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 6: Mrs. Liz Murray, Mrs. Pamela Naylor, Mr. Tom Rodger, Mr. Bill McCulloch, Mr. Michael Whiteford, Mrs. Edna Gemmell, Mr. Alex. Connell, Mr. Robbie Park, Mr. Jim Hunter, Mr. Jim Hume, Mrs. Jane Hunter and Mr. Jim W. Brown
MINISTRY OF FLOWERS: The flowers, which adorn the Sanctuary this week, have been given to the Glory of God by Mrs. Fiona Boyd, Mrs. Irene Morrison, Mrs. Margaret Goodwin, Mrs. Laraine Christian and Ms Karen Kennedy.
SUNDAY 17 December 2017 THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT
SERVICES CONDUCTED BY THE MINISTER
9.30 am Family Service St. Columba Kids Nativity Tableau Duty Team: 7 Sound: Mr. John Crone
11.15 am Morning Worship Sound: Mr. Jim Brown
4.00pm Lessons and Carols followed by Mulled Wine and mince pies.
20’s IN THE PEWS: total collected in October is £95.79. 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.
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.
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.
GUILD tomorrow Monday, 11 December and this is an afternoon meeting at 2 p.m. in the Midton Road Hall. We are delighted to welcome back Sheila, Mary and Tom who will entertain us on this our last meeting before Christmas. Please do come along and join us and any new members and guests will be assured of a warm welcome and enjoy an afternoon of Christmas music and afternoon tea.
WEDNESDAY EVENING BIBLE STUDY will meet on 13 December from 7.30 – 9.00 pm in the Struthers Room. All welcome.
CAROL SINGING AT AYR CENTRAL. If you are available on Saturday 16th December – 2-3pm then please come along and join St Columba’s Kids carol singing at Ayr Central to raise money for the Vine Trust (our charity of the year). As many voices as possible will hopefully help us to add to the money we are already raising this year.
MEMBERS AND FRIENDS IN HOSPITAL THIS PAST WEEK:
AYR HOSPITAL: Mr. George Templeton (Stn. 6) and Mr. John Hamilton (Stn. 15)