15 October 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 Elsie, Blair and Aylie who will be baptised at the 11.15 Service this morning.
AT THE DOORS TO WELCOME YOU TODAY: Team 8: Mr. John Hamilton,Mrs. Fiona Boyd,
Mr. Stuart Reid, Mrs. Dorothy Bone, Mrs. Linda Sharp, Mrs. Shona Frew,Mr. Jim Brown, Mrs. Jessie Davidson, Mrs. Sheena Stewart, Mr. Peter T. MacDonald, Mrs. Larraine Christian and Mr. John Ballantyne
MINISTRY OF FLOWERS: The flowers, which adorn the Sanctuary this week, have been given to the Glory of God by Mrs. Dorothy Dawson, Mr. David Inglis and Professor and Mrs. Ken MacCallum
SUNDAY 22 October 2017
SERVICES CONDUCTED BY THE REVD. FRASER R. AITKEN
9.30 am Family Worship Duty Team: 9 Sound: Mr. John Ferguson
10.00 am St. Columba Kids & Bible Class
11.15 am Morning Worship Sound: Mr. Stuart McKinlay
WEDNESDAY COMMUNION: will be held on Wednesday, 25th October at 2.00pm in the Centenary Aisle, followed by tea in the Struthers’ Room. All welcome!
ALL ELDERS are asked to check the Lists for Communion Duty in the Carrick Park Vestibule and to tick their name to confirm their availability for the October 29th Service of Holy Communion.
COLUMBA NEWS: Elders are asked to uplift their Magazines and Communion Invitation Cards from their pigeonhole for immediate delivery. There are one or two districts currently without an Elder, if you are able to assist with delivery please speak to Irene in the Office. Thank you!
20’s IN THE PEWS: total collected in September is £131.90. 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 October edition are available for uplifting at the main door of the Church. There are extra copies available at both doors priced £2.50.
GUILD: Monday, 16 October at 7.30 p.m. in the Midton Road Hall, is our next meeting and we look forward to welcoming Mrs Alex Morris who will give a talk on The Laws of Gartsherrie. Alex is a member of St Columba and we are delighted that she has agreed to come to the Guild. Please come along and join us and any new members will be made most welcome.
WEDNESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY will take place on 18 October at 7.30pm in the Struthers Room. All welcome.
LIGHT PARTY – Light Party on Halloween is planned for Tuesday 31st October 6-8pm in the church halls, to welcome families from our church and from the community. This is an opportunity to offer an alternative to guising round doors, everyone is invited to a wonderful party, celebrating light in the darkness. Help always appreciated, particularly on the night! Names to the office if you are able to help on the night or preparing or delivering leaflets in advance. Thank you.
MESSY CHURCH: next meeting will be on SUNDAY 29th OCTOBER – please note change of day –
Main Hall at 4.00pm (Registration 3.45pm) – 6pm. All the usual fun activities, worship and supper. New families always welcome – come along and give Messy Church a try.
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS IN HOSPITAL THIS PAST WEEK:
AYR HOSPITAL: Mrs. Rae Ross (HDU)
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY:
5th NOVEMBER – “A Time to Remember” –at 4p.m. A short act of worship in the Centenary Aisle, to remember loved ones who have passed away.
9th DECEMBER – Seniors’ Afternoon Tea – return Flyers are available at both doors this morning.
10th DECEMBER – Congregational Christmas Lunch – Kylestrome Hotel. The list is open and available in the Carrick Park Vestibule. If you would like to attend, please add your name to the list.

It is with deep sadness that we record the passing of one of our devoted members, Mrs Irene Skilky, of Westfield Road. The service of thanksgiving for Irene’s life will be held in the Church tomorrow at 1.15, followed by the Committal at Masonhill at 2.00. Our affection and support are extended to her daughter and son, Angela and John, her sister, Alexis, and all the family.
The funeral service for Mr. Stephen Findlay of Glasgow will be held at Masonhill on Friday 22nd October at 3.15 your prayerful support is extended to his mother, Patricia, of Craigholm Road, Ayr.