25 February 2018

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 7:  Mr. Terry Swinn, Mr. Hugh Brown, Mr. Keith Fullerton, Mrs. Irene Bartholomew, Mr. Norman Reid, Mrs. Nancy Mortimer, Mrs. Jean Stewart,  Mrs. Heather Fullerton, Mr. Charlie Jack, Mrs. Christina Kennedy, Mr. Bob Templeton and Mr. Peter G. Macdonald

MINISTRY OF FLOWERS: The flowers, which adorn the Sanctuary this week, have been given to the Glory of God by Mrs. Sheena Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Pettigrew and Miss Alice Montgomerie.

Sunday 4 March 2018                 Third Sunday in Lent

SERVICES CONDUCTED BY THE MINISTER

9.30 am         Family Worship                 Duty Team: 8        Sound: Mr.  Alan Hawthorn

10.00 am        St. Columba Kids

11.15am            Morning Worship                                              Sound: Mr. David Campbell

WEDNESDAY COMMUNION: will be held on Wednesday, 28th February at 2.00pm, followed by tea in the Struthers’ Room. All welcome!

20’s IN THE PEWS: total collected in January is £88.91. The Kirk Session has decided to donate funds raised this year to support the work of ACE (Racerunning) Disability Recreation and Sport, Ayr.

TRUSTEES MEETING: All ruling ELDERS and are requested to attend a meeting in the Church on Thursday 1st March at 7.30 pm. Accounts are available in your pigeonholes or directly from the office.

LIFE & WORK: Pre-ordered copies of the February edition are available for uplifting at the main door of the Church. There are extra copies available at both doors priced £2.50.

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)

MENS ASSOCIATION: Next Meeting Monday 26th February at 7.30pm in Struthers Room. Speaker Jennifer Higgins on “The Wee House” Company. Visitors always welcome.

HALL LET’S 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.

FOOD BANK: items most needed this week are: Coffee, jam, diluting juice, longlife milk, small packets of rice, packets of pasta in sauce, and jars of pasta sauce.

DUTY TEAM MEMBERS: Team members who do not have a name badge please email the correct spelling of your name to the office immediately. irene@ayrstcolumba.co.uk

LOCHSIDE SHOP – volunteers urgently needed to help man this essential fundraising shop for our mission and ministry in Lochside. Even one hour a month could help, please call the Lochside office on 01292286981 or email hello@lochsidemission.org.uk

MEMBERS AND FRIENDS IN HOSPITAL THIS PAST WEEK:

AYR HOSPITAL: Mr. Willie Chalmers (Stn. 12)

CROSSHOUSE HOSPITAL: Mrs. Edna Gemmell (Ward 5b); Mr. Jim Wilcox (Ward 2F)

QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, GLASGOW: Mrs. Marlene Hamilton (Spinal Unit)

THE BEATSON: Mr. John Morrison

The funeral Service for Mrs. May Sneddon of Heathfield Care Home, Ayr will take place tomorrow, Monday 26, at 11.00am at the Doune Cemetery, Girvan. Our warmest thoughts are extended to her three sons and their families.

The funeral service for Mr John Hamilton of Springvale Park will be held in the Church on Tuesday 27th February at 1.00pm followed by the committal at Masonhill at 2.00pm. We extend our deepest sympathy to his niece, Ruth, and the family. The Kirk Session is asked to meet in the Struthers’ Room at 12.40pm on Tuesday, ahead of the Service.

The funeral service for Mr. Edwin Henderson of Auchentrae Crescent will be held on 28th February at 10.30am at Masonhill. Our sincerest sympathy is extended to his wife, Jane and his sons.

The funeral service for Mrs Margaret McClure of Glencairn Road will be held at Masonhill on Thursday 1st March at 10.30a.m.  Our warmest sympathy is extended to all of Margaret’s family.

The funeral Service for Mr. John McBride will be held in the Church on Friday 9th March at 1pm followed by the committal at Masonhill at 2pm. Our warmest support is extended to his daughter and son-in-law.