20 August 2017

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. A very special welcome to the families of Gregor and Lucy who will be baptised at the Service this morning.

AT THE DOORS TO WELCOME YOU TODAY: Team 12: Mr. Gavin Gemmell, Mr. George McMillan, Mr. Robin Doncaster, Mr. Drummond Cameron, Mrs. Elaine Kerr, Mr. Jim Richardson, Mr. Peter Muir, Mr. Walter Muir, Dr. Lindsay Miller, Miss Hope Cousins, Mr. James Kane and Mr. George Rae.

MINISTRY OF FLOWERS: The flowers, which adorn the Sanctuary this week, have been given to the Glory of God by Mr. and Mrs. Dick Dunlop and Mrs. Maureen Fullerton.
SUNDAY 27th August 2017
SERVICES CONDUCTED BY THE REVD. FRASER R. AITKEN
9.30 am Family Worship Duty Team: 1 Sound: Mr. John Crone
10.00 am St. Columba Kids & Bible Class
11.15 am Morning Worship Sacrament of Baptism & Cradle Roll Service Sound: Mr Brian McKinlay

FRASER would like to put on record his immense gratitude and indebtedness to the Revd David Ness, the Revd John Matthews, the Revd Roddy McNidder, Mr David Wallace, Revd. Lawrie Lennox and Miss Muriel Wilson, who have conducted worship, weddings and funerals, and carried out pastoral duties during his recent spell of enforced absence, and to our Session Clerk, Bob, for all the heavy demands that were made upon him. He was also deeply touched by the cards, letters, emails, flowers and gifts which came from members of our congregation. He has been allowed to come back to work on a phased basis for four weeks, in the anticipation that he will be allowed to return fulltime in the near future.

THE KIRK SESSION has agreed to change the date of our evening Service from the first Sunday in the month to the last. The next evening service is on Sunday 24th September at 6.30pm
LIFE & WORK: Pre-ordered copies of the August edition are available for uplifting at the main door of the Church. There are extra copies available at both doors priced £2.50.
20’s IN THE PEWS: total collected in July is £126.74. The Kirk Session has decided to donate funds raised this year to support the work of Parkinson’s Scotland.
SUNDAY 27th AUGUST – St. Columba Kids and Bible Class resume. Lots of new teachers and great stories, crafts and other activities have been planned – come along and bring your friends!
MESSY CHURCH – Messy Church will resume on Saturday 30th September –…please note the change of dates. Meetings will be held on the last Saturday of the month. All volunteers who have helped in the past and any new volunteers are warmly invited to a meeting on Tuesday 5th September at 7.00pm in the Struthers’ Room
FOODBANK: Please continue to give the Foodbank your support. The need to help does not grow less during the summer months – every donation is very much appreciated. Required this week: long life milk, small bottles of diluting juice, tinned mince/stew/cold meat, tomatoes, pudding rice, jam, dried pasta and breakfast cereal.

MEMBERS AND FRIENDS IN HOSPITAL THIS PAST WEEK:
AYR HOSPITAL: Mr. David Burton (Stn. 16)
THE BIGGART: Major Sandy Goodwin (Urquhart), Mr. Charlie Symington (Urquhart) and Mrs. Helen Peters (Lindsay)
TEMPLETON HOUSE: Mr Donald Irving (Respite Care)

DATES for your DIARY:

KIRK SESSION meets in Cathcart Street Hall on Thursday 7th Sept. at 7.30pm
KEEP FIT & RELAXATION CLASS resumes on Wednesday 13th September in the newly refurbished Midton Hall. New members most welcome, class starts (chat permitting) at 2pm. More details from the office on 269524
FUNERALS: The Funeral service for Ms Sheila Stanley, of Prestwick, was held on Friday past. We extend or sympathy to her son Richard and family.
The Funeral service for Mr Bill Ritchie OBE of “Middleridge”, Kirkoswald, will be held here in the Church on Tuesday first, 22nd August, at 12.45p.m., followed by the committal at Ayr Cemetery at 2.00p.m. We extend our warmest condolences to his wife, Catherine, and their four daughters and all the family.
The Funeral service for Mr Derek Waugh of Maybole Road, Ayr, will be held at Masonhill on Thursday 24th August at 3,30p.m. Our sincerest sympathy and prayers are extended to Lynn and Peter.
The service of thanksgiving for Mrs Theresa Crone of Leeward Park, Ayr, will be held here in the Church on Friday 25th August at 11.00am, followed by the committal at Masonhill at 12 noon. We extend our deepest sympathy to her husband, John, son, James, daughter, Alix, and all the family.