3 December 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.

AT THE DOORS TO WELCOME YOU TODAY: Team 5:  Mr. Gordon McKinlay, Mrs. Nan Mackie, Mr. Alec Mooney, Mrs. Jane Murnin, Mr. Jim Loch, Mr. John Morrison, Dr. Simon Farrell, Mr. Jimmy Symington, Mr. Robert Seath, Mrs. Susan Mills,  Mr. Douglas Paton, Mr. John Forsyth

MINISTRY OF FLOWERS: The flowers, which adorn the Sanctuary this week, have been given to the Glory of God by Mrs. Alison Edwards and Mrs. Joan Christison.

SUNDAY 10 December 2017   

SERVICES CONDUCTED BY THE MINISTER

9.30 am       Family Service             Duty Team: 6         Sound: Mr. Duncan McCallum

10.00am        St. Columba Kids & Bible Class

11.15 am        Morning Worship                                      Sound: Mr. Keith Fullerton

ELDERS please uplift Christmas Columba News and FWO envelopes are included, for immediate delivery. There are a few Districts still without Elders, assistance with the deliveries would be very much appreciated.

20’s IN THE PEWS: total collected in October is £137.04. The Kirk Session has decided to donate funds raised this year to support the work of Parkinson’s Scotland.

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 £2.50.

CONCERT BUS: the bus has been organised for The Dreghorn Music Society Christmas Concert in the Grand Hall Kilmarnock on Wednesday 6th December at 7.30pm – leaving Church at 6.30pm. Ticket and Bus will cost £15. Tickets should be paid immediately. Ayrshire Cancer Care, is the chosen charity for the choir this year.

CONGREGATIONAL CHRISTMAS LUNCH 10th DECEMBER –– Kylestrome Hotel at 1.00pm. Please note anyone cancelling will be liable for the full cost of their meal.

INFORMAL ORGAN RECITALS of Advent and Christmas Music. Come and go as you please, wander around the church, sit, meditate, pray, be at peace, enjoy whatever time you can spare to escape from the buzz of Christmas preparation. Music by J.S. Bach, Dietrich Buxtehude, Claude D’Aquin Max Reger,  Johannes Brahms,  Alexandre Guilmant, Flor Peeters,   Nicolas Lebègue. Tuesday 19th and Thursday 21st December   11.00 – 12.30pm

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

FUNDRAISING CONCERT – CHRISTMAS JOY: A concert in aid of our outreach work at Lochside, will be taking place in the church on Friday 15th December at 7.30pm. The evening will feature the Ayr Salvation Army Brass Band, Bobby Irvine, Olive Lindsay, Stuart McKinlay, and Soroush Moteshareie. Compered by Tom Raffel, tickets are £5 donation and available from the church office, or at the door.

CAROLS in the RING – at Ayr Mart, on Wednesday 6th December at 7.30pm. This event will launch Ayr Farming Support and introduce Revd. Chris Blackshaw, the recently appointed Minister for Farmers.

STRICTLY SENIORS: Event for the over 55’s – entertainment, activities, market and information stalls – with refreshments! Ayr Town Hall Friday 8th December 10.30am – 3pm. Our own Rachel’s Airways choir will be featuring at 12.10!

OASIS CAFÉ: the Oasis Café will be closed on Thursday 21st and 28th December 2017. We will reopen on Thursday 4th January 2018. The Committee wish everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year.

MEMBERS AND FRIENDS IN HOSPITAL THIS PAST WEEK:

AYR HOSPITAL: Mrs. Jean Harkness (Stn. 10) and Mr. John Hamilton (Stn. 7)

Our sympathy is extended to the family of Mrs. Margaret McClymont (Holmston Drive) who passed away in Oban. There are, as yet, no details of her funeral.

Details of the service of Thanksgiving for the late Ronnie Allison MBE are –Thursday 7th December; Committal at Masonhill at 12 noon followed by a Church service at 1pm.