THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY
RESUMPTION OF CHURCH SERVICES: The Kirk Session is pleased to announce that Church Services will take place in Ayr St Columba Church on Sunday mornings at 10.00am from 6th September onwards. Initially there will be one Service, which will last for approximately 30 minutes.
THE WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON SERVICES will no longer take place and we thank everyone who attended or took part in these meaningful and affirming Services in recent weeks.
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 “GRASS”. Do take a look!
RECORDING OF SERVICES We are currently finalising plans to upload a Worship Service to the website. We expect to announce starting dates very soon. The website will be updated when we have this information.
AUDIO SERMON – an Audio version of the sermon is available on the website.
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.
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.
QUESTIONING FAITH In October/November, I plan to hold a discussion group which will meet once a week for five weeks (5 sessions in total). Depending on availability, we will meet either on an afternoon or an evening. If possible (subject to numbers interested and government guidelines), we will meet in the manse. However, if more people want to participate than is allowed under COVID restrictions, we will meet on Zoom.
‘QUESTIONING FAITH’ will be an opportunity to discuss the changing nature of Christianity: the earlier paradigm(s) and, in the 21st century, the emerging paradigm. Together, we will explore what is changing in our faith because of science (evolution), other world faiths, and interpretation of Scripture. As an aid to discussion, we will read a selection of chapters from The Heart of Christianity by Marcus Borg (purchase from a bookshop or Amazon or loan from St Columba library). Non-threatening and requiring no previous knowledge, our shared discussion will last one hour with initial input from me. If you would like to join this group, please call the manse (01292 226075) and leave a message or email me at scottsmckenna@aol.com It will be great to hear from you! Scott
DEATH Kathleen Donaldson, Glenfairn Nursing Home, died on Thursday 27 August. The funeral is at Masonhill Crematorium on Monday 14 September at 2.00pm.
WE continue to pray for all our bereaved families and for the Ministers and Office bearers as they continue to seek a way forward for our Church that will be safe for all.
THE SEPTEMBER PRAYER CALENDAR for week ONE is available on the website.
PLEASE do not hesitate to let us know of anyone unwell or struggling at this time. Irene – 265794
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/
FLOWERS: many thanks to our Flower Convenor Anne (Drennan) for the beautiful arrangements that are gracing the Sanctuary.
LIFE & WORK: Pre-ordered copies of the L&W will be hand delivered until we return to normal! If you do not subscribe but would like more information please contact the Life & Work Convenor – Hazel Steele on Tel. 861631
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).
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: Please remember our Food Bank. They are working to capacity under very severe hygiene and distancing regulations to meet this growing need. Extra food items can be left at a number of stores around Ayr. (Asda; Tesco, Sainsbury and the Co-op – to name a few). 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 or you can contact the Foodbank on 0759907114.
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/
FACEBOOK – THIS 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. Our Church windows in Jigsaw form – pop over and have a try! 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 a 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:
SPOTLIGHT ON FAITH – Revd. Dr. Scott McKenna in conversation with Iain Stewart of Edinburgh Inter Faith Association. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrX0YdGevd0