Second Sunday in Advent
Church Services and Level 4 restrictions: There will be no Services in Church on Sunday 6th December 2020 or as long as South Ayrshire remains in Level 4.
If we move out of level 4 on Friday 11 December then services will follow the Christmas Calendar which is available on the website.
Sunday 13th December 2020 – Services at 10am and 11.15 am
BOOKING ARRANGEMENTS: SUNDAY 13 NOVEMBER – next Sunday. Please call Irene on 01292 265794 Monday/Tuesday or Thursday morning between 9.30am and 12 noon; or email on irene@ayrstcolumba.co.uk. All messages received will be acknowledged, please do not hesitate to be in touch if they are not.
RECORDING OF SERVICES During the level 4 restrictions The Sunday Worship Service will continue to be recorded and uploaded to the website (look under the tab “Worship Services”) and to our Church Facebook page. The link will allow you to watch the Service via our YouTube channel on your smart phone, iPad, Laptop or smart TV.
OFFICE: hours – Monday/Tuesday/Thursday and Friday morning between 9.00am and 1.00pm. Temporary telephone number 01292 265794; or email on irene@ayrstcolumba.co.uk. Please check your junk box from time to time as group email which will contain information for Elders seems to heading in that direction.
COLUMBA NEWS: details of when Elders may collect their Columba News will be emailed this week. Please check your junk box if you do not receive an email by Thursday 3rd December.
REMEMBER that while the building is closed the Church remains open.
The Minister and Office staff continue to work.
Online services, sermons, audios, Dial a Sermon etc will continue to be available
DEATHS
Our sincere sympathy and condolences are extended to the families of both Fiona Gilchrist, who died on 2nd December and her daughter Ilona Gilchrist, Ayr, who died on 2 December. The funeral for Fiona is at Masonhill Crematorium on Thursday 10 December at 12 noon and for Ilona is on Friday 18 December in Masonhill Crematorium at 4.15pm.
Our condolences are extended to the family of Donald Irving who died in Templeton House Care Home this past week. We do not have any funeral arrangements available.
SERMONS ONLINE: The text and an audio tape of the sermon for this week is available on the Sermons Tab on the website https://ayrstcolumba.co.uk/category/sermons/ and the
Recorded Service is available on the Worship Service tab
https://ayrstcolumba.co.uk/category/worship-service/
WE continue to pray for all our members and friends who are ill at home and in hospital, for our bereaved families and for the Ministers who are closely involved in their pastoral care.
THE PRAYER CALENDAR for December week ONE is available on the website.
ELDERS are encouraged to let the Minister know directly of any concerns or updates they have about members of their district.
DIAL-A-SERMON It is now possible to access Scott’s Sunday Sermon by using your telephone; no internet is required. All you need do is call 01292 851074. The call is charged according to your landline or mobile phone package.
PLEASE do not hesitate to let the Minister know of anyone unwell or struggling at this time.
REFLECTIONS AT THE QUAY returns on 6 December for a new series of music and reflection from the foyer of BBC Glasgow. This week the presenters are Rev Neil Glover from Aberfeldy and Fiona Stewart of Foolproof Creative Arts. Music is from archives of hymns and carols recorded in earlier years with congregations across Scotland. Live music in studio is by Celtic Worship.
OUR ST COLUMBA KIDS GROUP – during the level 4 restrictions there will be no meeting in the Church building. Stuart and the teachers continue to deliver uplifting, creative Christian messages and fun activities for our children via media platforms. If you have a young person who would like to be involved please contact Stuart (Stuartmckinlay@icloud.co.uk). All young people welcome.
LIFE & WORK: Pre-ordered copies of L&W – many thanks to Hazel (and Charlie) who uplifted all your Magazines and hand delivered them this past week. If you do not subscribe but would like more information please contact the Life & Work Convenor – Hazel Steele on Tel. 861631
SOUTH AYRSHIRE TOY BANK: Can you help make a local child smile on Christmas morning? Donations may be dropped off at Ayr Central at the Charity’s donation station in Skye Square. Your donations of new, unwrapped toys and pyjamas will be given to local children who might not otherwise receive a Christmas present. This year we need your help more than ever as the pandemic continues to impact more and more local families. The Toy Bank aims to alleviate the poverty experienced by children at Christmas by distributing donated toys via a referral system. If you can’t get into the Centre to drop off your toys then you can donate via their PayPal link. The appeal can be contacted on 07375 479376 or at satoybank@gmail.com Or on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter There is also a wish list on Amazon – with lots of ideas. https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/XGROGKF573WB?ref_=wl_shar
FLOWERS: A special “Thank you” to Anne and the Flower Team who decorate the Church so beautifully each Sunday. The flower arrangements for our worship service are a joy. Please let the Minister or Irene know of anyone who might benefit from a delivery of flowers.
THANK YOU – a huge thank you to members who have continued to collect their 20’s and coppers for our Charities.
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.
OFFERINGS: During this time when the Church building access is restricted, members may be considering how they can continue to give offerings to the Church. You can contact the Treasurer (01292 443271), the Session Clerk or the Church Secretary (both at 01292 265794).
FACEBOOK – IS FREE – there is no cost in using this service. You do not require a FB account to access the Church FB page. Something new will be uploaded every day.
https://www.facebook.com/ayrstcolumba/
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
Books for the journey………
Marcus Borg The Heart of Christianity
Days of Awe and Wonder: How to be a Christian in the 21st century
Rowan Williams Luminaries: Twenty lives that illuminate the Christian way SPCK
Thomas à Kempis The Imitation of Christ
Anthony De Mello Seek God Everywhere
Esther De Waal Seeking God
Also, you can sign up for the daily meditations of Fr Richard Rohr, Centre for Action and Contemplation. www.cac.org/sign-up/
Meditative daily worship with readings, music and prayers are available from: