WELCOME TO AYR: ST. COLUMBA CHURCH: For 115 years this building has stood at the heart of this part of our ancient Royal Burgh. It has witnessed wars, been favoured by a Royal visitor, welcomed holidaymakers, and been served by illustrious ministers, devoted musicians and dedicated members. Throughout these years, in anxious and sad times, in days of celebration and rejoicing, this Church has served the people as a place of sanctity, stability, and continuity. Today, in a society where the things of faith are often neglected, we strive to maintain an inclusive Christian presence, seeking ever to enhance the lives of everyone who comes into contact with us, and to reach out in mercy and compassion to a deeply troubled world. Here we explore and are not afraid to fail; here we are encouraged to ask questions; here we try to be a safe place for all ages. If you are here for the first time today, we pray that you will know something of God’s love in Jesus Christ, and that you will go home feeling inspired, strengthened, challenged and comforted.
AT THE DOORS TO WELCOME YOU TODAY: Team 9: Mrs. Elizabeth Gardiner, Mrs. Joan Dunlop, Mr. Duncan Anderson, Mr. Fraser Walker, Mr. Andrew Cardie, Mr. Bill Caven, Mr. Ron Currie, Mr. David Campbell, Mrs. Margaret Cardie, Mrs. Christine McLaughlin, Mrs. Margaret Doncaster and Mr. Jim Hunter
MINISTRY OF FLOWERS: The flowers, which adorn the Sanctuary this week, have been given to the Glory of God by Mrs. Marjorie Graham, Mrs. Irene Bartholomew and Revd. and Mrs. David Ness.
Sunday 18 March 2018 Fifth Sunday in Lent
SERVICES CONDUCTED BY THE MINISTER
9.30 am Family Worship Duty Team: 10 Sound: Mr. John Crone
10.00 am St. Columba Kids
11.15am Morning Worship Ordination and Admission of Elders Sound: Mr. Jim Brown
Elders please meet in the Struthers’ Room at 11.00 am
20’s IN THE PEWS: total collected in February is £103.70 The Kirk Session has decided to donate funds raised this year to support the work of ACE (Racerunning) Disability Recreation and Sport, Ayr.
STATED ANNUAL MEETING: will be held in the Church on Thursday 22nd March at 7.30pm. This important meeting in the life of our Church will be followed by cheese, wine and soft drinks. Copies of the Accounts are available at both doors this morning.
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT for elders and pastoral care visitors on Tuesday 13 March at 7.30pm in the Midton Road Hall: Perspectives on Bereavement speakers: Barry Whalen (Funeral Director) and Matthew Hynes (Director of Music)
HALL LETS MEETING: this will be held in the Orr Room on Tuesday 13th March at 6.30pm. Key holders are asked to bring their keys. If you are unable to attend your Organisation MUST contact John Stewart as soon as possible. Non-attendance booking will be made after the meeting.
BOOK GROUP reminder that the Book group will be on the 19th March at Fiona Taylor’s house, not the church, at 2 pm. Details from Helen Greig 520288.
MESSY CHURCH: Easter Messy Church will be held on SUNDAY 25th March. From 4 -6pm. This is a superb monthly event. Filled with songs, stories, crafts, games and much more, there is even a light supper of soup and sandwiches, don’t be shy came and see for yourself how good this time really is! Children please bring an adult!
HOLIDAY CLUB: “The Big Top” – Monday 2nd – Friday 6th April in the Midton Road Hall from 10am – 12 noon. Put the date in your diary and watch this space for more information next week!
THE LADIES FELLOWSHIP are holding their AGM this Monday evening at 7.30pm. We need as many members as possible to attend as important decisions have to be made. Refreshments, sandwiches etc. will be served after the meeting.
MENS ASSOCIATION– Next Meeting a Committee Meeting Monday 12th March at 7pm in Struthers Room
LUNCH CLUB: the final meeting for this session will be on Friday 23rd March in Cathcart Street Hall from 12noon till 1.30pm. Soup, snacks and light meals are all homemade and there is a sales table with jams and gifts to tempt you. Raising funds for The Hospice and CHAS. Your support is so much appreciated
COLUMBA NEWS: Material for the next edition should be with the editor today, Sunday 25th March. Articles should be emailed to the editor at: editor.columbanews@gmail.com
HOLY WEEK Monday 26th March – Friday 30th March 2018
All Services will be led by Revd. Fraser R. Aitken GCSJ, M.A., B.D. and Revd. Neil McNaught B.D., M.A. with guest preachers during the week.
Easter Sunday – 1st April 2018
7.30 am: Service on the Low Green
8.00 am: Breakfast in the Church Hall – please add your name to the list in the Carrick Park Vestibule
9.30 am: Family Service
11.15 am: Morning Worship Sacrament of Baptism
12.30 pm: Celebration of Holy Communion
You are invited to bring a bunch of spring flowers to adorn the empty Cross. After the 11.15 service, these will be delivered to many of our members and friends who have been bereaved since last Easter, conveying to them our warmest thoughts and our faith in the Risen Christ.
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS IN HOSPITAL THIS PAST WEEK:
AYR HOSPITAL: Mr. Willie Chalmers (Stn. 12) and Mrs. Edna Gemmell (Stn. 1)
QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, GLASGOW: Mrs. Marlene Hamilton (Spinal Unit)
THE BEATSON: Mr. John Morrison
CROSSHOUSE HOSPITAL: Mr. Jim Wilcox (Renal Unit) (Ward 2f)