11 DECEMBER 2016

WELCOME TO AYR: ST. COLUMBA CHURCH: Here at St Columba, you will find a warm welcome from committed Christian people who are serious about their faith journey but also enjoy having a good time. You will find passionate worship, which seeks to incorporate both the traditional and the new, and preaching that tries hard to make the Scripture message relevant to our daily living. We are a congregation drawn from all parts of Ayr and beyond, and we come together to worship and to take part in all kinds of Christian service in the community. If you want a Church that will honour your journey of faith and challenge you to go deeper into your relationship with Jesus Christ, then this is the place for you, and we are delighted to welcome you. Let no one feel a stranger in this place!
AT THE DOORS TO WELCOME YOU TODAY: Team 6: Mr. Jim Hume, Mrs. Liz Murray, Mrs. Pamela Naylor, Mr. Tom Rodger, Mr. Bill McCulloch, Mr. Michael Whiteford, Mrs. Edna Gemmell, Mr. Alex. Connell, Mr. Robbie Park, Mrs. Margaret Loudon, Mrs. Jane Hunter and Mr. Jim W. Brown
MINISTRY OF FLOWERS: The flowers, which adorn the Sanctuary this week, have been given to the Glory of God by Mr. Malcolm Mackay, Mrs. Irene Morrison and Mrs. Margaret Goodwin
SUNDAY 18 December 2016 Fourth Sunday in Advent
SERVICES CONDUCTED BY THE MINISTER and THE ASSISTANT MINISTER
9.30 am Family Service      St. Columba Kids’ Nativity      Duty Team: 7    Sound: Mr. John Crone
11.15 am Morning Worship                                                                                   Sound: Mr. Jim Brown
4.30 pm Service of Readings and Carols followed by Mulled wine and mince pies.
20’s IN THE PEWS: total collected in November is £90.The Kirk Session has decided to donate funds raised this year to support the work of Combat Stress at Hollybush House, Ayr.
LIFE & WORK: Pre-ordered copies of the December edition are available for uplifting at the main door of the Church. There are extra copies available at both doors priced £2.20.
CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTMAS LUNCH : TODAY! At Enterkine House Hotel 1pm for 1.30pm. The bus leaves after the 11.15am Service.
MEN’S ASSOCIATION: meeting tomorrow – Monday 12th at 7.30 in the Struthers’ Room. The speaker is Stuart Hawthorn on “Renewable Energy and Modern Buildings”. Visitors always welcome.
FOODBANK: Food stocks running low as demand for boxes going out in last few weeks has increased.
Most needed are long life milk, diluting juice, tinned meals, pasta, rice, jam, coffee, tins of tuna, Instant mash potato, custard, and biscuits. Many thanks to everyone for their donations.
“OASIS”: The drop in Café will be closed on Thursdays 22nd and 29th December and 5th January. We will reopen on Thursday 12th January 2017!
THE BIBLE CLASS is working alongside the Salvation Army again this year to try and help them with their annual toy drive. These toys are distributed in Ayr and the surrounding area by the Salvation Army, to families who require the food bank to eat, and whose children would otherwise waken up on Christmas morning, to find nothing. A box has been placed in the Carrick Park Vestibule and any donation of new toys would be gratefully received. Please note – toys should be unwrapped!
DREGHORN MUSICAL SOCIETY – an outing to Kilmarnock 14th December will leave Ayr St. Columba Church at 6.15pm. Looking forward to a happy evening – Jean Stewart – 263343
CHRISTMAS DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
13th and 16th December – Advent Music for Meditation and quiet reflection (in Church) 12.30am – 2.00pm. Come and go as you wish!
15th (at 2pm) and 16th December (at 10.30am)– Wellington School Services
21st December: WEDNESDAY Service of Holy Communion

MEMBERS AND FRIENDS IN HOSPITAL THIS PAST WEEK:
AYR HOSPITAL: Mrs Sally Gordon (Station 8) and Mr. Gordon McPherson (Stn 16)
CROSSHOUSE HOSPITAL: Mrs. Mae Trainer and Mr Steven Miller (ICU)
THE BIGGART: Miss Betty Murray (Urquhart), Mr. Allan Boyle (Macmillan), Mr. Tom Connaughton (Macmillan)
QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, GLASGOW: Mrs. Marlene Hamilton (Phillipshill Ward)

The Minister acknowledges with deep gratitude the cheque for £5,000 from good friends of our congregation who wish to remain anonymous. They have asked that the money be directed towards the work which we do at Lochside.

We have received a bequest of £7,600 from the late Mrs Margaret McGettigan, formerly of Curtecan Place and latterly of Redford Care Home. Margaret was a stalwart member of our Church, a faithful worshipper at the second service. This unassuming lady was a very gifted artist. We are immensely grateful that she has remembered us in her Will.