november 2014

www.kirkgatechurch.org.ukRegistered Scottish Charity SC023003

messengerArdrossan & Saltcoats

kirkgateCHURCHPARISH

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IT TAKES A LOT OF SILENCE:to fill a minute or two...to hold the pain of news about a fallen son or daughterto count the cost of nations at warto remind the world what it too easily forgets.

IT TAKES A LOT OF SILENCE:to hold the anger of conflicts not of our nameto prick the consciences of those who call for warto name the ones who fallto name the ones who remain namelessto name the ones who remain unfoundto name the ones caught up in something they have nothing do to withto learn a lesson about our inhumanity to each otherto speak into the warring words of the powerfulto make peace a way of living.

IT TAKES A LOT OF SILENCEto fill the space in a field of poppiesto encourage a nation to say ‘Never Again’.

IT TAKES A LOT OF SILENCEto hear God cry.

(Meditation by Rev Roddy Hamilton, New Kilpatrick Church of Scotland)

From the Manse . . .

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them . . .

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we remember with thanksgiving those who lived and died in the service of our country and we ask for God’s help and blessing that we may live lives worthy of their sacrifice, especially in this year – 100 years on from the beginning of the First World War.

The 4th of August 2014 marked the 100th anniversary of the day Britain entered one of the costliest conflicts in history with fighting continuing until the 11th of November 1918, Armistice Day.

So as we pause for two minutes of silence, we show our respect for the past and declare again our hope for the future – a hope which is grounded in Jesus Christ, our Lord and the Prince of Peace.

Blessings

Dorothy

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Church DiaryNOVEMBERSaturday 1st10 - 12 noon Craft Group - Coffee & Cards

Sunday 2nd10.45 a.m. Morning Worship - Social Care Sunday12.00 p.m. Prayer Group ‘Messenger’ & Life & Work available for uplifting

Monday 3rd 7.30 p.m. The Guild - Burns in Rhyme

Tuesday 4th7.30 p.m. Presbytery meets in the Church

Thursday 6th10.30 a.m. ‘30 Minute’ Service2.30 p.m. Country Dance Club

Sunday 9th

10.45 a.m. Service of Remembrance

Monday 10th7.30 p.m. The Guild - World War 1 Presentation

Thursday 13th10.30 a.m. ‘30 Minute’ Service7.30 p.m. Kirk Session Meeting7.30 p.m. Country Dance Club

Saturday 15th 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Presbytery Safeguarding

Sunday 16th

10.45 a.m. Morning Worship

Monday 17th7.30 p.m. The Guild - Kirkgate Craft Team

Wednesday 19th3.00 p.m. Presbytery Business Meeting

Thursday 20th10.30 a.m. ‘30 Minute’ Service2.30 p.m. Country Dance Club

Saturday 22nd Gaiety Theatre Outing – “Oklahoma” – Pick-up times:12.50 -1 p.m. Barr Street, Ardrossan 1.10 p.m. Saltcoats Station

Sunday 23rd

10.45 a.m. Morning Worship

Monday 24th7.30 p.m. The Guild - Glasgow Police Museum

Thursday 27th10.30 a.m. ‘30 Minute’ Service7.30 p.m. Country Dance Club Party in Stevenston: High Kirk Hall - Billy Gray

Friday 28th Material required for ‘Messenger’ 6.30 - 8.00 p.m. Hall open for donations for Christmas Fair

Saturday 29th11.30 a.m. - 2.30 p.m. CHRISTMAS FAIR

Sunday 30th10.45 a.m. Sacrament of Holy Communion 1st Sunday in Advent

DECEMBERMonday 1st 6.30 p.m. “Light up a Life” Service Tea served at 7.30 p.m.8.00 p.m. The Guild - Bible Study - Andrew Bruce

Tuesday 2nd7.30 p.m. Presbytery Meets in the Church

Thursday 4th10.30 a.m. ‘30 Minute’ Service2.30 p.m. Country Dance Club

Sunday 7th10.45 a.m. Morning Worship - 2nd Sunday in Advent ‘Messenger’ & Life & Work available for uplifting

Monday 8th7.30 p.m. The Guild Cumnock & District Handbell Ringers Festive Music followed by mince pies tea/coffee

Pleased be assured of a warm welcome at all our services. Tea & coffee served in hall afterwards

Sunday 10.45 a.m. Creche & Sunday SchoolMonday 10.00 a.m. Keep Fit Group 7.30 p.m. The GuildTuesday 2.00 p.m. KA Leisure Aerobics 4.00 – 8.00 p.m. The Craft TeamWednesday 6.15 – 8.30 p.m. *Senior Guides

* External Groups who use our premises

THE FOLLOWING ORGANISATIONS ALSO MEET REGULARLY EVERY WEEK

A note for your diary: For the last number of years I have been raising small amounts of funds with the congregation ordering items from the Webb Ivory Christmas Catalogue. These are now available for anyone who would like to take one and pass it on to friends and family.

We make 25% on almost everything purchased. I prefer to have a couple of large orders rather than lots of small ones as we are charged £3.99 postage on each order. Please see me about the catalogue, every little helps! Moira Cooper

Saturday 29th November 2014 Full details on pages 13 and 15

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Prayer Diary

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Prayers Are The Stairs To GodPrayers are the stairs we must climb every day, if we would reach God there is no other way,

For we learn to know God when we meet Him in prayer and ask Him to lighten our burden of care.

Start in the morning though the way is steep, climb ever upward ‘til your eyes close in sleep -

For prayers are the stairs that lead to the Lord, and to meet Him in prayer is the climber’s reward.

Helen Steiner Rice

No Prayer Goes UnheardOften we pause and wonder when we kneel down to pray

Can God really hear the prayers that we say...

But if we keep praying and talking to Him

He’ll brighten the soul that was clouded and dim.

And as we continue to pray our burden seems lighter

Our sorrow is softened and our outlook is brighter.

For though we feel helpless and alone when we start,

Our prayer is the key that opens the heart.

And as our heart opens the dear Lord comes in

And the prayer that we felt we could never begin

Is so easy to say for the Lord understands

And gives us new strength by the touch of His hands.

Helen Steiner Rice

PEACE PRAYERPeace between me and each friend

Peace in the morning and at the day’s end

Peace in each hour and the whole day

Peace on my journey and all the way

Peace in the work that I need to do

Peace in my life

Peace comes from you

David Adam

Hospital Visiting Visiting clergy no longer have access to in-patient lists at local hospitals, so the only way for the Minister to find out if you are in hospital is if a relative, friend or neighbour lets us know. The Minister’s details are below. You can also contact Miss Alison Buick (01294 464531) or Mrs Morag Forsyth (01294 463762) and visits will be organised.

Recruitment of Pastoral VisitorsWe only have one pastoral visitor working alongside our visiting elders, so we are always looking for additional pastoral visitors. If this is a way you could serve the church, please speak to the Minister. Most visitors only visit two or three people, so it is not an onerous commitment. If you are interested in becoming a pastoral visitor, you will have to join the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) Scheme. This scheme has replaced the former disclosure system for those working with vulnerable groups and we have coordinators who will guide you through the process.

Rev Dorothy Granger (01294 463571)

Pastoral Care in Kirkgate Church

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Church Register To the Kirkgate Gardeners

FUNERALS “In my Father’s house are many mansions”

Parish

6th October 2014 Mr James Muir 3 Miller Place, Ardrossan

8th October 2014 Mr John McBroom (Former BSJ Elder) 25 James Clement Place, Kilwinning

16th October 2014 Miss Agnes Smart 18 Border Avenue, Saltcoats

23rd October 2014 Mrs Sandra Grant 15 Harley Place, Saltcoats

24th October 2014 Mr John Watt 100 Glasgow Street, Ardrossan

Kirkgate is very grateful to the volunteers who helped in keeping the grounds at Barony St John’s weed free and for planting the grounds and the pots with brightly coloured flowers. It made all the difference to the building and although not used as a place of worship now it is still loved and cared for.

Kirkgate is situated in an ideal location and we take the opportunity to remind people that we are in the community for them. In the dark winter months the church is floodlit in the evenings but during the summer months the gardens speak for themselves.

This year the colour and variety of plants has provided the members and passers-by with a glorious splash of colour as they blossom in the well cared for gardens. The roses as usual, when well pruned, have produced a constant crop throughout the summer months and well into the autumn. Once the grounds were weed free and planted it was a joy to watch the plants thrive and produce some beautiful blooms.

Work like that does not happen overnight and it takes dedication from the members of the gardening team time and effort. Thanks to all who contributed either by providing the plants or by hard graft.

Mima McSwan

Letters of Appreciation

Please accept sincere thanks for the lovely church flowers sent during my present illness.Helen Melvin

Thank you for the lovely flower arrangement I received after my brief stay in hospital. Winifred Smith

I am delighted to be home from hospital and further delighted to receive the lovely flowers from the church. The colours are very pretty. Thank you very much and best wishes to everybody at Kirkgate.Cathie & Jimmy Goodall

The family of Mrs Anne Algie, Arran View Care Home wish to express their thanks for the lovely arrangement sent to her at Harvest. Anne was a former member of Cunninghame Flower Club and really appreciated the lovely flowers.Ron & Agnes Algie

Helen Callan wishes to say thanks to everyone at Kirkgate church for the beautiful flowers delivered to her on the occasion of her 95th Birthday. They were most appreciated.

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Mission Boxes

Life & Work: in November’s edition . . .Remembrance 2014• Last letters home from those who perished in the

First World War• Remembrance Prayer from the Moderator of the

General Assembly• Story by Kenneth Steven

Reforming the KirkIn the second part of his series reflecting on the future of the Church of Scotland, the Rev Dr Doug Gay calls for a ‘creative conversation’

Tears and PrideThe Rt Rev John Chalmers reflects on his mixed feelings watching his son take part in the Invictus Games for injured service personnel

Faith in the Face of DisasterTwelve months on from the Clutha Vaults helicopter crash, Jackie Macadam meets the chaplains who supported emergency staff at the scene

Guild Annual MeetingLynne McNeil reports from the gathering in Dundee, which was addressed by the Moderator and the artist John Lowrie Morrison (JoLoMo)

A New CallDavid McCarthy reports on the first year of the Church of Scotland’s partnership with Fresh Expressions

‘Reach Out and Listen’The Rev Derek Hughes and Rosie Addis ask how churches can reach out to the deaf

Remember SyriaThe Rev Maggie Lane describes how Tearfund is helping Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon

Plus all the regular columnists, news, reviews, letters, registers and crosswords

Online visit us at www.lifeandwork.org, or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

For many years now a group of former New Trinity members put aside small or (larger!) amounts of money for the wider work of the church. These donations have been collected in mission boxes which contribute a few hundred pounds to our annual income.

I know quite a few of you have your own favourite schemes but if you feel you would like to participate please see me about obtaining a box. For those who already have a box please leave them in the vestibule or hand them to the duty office – bearers by end of November

Alistair Colquhoun

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Kirk Session News

The Kirk Session met on Thursday, 9th October 2014 at 7.30pm for what turned out to be a relatively concise meeting.

Finance:The Treasurer presented his accounts for the 40 weeks to 5/10/14. Givings and tax recovered were ahead of the budget and M&M contributions were on target. The M&M contribution has also been revised down slightly to £60,210 which will also help the budget. The Kirk Session also agreed to his suggestion that the proceeds from the forthcoming Christmas Fair go into the Fabric Account to help cover the various projects that are about to be undertaken.

Property: A new timer has now been installed in the Kitchen Boiler. The outside bin storage area has been concreted. There has been some water ingress in the table cupboard in the Annexe and it was agreed to refelt that section of roof at a cost of approx £480. Contractors are in place to start work on the removal of pews and heating pipes etc over the next few weeks - please take care whilst works are ongoing. A Maintenance Logbook will be provided on the hallway table for anyone wishing to note items of the church fabric needing attention.

Pastoral CareCalling cards will be produced for all Visiting Elders and Pastoral Visitors.

Proposed Kirk Session Committees and RemitsThe Minister presented a report on the proposed committees that should be set up to report back to the Kirk Session. These are Pastoral Care, Property, Communication, Church & Community, Fundraising & Social, and Stewardship. Elders were asked to consider which committee(s) they would like to serve on and to speak to the Minister for further information. The Kirk Session was broadly in favour of the proposed structure. The committees will be formalised at the November Kirk Session meeting.

Priority Areas ReportThe Minister presented a report on the recent designation of our Parish as a “Priority Area.” The designation offers potential for additional staffing resources; it will assist when we are dealing with adapting our buildings; and there are designated Priority Areas staff who can advise on sourcing finance, provide training courses (the minister recently attended a “coaching” programme to support ministers in Priority Areas). The Minister and both Session Clerks will also be attending a Priority Areas Consultation at Gartmore House from 20th-22nd November. Overall, the redesignation is a positive thing for Kirkgate. It gives our congregation a status it did not have previously and it has the potential to deliver significant benefits.

OTHER BUSINESS:

Social Care Sunday: The service on 2nd November will mark this designation. Margaret Cassidy will give a short talk on the work of Crossreach, and Alison Paton will speak on behalf of Christians Against Poverty.

Remembrance Sunday: William Stark will represent Kirkgate Church at the Remembrance Parade and wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial on Sunday 9th November at 11am.

Christmas Services: Light up a Life Service in aid of the Ayrshire Hospice - Monday 1st Dec, 6.30pm. (The Guild will meet at 8pm that evening)

Christmas Eve: It was agreed to hold a service at 3pm in the church on Christmas Eve. Other Churches within Saltcoats are holding services at different times throughout the day, including a midnight service for anyone wishing to attend one at that time. Christmas Day services still to be confirmed.

There will be Carols in Dockhead Street on Saturday 20th Dec, organised by Saltcoats Fraternal.

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Presbytery Report

We are very happy to report that both Manses and the cottage have not required any additional repairs during this last month.

BARONY ST JOHN’S Since going on the market just over a month ago some interest has been shown in the Barony St John’s building. The General Trustees and the Church Lawyer are currently dealing with the enquiries.

CHURCH Work has commenced this week towards the removal of the pews on either side of the chancel.

The sound system has been temporarily moved and the pews will be dismantled later in the week. The following week will see the Heating Engineers re-locating the heating pipes and thereafter flooring and re-decoration of the areas will follow.

CHURCH HALL The small cupboard in the large hall annexe has had water ingress again. It was thought that blocked leaves in the gutter had possibly been the main cause on the last occasion although we had been warned that the felt was

not in good condition. As it has occurred again the Kirk Session granted permission to have the felt replaced and that work has taken place. It will take some time for the cupboard to dry out but hopefully that will be the end of water seeping through.

PROPERTY/HEALTH & SAFETY ISSUES Phyllis Armstrong very kindly informed me that Barony St John’s had a book available for any member to log a concern or problem regarding the property or Health & Safety Issues. It is a good

idea and one that we are happy to copy. You will now find a book is sitting on the hall table and if you have any concerns about any aspect of the property or H & S issues in the church or halls please note it in the book. The Property Committee are not always aware of some of the problems that arise so please take a moment and log the problem – that will be appreciated by the committee. Mima McSwan

The Presbytery met on Tuesday, 7th October 2014. The Guest Speaker at this month’s meeting was Shirley Grieve from the Go For It Fund. She described the type of projects they support and the types of grants that are available.

Business Committee• The guest speaker in November will be Mrs Viv

Dickenson, Crossreach Director of Children’s Services who will update Presbytery about the ongoing reorganisation at Gielsland School, Beith.

• Mima McSwan was thanked and discharged from her duties as Interim Moderator at Fairlie Parish Church. Rev. Jim Teasdale will take over the duties.

Nominations Committee• Rev Jim Teasdale was released as convenor of the

Appraisal Committee, and was appointed to the Ministries & Superintendence Committee.

• Rev Dorothy Granger was appointed as Convenor of the Appraisal Committee and Mima McSwan as Vice- Convenor.

Appraisal Committee• The congregations of Fairlie Parish Church, Largs

St Columba’s, Kilbirnie Auld Kirk and Kilmory l/w Lamlash were granted an extension of 6 months to the Right to Call.

Ministries & Superintendence Committee• The congregations of Stevenston High Kirk,

Whiting Bay & Kildonan, Beith, Ardrossan & Saltcoats Kirkgate and West Kilbride will be visited this session for their Local Church Review.

• Miss Barbara Graham was recognised as the Vocations Champion serving the Presbyteries of Ayr, Ardrossan and Irvine & Kilmarnock. She will be invited to submit a report concerning her work every year.

Finance, Stewardship and Property Committee• The convenor gave Notice of Motion that at the

November meeting the committee will move the approval of the M&M contributions for 2015.

• Largs St John’s were granted permission to install solar panels on the south side of the church roof at a cost of £17,014.

• Information from the CoS Law Dept regarding churches obligations about Working at Height has been sent to all Session Clerks.

Property Committee Report

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Priority Areas – Report for Kirk Session, October 2014

WHAT IS THE PRIORITY AREAS COMMITTEE? The Priority Areas Committee is part of the Ministries Council. It is responsible for the support, development and coordination of the Church’s work within its poorest 68 communities. Its aim is to help sustain and reinvigorate worship and community life in all 68 priority area parishes.

The Priority Areas Committee works in partnership with local congregations who have a priority area designation. They provide help, support and encouragement to leaders within congregations in tackling the problem of buildings; examining structures and processes; looking at worship and new forms of church.

WHY ARE WE NOW ON THE LIST OF PRIORITY AREA PARISHES?This year’s General Assembly approved a revised list of Priority Area Parishes where there are the highest areas of poverty and multiple deprivation. They are not the only areas where poverty exists, but they are the areas where it is most intense.

In Ardrossan Presbytery, there are now three Priority Areas Parishes – Stevenston Ardeer; Stevenston High and Ardrossan & Saltcoats Kirkgate.

Our congregation, along with Stevenston High came on to the list in May 2014. Our redesignation was a result of information taken from the 2011 Census and the 2013 Scottish Indicators of Multiple Deprivation.What does this Priority Areas Designation mean for Kirkgate?

STAFFINGIt means the potential for additional staffing resources. However, because of the Presbytery Planning process, we will have to wait for this additional allocation to filter through. Some parishes lost their priority status in 2014 and are in the process of being removed from the list. Staff cannot be terminated instantly and their posts reallocated and presbytery plans cannot be rewritten quickly!

BUILDINGSThere are staff within the General Trustees Department who work within priority areas, and there is a designated budget to support and resource church buildings with priority areas. This should help us when we start to tackle some of our outstanding building issues, particularly if we have a specific and targeted project in mind – like window replacement work/relocation of stained glass.

SUPPORT AND DEVELOPMENTPriority Areas staff will visit and advise on sourcing finance from the General Trustees; Go For It Fund and other external trusts for specific projects.

They also run a “coaching” programme to support ministers working in Priority Area (Dorothy is participating in this and recently attended a residential course held at The Bield in Perthshire).The Minister and the Session Clerks are attending a Priority Areas Consultation at Gartmore House from 20-22nd November. This will focus on how we make the most of the strengths of our communities and churches and look at some of the resources which are available to us. A report will be made to the Kirk Session following this consultation.

CONCLUSIONSThis redesignation is a positive thing for Kirkgate Church. It gives the congregation a status it did not previously have and it has the potential to deliver significant benefits if we are prepared to think creatively about our future, about how we interact with our parish community and how we can best use and adapt our buildings to suit the needs of both congregation and parish.

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Congratulations

WEDDINGEmma, daughter of Evelyn and Brian Green and granddaughter of May and Bill Watson, married Jose Valiente Fores at “La Lloma de Francesca” on the 19th of July 2014, in the mountain summer home of Jose’s late grandparents outside Valencia. A wonderful three day wedding celebration was enjoyed by friends and family from Spain, Scotland, England, Ireland, Australia, Singapore and Lithuania.

Viva los novios! (Long Live the Bride & Groom)

CUMBRAE CYCLE On the 5th October, this annual sponsored event took place on the Isle of Cumbrae in aid of supporting people affected by Motor Neurone Disease. The weather was dull but stayed dry for us. We had a strong wind against us on one side of the island which made us feel we had to make an extra effort since we were being sponsored!

My grandson David did two laps of the island in the time it took me to do one lap (but he is only ¼ of my age!). Arriving at Millport, we were as always made welcome by Mrs McKee and her team with lovely soup and rolls. A very heartfelf THANK YOU to all our sponsors who helped us to raise £390 for this extremely worthy cause.

David McFarlane & Solveig McCulloch

The “Smartie Box Appeal” was started some years back by the former Barony St John’s Guild as a means of increasing the cash flow to the church. They were given out on a voluntary basis and nobody was pressurised to take one. The appeal was successful and snowballed from the Guild to members of the congregation as each tube holds about £16 of 20p coins. Since the union last year, with the

agreement of the Kirk Session, the appeal is still on-going and contributions as they come in, are handed over to the treasurer. If any one is interested or would like to know more about it ,please get in touch with me. I would like to point out these tubes were never part of a stewardship nor will they ever be used as such.

The Smartie Box Appeal

Alison Buick

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We commenced the new session on Monday 6th October at 7.30 p.m. with a very meaningful Dedication and Communion Service conducted by the Rev Dorothy Granger and we thank Dorothy and Stuart for playing.

Our first meeting on 13th October was Mr Craig Crosswaithe from Ardrossan who gave us a very interesting insight into the workings of the ‘Foodbank’. He thanked us as a guild for the generosity given on the night by the members and also thanked the church for their on-going commitment in the collection tins of fruit.

A copy of our syllabus is available at the front vestibule for anyone who may wish to come along on any evening this will help you to mark evenings of interest in your diary and in the meantime we print the programme for November/December

DATES FOR YOUR DIARYMon 3 Nov 7.30pm Burns in Rhyme – J Hodgart & FriendsThurs 6 Nov 11.00 a.m. Ardrossan Presbyterial Council Fayre Ardrossan: Park Church Hall - Lunch & StallsMon 10 Nov 7.30 p.m. World War 1 Presentation - Alexander HallMon 17 Nov 7.30 p.m. Kirkgate Craft Team DemonstrationSat 22 Nov See Below Gaiety Theatre Outing & High TeaMon 24 Nov 7.30 p.m. Glasgow Police Museum - Alistair Dinsmor Mon 1 Dec 6.30 p.m. All invited to Light up a Life Service followed by tea/coffee before guild meeting **** Please note change of timeMon 1 Dec 8.00 p.m. Bible Study - Andrew Bruce - No tea afterwardsMon 8 Dec 7.30 p.m. CUMNOCK & DISTRICT HANDBELL RINGERS Festive Music in the church followed by mince pies, tea/coffee in the hall Tickets £3

Elizabeth McMahon, Secretary

The Guild

GAIETY THEATRE OUTING

Ayrshire Philharmonic Opera Society (APOS)

OKLAHOMA The Gaiety Theatre, Ayr

Saturday 22 November 2014 - Matinee Performance

Tea afterwards in Gailes Hotel, Irvine.

Please note the times for the coach leaving are 12.50 for 1.00 p.m. from Barr Street, Ardrossan and at Saltcoats Station no later than 1.10 p.m.

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Two events are being held in Scotland supporting the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. The events will be held as follows:

Friday 14 November 2014, 7.30-9.30pmPerth Baptist Church Centre, Almond View, Perth PH1 1QQ

Saturday 15 November 2014, 2.30-4.30pmFindlay Memorial Church, 56 Clarendon Place, St George's Cross, Glasgow G20 7PZ

We’re going to hear Kenia Gude Pérez share her testimony. Kenia is the wife of a Cuban church leader who was in prison for three years. During that time Kenia and the family were only allowed limited visits with him, they faced eviction from their home by the Cuban authorities, and their every movement was watched. The family is now safe in the US, and she told CSW (Christian Solidarity Worldwide) that without our prayers, her family “might not be alive today”. It will be wonderful to hear from Kenia and offer our support to her and her family. Please help encourage people to attend. Further information can be found at the CSW website www.csw.org.uk

Craig Smith

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER

World Mission

ELDERSHIPThis month in WM the focus is on Eldership and we read about different ways in which the role of the elder is important and valued within our partner churches. Carol Finlay, the editor of World Mission was ordained as an elder of CCAP Ekwendeni Congregation in Malawi. When she returned home she was sent her “lines” with a letter saying she should not forget she is just on ‘loan’ to the Church of Scotland.

ELDERSHIP IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGOElders in the Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago have a variety of sources for training in worship leadership. The parish minister has five congregations in his pastoral charge, four in Trinidad and the other in Tobago and he knows that he has the support of the Session Clerk and elders of the church.

ELDER IN UCZOur mission partner in Zambia, Keith Waddell, tells about being an elder in the United Church of Zambia. Qualities required for being an elder are rooted in the early church. They are to do pastoral visiting and maintain discipline, set a good example, they share their gifts and are re-elected every 4 years. They lead worship, preach and look after the bereaved.

FRANCEThe United Protestant Church of France is focused on the challenge of a mission calling and on that of helping local churches to become welcoming missional communities. They are looking forward to the 500th anniversary of the Reformation in 2017 which they will use as an opportunity to proclaim their faith in fresh ways.

Susan Cord tells how her experience in Malawi as a Probationer will impact upon her ministry in the Church of Scotland. She travelled with Dalgety Parish Church as part of their visit to their twinning partners Engcongolweni. Susan found that faith and life were intimately intertwined there. Prayers were important and the dancing and singing of church choirs were unforgettable. She sensed how important the ministry of presence is no matter where you happen to be.

Extracted from October/November issue of World Mission, Alison Buick

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Please note that material for the December edition of the ‘Kirkgate Messenger’ should be handed in by Friday 28th November at the latest.

Spare copies are available for visitors to take away or give to friends. Please remember that should you still come across any discrepancies with the names or addresses in your district please let me know so that I can keep the records up-to-date.

I am always on the look-out for new material and you can email anything to me at elizabeth.mcmahon@talktalk.net should you have access to a computer – if not then a written copy will be fine. We like to record any achievements or special events like 90th Birthdays, Special Wedding Anniversaries – please let us know if you hear of anyone celebrating something special.

The new Risograph is certainly enhancing any advertising or publications we require as a church; if any of our organisations require a printing job done or if any member of the congregation wishes some private printing done then please do speak to me or Stuart.

With the increased costs of postage these days, we will be happy to print Christmas Greetings to your church friends in the December edition of the Kirkgate Messenger in return for a small donation towards the printing costs of the magazine. Anyone wishing to send a message should provide details no later than Sunday 23rd November.

Elizabeth McMahon, Editor

Kirkgate News from

the Editor

From the Editor

As many of you already know, the Christmas Fair is on Saturday, 29th November from 11.30am till 2.30pm. Tea tickets costing £2 (£1 children) are now on sale and if you wish, on the day, another £1 will buy you a roll with sausage. If you just want to shop at the stalls the entry fee will be 50p.

The stalls are as follows: Bakery, soft goods, vegetables, sweets, jewellery, toys and books, bottle stall, bric-a-brac, jigsaws, white elephant and, of course, Santa and the tearoom. Unfortunately, because of lack of space, we cannot accept china or glasses this year so the china stall is no longer an option.

Donations for any of the stalls will be gratefully received and there will be a box in the vestibule on Sundays 16th and 23rd November for these.

Enclosed in this magazine is an envelope for the Mile of Pennies, and copies of Elizabeth Howie’s two quizzes, priced £1 each, are available for purchase in the hallway.

The hall will be open on Friday, 28th from 6.30pm till 8pm to set up stalls and receive further donations.

This year Santa will be visiting from 12 o’clock until 2pm so bring your children or grandchildren to have a chat. If you have no children or grandchildren to bring why not bring a friend and come and join us.

Phyllis Armstrong

Christmas Fair

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I am rich today with autumn’s gold,All that my covetous hands can hold;Frost-painted leaves and goldenrod,A goldfinch on a milkweed pod,Huge golden pumpkins in the fieldWith heaps of corn from a bounteous yield,Golden apples heavy on the trees

Rivaling those of Hesperides,Golden rays of balmy sunshine spreadOver all like butter on warm bread;And the harvest moon will this night unfoldThe streams running full of molten gold.Oh, who could find a dearth of blissWith autumn glory such as this! Gladys Harp

Friends of South Beach HouseAt present there are 30 full-time residents and 7 residents in for respite care. Vacancies exist for both full time and respite residents.

House:The new Aid Call system is now in full working order. It has been decided to fit a wet room in one of the upstairs rooms. All other empty rooms have been made ready for new admissions. One of the tumble dryers is about to be replaced.

Activities: Bunny & Co entertained on 12 September and on 19 September the minibus took residents to Park Church for a Harvest service which was thoroughly enjoyed. The minibus was used a number of times in the past month to transport residents to “The Hope Sing Along” project.

Some of the staff did the Ice Bucket Challenge in the front garden on the 26 September much to the amusement of all who were watching. This event raised £450 which will go to different things for the residents.

The Guild had a musical afternoon on 1 October and the next day Steven Kelly played the keyboard. Anne-Marie led the Home’s Harvest Service on 3 October. We are looking forward to a Scottish Day to mark St Andrew’s Day and this will take place on 20 November at 2.00pm when everyone will be welcome.

Staff:While Margaret is helping at Adams House, Johnstone, Martin Lightbody is carrying out Duty Manager duties and Anne-Marie Whannel is acting as Deputy. William C Stark

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Saturday 29th November11.30am - 2.30pm

Chapelwell Street, Saltcoats

All the usual stalls:Home Bakery • Soft GoodsVegetables • SweetsJewellery • Toys/JigsawsBooks • White ElephantQuizzes • Bottle StallTearoom

ADMISSIONTea Tickets: £2, Children: £1(Roll & Sausage extra £1)Stalls only: 50p

SANTA will be visiting between 12 noon and 2pm

Registered Scottish Charity: SC023003

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Sunday Church Door Duty Rota

DATE TEAM COORDINATOR

Nov 2nd Team C Mrs J Rainey

Nov 9th Team D Mrs D Kirkhope

Nov 16th Team E Mr A Dodds

Nov 23rd Team A Mr A Macdonald

Nov 30th Team B Mrs E McInnes

Dec 7th Team C Mr A Colquhoun

Dec 14th Team D Mrs J Rainey

FLOWER ROTA FLOWER DISTRIBUTIONNov 2nd Mrs Cooper Mrs K Hyslop

Nov 9th Misses Biggins Miss C Ewing

Nov 16th Miss Buick Mrs J Rainey

Nov 23rd Mrs N Fleming Mrs I Smith

Nov 30th Mrs Gaw Mrs E McInnesDec 7th Mrs M Fleming Mrs I Passway

Dec 14th Mrs Lockie Mrs M Harvey

Dec 21st Mr & Mrs Frew Miss M Paterson

Dec 28th Miss Aitken Mrs M Cassidy

Jan 4th Mrs McCulloch Mr W Stark

Jan 11th Mrs Rankin Miss A Buick

Jan 18th Mrs Gaw Mrs M Hunter

TEAM AMrs P MartinMiss A BuickMrs E GreenMiss E HowieMrs E McCracken

TEAM BMrs C LeeMrs J HayMrs M HunterMrs L ClarkMiss E Breakenridge

TEAM CMrs F LiddellMr G CampbellMrs B McWilliamMrs V BruceMrs C Gilmour

TEAM DMiss M PatersonMrs M CooperMrs E MurchieMrs E Gaw

TEAM EMrs S McCullochMrs M CassidyMrs A O’HanlonMr G ArmstrongMrs P Armstrong

DATE TEAM COORDINATOR

Dec 21st Team E Mrs D Kirkhope

Dec 28th Team A Mr A Dodds

Jan 4th Team B Mr A Macdonald

Jan 11th Team C Mrs E McInnes

Jan 18th Team D Mr A Colquhoun

Jan 25th Team E Mrs J Rainey

Feb 1st Team A Mrs D Kirkhope

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For Your Amusement:

Answers to last month’s “Name that Church”: Saltcoats:North, Fairlie, Kilbirnie Auld, Largs: St John’s, Kilwinning Old, West Kilbride Parish. Hidden Message - The Lord is Your God

AREBELONGSCHILDRENCOMFORTDESIREFULLYGLADGODGREATESTHAPPYHEARTHEAVENHUMBLEINSULTKINGDOMKNOWMERCIFULMOURNPEACE

PERSECUTEDPOORPROMISEDPROPHETSPURERECEIVEREQUIRESREWARDSATISFYSPIRITUALLYTHETHEMTHEYTHOSEWHOWORK

Wordsearch - True Happiness Matthew 5: 3-11

Wordsearch - True HappinessMatthew 5: 3-11

D C B G M Z Q Y W N S X P H C H E A R T N E S A T I S F Y O E V U R R Q O P U I R X T L U S N I D V N M S F O N Y Q R R A W W U W Q Y D I R B K K J C M T H E M D O G N C G T E Y L L A U T I R I P S O L A H E U E C R E E R X T Q I O C S T H M W X R D E S H O E H S X M O O T F E W O O Y D R R M R Q F E T Q X K P O H H D D R F L D Z A U E T M E R C I F U L E K G K J I T W I W A P Y O O T F V R P A Y N G K H B R K E E P Y E C P R G C Q V T I D O C E R R W P R L L K R Z J V U E M K S E S G G H A E O L Z S O M I G E N A E R R S R U H N A U U P L P S O R A R P R N G H I S E G C P F Z F H A U U E Z Y Z A I F K R A P E D A L G E P Y B R A C G M U C U R E C O M O Q V T L O I B N D V Y A W U R I V S Y Q T S S G N O L E B S G M A R B G H B L R M L T O Q X U G F L S F L O A R E E Y U Q V A R V Z X F T

AREBELONGSCHILDRENCOMFORTDESIREFULLYGLADGODGREATESTHAPPYHEARTHEAVENHUMBLEINSULTKINGDOMKNOWMERCIFULMOURNPEACEPERSECUTEDPOORPROMISEDPROPHETSPURERECEIVEREQUIRESREWARDSATISFYSPIRITUALLYTHETHEMTHEYTHOSEWHOWORK

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

Tel: Donna Dunlop07874 365415

Gents’ Barber

DEE DEES CUTZ

3 Young Street, Ardrossan

www.deedeescutz.co.uk

11 Portland Street, KilmarnockTel: 01563 525024

www.jrdpartnership.co.uk

70 Dockhead StreetSaltcoats

Tel: 01294 462333

D&L Motor Co.

Unit 4B, Stevenston Industrial Estate, KA20 3LR

Tel: 473038

All servicing and repairsPetrol & Diesel

Tyres, Exhausts & BatteriesFREE Battery & Anti-freeze check

PETROL & DIESEL MOT CENTRE

Ask your local pharmacist: You'll be taking good advice

6 Central Ave, Ardrossan 01294 46404441 Glasgow St, Ardrossan 01294 6017611 New Street, Dalry 01294 83364419 Dockhead St, Saltcoats 01294 46334241 Hamilton St, Saltcoats 01294 463524Saltcoats Health Centre 01294 60213413 New Street, Stevenston 01294 6464259

Gallagher Pharmacy

Sunnyside Nursery

Flowers for all occasionsUK-wide delivery of our own bouquets

freshly made at Sunnyside

Off Hazelgrove,Kilwinning Tel: 552113

Fantastic deals on Alton and Robinsons Greenhouses

• Flower Shop • Garden Centre• Nursery • Greenhouse Agents

www.sunnysidenursery.co.uk

42 DOCKHEAD STREET, SALTCOATSTelephone: 462305 and 465019

T. BAILLIE & SONButchers and PoulterersOnly Finest Home-Fed Beef

and Lamb Stocked

2012 Scottish Black Pudding ChampionSilver Awards – 2010 and 2012 Speciality Burgers

2004 Best Beef Sausage in Scotland Champion

Tel: 01294 468753 Mob: 07717 796257 Email: merlin@bs7671.plus.com

• Commercial• Domestic • Industrial

Arthur Robertson Proprietor

We offer our clients independent professional accountancy, taxation and business advice through two

legal entities at three separate locations within Ayrshire.

David Robb PlumbingAll plumbing work

undertakenDisabled Shower

Specialist

Tel: 01294 463060Mob: 07810 566480

ELECTRICAL

Scottish Building Standards Approved

Contact: Mr John Conlan, Ardrossan Ind. Estate, Hill Street, Ardrossan

Tel: 01294 602020

MOBILEBLINDSAll vertical and roller blinds supplied

Kirkgate Craft Team• Wide range of hand-

made greetings cards

• Individual cards made to order

• Orders now being taken for Christmas

Come and help the Craft Team make cards

Every Tuesday in Kirkgate Church Hall, from 4pm-8pm

INDEPENDENT FUNERAL DIRECTORS

email: info@funeral-scotland.co.ukwww.funeral-scotland.co.uk

29 Chapelwell Street, Saltcoats KA21 5EBtel: 01294 607001 fax: 01294 606407

3 Lade Street Largs KA30 8AZtel: 01475 670555 fax: 01475 670555

Golden Charter Funeral Plans

24 Hour Service

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS

16-70 seater coaches fitted with seatbelts available for private hire

For a quote or to book call 0800 072 0373

Roadside Flower Shop

Open 10.00am - 5.30pm50-52 Boglemart Street, Stevenston

Tel: 462859

Weddings - FuneralsHand tied bouquetsExotic and traditional flowersDelivery Service availableAll major credit cards accepted

Showrooms at:21 Mackintosh Place, South Newmoor Ind. Estate, Irvine KA11 4JT

and 24 Bath Street, Largs KA30 8BL. Tel: 01475 670076 Tel: 01294 211888

www.ashgrovehomeimprovements.co.uk

Kitchens, Bathrooms and Bedrooms. Stockists of UPVC Floor and Wall.

We also cater for the less abled.Our specialist staff will tailor a design to meet your needs and help inspire you to create the home of your dreams.

Peter Piper

Weddings, Burns Suppersand Other Celebrations

Tel: Peter Martin01294 46331307515 820619

Piping for all occasions

Magazine produced by Kirkgate Parish Church - www.kirkgatechurch.org.uk. Registered Scottish Charity No: SC023003.

Cavani’s

68 Hamilton Street, Saltcoats Tel: 464638

Quality Home Made IcesDaily & Sunday Papers

We sell over 200 varieties of toffees, chocolates and boiled sweets

Established 1902

West End Cafe

CENTRAL TAXIS24-hour service guaranteedAll contracts welcome

Telephone: 0500 340875 or 46 46 46

7-seat people carrier and 6-seat minibuses available

• NEWSAGENTS • BOOKSELLERS •• STATIONERS • TOBACCONIST •

STARKS

10 Hamilton Street, Saltcoats Telephone: 463439

A.W. BLAIR & SONSIndependent Family Funeral Directors

Seabank Street Saltcoats

Tel: 468238 (24 hour service)

www.funeral-ayrshire.co.uk

Service and Rest Rooms with ample private parking

Memorial Showroom at Canal StreetGolden Charter Funeral Plans

Day and Night ServiceMember of National Association of Funeral Directors

For personal attention contactIan Blair, Dip.F.D., M.B.I.E.

Sports & Rainwear

20/22 Hamilton StreetSALTCOATS

Tel: 01294 605977

No. 1 FOR SPORT