EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
DIAL-A-SERMON It is now possible to access Scott’s Wednesday Reflection and 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. This service is in addition to the Wednesday Reflection already available on the website (in both script and audio) and Facebook page (in script and audio) as well as the Sunday Sermon (in script) on the website.
CHURCH SERVICES: Churches are permitted to hold restricted forms of service now that we are in Phase 3 of the government’s route map. Ongoing discussions will allow us to consider when and how we can offer Worship that will provide good and safe experiences for our members and we will take guidance from the Church of Scotland fully into account. To this end discussions are ongoing for the equipment required for the RECORDING OF SERVICES andwe are currently finalising plans to upload an audio recording of the Sermon and in due course a Worship Service to the website. We expect to announce starting dates very soon. The website will be updated when we have this information.
WEDNESDAY REFLECTION: The Minister continues to offer a short reflection every Wednesday. This may be accessed on our website (script and audio) or Facebook (audio). Last week’s was entitled “BROTHER SUN”. Do take a look!
DEATHS: we extend our condolences to the family of Mr Bob Wills who passed away this past week in Malin Court.
Our sincere sympathies are extended to the family and friends of Miss Isabelle Tait who passed away in Windyhall Care Home this past week.
And our condolences are extended to the family of Mr James Wilson of Leslie Crescent, Ayr
THE AUGUST PRAYER CALENDAR for week ONE is available on the website.
WE continue to pray for all our bereaved families this week and for the Ministers and Office bearers as they continue to seek a way forward for our Church that will be safe for all.
PLEASE do not hesitate to let us know of anyone unwell or struggling at this time. Irene – 265794
COLUMBA NEWS – the next edition is in hand. If you have any material that you wish included in this issue please send to the editor by today, Sunday 2nd August. Please email articles to the editor at editor.columbanews@gmail.com
PRIVATE PRAYER – we were pleased to welcome members to sit quietly in the Sanctuary every Sunday from 10.00am to 11.00 am. The Duty Team will open the doors at 10am. Please note the change of time. Please be aware that the situation you will find in Church will not be how it is in normal circumstances. The maximum number of people who can enter the Church on a Sunday morning is 35.
It is important that members take careful note of all the information on Private Prayer on the Church website. You will be asked to use the foot operated hand sanitiser and you are strongly advised to wear a mask. Please bring a written note of your name, address and telephone number with you – this is required as a trace precaution. Full information can be found on the website at this address:https://ayrstcolumba.co.uk/category/current-information/ Bob Bartholomew, Session Clerk.
REMEMBER – SERMONS and PRAYERS are available on the website. The Wednesday Reflection from the Minister, and a wealth of useful information can also be found here. https://ayrstcolumba.co.uk/
SCHOOL CLOTHING BANK: in previous years you have very generously supported the School Clothing Bank. As with everything else COVID- 19 has brought increased hardship to so many families. Please think about supporting this amazing charity by purchasing a few items of school clothing. If you are able to help please phone me on 265794 to arrange a dropping off point. Thank you so, so much!
FLOWERS: many thanks to our Flower Convenor Anne (Drennan) for the beautiful arrangements that are gracing the Sanctuary during our time of Private Prayer.
OFFERINGS: During this time when the Church building is closed, members may be considering how they can continue to give offerings to the Church. Information on this is available on the Church website https://ayrstcolumba.co.uk/options-for-offerings/ This link will take you directly to the page. Alternatively, you can contact the Treasurer (01292 443271), the Session Clerk or the Church Secretary (both at 01292 265794).
SUNDAY WORSHIP – Sunday 2 August – in the absence of worship in our own Sanctuary may I direct you to BBC Radio 4 at 08.10am – “ENCOUNTERING GOD IN ABANDONMENT” – The Rev Dr Isabelle Hamley, Chaplain to the Archbishop of Canterbury charts her walk with God and with Covid-19. In a recent Thought for the Day on Radio 4 Dr Hamley spelt out the devastating effects Covid-19 has had on her personally, an early sufferer from the disease, referring to the biblical book of Job. “Job goes from being incredibly fortunate to losing everything, his wealth his loved ones, his health.” Job’s friends were “explaining away what happened, finding meaning in Job’s continued plague, even blaming him.” But the bible is deeply realistic. His friends are fighting their own battle with fear. Job is fighting with meaninglessness and trauma. “Job never finds out why he suffered. Instead he meets God face to face and finds solace in his presence.” In this programme, the Archbishop’s chaplain will bring other portions of scripture to bear as they relate to wider suffering across the world. What can people of faith and none draw from ancient spiritual wisdom as the world faces a pandemic unprecedented in recent human memory?
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.
OASIS CAFÉ: During our enforced closure – please remember your Thursday morning friends and maybe give each other a call!
FOOD BANK: You will have seen on the news this week the stark figures that indicate how many children are going hungry during lockdown and beyond, as parents struggle to find money for food. The Food Banks are working to capacity under very severe hygiene and distancing regulations to meet this growing need. Please remember those extra food items which can be left at a number of stores around Ayr. (Asda; Tesco, Sainsbury and the Co-op – to name a few). If you are not out shopping you can make monetary donations by cheque – made out to South Ayrshire Foodbank and send to the Foodbank at New Life Church, 62 Monkton Road, Prestwick. KA9 2PA. This is the main – they deal with all donations. You can contact the Foodbank on 0759907114 they ask that you please leave a message if no one answers – this means they are busy making up boxes for distribution. We are looking at the possibility of having a drop off at the Church – but not yet – watch this space.
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………
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.
SERMONS ONLINE: The text of the sermon for this week is available on the Sermons Tab.
https://ayrstcolumba.co.uk/category/sermons/
Meditative daily worship with readings, music and prayers are available from:
Facebook – you do not require a FB account to access the Church FB page. Something new will be uploaded every day. Our Church windows in Jigsaw form – pop over and have a try! https://www.facebook.com/ayrstcolumba/
SPOTLIGHT ON FAITH – Revd. Dr. Scott McKenna in conversation with Iain Stewart of Edinburgh Inter Faith Association. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrX0YdGevd0