcesDaily & Sunday Papers

We sell over 200 varieties of toffees, chocolates and boiled sweets

Established 1902

West End Cafe

CENTRAL TAXIS24-hour service guaranteedAll contracts welcome

Telephone: 0500 340875 or 46 46 46

7-seat people carrier and 6-seat minibuses available

• NEWSAGENTS • BOOKSELLERS •• STATIONERS • TOBACCONIST •

STARKS

10 Hamilton Street, Saltcoats Telephone: 463439

A.W. BLAIR & SONSIndependent Family Funeral Directors

Seabank Street Saltcoats

Tel: 468238 (24 hour service)

www.funeral-ayrshire.co.uk

Service and Rest Rooms with ample private parking

Memorial Showroom at Canal StreetGolden Charter Funeral Plans

Day and Night ServiceMember of National Association of Funeral Directors

For personal attention contactIan Blair, Dip.F.D., M.B.I.E.

Sports & Rainwear

20/22 Hamilton StreetSALTCOATS

Tel: 01294 605977

No. 1 FOR SPORT