1. Art and Diseño

february 2015
Ardrossan & Saltcoats
kirkgate messenger
PARISH
CHURCH
www.kirkgatechurch.org.uk
Registered Scottish Charity SC023003
From the Manse . . .
In our Sunday services, we are exploring the concept of
pilgrimage. Pilgrimage is traditionally a journey from home to
a holy place, from everyday things to spiritual ones.
Pilgrimage is a time when we cut loose from our daily routine,
making time and space to be with God and to celebrate our
faith.
Pilgrimage is a journey from the ordinary to the extraordinary,
and people down through the ages have journeyed with God
on pilgrimage - seeking healing, inspiration and redirection.
But as pilgrims, we don’t need to go to a recognised holy place
like Iona or Lourdes, we can go to any spot where we feel close
to God. Pilgrimage can be from home to garden sanctuary, or
to the beach, or up the nearest hill, or along a favourite footpath, or to any place where we
find space away from the demands of our lives.
Pilgrim people are never static, because faith, like life, is not a static experience. It cannot
and should not remain the same, because we do not remain the same. We change with the
seasons of our lives and our needs and responses in faith change too.
What doesn’t change is the relentlessness of the journey. Even when we are reluctant, even
when we are tired - we are on the road. Even on the days when it is a struggle to put one foot
in front of another - we are on the road. What helps us on the way is knowing we are not
alone. When we journey in faith, we have the comfort and reassurance of knowing that God
is with us and that he will always be with us – no matter where we are or what we are going
through in life.
God is our constant in a changing world and in our ever-changing lives.
So in 2015 –
May you enjoy time alone
beside the wide sea
beneath the far stars
in the sun’s warm rays
in the gentle rain.
And may God
who is in the spaces
bless your walking
on this good earth
Dorothy
2
Church Diary
FEBRUARY
Pleased be assured of a warm welcome at all our services.
Tea & coffee served in hall afterwards
Sunday 22nd
10.45 a.m.
Morning Worship
The Guild - Magic Hands - Wesley Hands
Sunday 1st
10.45 a.m.
Morning Worship
‘Messenger’ & Life & Work available for uplifting
Monday 23rd
7.30 p.m.
Monday 2nd
7.30 p.m.
The Guild - Familiar Places - Anne Hynd
Tuesday 3rd
7.30 p.m.
Thursday 26th
10.30 a.m.
‘30 Minute’ Service
2.30 p.m.
Country Dance Club
Presbytery meets in the Church
Friday 27th
Thursday 5th
10.30 a.m.
7.30 p.m.
‘30 Minute’ Service
Country Dance Club
MARCH
Saturday 7th
9.00am
Sunday 8th
10.45 a.m.
Presbytery Safeguarding Training
Sunday 1st
10.45 a.m.
Morning Worship
‘Messenger’ & Life & Work Available for uplifting
Morning Worship
Monday 2nd
7.30 p.m.
The Guild - Fire & Ice - Vivienne Macdonald
Tuesday 3rd
7.30 p.m.
Presbytery meets in the Church
Thursday 5th
10.30 a.m.
7.30 p.m.
‘30 Minute’ Service
Country Dance Club
Friday 6th
TBC
World Day of Prayer
Saltcoats: St Cuthberts
Monday 9th
7.30 p.m.
The Guild - Glesca Patter - Alan Morrison
Wednesday 11th
7.30 a.m
Bible Study Group - see further article for more info
Thursday 12th
10.30 a.m.
11.30 a.m.
2.30 p.m.
7.30pm ‘30 Minute’ Service
Bible Study Group - see further article for more info
Country Dance Club
Kirk Session meeting
Sunday 15th
10.45 a.m.
Morning Worship
Monday 16th
7.30 p.m.
The Guild - Fashion Show - Bonmarché
Tuesday 17th
7.00 p.m.
Presbytery - Attestation of Church Records
Wednesday 18th
3.00 p.m.
Presbytery Business Committee
Thursday 19th
10.30 a.m.
‘30 Minute’ Service
7.30 p.m.
Country Dance Club - Live Music with Billy Gray
Friday 20th
7.15 p.m.
Material required for ‘Messenger’
THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS
WHO MEET REGULARLY EVERY WEEK
WILL TAKE A BREAK OVER THE FESTIVE SEASON
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
10.45 a.m.
10.00 a.m.
7.30 p.m.
2.00 p.m.
4.00 – 8.00 p.m.
6.15 – 8.30 p.m.
Creche & Sunday School
Keep Fit Group
The Guild
KA Leisure Aerobics
The Craft Team
*Senior Guides
* External Groups who use our premises
*Cunninghame Flower Club
The Church at Christmas
Kirkgate always has a lovely, relaxed, warm and welcoming
atmosphere. We were blessed during the Christmas period that the
ambience was enhanced by the tastefully decorated sanctuary. It
is with grateful thanks to all who contributed, in any way, to the
visual appearance and to the uplifting worship that was so very
special during our Christmas celebrations.
Many favourable comments were received both from members and
visitors and it is nice to know that all who worshipped at Kirkgate
over this period appreciate all aspects of the festive church.
3
Prayer Diary
The two prayers below were written by Very Rev. Albert Bogle
Lord, memory is such a wonderful gift
To remember a face, a person, a time, a place – can be such a blessing
Thank you for all the people and places
That have helped to shape me for the good
Those who have shown me your love and those who have made me feel less afraid
Those who make me feel ‘all is well’
When I forget them by name, help them not to feel disappointed
Remind us all of your goodness and mercy, through the touch of a hand
The warmth of a smile, the aroma of a coffee pot, the words of a song
The memory of a Bible text that says
“I will never leave you or forsake you”
Thank you Lord that I know and remember this fact
You will never forget me
My name is written on the palm of your hands
It’s wonderful to know your memory never fades.
Lord everyone is searching for peace
Yet no one seems to find it
There is trouble in the world,trouble at work and trouble in my family
Lord we find it hard to live in harmony
We struggle to love each other
And we find it well-nigh impossible to trust each other
Yet we know we need to trust in order to live
Lord come and be our counsellor
Open our eyes that we might see ourselves as others see us
Open our hearts that we might find compassion for those we least admire or like
Give us grace to live out our lives in service to each other.
Pastoral Care in Kirkgate Church
Hospital Visiting
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. You can also contact
Miss Alison Buick (01294 464531) or
Mrs Morag
Forsyth
(01294
463762)
and visits
will be
organised.
4
Recruitment of Pastoral Visitors
We only have one pastoral visitor working
alongside our visiting elders, so we are always
looking for additional pastoral visitors. If this is a
way you could serve the church, please speak to
the Minister. Most visitors only visit two or three
people, so it is not an onerous commitment. If you
are interested in becoming a pastoral visitor, you
will have to join the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable
Groups) Scheme. This scheme has replaced the
former disclosure system for those working with
vulnerable groups and we have coordinators who
will guide you through the process.
Rev Dorothy Granger (01294 463571)
Church Register
Letters of Appreciation
NEW MEMBER: “We are members one of another”
Very many thanks to everyone for the
concern shown, good wishes given
and especially the lovely flowers
I received after my recent health
hiccup. I am very well and the results
and prospects are very positive.
Very Best Wishes for 2015 to
everyone at Kirkgate.
Mae Harvey
21.12.14
By Transfer Certificate
Miss Anna Donnan
9 Birch Terrace
Ardrossan
FUNERALS:
“In my Father’s house are many mansions”
Congregation
17.12.14
Mrs Catherine Hastings
10 Barnett Court, Saltcoats
31.12.14
Mrs Margaret (Greta) Sinclair
12 Afton Road, Stevenston
Parish
10th November 2014
Mr Duncan MacKenzie
32 Harvey Gardens, Ardrossan
12.1.15
Mrs Agnes Martin
Caledonia Care Home, Saltcoats
I was delighted to receive beautiful flowers from Kirkgate
recently - perfect blooms and lovely colours were the perfect
pick-me-up to the winter virus which has grounded me for two
weeks. Your thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.
Noreena Elwell
A most warm thank you to all at Kirkgate for the lovely flowers.
They brighten up the room on some of these dark, dull days.
It is good to be remembered. I appreciate your kindness.
Best wishes to all in 2015.
Mrs Jean Grant
Thank you all for the lovely flowers given to me on the
occasion of my 80th Birthday. They were most appreciated.
Evelyn Lockie
To all at Kirkgate. Thank you very much for the lovely flowers
received, their beauty cheered us up and were very much
appreciated.
Aileen & Robert Aitken
Thank you so much for the lovely church flowers sent to me
during my recent illness and a nice visit from Willie Stark with
all good wishes. Thanks also to Dorothy for her lovely visit - it
was very uplifting and meant so much to me.
Celia Meney
Thank you so much for remembering my 91st Birthday with
the gift of lovely flowers from the Church and Session. This
kind gesture is much appreciated.
Bill Watson
Very many thanks for the lovely flowers
received on my birthday. They were
much appreciated.
Margaret McAllister
Mary Skelton would like to express
her thanks for having received flowers
form the church. They were very much
appreciated.
5
Kirkgate Bible Studies in 2015
Lenten Bible Study: “The Way to Freedom” (created by Churches
Together in Britain and Ireland). Last year, I intimated that a Bible
Study Group would start up this year. If you are interested in being
part of this group, then please come along to an initial meeting on
Wednesday 11th February at 7.30pm. If you cannot make it to that
meeting, there will be a second meeting on Thursday 12th February
at 11.30am. Both meetings will be held in the church hall. At these
meetings, the format of the group(s) will be decided and material issued. If you can’t make it along to
either of these meeting but want to be part of the group, then please give me a ring on 01294 463571.
“The Way to Freedom”
Few words seem to matter more to us today than ‘Freedom’, but what it means can be far from clear and
it often sparks controversy. It’s a big word in the New Testament and in the Christian story down the ages.
During the weeks of the study, we will be reflecting on the quest for freedom - in our own experience, in
the life of our churches. We will also look at what freedom means in our society and the world today – and
all in the light of our reading of the Bible.
The course comprises five weekly sessions - and the main themes will be: Freedom; Discipline; Action;
Community; Suffering and Death. Each week contains a mixture of materials for reflection, Bible passages
and commentary for study and discussion, poetry, questions and ideas for discussion, and sometimes
suggestions of things to do.
I am anticipating that two Bible Study Groups will run for five weeks during Lent - one on Wednesday
evenings (25th February, 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th March) from 7.30pm-9pm, and one on Thursday mornings
(26th February; 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th March) from 11.30am-1pm. However, this will depend on the
numbers who wish to sign up.
The aim of the course is to help build up both our personal discipleship and our common life in Christ,
as we study at home and as we share together as a group. After Easter, I plan to start an eight week New
Testament Reading course which will take us up to the Summer recess. This is called the Community Bible
Experience and will use material provided by Biblica. So watch the magazine for more information on this.
Blessings,
Dorothy
6
Local Church Review: January 2015
On 13th January 2015, Kirkgate
had its first Local Church Review
when the Minister and Office
Bearers met with the visiting
team from the Presbytery of
Ardrossan, led by Rev Elizabeth
Watson. In preparation for this
meeting, Stuart McMahon,
Mima McSwan and I met to
discuss our first year together as
Kirkgate Church and I thought
I would share the report I
prepared for that meeting,
which looks at how far we have
travelled together as a united
congregation.
restoration, much of which is
around the window areas. It is
our hope that the first phase
of this work will include the
relocation of three war memorial
windows from the former
Barony St John’s building, along
with two windows of artistic
and historical value. This work
is dependent on our securing
the necessary Listed Building
Consent from the local authority
and on the cost implications of
any conditions, which may be
attached to such consent.
“THE STATE OF THE UNION”
Not long after the union, the
General Assembly designated
the parish of Ardrossan &
Saltcoats Kirkgate as a Priority
Area. We are still getting to
grips with what this means for
us as a congregation and as a
parish. We are however aiming
to be the best we can be - for
our members, for the parish
community we serve and for
God.
Our buildings are already well
used, providing accommodation
for a wide variety of activities
such as Keep Fit, Chair Aerobics,
Guides, McGavin Drama,
Country Dancing, Flower Club,
Presbytery meetings. That
said, there is still potential to
expand community usage of our
building and in the future, we
may consider more extensive
work to create more flexible
space within the church and
halls.
IMPROVING AND USING OUR
BUILDINGS
Serving the community in
which we are based is our main
priority as a church and it is
important that our buildings
are fit for purpose. We are
currently getting advice from
stonemasons and costing a
phased programme of repairs
to the stonework. In addition,
the majority of the windows in
Kirkgate are in need of repair
or replacement and a phased
programme is also being
prepared to run concurrently
with the required stonework
WORSHIP
Now to us - the people of
Kirkgate Church. What are we
doing to glorify God and to
serve our parish? Well worship
is at the heart of what we do.
Sunday morning worship at
10.45 is a traditional service,
but with a modern twist. We are
blessed with having two very
talented organists, who provide
a variety of music before,
during and after worship. We
have four Sunday communion
services (usually held on the
third Sunday in March; June
and September and on the first
Sunday in Advent). Our Mid
Week Service is on a Thursday
at 10.30. This 30 minute service
is led by a small team, including
the minister and elders, working
on a rota basis. The service is
open to all and people attend
from various churches, with the
majority being from the Kirkgate
congregation. There are four
Thursday communion services
held during the year, usually
the week following the Sunday
Communion.
Kirkgate also worships
ecumenically, as part of the
Ardrossan Churches Group and
the Saltcoats Ecumenical Group.
We participate in daily services
during the Week of Prayer for
Christian Unity and for Holy
Week. Remembrance Sunday
services and parades are also
organised ecumenically in
both Ardrossan and Saltcoats,
as are special services during
Advent and Christmas.
We worship in local nursing
homes. The Minister is
Chaplain to South Beach
House and conducts the
bi annual communion
services with elders and
organists supporting. The
Minister organises the rota
for the monthly services in
Abbotsford, which she shares
with Rev James McNay, Rev
Tanya Webster and Canon
Matt McManus. A group of
members and one of our
organists still participate in
worship services in Seabank
(which was in the former
New Trinity Parish) providing
support to Rev Marion Howie
who is chaplain.
7
Local Church Review: January 2015
FELLOWSHIP
Fellowship is an important
aspect of our life as a
worshipping community
- especially as our union
is only just over a year old.
People are still getting to
know one another and
time spent in fellowship
is of immense benefit. Tea
and coffee is available after
Sunday and Thursday services.
Congregational lunches,
open days at the manse and
social events are organised
throughout the year to give
members opportunities to get
together. Fundraising events
also take place during the year
– the main event being the
Christmas Fair.
Kirkgate Guild is strong and
enthusiastic, meeting on a
Monday night, with a variety
of speakers and activities.
Fellowship plays an important
part in the weekly meetings
and regular social outings are
organised to various events
in the area and are open to
non Guild members. Kirkgate
also has a dedicated team of
Crafters, who meet weekly.
They work hard, producing
cards and crafts (which are
sold on Sunday mornings and
during fundraising events)
and in the process a strong
supportive fellowship has
formed between the members.
A regular Bible Study will get
underway this year and there
is a separate feature on this in
this month’s magazine.. Watch
out for further intimations
on this, and on our social and
fundraising events.
8
continued...
COMMUNICATION
Our church magazine is
delivered to all members. Its
new design and layout and
informative content is greatly
appreciated. In addition, our
website is regularly updated
and covers a wide range of
events within the church and
the national church. It also
has recordings of Sunday
services and a PDF of the
Church Magazine. Tapes/
Discs of services are made
available for any housebound
member or member who may
wish to keep in touch via this
method. We also produce
a comprehensive weekly
intimations sheet, and the
Minister provides large print
copies of the Sunday service
(on request).
PASTORAL CARE
After the union, we had 12
districts with no allocated
elder and no prospect of
being able to fill the gaps.
The Kirk Session agreed to
replace the district system
with an enhanced scheme of
pastoral visiting overseen by
a Pastoral Care Committee.
This process of change took
8 months, starting with an
Elder’s Conference on 1st
February 2014. The Pastoral
Care Committee is convened
by the Minister and comprises
12 visiting elders; one pastoral
visitor and one telephone
contact elder. The Committee
currently visits 87 members
(77 households) just under one
third of the current roll of 277
(as at 31st December 2014). In
addition, those who are sick
(at home or in hospital) are
also visited by the Minister
and by designated members of
the Committee. The Minister
also visits on request.
MISSION & OUTREACH
Mission & Outreach falls under
the remit of our new Church &
Community Committee which
will review the engagement
of the congregation with the
local community. Much of
our current outreach work
is done ecumenically via the
Churches Together groups in
Ardrossan and Saltcoats. The
Minister is an active member
of both, as is Mr Andrew
Bruce – Reader attached to
the Presbytery of Ardrossan
and a member of Kirkgate.
These ecumenical groups
have helped create strong
and supportive interpersonal
relationships between local
clergy and between clergy
and community. Kirkgate
regularly and actively supports
a number of local and
national charities, such as the
Foodbank, Blythswood Care,
Christian Aid, Poppyscotland,
Al Shurooq School for the
Blind, Ayrshire Hospice;
Friends of South Beach
House, the Harbour Centre,
the Women’s Refuge and the
Homeless Hostel.
KIRK SESSION COMMITTEES
At this stage in our still
relatively new union and with
the unexpected recognition
of being a priority area
parish, conversations are
just beginning in respect
of reshaping the ways we
express our faith in action.
The Kirk Session is about to
finalise a new committee
structure, which we hope will
Local Church Review: January 2015
move the conversation on in
a number of different ways.
The committees, which will
operate from February 2015,
are: Pastoral Care; Property;
Communication; Church &
Community; Fundraising &
Social; Stewardship. As we
have a Unitary Constitution,
membership of committees
is shared between elders and
co-opted members. A report
on Committees will appear in
next month’s magazine.
AND FINALLY
As a congregation, we are in
decline numerically. We do
not have many children in the
life of the congregation and
we run an occasional crèche
rather than an active Sunday
School. However, it is our
aim to be the best we can be
continued...
- with and for those who are
a part of what is still a strong
and productive fellowship.
As your minister, I am very
optimistic about the future
and what it holds for us as a
united congregation and as a
community of God’s people
in Ardrossan and Saltcoats. I
hope you are too.
Rev Dorothy Granger (January 2015)
From the Editor
Kirkgate
News
from
the Editor
Please note that material for the March edition of the
‘Kirkgate Messenger’ should be handed in by Friday 27th
February at the latest.
Spare copies are available for visitors to take away or give to friends. Please
remember that should you still come across any discrepancies with the names or addresses in your
district please let me know so that I can keep the records up-to-date.
Please feel free to email me at [email protected] with any interesting news or events
but a written copy will be fine. 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.
LIFE & WORK
Your subscription to Life & Work has been increased this year to £22 and it woud be appreciatd if you
could have your payment made before the end of February. The church pays this on a yearly basis
therefore allowing us to pass on a small discount to you. Cash or a cheque payable to ‘Kirkgate Church’
will be acceptable. Many thanks for your continuing support.
Elizabeth McMahon, Editor & Life & Work Convenor
Christmas Blessings to all
from
Bobby & Mildred Campbell
Recipe for a House of Love
A home made from love
Is what God intends
Filled with all of our family
Love is not blind nor pretends.
The recipe is simple
The ingredients are clear
Keeping God close is essential
For love to be near.
Start with some laughter,
Don’t forget to pray,
Mix in a few smiles
And God will make clear the way.
9
The Guild
We all enjoyed our last meeting of the sessison on Monday15th December, this
was a candlelit evening of Readings and Carols followed by mince pies and the
exchanging of our Santa Parcels.
Our first meeting for the New Year was on Monday 19th January, Solveig McCulloch
our Norwegian member and elder took us back to her chilhood memories with
slides and her story about her family’s escape from the Germans during the war.
By the time you read this the Ceilidh held on Monday 26th January will be well past. The Largs
Accordion Band played for us, our thanks to Jack Halliday who entertained us with a rendition of
‘Holy Willie’s Prayer’. Thanks also to Elizabeth Howie and her Kirkgate Country Dance Team for the
demonstration dances all beautifully performed and finally thanks to PJ Buttercup of Ardrossan and the
committee for providing and serving the finger buffet. I think it is safe to say a good night was had by all.
Tickets priced £3 are now on sale for our Fashion Show on Monday 16th February at 7.30 p.m. Bon
Marche from Irvine are providing the garments and some of our own ladies have been coaxed into
modelling for the night. Refreshments are being served on arrival. We look forward as ever to your
support.
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Mon 2 Feb
7.30 p.m.
Mon 9 Feb
7.30 p.m.
Mon 16 Feb
7.30 p.m.
Mon 23 Feb
7.30 p.m.
Familiar Places - Mrs Anne Hynd
Glesca Patter - Alan Morrison
FASHION SHOW BY BONMARCHÉ OF IRVINE
TICKETS £3 - Refreshments served on arrival
Magic Hands - Wesley Hands
Mon 2 March
Friday 6 March
Mon 9 March
Mon 16 March
Fire & Ice - Vivienne Macdonald
World Day of Prayer - Saltcoats: St Cuthberts
Hesssilhead Wildlife Centre - David O’Reilly
BEETLE DRIVE - Tickets £2
7.30 p.m.
time tbc
7.30 p.m.
7.30 p.m.
As you can read we have a varied programme ahead of us and we look forward to
welcoming you to any of our meetings. Elizabeth McMahon, Secretary
10
Guild Ceilidh Night
A wonderful evening
of entertainment and
dancing was enjoyed at
the Guild Ceilidh, with
music provided by Largs
Accordion Band. It was
also John Barbour’s 87th
birthday (seated beside
Mattie Fleming - who used
to dance!) with everyone
singing “Happy Birthday”
to him.
11
WORLD MISSION
This month Marjorie Clark brings us up to date with the HIV and AIDS
pandemic. There are still 35 million people around the world living with
HIV, 2.1 million new infections and 1.5 million deaths resulting from AIDSrelated illnesses but the tide may be turning in some parts of the world.
New medication is available and domestic spending on HIV has increased.
Significant challenges remain, not least of which is the stigma which still
prevails and prevents so many people from facing up to HIV issues.
Since 2002 the Church of Scotland has been committed to supporting partner churches overseas and
local congregations have raised £1.25m and this has helped to support a number of projects in Ghana
and in Sri Lanka.
THE SANGLABURI COMMUNITY AIDS PROJECT
Sanglaburi is an isolated district on Thailand’s western border very close
to Myanmar. Here HIV/AIDS is an ever–increasing problem and here we
find an inspirational project supported by the Church’s HIV programme.
The project employs 3 full-time workers and 9 volunteers, 7 of whom
are themselves HIV positive.They work with vulnerable people and their
families who are living with HIV. They visit regularly and give advice, support and encouragement. The
support helps families to get small income-generation projections and also with children’s education.
There are many harrowing stories - widows who have lost their husbands to AIDS are living with HIV
themselves, children who have lost their parents and are now living with HIV.There is DODO who cares
for 6 children in her own home.
Extracted from Dec/Jan 2014/15 of World Mission
Alison Buick
Blythswood Care 2015
Blythswood welcomes donations
of goods from both individuals
and from businesses. They ask
that goods are undamaged and
of good quality. Donating your
goods will directly help them
care for the needy. Suitable
goods to donate include:
• Furniture (Please note that
mattresses, chairs and sofas
should all have a fire label
attached with the British
Standards code - BS 7177)
• Clothing and footwear
• Bric a Brac
• Books
• Bicycles
• Soft furnishings (bedding,
curtains etc)
12
• Food (tins and packets with
use by date of at least six
months)
• CDs, DVD’s and Mobile
Phones
• Toys
• Tools
At this present time they do not
accept any electrical goods.
A review of the organisation’s
Round Southern Scotland
and Round Northern England
monthly goods collections has
led to the decision to reduce the
number of locations from which
Blythswood will collect secondhand goods from January 2015.
However donations can be made
at Blythswood shops, the closest
of which is in Main Street,
Prestwick.
The new pickup schedule
is as follows:
Beith Trinity
Church, 10.0010.15am; Largs
Clark Memorial Church, 11.0011.30am and Kilmarnock Pizza
Hut, 1.00-1.30pm on Fridays 6th
February, 6th March, 10th April,
8th May and 5th June. Textiles
can also be deposited in a
textile bank located within
St Cuthbert’s Church grounds.
Contact 0141 882 0585 for more
details.
Life & Work: in February’s edition . . .
The Challenge of our Age: Dementia and the Church
The number of people with dementia in Scotland is set to rise by 75% in the
next 25 years. Jackie Macadam discovers some of the Church of Scotland
projects trying to help.
Reforming the Kirk
The Rev Dr Doug Gay considers the challenges of church growth and says lessons can be learned from the Church of England.
‘He Went About, Doing Good’
W Ross Napier describes the short life of Donald Mitchell, the first Church of
Scotland missionary in India.
Faith Rewarded
Jackie Macadam meets the author of a new book about St Andrew’s Scots
Memorial Church in Jerusalem.
A Rainbow of Hope
The Moderator calls for the Church to create transformative change.
The Spirit of Generosity
The Rev Alan W Gibson emphasises the importance of the offering during worship and explains how the money given
is spent.
Atheism and the Church
The Rev Russel Moffat considers the impact of a decade of ‘new atheism’.
Closing the Digital Divide
Alan Rodden describes how a partnership project involving the Church of Scotland is opening the online world to all.
Our One Foundation
The Rev Professor David Fergusson emphasises that we can only know God through the Jesus of the gospels.
Plus all the regular columnists, news, reviews, letters, registers and crosswords – all for just £2.20
Online visit us at www.lifeandwork.org, or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
North Ayrshire Foodbank
North Ayrshire Foodbank is grateful for all the donations it receives from
us. Donations can be placed in the box in the hallway or additionally can
be handed in to the Salvation Army Hall on Tuesdays between 1200 and
1400. Current food required include - sugar, long-life fruit juice, cereal &
UHT Milk.
Beyond Foodbanks
Growing a Food Justice Movement in Scotland The Church of Scotland’s
Church and Society Council, Faith in Community Scotland, and The
Centre for Human Ecology invite you to a free one-day conference
on Saturday 28th February in The Pearce Institute, Govan, Glasgow
exploring food poverty and how we can work together to grow a
movement to eliminate it. Contributors include: Rachel Gray (Executive
Director, Stop Community Food Centre, Canada), Linda de Caestecker
(Director of Public Health, NHS Glasgow) and Pete Ritchie (Nourish
Scotland). More information and ticket ordering details online at:
www.facebook.com/events/361178907388057.
13
IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE
OR MARRIED?
It's better for girls to be
single but not for boys.
Boys need someone to clean
up after them.
Anita, age 9
14
Property Committee Report
GENERAL
Considering the strength of the
wind and rain during the recent
heavy gale we are thankful to report
that only two of our buildings
appear to have received storm
damage. Unfortunately, one
building is Dorothy’s Manse and
the other is the church. Trades have
been to look at the damage at the
Manse and have taken action to
stop the water ingression. Further
work will be required to complete
repairs and that will take place as
soon as their workload allows. The
church building has lost a couple of
slates, and due to the height of the
building, it is not a simple matter of
putting up a ladder and replacing
the lost slates. We do have another
problem on the building, which is
also at roof level, and will require
specialist equipment to ensure safe
working. Hopefully, both problems
can be resolved at the same time.
CHURCH
I accept that the work connected
with the removal of the pews and
all the ‘tidying up process’ that
followed on took a little longer
than anticipated. It is not always
possible to arrange tradesmen at
times to suit our work in progress
and we are obliged to await their
availability.
I hope you agree, with the general
opinion, that it has enhanced the
appearance of the sanctuary and
released some valuable space to
allow us to make greater use of it for
all concerned.
As I said in the last Property
Report , our next sizeable piece
of work is the removal of the 3
war memorial windows from
Barony St John’s along with two
stained glass windows of high
artistic and historic value and their
reinstatement into Kirkgate Church.
Work of this nature takes
considerable time as planning
authority permission is required
along with many other bodies who
need to be consulted before we can
move ahead. Be assured you will be
kept up to-date on progress.
Our thanks to all involved in the
upgrading of the kitchen drawers.
The old units were a safety issue
and the new set-up is far superior
and so easy to access for all
concerned.
COTTAGE
The problem that had arisen at
the cottage is not an insignificant
one. Sadly, it is taking longer to
resolve due to the time it has taken
tradesmen to visit and deliver
quotations. I hope that by the time
the next Property Report is issued,
in the Messenger, that we can
report some positive activity for our
tenants.
TENANT OCCUPIED
PROPERTIES
The annual visits to the
Montgomerie Manse and the
Cottage by the members of the
Property Committee recently
highlighted some building /
structural issues that will be
discussed at our next Property
meeting. The buildings on the
whole are well cared for and our
aim will be to ensure that any issues
that arise are dealt with thoroughly
and speedily.
of property concern within the
church, halls and corridors in the
Property Book. Some but not all
of the faults will be attended to
towards the end of the first week in
February. Unless the fault is urgent
or an emergency we try to wait until
we have several small problems for
the one tradesman before we going
down that road.
CAR ACCIDENT – DAMAGE TO
THE EXTERNAL WALL AND
RAILINGS.
On Thursday, 22 January 2015, a
car coming along Vernon Street
ended up on its roof after driving
into the front church wall and
gates. Damage is fairly substantial
to the gates, right hand stone
pillar, church wall and railings.
Contractors have moved the stone
blocks, gates and railings on to the
grass area behind the front wall
and fenced off the open area. Our
Treasurer, Mr Angus Dodds will
be in contact with the appropriate
personnel and the damage will be
rectified in time. It does not bear
thinking about what could have
happened had pedestrians been
in the vicinity at the time of the
accident.
SMALL PIECES OF WORK
WITHIN THE CHURCH/HALLS
A big thank you to the members
who have registered small areas
15
Friends of South Beach House
The House has 34 permanent residents and 3 respite
clients at present. The Care Inspectorate carried out an
inspection over three days in December and generally
everything went well. Overall they generally awarded
grades 4 and 5, which are decent / high standards to
achieve and the management team have an action plan
already started to improve on these standards. All aspects
relating to health and safety continue to be good.
Various activities took place during November and
December. On Dec 5 there was the annual buffet with
entertainment afterwards and the Christmas Dinner for the residents and staff was held on Dec 12
while ‘Castaway’ provided the music. On December 14 the place was jam-packed with residents
and vistors to see the staff panto. Everyone had a great laugh when they saw the male members of
staff performing as the ugly sisters. Mr Fallon, as well as Mr & Mrs Mackie, played a few times during
December - they always go down well with the residents. Stanley Primary School pupils also came and
sang some Carols. I think it is fair to say that everyone enjoyed a lovely Christmas and New Year.
At present the home has staff vacancies for a 35-hour care worker and also a 28-hour care worker.
It is good to know that House Manager Mrs Margaret Cassidy, who has recently been seconded
elsewhere, is to return back to South Beach House on 2 February 2015. Margaret is pleased to be
returning as she wanted to celebrate her 40 years of service at South Beach House where she started
work. We send best wishes to Margaret for her dedication and commitment to South Beach House.
Martin Lightbody, who has been acting manager, is counting down the days until Margaret returns!!
William C Stark
Humourous quips
There was a congregation that decided to have four worship services
each Sunday.
There was one for those new to the faith.
Another for those who liked traditional worship.
One for those who had lost their faith and would like to get it back.
And yet another for those who had a bad experience with church and
were complaining about it.
They have names for each of the services too:
FINDERS, KEEPERS, LOSERS, WEEPERS.
Two keys hang in an undertaker’s office - one for the organ
in the chapel; the other for one of the cars in the garage. Two
small signs above the keys read “Hymn” and “Hearse.”
16
Sunday Church Door Duty Rota
TEAM A
TEAM B
TEAM C
TEAM D
TEAM E
Mrs P Martin
Miss A Buick
Mrs E Green
Miss E Howie
Mrs E McCracken
Miss E Breakenridge
Mrs J Hay
Mrs M Hunter
Mrs L Clark
Mrs F Liddell
Mr G Campbell
Mrs B McWilliam
Mrs V Bruce
Miss M Paterson
Mrs M Cooper
Mrs E Murchie
Mrs E Gaw
Mrs S McCulloch
Mrs M Cassidy
Mrs A O’Hanlon
Mr G Armstrong
Mrs P Armstrong
DATE
TEAM
COORDINATOR
DATE
TEAM
COORDINATOR
Feb 1st
Team A
Mrs Doris Kirkhope
Mar 22nd
Team C
Mr A Dodds
Feb 8th
Team B
Mr A Dodds
Mar 29th
Team D Mr A Mcdonald
Feb 15th
Team C
Mr A Mcdonald
April 5th
Team E
Mrs E McInnes
Feb 22nd
Team D Mrs E McInnes
April12th
Team A
Mr A Colquhoun
Mar 1st
Team E
Mr A Colquhoun
April 19th
Team B
Mrs J Rainey
Mar 8th
Team A
Mrs J Rainey
April 26th
Team C
Mrs C Gilmour
Mar 15th
Team B
Mrs C Gilmour
May 3rd
Team D Mr A Dodds
Feb 1st
FLOWER ROTA
Mrs Clark
FLOWER DISTRIBUTION
Mr I Martin
Feb 8th
Mrs Harvey
Mrs M Cooper
Feb 15th
Mrs J Rainey
Mrs S McCulloch
Feb 22nd
Mrs Kirkhope
Mrs M Darroch
Mar 1st
Mrs M Cannon
Mrs E McCracken
Mar 8th
Mrs Flynn
Mrs P Armstrong
Mar 15th
Mrs R & E Lee
Mrs K Hyslop
Mar 22nd
Mr A Mcdonald
Miss C Ewing
Mar 29th
Miss Hunter
Mrs J Rainey
17
For Your Amusement:
Books of the New Testament
Maths in the Bible - Crossword Puzzle
Across
1 Israelites spent ______ years in the wilderness
3 Jesus feeds the ______ thousands (John 6:10)
4 The length of Noah’s ark was 300 ______ or 450 ft
(Genesis 6:15)
6 Ten percent of earnings
8 Oldest man in the Bible (Genesis 5: 27)
10 Days of Creation (Genesis 1: 3 - 26)
11 How many chapters in Proverbs?
13 Number of Beatitudes (Matthew 5 : 3 - 12)
15 Man’s days shall be a hundred and _____ years.
(Genesis 6:3)
16 “... where two or ______ gather in my name, there am I ...” (Matt. 18:20)
17 ...if a house be _____ against itself....cannot stand
(Mark 3:25)
Down
1 Which commandment says “Honor your father & mother”
2 Number of disciples (Matthew 10: 2 -4)
5 Shape of the altar (Exodus 27:1)
6 The animals entered the ark by _______.
7 ..be fruitful and _______ (Genesis 1:22)
9 How many books in the New Testament? KJV
12 Name of Old Testament book
14 One of the ten plagues (Exodus 7 - 12)
16 Number of commandments (Exodus 20: 2 - 17)
18
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS
Ask your local pharmacist:
You'll be taking good advice
David Robb Plumbing
All plumbing work
undertaken
Disabled Shower
Specialist
Gallagher Pharmacy
6 Central Ave, Ardrossan
 01294 464044
41 Glasgow St, Ardrossan
 01294 601761
1 New Street, Dalry
 01294 833644
19 Dockhead St, Saltcoats
 01294 463342
41 Hamilton St, Saltcoats
 01294 463524
Saltcoats Health Centre
 01294 602134
13 New Street, Stevenston
 01294 6464259
Tel: 01294 463060
Mob: 07810 566480
DEE DEES
CUTZ
Gents’ Barber
3 Young Street, Ardrossan
Tel: Donna Dunlop
07874 365415
www.deedeescutz.co.uk
D&L Motor Co.
PETROL & DIESEL
MOT CENTRE
All servicing and repairs
Petrol & Diesel
Tyres, Exhausts & Batteries
FREE Battery & Anti-freeze check
Unit 4B, Stevenston Industrial Estate, KA20 3LR
Tel: 473038
Sunnyside Nursery
We offer our clients independent professional
accountancy, taxation and business advice through two
legal entities at three separate locations within Ayrshire.
11 Portland Street, Kilmarnock
Tel: 01563 525024
www.jrdpartnership.co.uk
Off Hazelgrove,
Kilwinning
Tel: 552113
• Flower Shop
• Garden Centre
• Nursery
• Greenhouse Agents
Flowers for all occasions
UK-wide delivery of our own bouquets
freshly made at Sunnyside
www.sunnysidenursery.co.uk
Fantastic deals on
Alton and Robinsons Greenhouses
MOBILE
BLINDS
Kirkgate Craft Team
• Wide range of handmade greetings cards
• Individual cards made
to order
70 Dockhead Street
Saltcoats
Tel: 01294 462333
All vertical and roller
blinds supplied
• Orders now being
taken for Christmas
Come and help the Craft Team make cards
Every Tuesday in Kirkgate Church Hall,
from 4pm-8pm
Contact: Mr John Conlan,
Ardrossan Ind. Estate, Hill Street, Ardrossan
Tel: 01294 602020
T. BAILLIE & SON
Butchers and Poulterers
Only Finest Home-Fed Beef
and Lamb Stocked
2012 Scottish Black Pudding Champion
Silver Awards – 2010 and 2012 Speciality Burgers
2004 Best Beef Sausage in Scotland Champion
42 DOCKHEAD STREET, SALTCOATS
Telephone: 462305 and 465019
ELECTRICAL
Scottish Building
Standards Approved
Arthur Robertson
Proprietor
Tel: 01294 468753 Mob: 07717 796257
Email: [email protected]
• Commercial
• Domestic
• Industrial
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS
Kitchens, Bathrooms and Bedrooms.
Stockists of UPVC Floor and Wall.
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.
INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS
24 Hour Service
email: [email protected]
www.funeral-scotland.co.uk
Showrooms at:
21 Mackintosh Place, South Newmoor Ind. Estate, Irvine KA11 4JT
and 24 Bath Street, Largs KA30 8BL. Tel: 01475 670076
Tel: 01294 211888
www.ashgrovehomeimprovements.co.uk
Golden Charter Funeral Plans
24-hour service guaranteed
All contracts welcome
7-seat people carrier
and 6-seat minibuses available
Telephone:
0500 340875 or 46 46 46
Roadside
Flower Shop
Weddings - Funerals
Hand tied bouquets
Exotic and traditional flowers
Delivery Service available
All major credit cards accepted
Open 10.00am - 5.30pm
50-52 Boglemart Street, Stevenston
Tel: 462859
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Member of National Association of Funeral Directors
www.funeral-ayrshire.co.uk
Established 1902
Quality Home Made Ices
Daily & Sunday Papers
We sell over 200 varieties of
toffees, chocolates and boiled sweets
68 Hamilton Street, Saltcoats Tel: 464638
Piping for all occasions
Weddings,
Burns Suppers
and Other
Celebrations
Tel: Peter Martin
01294 463313
07515 820619
STARKS
• NEWSAGENTS • BOOKSELLERS •
• STATIONERS • TOBACCONIST •
16-70 seater coaches fitted with
seatbelts available for private hire
10 Hamilton Street, Saltcoats
Telephone: 463439
A.W. BLAIR & SONS
For personal attention contact
Ian Blair, Dip.F.D., M.B.I.E.
West End Cafe
CENTRAL TAXIS Peter Piper
29 Chapelwell Street, Saltcoats KA21 5EB
tel: 01294 607001 fax: 01294 606407
3 Lade Street Largs KA30 8AZ
tel: 01475 670555 fax: 01475 670555
Cavani’s
Seabank Street
Saltcoats
Tel: 468238
For a quote or to book call
0800 072 0373
Sports & Rainwear
No. 1 FOR SPORT
(24 hour service)
Service and Rest Rooms
with ample private parking
Memorial Showroom at Canal Street
Golden Charter Funeral Plans
Day and Night Service
20/22 Hamilton Street
SALTCOATS
Tel: 01294 605977
Magazine produced by Kirkgate Parish Church - www.kirkgatechurch.org.uk. Registered Scottish Charity No: SC023003.