ardrossan & saltcoats kirkgate messenger parish churchthe church of scotland. one of the people...

september 2015

www.kirkgatechurch.org.ukRegistered Scottish Charity SC023003

messengerArdrossan & Saltcoats

kirkgateCHURCHPARISH

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From the Manse . . . At the time of writing, I have just returned from three weeks holiday in America and a few additional days stopover in Iceland en route home. As is usually the case with holidays, it passed far too quickly. Although Dave and I travelled for 10 days across New York State - all the way to Niagara Falls and back through Pennsylvania - we were, for the final 10 days, based in White Plains (in Westchester County) just north of New York City. We were joined there by our children. This year’s holiday has a bit of a back story, which I thought I would share with you.

Back in 2007, I was finishing my ministry training with the Church of Scotland. The last part of the training programme comprises a 15 month placement with a parish church and a series of residential conferences. The conference programme gives probationer ministers a chance to meet up with their fellow probationers, and with ministers from other denominations or from overseas who have transferred in to the Church of Scotland. One of the people I met during the conferences was Rev Miriam Groß, a Minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bavaria, Germany. Miriam had come to Scotland with her family (under an ecumenical arrangement) to be the minister at East Mainland Church in Holm, Orkney. After Miriam returned to Germany in 2010, we kept in touch via Facebook.

As you probably know, we had our very first family holiday in America last summer. One of the places we visited on our travels was New York City. It was then that I got an excited message from Miriam to say that she had accepted a five year appointment as Minister at the German Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. Paul (EKD) in New York City. When she heard we were hoping to come back to America this summer, Miriam and her family very kindly offered us the use of their manse in White Plains while they were on holiday in Florida – in exchange for some cat sitting on our part.

Suffice to say, we had a wonderful time and the cats were a delight. It was great to see Miriam again and to meet her husband Herbert and her four children. Miriam and I feel greatly blessed to have met back in 2007. We could never have guessed when Miriam moved back to Germany, that the next place we would meet would be New York!

God certainly moves in mysterious and exciting ways, especially when he brings new people into our lives. Some will come and go, but some will return again – enriching our lives beyond measure.I hope your summer time included some space for rest and relaxation - time to reconnect with family and friends – near and far. I hope you have been blessed.

Best wishesDorothy

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Church Diary 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 GuidesThursday 2.30 & 7.30 Country Dance Club Alternate weeks

THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS ALSO MEET REGULARY EVERY WEEK

SEPTEMBERSunday 6th10.45 a.m. Morning Worship ‘Messenger’ & Life & Work Available for Uplifting

Thursday 10th10.30 a.m. ‘30 Minute’ Service7.30 p.m. KIrk Sesssion Meeting7.30 p.m. Country Dance Club - Billy Gray Playing

Friday 11th7.30 p.m. KIrkgate Quiz & Supper Night

Sunday 13th10.45 a.m. Morning Worship – Mr Andrew Bruce

Thursday 17th10.30 a.m. ‘30 Minute’ Service2.30 p.m. Country Dance Club

Sunday 20th10.45 a.m. Morning Worship - Sacrament of Holy Communion

Monday 21st7.00 p.m. Guild Committee Meeting

Wednesday 23rd 3.00 p.m. Presbytery Business Meeting


Friday 25thMaterial required for ‘Messenger’

Sunday 27th10.45 a.m. Morning Worship - Harvest Thanksgiving

Visiting clergy no longer have access to in-patient lists at local hospitals, so the only way for the Minister to find out if you are in hospital is if a relative, friend or neighbour lets us know.

The Minister’s details are below and you can also contact Miss Alison Buick (01294 464531) or Mrs Morag Forsyth (01294 463762) and visits will be organised.

Rev Dorothy Granger (01294 463571)

Pastoral Care in Kirkgate Church

OCTOBERThursday 1st 10.30 a.m. ‘30 Minute’ Service2.30 p.m. Country Dance Club

Sunday 4th10.45 a.m. Morning Worship‘Messenger’ & Life & Work available for uplifting

Monday 5th7.30 p.m. Guild Dedication & Communuiion Service Rev Dorothy Granger

Tuesday 6th 7.30 p.m. Presbytery meets in the Church


From the EditorPlease note that material for the October edition of the ‘Kirkgate Messenger’ should be handed in by Friday 25th September at the latest.

Please feel free to email me at [email protected] with any interesting news or events that occur so that we can record them in future issues of ‘The Messenger’. A written copy will be fine if you don’t use the computer. Please also remember that if you would like a printing job done whether private or church then please do speak to me or Stuart and we will do our best to accommodate your requirements.

Elizabeth McMahon, Editor & Life & Work Convenor

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Prayer Diary

THE DIFFERENCEI got up early one morning and rushed right into the day.

I had so much to accomplish that I didn’t have time to pray.

Problems just tumbled about me and heavier came each task

“Why doesn’t God help me” I wondered.

He answered “You didn’t ask”

I wanted to see joy and beauty but the day toiled gray and bleak;

I wondered why God didn’t show me.

He said “But you didn’t seek”

I tried to come into God’s presence, I used all my keys at the lock

God gently and lovingly chided, “My child, you didn’t knock”.

I woke early this morning, and paused before entering the day;

I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.

The following are Words from the Jerusalem prayer, written by our brothers and sisters in Palestine for World week of peace for Palestine & Israel 20th to 26th September 2015

We pray for comfort, for the strength to not lose heart.

We pray that the wall and all similar walls will fall.

We believe that the Wall is a ‘momentary affliction… for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal’ (2 Cor. 4: 16-18).

We pray for reconciliation and for peace, as we commit to working for justice for all who live in this Holy land.

As we observe this week with our brothers and sisters round the world, we ask for the strong comfort of the Holy Spirit for all who seek justice in this land. Inspire us to not be content with mere words but to engage in acts of costly solidarity. Inspire us to be instruments of your peace, the workers of your will. ‘For He is our peace, in his flesh he has made both groups into one and has broken down the dividing wall that is hostility between us.’(Ephesians 2:14)

Alison Buick

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Church Register

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

5.6.15 Mrs Helen Rooney, Caledonia Care Home, Saltcoats

11.6.15 Mr Charlie Williams, Three Towns NH, Stevenston

27.6.15 Mrs Margaret Wells, Biggart Hospital, PrestwickFormerly of Currie Court, Ardrossan

June 2015 Mr McCallum, Arran View NH, Saltcoats Formerly of Laighdykes Road, Saltcoats

7.7.15 Mrs Isabella (Ella) Lee, 9 Parkhouse Road, Ardrossan

16.7.15 Mrs Robertina (Ina) Salmon, Caledonia Care Home, Saltcoats

3.8.15 Mr Irvine Ritchie, 12 Moffat Wynd, Saltcoats

6.8.15 Mr J Paton, 4 Kilbrannan Avenue, Saltcoats

10.8.15 Mrs Jean McLellan, Seabank NH, Saltcoats Formerly of Kerr Avenue, Saltcoats

12.8.15Mr Stewart McGregor, 47 Sannox Drive, Saltcoats

14.8.15Mrs Jenny Anderson, Abbotsford Nursing Home, Ardrossan

• Miss Fiona Kerr, Caledonia Road, Saltcoats now resides at 38 Argyle Road, Saltcoats

• Mrs Celia Meney, Springvale Court, Saltcoats now resides at 10 Harbour Point, Saltcoats

• Mrs Georgie Shillinglaw, Montgomerie Court, Saltcoats is now resident in South Beach House, Ardrossan

Data Protection Consent FormsThank you to everyone who has completed their data protection forms so far. There has been a very good response to date. Anyone still to complete the form, we would appreciate if you could return it to us as soon as possible.

Stuart McMahon

A Special Harvest

The Lord blesses us abundantly

when we plant this type of seed--

love our neighbors as ourselves

and helping others who are in need...

Cultivate the soil and watch the crops grow,

you shall reap a great harvest

with the love kindness you show...

seasons comes and go,

but your crops shall never die,

just have a little faith

and give it a try!

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Elizabeth McMahon, Secretary

The Guild

Outing to Gaiety Theatre, Ayr

Just to let you know that Alison has booked the theatre tickets for the Ayrshire Pilharmonic’s performance of ‘White Christmas’ on Saturday 14th November at the Gaiety Theatre Ayr, she has also booked a meal for us afterwards at the Gailes Hotel, Irvine. The remaining cost for the coach and meal is likely to be in the region of £20. If you have any queries please speak to Alison Buick Tel: 464531.

Guild members along with friends enjoyed a trip to the Kelpies at the beginning of June. Thanks to Anne Hynd for the pictures on the opposite page. They had a wonderful day which was rounded off by a meal on the way home at the Canny Man, Lugton. Thanks once again to Ray McKay for arranging everything.

The Guild Committee will meet on Monday 21st September at 7.00 p.m. to finalise the details for the next session. We hope that you will find the syllabus varied and interesting and be encouraged to come along and join us. The subscription for the year is £10 and we meet every Monday at 7.30 p.m. and always enjoy a blether over a cup of tea at the end of the evening.

We commence our meetings on Monday 5th October with a service of Communion & Dedication led by our minister Dorothy.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

OCTOBER6 Tuesday 2.00 p.m. Ardrossan Presbyterial Council - Autumn Meeting Dalry: St Margaret’s Ian Whyte - Golden Age Project12 Monday 7.30 p.m. CONCERT - ARDROSSAN COMMUNITY CHOIR TICKETS £3 INCLUDING SUPPER19 Monday 7.30 p.m. VIP & Royal Security - Ian Thomson26 Monday 7.30 p.m. Supernatural Slide Show - Bill Craig

NOVEMBER2 Monday 7.30 p.m. Glasgow’s Oldest Sweetie Shop - Mrs Irene Glickman6 Friday 12 noon - 3.00 p.m. Ardrossan Presbyterial Council Saltcoats: St Cuthbert’s Fayre Presents & Display9 Monday 7.30 p.m. BEETLE DRIVE - TICKETS £2

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Enclosed within this magazine is an envelope for your harvest donation, which this year will be going to the North Ayrshire Sports Association for the Disabled. Please read below a few facts about this local charity which we are sure you will agree is well worth supporting.

HARVEST THANKSGIVING - Sunday 27th September

NORTH AYRSHIRE SPORTS ASSOCIATION FOR THE DISABLEDFormerly ‘Cunninghame District Sports Association for the Disabled’, North Ayrshire Sports Association for the Disabled (NASAD), as it is now known was established in 1979 and was re-constucted in 1997 to align with the new local authority (North Ayrshire Council) after reorganisation of the local government in Scotland. Support for NASAD continues today through K:A Leisure and its Sports Development Team.

North Ayrshire Sports Association for the Disabled (NASAD) aims to promote, foster and develop sports and recreational activities among people with disabilities in North Ayrshire and to further promote the aims and objectives of Ayrshire SportsAbility and Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) to which it is affiliated. NASAD is a member of Ayrshire SportsAbility who are now far better placed to act as the local branch of SDS throughout the whole of Ayrshire. More information can be found at www.nasad.btck.co.uk and www.ayrshiresportsability.org.uk

The Guild Summer Outing to the Kelpies

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Hand Knitted Cot BlanketsBeautiful hand knitted cot blankets made to order in the pattern shown. They can be knitted in the colour of your choice and cost £5. All proceeds to Kirkgate Church Funds.

Please contact Winnie Smith if you wish to order. Tel: 463330

The fundraising committee have organised a Quiz and Supper Night on Friday, 11th September at 7.30pm. Tickets costing £5 are still available from Eunice McInnes or Phyllis Armstrong. Supper will be pie and beans/peas, a dessert and a cup of tea or coffee. You are welcome to bring your own refreshments for consumption during the evening - just remember to bring your own glass!

Teams will consist of 4-6 players but if you don’t have a team, don’t worry, you can join one. This is a fun evening, you don’t have to be Brain of Britain, you are part of a team and the questions will be very varied. Do come and join us and support the committee.

Phyllis Armstrong

Fund Raising

Rag Bag CollectionWe are having another rag bag collection. Please clear out your wardrobes to make some money for the church. Clothing, bedding and cushion covers, curtains soft toys and shoes. We are sorry but the collection company will not accept any books.

Money for old rags is an easy way to raise some funds so please try and support this effort.

Black bags are available in the hallway for you to take away and fill and you have until Sunday 27th September to bring them back as the collection company are coming on Tuesday 29th September. Elma Hunter

More Fund Raisers

1. Give God what’s right – not what’s left.2. Man’s way leads to a hopeless end – God’s way leads to an endless hope.3. A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.4. He who kneels before God can stand before anyone.5. In the sentence of life, the devil may be a comma-but never let him be the period.

Religious One-Liners

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Friends of South Beach HouseThe Friends Group have been on holiday since June 11th but they did come in and attend a Fish Supper evening which was held on 24th June and The Magregors entertained us.

Mr & Mrs Mackie have been in every fortnight to entertain and they are well appreciated by the residents.

Mr Fallon was with us once again to sing and entertain us.

We have had a few admissions over the summer so the rooms are slowly being re-occupied. Respite is still on going.

With the disappointing summer we have continued with the normal activities inside and the residents have enjoyed this and when the sun shone we made the most of it and got out and about.

We had an informal sale/coffee afternoon which raised over £120 for activities etc.

A sports afternoon on July 24th was great fun and everyone enjoyed this.

Staffing - a few new faces in the home and they and the residents are getting to know each other.

I was invited to speak to the local Rotary Group on 30th July re South Beach House and Crossreach as an organisation which was well received and I had a lovely evening.

We thank William Stark for all his hard work and dedication in his job as chairperson. Unfortunately he has had to retire due to health issues. Fiona Wright has now taken on this position and we welcome and wish her well in her new role.

Thank you for your support. Margaret Cassidy

The calendar tells me that summer has passed, so on Monday 7th September at 10.00 a.m. the group will meet in the large hall. I hope to see you there, old and new members. Everyone can work as hard as they want so no pressure.

We pay £1 a time and all income goes to heating and lighting of the hall and if you wish, you can enjoy a cup of tea/coffee after the exercises.

Looking forward to meeting you all again.

Solveig

Keep Fit Group

Advance Notice - Isle of Cumbrae CycleOn Sunday 4th October the annual sponsored event in aid of Scottish Motor Neurone Disease will take place. I hope to be able to join in again, and will place a sponsor form in the hallway soon.

MND is a cruel progressive disease with no known cure. Attacking the body’s nerves, it affects all muscles, the ones we need for moving, breathing, coughing and all automatic functiions which we normally don’t have to think about. Last year the congregation supported my effort wonderfully, so I thank you all in anticipation.Solveig McCulloch

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If you read a news paper or watch TV - you will know something about the situation facing migrants in Calais. You will have heard about the desperation and determination of people to seek freedom from violence and war, or an escape from poverty and hunger.

On 14th August 2015, a joint statement on the situation was issued by the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Church of Scotland, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church. The Moderator, Rt Rev Dr Angus Morrison also wrote to all ministers asking us to highlight the situation within our congregations, as there seems to be a growing hardness of heart and indifference to the humanitarian and spiritual condition of those who are seeking some form of sanctuary. He asks us to remember in our prayers those who are on the move, in Calais or across Europe, the Mediterranean and further afield. Remember too those who offer aid and support, and also our leaders who must take difficult decisions.

The Joint Statement: “As churches with members directly involved in assisting the people in Calais seeking sanctuary in the UK, we believe it is important that public debate is grounded in values of compassion and that decisions are made on the basis of facts. In recent weeks discussion has increasingly appeared to be based on the principle of self-interest. Our faith instructs us not to fear the stranger, but to love our neighbour. We view the situation with growing alarm and anger.

We are compelled to speak out on this issue. As Christian churches we follow One who was himself a refugee and who demonstrated that all people have an inherent, God-given dignity. Our Scriptures teach the importance of love and compassion for all who are destitute, including people of other nationalities who come to live in our communities.

We do not speak out as detached, comfortable observers but as leaders of churches who are actively ministering to those involved. In east Kent our churches have publicly offered practical support and help to teenage asylum seekers due to be housed in their town. Through our international links with Baptists in France, we are also supporting work amongst unaccompanied children in Calais. St Andrews Scots Church in Malta, a joint Methodist-Church of Scotland congregation in Valletta, runs the Out of Africa into Malta project to assist migrants. However we cannot play our part effectively without a political backdrop that seeks a sustainable and just solution in the longer term...

However, the language in which the Calais situation is being discussed tends too often to demonise, denigrate or dehumanise the individuals seeking refuge in Britain. To talk of those gathering at Calais as a ‘swarm’, or ‘marauding around the area’ encourages people to see those in desperation as less than human, and so less deserving of sympathy, respect or dignity. To incite fear that by offering the hand of friendship and welcome we may damage our own standard of living implies that British lives and well-being are somehow more valuable than those of others.

JOINT CHURCHES STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION IN CALAIS

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We share the concern of all involved to see a peaceful and humane solution to this particular expression of a far broader catastrophe. While we recognise the need for security to be increased at Calais, to better ensure the safety of all involved, we cannot see that more guards, sniffer dogs and fencing will alone bring such a solution. We therefore call on the Government to promote a more informed and higher level of debate on the issue... And we ask all our congregations and members to respond to an urgent call to prayer, to remember in our churches the importance and equal value God places on every human life, and to seek wisdom that we can challenge injustice and work for peace for the whole world. Let us seek direction and discernment for ourselves and for our leaders for solutions to this ongoing crisis, for the sake of all people”. The full text of the Joint Statement can be found at: www.jointpublicissues.org.uk

At the same time that this statement was issued, a special prayer was prepared by the Rev Phil Jump, Regional Minister for the North Western Baptist Association:

God of all humanityWhen your people were enslaved and displaced,You led them to a land that they could call home;When your people were in exile;Your promise was that one day,They would live in streets of play and laughter.When your disciples were afraid and uncertain,You spoke of a Father’s HouseWith mansions and places prepared.We pray today for all those who have no place to call home,Hearing the heart-cry of your wordFor those who are without refuge.Where shelter is ours to offerGrant us the will and resolve to reflect the generosity of our Creator.Where others stand in the way of those who need safe havenMay our cry for justice never falter.May the idols of self-interest and economic gainNever deflect us from the ways of your Kingdom.Through Christ our Lord.AMEN

JOINT CHURCHES STATEMENT - CONT’D

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Letters of AppreciationSincere thanks for the lovely flowers received recently. What made them a little special was that they arrived on my actual birthday. Special thanks to Moira for delivering them. We had a lovely chat, catching up on where the younger members of our respective families were nowadays, and what they were doing. Most enjoyable. Thanks to you all. Willie Hay

I would like to thank the church for the lovely flowers received recently following the Sunday service. It was most appreciated as my birthday flowers from the previous week were just passing. Grace Massie

Our thanks to the Kirkgate family for the lovely flowers. It was a lovely surprise and just the thing to cheer us up after the awful few weeks we have had health wise. Thank you once again. Sam and Maureen Kennedy

We would like to thank our many good friends in the church for the lovely gift of flowers we recently received. They were very beautiful and very much appreciated. Margaret and Willie Haughton

I was sent the church flowers recently, they were beautiful and much appreciated. I would also like to send my thanks to Dorothy and Alison Buick for visits while I was in hospital. Tommy Jarvie

Thank you for the lovely flowers we received recently. They were most appreciated. Willie & Rena Robertson

May I convey a very big thank you to all at Kirkgate, for all the well wishes, prayers, phone calls, home visits, hospital visits and flowers. I have been overwhelmed indeed. At the moment I am going through a series of clinical tests which I hope will help others by speeding up the healing process for people who may have to undergo a similar experience in the future. The Staff at Crosshouse & Ayr Hospital were all very caring and surprised at the amount of cards and letters which I received from my Kirkgate Family. It should not be too long until | can be back among you all. I can confirm the Power of Prayer, for it has surely worked on my behalf. With great appreciation. William C Stark

Many thanks for the lovely flowers received from the Church along with love and Best wishes. The kindness was very much appreciated. Emily Gaw

I was delighted to receive the beautiful flowers from the church at the end of June. They were much appreciated, providing a lovely reminder of the care and kindness of our congregation. Thank you for thinking of me. Morag Forsyth

I would like to thank you for the lovely flowers I received for my Birthday in July. I really appreciated them and they brightened up my room. Elma Hunter

Thank you very much for the beautiful flowers I received from the Church on Sunday 9th August. They were very much appreciated. Isobel Smith

Mrs Skelton wishes to thank everyone for the lovely flowers which Alison delivered to her recently.

Mae Paterson would like to express her thanks for the flowers, cards and visits she received after her surgery. They were greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much for the beautiful church flowers. It was a lovely surprise and brightened my day. Christie Campbell

Thank you for the lovely flowers I received recently when sadly my brother-in-law Irvine Ritchie died. They were very much appreciated. Alison Scott

To all at Kirkgate, my sincere thanks for their overwhelming generosity at the presentation on my relinquishing the post of organist. The picture, in particular, will be a lasting reminder of my many happy times at the Church. However, I will still cover the Thursday morning services, so I have not made a complete break with the Church. Again, my sincere thanks to all concerned. Jim Grant

Thank you once more to everyone in the church for the lovely flowers you sent us. The colours are beautiful and they are much aappreciated. Jimmy & Cathie Goodall

My brothers and I would like to offer our thanks and appreciation for the lovely flowers, cards and support we received from the church on the recent bereavement of our sister Jean McLellan they were very much appreciated by all the family. Elizabeth McCracken

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What’s on in Kirkgate

FRIDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER 7.30pm, Cost £5

An evening of fun, with general knowledge and pictures to identify.

Come along with a team of 4-6 players, or just come on your own and join a team.

Light supper will be provided half way throught the evening. Bring your own refreshments and nibbles. See further details on page 8.

You are warmly invited to join us at The Lord’s Table for the

Celebration of Holy Communion on

Sunday 20th September at 10.45 a.m.

“This do in remembrance of me”

Kirkgate Guild Opening Concert

Ardrossan Community Choir MONDAY 12th OCTOBER

7.30 p.m.

Harvest ThanksgivingOur service to celebrate Harvest Thanksgiving will be held on Sunday 27th September at 10.45 a.m.

Further details of this year’s chosen charity can be found on page 7.

A Harvest Donation Envelope is enclosed with this magazine.

Blythswood Care Christmas Shoe Box Appeal 2015We have already started collecting your donations of clothing, toys, toiletries or anything you think would be good to help fill the boxes. Further details on page 14.

Tickets, costing £3 including a light supper, will be on sale soon from any guild member.

Why don’t you bring a friend and join us. You will be assured of a warm welcome and an entertaining evening.

We look forward to your support.

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Blythswood Care Christmas Shoe Box Appeal 2015Your 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, you can put them into a general box at the front of the church and we will be delighted to receive them. If you would prefer to fill your own box then you can either supply your own box, or we have a good number of empty boxes already covered that are available for uplifting from the annexe. Checklists are available in the hallway and should be completed and included with each box. The ladies who dealt with the boxes last year, I think we shall call them the ‘BOX LADIES’ as opposed to the ‘BAG LADIES’ 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 below 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. 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.

In addition to the above appeal, Blythswood also collect many other items please see the notice board for more information.

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

SHOE BOX APPEAL 2015

Best Before date - MARCH 2016 or later

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Burns me,Chair haze, Eds jug, Evil is cut, Hail Mac, Hurt, I jam here, On gloom of sons, Our needy Tom, Rich clones, See sign, Select as ices, Threes, Tom anneals it, Used ox

Fifteen Anagrams of Books of the Old Testament

Solve the Cryptogram

Answers in next edition of ‘Messenger’

CrossReach Information Sheet

www.crossreach.org.uk September 2015

CrossReach Week 2015: 9th - 15th NovemberCrossReach Week is from 9th- 15th November when the Moderator of the General Assembly will spend a week meeting people who use our services, as well as staff and volunteers. Rt. Rev. Dr. Angus Morison and his wife Marion will begin the week in Stornoway at Lewis Street and the Dochas Project which offer help to those with substance misuse problems. On Tuesday, the Moderator will be a guest at a gathering of CrossReach Dementia Ambassadors in Inverness, before heading to Hamilton on Wednesday to be one of the guest speakers at the Learning Disabilities National Forum. Also on the agenda is a chance to tour some of CrossReach’s Children and Family Services on Thursday.

l CrossReach and Social Care Sunday is on 15th November and to help churches plan a CrossReach themed service there will be ‘Starters for Sunday’ on the Church of Scotland and CrossReach websites. These will include readings, hymn suggestions and video clips of the Moderator which can be shown during worship. In addition, a DVD resource of CrossReach Week 2014 will be posted to ministers in charges.

New childcare legislation welcomedViv Dickenson, CrossReach’s Director of Children and Family Services, recently highlighted the Scottish Government’s Childcare campaign, and welcomed the efforts being made to inform parents and carers of the legislation changes which will allow additional free childcare hours to be provided for 3 and 4 year olds, as well as some 2 year olds from August 2015. Parents and carers can get more information and check their entitlement at: www.scottishfamilies.gov.uk

Supporting Older People Writing for ‘Friends of the Scotsman’ CrossReach Chief Executive Peter Bailey says professionals and volunteers both have a role in supporting Scotland’s older people: “As CrossReach it is our privilege to support people across Scotland to retain and regain control over their future and to choose how they will live their lives as they get older. In seeking to address the challenges our society faces, we have the advantage of experience and expertise. CrossReach has been involved in social care in Scotland for nearly 150 years, adapting the support we have offered as the needs of people in Scotland have changed. Colleagues working across the country whose vocation it is to offer excellent, person-centred, and life changing support to the people who choose to use our services. Having such a dedicated team means we can support people through the most difficult of circumstances. It also means we can develop innovative initiatives like our creative arts project for people with dementia, Heart for Art. But, while I believe we have a vital role in ensuring people can participate in their communities as equals, social care is not solely the preserve of the ‘professionals’.” l You can read the full article at: www.crossreach.org.uk/news

Christmas Card and Calendar Collection 2015Watch out for our catalogue which has been sent to ministers

and Congregational Supporters. You can request a copy by calling: 0131 454 4374

providing a caring future

Joy to the World, the Lord is come!

Social Care CouncilOperating as CrossReach Scottish Charity number: SC011353

www.crossreach.org.uk/shop

CrossReach Trading Ltd for CrossReachCall 0131 454 4374 or visit



























The Guild is willing to coordinate a bulk order for CrossReach cards and calendars - a copy of the catalogue is on the hall table. Please speak to Elizabeth McMahon if you wish to order anything. Orders must be paid and received no later than Friday 23rd October.

16

World Mission

This edition of WM focuses on immigration and human trafficking.

Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery and is now a global phenomena. Many of our partners are engaging in anti-human trafficking work and have identified root causes as poverty, gender and poor education and are engaging in rescue work and through initiatives that promote learning, gender equality and self-sufficiency.

They particularly mention Malawi, Nepal, Jamaica and the Czech Republic.

The Waldensian Church in Italy has been working with immigrants and Massimo Long spoke to this year’s General Assembly about the church’s work with immigrants in Turin, Sicily and Lampedusa.They are called to care about injustice and people who are facing moments of weakness and are committed to working collaboratively with eg social services.

St Andrews Refugee Services (StARS) is working to support refugees and operates out of St Andrews United Church in Cairo. Currently there are about 500,000 refugees in Egypt with a huge influx from Syria and life is not easy for them. The church is working to produce education, psycho-social and legal services.

Extracted from August/September 2015 edition of World Mission (WM)

Alison Buick

Life & Work: in the September edition......

‘By His Wounds We Have Been Healed’ Jackie Macadam explores the various facets of Christian healing

A New Chapter for ‘Livingstone’s Hospital’ Jane Davidson tells how a family pilgrimage led to partnership between Scotland and a Zambian hospital with links to the famous explorer

The Early Birds The Rev Dr Iain Barclay reports on a ministry to the homeless ‘down under’.

Reconnecting With the Past How an ancient well dedicated to a Celtic saint was rediscovered

Relaying the Message Pictures from Eco-congregation Scotland’s Climate Justice Baton Relay around Scotland.

The Heart of the Matter The Rt Rev Angus Morrison says that a Christian life must involve head, hand and heart

The Navigator’s Church John R Hume recommends a visit to a church associated with an early Irish missionary

Taming the Tongue The Rev Dr Martin Fair continues his series on the book of James

Plus news, reviews, letters, registers and crosswords – all for just £2.20

Online visit us at www.lifeandwork.org for regular news and exclusive features, or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

17

FLOWER ROTA FLOWER DISTRIBUTION

Sept 6th Mrs E McInnes Mrs M Harvey

Sept 13th Mrs M Collins Miss M Paterson

Sept 20th Mrs I Passway Mrs M Cassidy

Sept 27th Mrs M Bannatyne Mr W Stark

Oct 4th Mrs Martin Miss A Buick

Oct 11th Mrs A O’Hanlon Mrs M Hunter

Oct 18th Mrs C Meney Mrs E Breakenridge

Oct 25th Mrs G Massie Mr I Martin

Nov 1st Mrs M Cooper Mrs M Cooper

Nov 8th Misses Biggins Mrs S McCulloch

Nov 15th Miss A Buick Mrs M Darroch

Nov 22nd Mrs N Fleming Mrs E McCracken

Nov 29th Mrs E Gaw Mrs P Armstrong

Dec 6th Mrs M Fleming Mrs J Hay

Dec 13th Mrs E Lockie Miss C Ewing

Sunday Church Door Duty Rota

DATE TEAM COORDINATOR

Sept 6th Team B Mr A Dodds

Sept 13th Team C Mr A Macdonald

Sept 20th Team D Mrs E McInnes

Sept 27th Team E Mr A Colquhoun

Oct 4th Team A Mrs J Rainey

Oct 11th Team B Mrs C Gilmour

Oct 18th Team C Mr A Dodds

Oct 25th Team D Mr A Macdonald

Nov 1st Team E Mrs E McInnes

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

TEAM BMiss E BreakenridgeMrs J HayMrs M HunterMrs L Clark

TEAM CMrs F LiddellMr G CampbellMrs B McWilliamMrs V Bruce

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 8th Team A Mr A Colquhoun

Nov 15th Team B Mrs J Rainey

Nov 22nd Team C Mrs C Gilmour

Nov 29th Team D Mr A Dodds

Dec 6th Team E Mr A Macdonald

Dec 13th Team A Mrs E McInnes

Dec 20th Team B Mr A Colquhoun

Dec 27th Team C Mrs J Rainey

Jan 3rd Team D Mrs C Gilmour

19

Peter Piper

Weddings, Burns Suppersand Other Celebrations

Tel: Peter Martin01294 46331307515 820619

Piping for all occasionsCENTRAL TAXIS

24-hour service guaranteedAll contracts welcome

Telephone: 0500 340875 or 46 46 46

7-seat people carrier and 6-seat minibuses available

Ticking all the Business Boxes

www.activeof�ce.co.uk Tel: 01563 524255

Of�ce Supplies & Furniture IT Support & Services Photocopiers

Design & PrintWebsite Development

Promotional Merchandise

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

Tel: Donna Dunlop07874 365415

Gents’ Barber

DEE DEES CUTZ

3 Young Street, Ardrossan

www.deedeescutz.co.uk

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

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: [email protected]

• 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

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

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

INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS

email: [email protected]

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

Memorial Showroom now open in Saltcoats

24 Hour Service

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

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

• 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

JOHN FORAN Dentist

Mr J. Foran, B.D.S31 Glasgow Street,

ArdrossanKA22 8EP

Tel: 603468

For a professional and comprehensive service contact

57 Dockhead Street, Saltcoats. Tel: 01294 46430176 Princes Street, Ardrossan. Tel: 01294 464131

85 Main Street, West Kilbride. Tel: 01294 829599Hunters, Shore Road, Brodick. Tel: 01770 302027

E-mail: [email protected] and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority for Financial Services

Managing Partner: G. Ian T. Hunter L.L.B (Hons), W.S

Associates:Cecilia J. Timmons L.L.B (Hons), N.P., W.S

Peter J. Walsh B.A., L.L.B Dip LP. N.P.Jenna C. Merry M.A. (Hons), L.L.B Dip LP. N.P.

Trainee Solicitors:Jessica McKee L.L.B (Hons), Dip LP.Bruce Hunter L.L.B (Hons), Dip LP.

Property Department:Marette Priest & Mairi Murray

Tel: 01294 602000Tax Consultant:Pauline Buckley

For financial advice please contact our Saltcoats office

Shuttle Buses Coach Hire

16, 24, 33, 49, 53 and 70-seater coaches for hireFor a free, no obligation quote call us on 01294 550757

or online at www.shuttlebuses.co.uk

PARKHOUSEGARAGE Ltd·Ayrshire Based Family Garage

Established 1935

• Used Cars• Tyres• Exhausts• MOTs• Repairs

64 Parkhouse Road, Ardrossan, Ayrshire KA22 8AA Tel: 01294 463654

Email: [email protected]

7 GLASGOW STREET, ARDROSSAN KA22 8EW

01294 537477www.saltirehealthcare.co.uk

Evaluating, growing & nurturing, aiding & enhancing independence

ardrossan & saltcoats kirkgate messenger parish churchthe church of scotland. one of the people...

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