DAILY PRAYING May I recommend the website pray-as-you-go.org which offers a daily 10 minute reflection with music, Scripture and help with sensitive praying. It will help you reflect on the day. You can listen first thing in the morning, during the day or towards last thing at night. Often, I find them very peaceful, though they differ each day. Scott
SUNDAY WORSHIP – in the absence of worship in our own Sanctuary may I direct you to BBC Radio 4 at 08.10am Sunday 26—3rd MAY – Unless the Lord builds the house … The Bishop of Salisbury Nicholas Holtam marks the 800th anniversary of Salisbury Cathedral and its move from Old Sarum. The original Salisbury Cathedral was completed at Old Sarum in 1092 under Osmund, the first Bishop of Salisbury. In 1220 the foundations were laid for this Cathedral on the ‘New Sarum’ site and within 38 years the main body of the building was completed. Bishop Nicholas and the Cathedral’s Canon Precentor, the Revd Anna Macham, reflect on what this very special building means for the people of God in the city and diocese, and the vision, faith and human ingenuity that not only saw this building raised, but eight centuries on ensure it remains open, if only virtually.
Please note the BBC changed the published times of the following two services last week. Please check they have not been rescheduled to start earlier.
WORSHIP FOR SUNDAY – BBC1 TV – 10.45am – FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER – The Very Reverend Kathy Jones leads the service for the fourth Sunday of Easter from Bangor Cathedral in Wales, with hymns recorded for Songs of Praise in March 2018. The service was filmed before the closure of all church buildings was announced.
REFLECTIONS AT THE QUAY (from Glasgow) – BBC SCOTLAND 11.15am Reflections with Dr Iain Duthie, pastor at King’s Community Church, Aberdeen, and Fiona Stewart, creative director at Foolproof Creative Arts, and music from Jarlath Henderson.
OFFERINGS: During this time when the Church building is closed, members may be considering how they can continue to give offerings to the Church. Information on this is available on the Church website https://ayrstcolumba.co.uk/options-for-offerings/ This link will take you directly to the page. Alternatively, you can contact the Treasurer (01292 443271), the Session Clerk or the Church Secretary (both at 01292 265794).
20’s IN THE PEWS: Please continue to save your 20’s – we will provide a very large collecting jar when we all return to Church.
MARY’S MEALS: likewise your coppers for Mary’s Meals – there will always be a great need to help.
THE MAY PRAYER CALENDAR for week three is available on the website.
LIFE & WORK: Pre-ordered copies of the will be retained until we return to normal! In addition to the hard copies that have been ordered – Life & Work, this month, is available online. Follow this link: https://www.lifeandwork.org/resources/free-download-may-2020.
There is a short highlight on the website.
COLUMBA NEWS: is available on the website. Thank you Norman.
OASIS CAFÉ: During our enforced closure – please remember your Thursday morning friends and maybe give each other a call!
FOOD BANK: Please remember that the need for donations of all basic foods is even more urgent during this crisis. If you go to the Church website or FB page you will find details of places where food can still dropped off.
REMEMBER – WEBSITE has lots to offer. Sermons and Prayers and a wealth of useful information.
Books for the journey………
Thomas à Kempis The Imitation of Christ
Anthony De Mello Seek God Everywhere
Esther De Waal Seeking God
Mark Oakley My Sour-Sweet Days
Also, you can sign up for the daily meditations of Fr Richard Rohr, Centre for Action and Contemplation.
SERMONS ONLINE: The text of the sermon for this week is available on the Sermons Tab.
https://ayrstcolumba.co.uk/category/sermons/
Meditative daily worship with readings, music and prayers are available from:
Facebook – you do not require a FB account to access the Church FB page. Something new will be uploaded every day. Prayers, short video from the Moderator Revd Colin Sinclair and his wife, and the new idea – Our Church windows in Jigsaw form – pop over and have a try!
DEATHS
Scott has two funerals this week – we remember our Minister in his prayers as he in turn ministers to the bereaved families.
Our prayers and condolences are extended to the family of Mary Sadler . Mary’s funeral will be held on Tuesday 5 May in Masonhill Crematorium at 3.00pm
We extend our sincere sympathies and prayers to May and all the family on the death of George McCracken . George’s service will be held on Wednesday 6 May in Ayr Cemetery at 12 noon.
You may wish to light a candle at the time of the funeral service in memory of these good folks and others whom you knew and loved.