THE MAGAZINE OF
NEW LAIGH KIRK Church of Scotland KILMARNOCK Scottish Charity No.:SC031334
NOVEMBER 2016
“A caring welcoming church at the heart of Kilmarnock reaching out to all” Minister:Rev. David S Cameron, 1 Holmes Farm Road, Kilmarnock (Tel.: 525416) Session Clerk: Mr Derek I’Anson Depute Clerk: Mrs Margaret Patterson Pastoral Assistant: Mrs Barbara Urquhart, 9 Standalane, Kilmaurs (Tel.: 538289) Community and Families: Sara Green Community and Youth: Bethany McCaw 1
CHURCH CALENDAR SUNDAY 11.00 a.m. 11.00 a.m.
5:30 to 7:30 p.m. MONDAY 7.15 p.m. 8.00 p.m.
MORNING WORSHIP Crèche (0 to 3 years) Junior Kingz (age 3-primary 3) and Senior Kingz(primary 4-primary 7) Contact:Sara Green (07886 138177) TrekkersNG (12-15 years) Contact: Bethany McCaw (07827 816405) Congregational Board Meeting (Dates as arranged) Fusion (formerly TAZ) (12-15 years) Contact: Bethany McCaw (07827 816405) Guild (every second Monday) Contact: Mrs Lesley Wright (523039) Highlights Klub (1 Monday per month – see Syllabus) Contact: Mrs Angela Mitchell (534622) or Mrs Eileen Murphy (543488)
TUESDAY 10.15 to 11.15 a.m. Tots Praise (Babies - 4 year olds) Contact: Sara Green (07886 138177) 2.00 p.m. Music and Movement Contact: Miss Anne McVey (533975) / Mrs Mildred Mullen (528205) 7.00 p.m. Badminton Club Contact: Mr Alan I’Anson (07949 169051) 7.30 p.m. Session Meeting (Dates as arranged) Contact: Mr Derek I’Anson (521445) WEDNESDAY 2.00 p.m. Friendship Group (downstairs second Wednesday of each month) Contact: Mrs Margaret Laird (525732) 6.00 to 7.00 p.m. Rainbows 6.30 to 8.00 p.m. Brownies Contact:Sheena Baillie (531440) 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Guides Contact: Emma Johnstone (07853 240753) THURSDAY 2.00 p.m. Guild of Friendship (every second Thursday) Contact: Janette Howard (529005) 7.00 p.m. Vestry Contact: Rev David S Cameron (525416) / Mr Derek I’Anson (521445) 7.30 p.m. Choir Contact:Mr Martin Sharp (524133) FRIDAY 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Boys’ Brigade Anchor Boys (5 to 8 years) St. Andrew’s & St. Marnock’s Halls Contact: Mrs Michelle Taylor (529266) 7.00 to 9.00 p.m. Boys’ Brigade Junior Section (8+ to 11 years) St. Andrew’s & St. Marnock’s Halls Contact: Elaine Park (533464) 7.00 to 9.30 p.m. Boys’ Brigade Company Section (11+ to 18 years) New Laigh Kirk Hall Contact: Mr David McDonald (544037)
Safeguarding Co-ordinators: Andy King and Lilian Gillies Safeguarding Panel Members: John Dale, Bill Sherry and Ellen Stewart 2
New Laigh Kirk Manse November 2016
Hello folks, We’re in the season when the leafy green of the trees and shrubs begins to change in colour as summer gives way to autumn. The earth and its resources are always in a state of change to sustain, nourish and replenish the earth and humanity. This is God’s way. In the autumn season of change I was surprised and I suppose quite taken aback that Bob Dylan received the Nobel Peace Prize for Literature. His famous lyric ‘Times they are a changin..’ is getting much airplay just now. Times are changing and not for the better it seems. With the rhetoric coming from the American presidential campaign having reached an all-time low and even in the UK with Brexit on our minds, am I correct in saying that we witness a more aggressive style in our own politics that is not healthy or helpful? I believe leadership is a gift from God and there are key competencies every leader must master. These include building trust through integrity, mastering the context, knowing yourself, developing a powerful vision, and communicating with meaning. Few leaders have all of these qualities in perfect balance, but they are certainly worthy goals for which to strive. A lot of healing will be required in these next few years as Brexit becomes a reality and other nations face up to change. We are also in the season of Remembrance where we stand in silence to remember those who fought for the love, peace and freedom that they risked life and limb to give us, giving permission for the contrasting voices of Bob Dylan and Donald Trump to have their say in a medium of their choice.
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As people of faith, who follow Christ, we are called to be people of love and peace and true justice, to love our enemies to the extent that we feed them rather than kill them. It is obvious, as we regularly take this season to remember, that war and violence are not permanent solutions to any real or imagined conflicts or differences between peoples. There must be the resolve to preserve peace even in a world in which there is so much distrust and hate between neighbours and nations and politicians, where ideologies and religions seek to achieve their ends by violent means. Our world is in turmoil. That is a hard fact to take in. The nations of the world, governments of the world, individuals of the world, right down to you and me, ordinary folk in the street, need the qualities of Jesus Christ - wisdom, understanding, counsel, and peace, as well as a willing desire to make friends of our enemies. President Lincoln in his second inaugural address used this phrase, “With malice toward none, and charity toward all… ” That sums up our best chance for healing and moving forward together everywhere. In the meantime, and on Remembrance Sunday, we can continue to pray for the peace of Christ to fill us and transform us as we try to live in changing times with faith, hope and courage, wearing a red poppy once a year because we remember…. "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." With prayerful good wishes to you all.
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A Letter from Barbara Urquhart Pastoral Assistant
Dear Friends, "I was glad when they said to me, let us go to the house of the Lord" (Psalm 122). Silver Sunday is a relatively new date in the calendar. It falls on the first Sunday of October; a special day set aside to think of the elderly members of the community. I was therefore happy to organise a special service to which many of our members who are no longer able to attend church, together with members in nursing homes were invited. The service took the form of a Songs of Praise. All of the hymns included were specially chosen by those attending. All around faces radiated with joy as we sang together greatly loved and cherished hymns. The service was followed by a delicious afternoon tea giving everyone the opportunity to catch up with friends. All too quickly the afternoon drew to a close and as we emerged from church into the autumn sunshine, we all felt richly blessed. Thank you to family and friends, and all those in the Pastoral Care Group and Welcome Group who supported me in this venture. Every blessing, Barbara Urquhart, Pastoral Assistant.
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Update from Bethany McCaw Youth and Community Worker
Last term I had the opportunity to organise a reflection room in Grange Academy. Over the two days, around 200 pupils attended. They took part in interactive stations designed to make them reflect and pray. Young people engaged really well with the reflection room, many of them making comments about it being a peaceful place and that they appreciated the quiet time. It was a great opportunity to be more involved in the life of the school. I particularly appreciated church members who gave up their time to be involved. Each of them brought different skills and there were many significant conversations to be had with young people over the time spent there. The ‘a place to remember’ station where young people wrote a note in memory of someone in their life and took a sunflower seed to plant was particularly poignant for a few of the pupils. One of the favourite stations of many of the boys was ‘a place to create’ where they read about how God created the world and then got to create something themselves with giant lego blocks. Another popular one was ‘a place to forgive’ where pupils dropped an effervescent tablet in a vase, symbolically choosing to forgive someone who may have hurt them. 6
The stations opened up the opportunity for us to have faith conversations with young people and for them to ask questions about God. It provided a way for the young people to engage with prayer in a creative and informal way. The reflection room helped to build on relationships with staff members in the school. Time and again staff members said that they had never seen their class so calm, and that they would appreciate more opportunity for similar quiet spaces. So I’m praying for another opportunity soon! The Narnia Experience will soon be upon us. It takes place on the afternoon of Sunday 27th November during the Kilmarnock Christmas Lights Switch On. Thank you to all who have already volunteered to help with the preparation and running of the event. There is still time and roles to play no matter how much time you can lend. It really is a whole church event and last year’s success was down to everyone working together so well. Please invite your friends and relatives to The Narnia Experience – it promises to be a brilliant event! Step through the wardrobe and experience the magical land of Narnia. Enter the forest with Lucy, meet Mr Tumnus at the lamppost and visit his cave house, trespass in the White Witch’s palace and hear the story of the Stone Table. Tickets can now be reserved online at www.thenarniaexperience.eventbrite.co.uk. Thank you, as always, for your support. Bethany
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Kingz Kidz: Update and Christmas Our new session has started well, with 3 new children joining our nursery group, with another joining us at the end of November. Our numbers remain constant and this is due to the fantastic activities the leaders prepare for the children. Our Junior and Senior Kingz, with the help of Trekkers, will perform their nativity, ‘Christmas Cracker’, on Sunday 18th December. The Christmas Cracker is a lively version of the nativity with four Christmas characters telling their part of the story in different ways. The Juniors party will be held in the halls on Saturday 17th December from 2pm-4pm and the Seniors trip details will be available in due course. Tots Praise: Outing Tots Praise continues to reach out to a variety of mums, dads, grandparents and childminders in the local community. After a conversation about crafting, some mums expressed an interest in beginning a craft group. Our first group was a huge success with 22 people coming along. This group will continue to meet once a month and we will run some 9
classes to learn new skills in crafts such as crochet, card making and more. With the money raised from our most recent craft fayre, a visit to see this year’s pantomime Beauty and the Beast has been booked for Tuesday 20th December at 10am. Most of our little ones haven’t been to the panto before and we hope they enjoy the experience. Breakfast Club - October 2016 On the Monday and Tuesday of the October break, a breakfast club was held from 8.45am-11.30am. 24 children came each day and we shared breakfast together, undertook lots of exciting crafts and played games. A big thank you to the kitchen team and the leaders who assisted over the 2 mornings. A lady who registered her two children for the breakfast club came along as they enjoyed the Summer Club with us so much. The lady said, ‘They still talk about the club in the summer and point out the black doors when we drive up John Finnie St’. Running the clubs during the Easter, Summer and October school holidays has allowed relationships to be strengthened and this couldn’t have happened without a wonderful dedicated team of leaders and helpers. Please continue to pray 10
for the children we have met this year and for God’s blessings on families in our community. “Then Jesus told His disciples…that they should always pray and not give up.” Luke 18:1
Imagine: Events throughout the year Imagine is back for 2016/2017. Imagine is a contemporary praise event for all ages from 4pm5.30pm. There is something for everyone, (young children will have crafts and other table activities to keep them busy). It's going to be an amazing time to worship, encourage, hang out and eat together (a buffet dinner is included). Dates for your diary: 13th November and 11th December. Please visit our page at https://www.facebook.com/NewLaighKirk or follow us on twitter @NLKkilmarnock for more information on any events at NLK. Blessings, Sara Green
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15th Kilmarnock Rainbows
The Rainbows have started this term working towards a Roundabout Festival Badge. For this they have to pick what they wish to do from the Roundabout Book which is in four sections:look, learn, laugh and love. The Rainbows opted to do the following: Make a splash, clowning around, tasty moon and good luck bangles. The Rainbows attended the rededication service on Sunday 2â żd October. The following Rainbows made their Promise on the 5th October: Isla, Jade, Zara, Cara and Freya. October will see them doing Halloween crafts and having their Halloween party. Rainbows meet on Wednesday nights 6pm -7pm in the Upper hall. Any girl age 5-7 interested in joining please come along on the night we will be happy to see you. Thanks to Jaclyn, Eilidh and Jennie for all their help. Sheena
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15th Kilmarnock Brownies
Well here we are at the start of our new term and we welcomed five new Brownies, Emily, Emma, Ellie, Emma and Lily who made their Promise on the 5th October. Each six picked a badge that they wanted to do.Hedgehog picked Craft, Squirrel - Cook and Mole - Environment, they worked hard for these and were presented with them on Promise night. . The Brownies attended the rededication service on Sunday 2â żd October and in October they will be having a Halloween craft night and their Halloween Party. Brownies meet on Wednesday night 6:30-8:00pm in the lower hall, any girl age 7-10 interested in joining please come along on the night. We will be happy to see you. Thanks to Alison, Fiona, Jaclyn, Eilidh and Jennie for all their help Sheena
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KIRK SESSION NOTES The Presbytery of Irvine and Kilmarnock has published a document outlining proposals discussed by the Retirements Committee. Whilst recruitment was a clear focus in 2015 and 31 ministers were accepted for training only 21 of them were for full time ministry. It is therefore likely that the number of full time ordained ministers will drop and the number of ministers serving in the Presbytery of Irvine and Kilmarnock will fall and there is also a pattern of some congregations finding it extremely difficult to call a minister. As explained in the report a number of options are being explored – for planning the future,adapting as necessary and perhaps readjusting in creating one church in larger towns with satellite congregations in rural areas. Other options for churches no longer viable, have to be discussed, some of these being: Dissolve them Unite or link them Retain them as ‘Festival Churches’ following the example of the Church of England. The report asks congregations to ‘own the pain’ of the present situation and recognise and understand the deepest needs which cause upset at the prospect of possibly being ‘unable to call a minister solely to one congregation’; ‘letting go of our church buildings’ and many other factors outlined in the report. There is a growing awareness within Presbytery and wider church that we are indeed in a situation which necessitates change. Declining 14
membership, an ageing leadership, a shortage of ministers and a disengagement from church by younger generations amongst other factors. The Retirements Committee recommends that Presbytery employ a Congregational Facilitator for two years, to work with all Presbytery’s Congregations in addressing the ministry crisis and promote effective and creative mission – details of this being outlined in the report. In the meantime, until such a Facilitator is in place the Retirements Committee encourage congregations to consider the implications of this report. This report will be discussed at the next Kirk Session meeting in November and will respond along with all other congregations to the Presbytery by the end of November. Copies of the report will be available in the session room or contact Derek I’Anson or Margaret Patterson. At the last Kirk Session meeting in September it was reported that the Moderator had held a meeting with members of the congregation who are under 50 years of age in order to ascertain their views on what they value about their church, what developments they would like to see and how they wish to participate in the worship, activities and governance of the church. The views expressed were varied and constructive, but also contradictory in that what appeals strongly to some members is different from what others value. The conclusion is that, by offering a range of types of worship and activities, there is something to suit most needs and desires. Mrs Christine Bell notified her retiral as an active Elder and her request was accepted by the Session. Ms Sarah Kennedy has also resigned from her post as Community Development Worker and thanks were expressed to her and Christine for their past services. Derek I’Anson. 15
The Guild The Guild got off to an excellent start on Monday, 19th September as our Minister, David, gave us his thoughts about this year’s theme, “Go in Joy” and then led us in Holy Communion. We were also delighted to welcome several new members and hope they will feel right at home with us. Members heard about the National Gathering at Dundee where the main speakers were the Moderator, Rt Rev Dr Russell Barr and Sally Magnusson, telling us about the progress of her charity, “Playlist for Life” which helps those suffering from Alzheimer’s. The new Guild tartan was also on show and was a big hit. Expect to see Guild members sporting lovely blue and red scarves in the coming months! The speaker at our next meeting was Gill Lyth from the charity “Care for the Family” and she told us about the first of the two Guild projects we will be supporting and fund-raising for this year, “Let’s stick together.” Though motivated by Christian compassion, the charity seeks to help families of any faith or none. Gill explained that many couples find having a baby affects their lives and their relationship so much that a big percentage split up within three years. In the excitement and utter exhaustion of becoming new mums and dads, their relationship with each other can be easily overlooked and tensions can creep in. This project seeks to help parents by providing free, short courses to groups in post-natal classes, toddler groups or wherever needed, showing them how to strengthen their relationship and keep the family together. Gill was a great ambassador for the charity and we shall be really delighted to back the project this year. In fact, in Guild Week, on Monday, 14th November, we will be hosting a concert by A Choired Taste in the church hall to which you are all welcome, with proceeds going to our projects. Tickets will be on sale soon for £5 and we look forward to this very much. Indeed, our syllabus is full of interesting and fun evenings. We have a talk by a young actor coming up and another about Fairlie House, near Kilmarnock, as well as a Hallowe’en party and a Christmas dinner in WG13. And that’s just the first half of the session! Do come and join us any time – you’ll find a warm welcome at NLK Guild! Lesley Wright (Joint Convener) 16
The Company Section were at an Activity evening at Tamar Manoukian Centre at Dumfries House in September with the first hour at the Climbing wall and then an hour of Dodge ball. We also had a “come & try” curling afternoon at Ayr Ice rink. The Battalion Athletics Day at the Athletics Centre in Queens Drive was a great success, both the Junior section and Company section entered boys into the 100m, 200m, 400m, long jump and high jump events.
A very windy day ensured a sand blasting for the Junior Section boys who took part in the battalion Beach Football competition and a plethora of Junior Section boys went along to the Garage for a 10-pin bowling night. The 1st year boys went along to the “farm to Fork – Harvest Trail” at Tesco, and found out where their food comes from, and to learn how food is grown and made. The Boys Brigade is having a Coffee Morning on Saturday 26th November in St. Andrew's & St. Marnock's Church halls from 10am to 12 noon. Tickets are available from any boy, officer or you can pay at the door. 17
Highlights Klub Our first evening this session was ‘A Taste of France’, which was very well attended. We had a French cocktail to welcome everyone back and then had a treasure hunt based on the Paris Métro, which tested our ladies’ knowledge of all things French! The winning team was Margaret, Marilyn Mc, Ann B, Carol, Myra and Elaine – well done ladies! Following a game of hoopla with mini Eiffel Towers, the challenge was then to build an Eiffel Tower, using only newspaper and sellotape. We were amazed by the standard – what a creative lot! The winners (pictured below) were: Pat, Liz S, Liz Y, Jane, Kathryn and Lilian. I’m sure you’ll agree the finished article was very impressive.
We finished our evening with a glass of French wine and a French buffet, and a good night was had by all. In October, we had an Avon evening with Lorraine and Ann, when they very kindly gave us all their commission and a personal donation for our charity, Breast Foot Forward. Many thanks to them for a great night, and for their generosity. In November we are looking forward to some Christmas sugarcraft with our very own Margaret Paterson, followed by our Christmas night at Franklin and Sloane in December. New members are always welcome – contact me on 543488 or Angela on 534622, or speak to any of the committee. Eileen Murphy Chairperson 18
Prayer Group By the time you are reading this magazine in November, we won’t be far from the Advent season and the busy run-up to Christmas. You might have your presents bought and cards chosen, perhaps even written. Despite the high cost of postage, cards are still very popular in this country and it’s lovely to receive them – to think of family and friends near and far who have sent them and to admire the many different and beautiful pictures on the front. Often too they represent donations made to a wide range of charities, an added blessing! A common illustration is the dove of peace. To those of us in the church this symbolises the Holy Spirit and our Saviour, Jesus, Prince of Peace. However, it has come to represent peace, even to those who profess no religion and while Christmas may have lost much of its religious significance in our increasingly secular world, its message of “Peace on Earth, goodwill to all” still holds widespread appeal. And how much we need that message in our world today! Our news bulletins bring constant reminders of man’s inhumanity to man – and to women. We are horrified by the ravages of war to cities and countries; the terrible cost of war to soldiers and their families; the horrendous plight of refugees and of those who cannot escape. Nor does it take war to bring a lack of peace – our news is also full of crime, breakdowns in society and
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warring politicians. Brexit! The American presidential election! “Gie’s peace!” we Scots might cry! So let us pray for peace. At times there may seem little point, for despite the many prayers of the faithful over the centuries, indeed over the millennia, we rarely seem to have peace. I’m reminded of the words of the song, “Let there be peace on Earth, and let it begin with me.” If everyone prayed for peace for themselves and within themselves and the desire to spread it around then perhaps a start to world peace would be made. You may remember that in the last edition of the magazine I invited folk to send me favourite prayers and I would like to share with you a lovely, prayerful poem written by Fiona Strange. I had already decided on my topic for this article and felt it was no coincidence that I received this from her shortly after. It says it all!
A Prayer for Peace The world is going through changes Some good, though some are bad. We don’t all have the security That once we felt we had. We need to find a new way To face this brand new dawn And somehow reach a middle ground, Before our peace has gone. One God exists within us. 20
We should allow this love to thrive And work towards a forever Where evil will not survive. Dear God, may I please ask you, Before it is too late, That we show kindness, strength and sharing, For love is stronger than hate. Amen to that! The Prayer group continues to meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 7pm at the church, though during the continuing building work we will meet in the session room rather than in the sanctuary. All are welcome but if you cannot be there in person, we will be happy to share your prayers if you leave them in the prayer box in church or contact me personally or via the church Facebook page. Some prayer points: • Pray for peace in all the trouble spots of the world, especially Syria. • Pray for peace of mind for all those who struggle with mental health problems, their own or those of family members. • Pray for a peaceful Christmas for all those who will find it a difficult time because of family breakdown, financial problems or bereavement. • Pray for peace and harmony between people of different religions and races. Wishing you deep peace! Lesley Wright. 21
Life & Work Subscription 2017 Please order my copy of Life & Work for 2017 at a cost of £30 Name
………………………………………
Address …………………………………….. …………………………………….. Orders must be with me no later than Sunday November 20th. Please make cheques payable to “New Laigh Kirk” Stephen Brown 46 Glasgow Road Kilmarnock email :- stephenbrown46@sky.com Tel :-
01563 525114
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Friendship Group Pantomime And Supper
Beauty lives a provincial life with her father. Her world is shaken when a terrifying Beast takes her captive and the evil Enchantress holds her kingdom to ransom. Now it is up to the village idiot, his mother and the mysterious Fairy Tale to save the day! With larger-than-life characters, outrageous costumes, music, dancing, lots of laughs, oh‌..and plenty of heroes to cheer and baddies to boo! . This trip is open to anyone from the church who is aged 60 or over. If you wish to do so, you may bring a friend. We will be attending the pantomime on Saturday 3rd December. Show starts at 1pm. The cost is £12 for members and £14 nonmembers. There will be a supper in the halls after the panto for church members only. There is no charge for members who wish only to attend the supper. If you would like to attend the panto please complete the slip on the following page.
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Completed slips should be returned as soon as possible to M a r g a r e t Paterson at the address below with appropriate payment or the completed slip with payment may be placed in the offering plate on a Sunday in an envelope addressed to Margaret Paterson, and marked ‘Friendship Group Pantomime’. Mrs Margaret Paterson, 28 Colonsay Place, Wardneuk, Kilmarnock KA3 2JU Tel: 01563 551288 —-- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Friendship Group Pantomime Trip 2016 NAME ______________________________________
ADDRESS ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ TELEPHONE NUMBER:
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Number for
Panto Only
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Number for
Panto & Supper
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Number for
Supper only
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Total number of members tickets @ £12 each
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Total number of non-members tickets @ £14 each
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Total sum enclosed in payment: 24
£
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EACH Each person matters Scottish Charity no: SC 036849 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 We at East Ayrshire Churches Homelessness Action continue to be very busy. Thank you for all your donations of toiletries. We make up over 500 packs of toiletries every year, each one delivered to a homeless man, woman or child living in a homeless hostel or in temporary accommodation. These packs mean a great deal to those who receive them, and we could not continue to make up the packs without your generous donations. The Monday, Wednesday and Friday drop-ins remain well attended, and enjoyed by everyone who comes along. We were sorry to say goodbye in September to Sarah Kennedy, who was very much liked by both volunteers and service users. Sarah established a ‘quiet area’ in the lower hall, where people could go to sit quietly, to speak in confidence to someone who would listen, to be prayed for or to leave a prayer on the wall. We are very fortunate in that a group of ladies from the prayer group of another church has offered to take over this activity. 25
We have been aware for some time that while our drop-ins are very successful, they are skimming the surface, and not reaching the many families in our community who are living in great need, enduring severe hardship and loneliness. In January we will launch our new project, ‘Home from Home’. This will take the form of a cooked meal, for individuals and families, on Friday afternoons after school, in St John’s Church hall. We are grateful that St John’s Kirk Session has approved this enthusiastically, and we look forward very much to this new venture. Home from Home will be based on the Dignified Food Provision philosophy, where unlike food banks or soup kitchens, everyone will be treated with respect and as an individual. Our motto, as always, is Each Person Matters. We plan that Home from Home will be a family gathering, where people will sit together, and socialise together. There will always be some kind of entertainment, whether quizzes, games for the children or live music. We hope from time to time to invite inspirational Christian speakers or musicians. The monetary value of the food will be discussed, and people invited to contribute to the cost, if they can. We are very excited by this new venture. We plan to make it fun, a place where people will look forward to coming, a great start to the weekend. We hope you will be interested in helping on a rota basis, and we will soon be looking for volunteers! For more information on any of our work, please contact David or Janice. David Quinn tel. 07779 237318 Janice Grant tel. 07581 722331
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ANSWERING THE CRY OF HUNGER
“The hungry have no ears.” This is a saying from Chad, one of the poorest countries on earth. An aid worker explains, “People are so consumed with scraping together enough food to stay alive that they don’t have headspace for anything else”. Jesus recognised that people can be hungry in more ways than one, when he told his disciples to feed five thousand followers who had gathered to hear his teaching, but who were also growing faint from hunger. In the same way to-day many charities which have a remit to spread the Christian Gospel realise that the body as well as the soul must be fed. In response to the needy people of Chad, Tearfund intervenes to teach new methods of sustainable agriculture and optimum use of scarce water sources. “In the Bible, we see Jesus doing miracles to feed multitudes of people, “says Paulin, a Tearfund partner. “I believe that if he were here, he would do the same to feed the people of Chad. We try to follow his example to-day.” In Iraq the Scottish Bible Society is providing displaced Christian refugees with food, mattresses, blankets and other material aid alongside Scriptures and Bible-based trauma counselling. This dual outreach demonstrates faith in action. Open Doors began in 1955 when Brother Andrew, a Dutch missionary, began smuggling Bibles behind the Iron Curtain. "When I first discovered a Persecuted Church behind the Iron Curtain the need was for Bibles," said Brother Andrew on the sixtieth anniversary of his initial journey, "but as our ministry expanded, other needs emerged.”
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Amongst these needs is the plight of Christians in North Korea, where any departure from hero worship of dictator, Kim Jong-un, risks arrest, torture, imprisonment and death. Thousands of Christians are trapped in horrific labour camps and isolated, closed villages, where food rations are minimal. Like Brother Andrew, Open Doors workers bravely smuggle Scriptures and relay Christian broadcasts into this “most dangerous place in which to be a Christian”. At the same time they supply persecuted believers with emergency relief aid, such as food, medicines, clothes. The Bible tells us that “man shall not live by bread alone”, but bread has also been called “the staff of life”. That is why Jesus told his disciples not only, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” but also, “Give them something to eat”. As we heed both commandments to-day, let’s do what we can to bring food for the body and food for the soul to hungry people in our own community and around the world. For further information see these charities’ websites: Open Doors: www.opendoorsuk.org/ or PO Box 8515, Prestwick KA9 9AN Scottish Bible Society: http://scottishbiblesociety.org/ Or 7 Hampton Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5XU Tearfund: www.tearfund.org/ or 29 Canal Street, Glasgow G4 0AD
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Walking Group The Walking Group's regular Wednesday evening walks around Dean Castle Country Park have ended for the 2016 season. These will resume in the Spring, in early April (after the clocks go forward again). The actual start date will be intimated in the February and April issues of the Magazine, as well as the Church website, Facebook page and Orders of Service. Look out for details. Due to the major work being undertaken at 'The Dean' over the next few months, all areas of the country park may not be fully open by Spring, but we'll keep everyone informed! We are particularly excited by the fact that there will be new walking routes, including one over two new bridges to be built over Craufurdland Water, which will open up an entirely new area of the park for us to explore. There will also be new cycle tracks and accessible routes for people who are mobility impaired - making the park and its facilities more accessible to all. On Saturday 8th October, fourteen people enjoyed a lovely afternoon taking part in the NLK Walking Group Heritage Walk around Sanquhar, which was led by St Bride's Parish Church Session Clerk, Mr Duncan Close. It was a lovely sunny Autumn afternoon - perfect weather for a pleasant stroll around the historic little town. We had shared cars for our journey from Kilmarnock to Sanquhar. Our Heritage Walk started off in the beautiful old church, which had lots of historic features and some lovely stained-glass windows. Mr Close talked about the history of the church, and some people important to the history of the church and community, then he led us through the main street of the town, pointing out and telling us about several important features of the town's past, including the Tolbooth, the Inn frequented by Burns, a duel in which a Napoleonic prisoner was killed (he's buried in St. Bride's churchyard), the world's oldest Post Office (still in use) as well as places associated with the Covenanters. Mr Close then took us to the ruined castle of Sanquhar, before we made our way back along the main 29
street to a lovely cafe - "A' the Airts", where we enjoyed a cuppa and some lovely scones. We enjoyed the beautiful Nithsdale scenery, had some pleasant chat, learned something of the intricate Sanquhar knitwear pattern, and also had some light exercise. There are lots of great walks in the Sanquhar area, of varying length and difficulty, and we hope to tackle at least one of them in the Spring. We've got leaflets about the range of walks available. It was particularly pleasant to have the company of a few new walkers in addition to several of our 'regulars'. We all had a lovely afternoon and thoroughly enjoyed Mr Close's very knowledgeable escorted tour around the church and town he loves. His 'wee sister' Anne Sherry's personal reminiscences of her home town added much to our experience. We have been so fortunate with each of our 'weekend outings' this season. Each one - our Dumfries House and Knockroon outing at the beginning of April, the Prestwick to Troon walk in early June, our 'Grand Day Out' to Arran in July, and our Sanquhar Heritage Walk - has enjoyed good weather. We didn't even need to cancel a single one of our regular Wednesday evening walks around Dean Country Park due to bad weather (although we did come close on a couple of occasions). Over the winter months, although daylight hours are restricted, we still hope to offer a few short walks. Details are still to be arranged, but these will be intimated by the usual means. We are already thinking ahead for 2017. Our plans include a Family Walk (with a twist) in Spring. If you have joined us on any of our outings this year, thank you - we've enjoyed your company and hope you'll walk with us again (and perhaps bring a friend or two along). If you haven't yet joined us, come along on one of our walks/outings. There's something to suit everyone - of all ages and walking ability. We'd love to see you. Dogs are welcome too! Ellen Stewart
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Dates for Your Diary
Friendship Group Coffee Morning Saturday 19th November.
Donations would be appreciated for baking stall, bottle stall and Christmas table. These can be given to Margaret Paterson or contact her on 01563 551288.
Fellowship's Carols at the Cross 11 am to 12 noon on Saturday 17th December Followed by hot drinks and mince pies at NLK at noon! ALL WELCOME.
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Quick Updates BADMINTON CLUB The Badminton Club welcomes new members any age (over 16s only) or fitness to come along on Tuesday nights 7.15pm in the lower hall. It's a good night and enjoyed by all. Alan I'Anson 07949 169051 Alan.ianson@sky.com
GUILD OF FRIENDSHIP We have had a good start to our new session with a very interesting talk from our minister and a lovely afternoon with Sara, Emily and Nicola singing songs from the Musicals. We look forward to our surprise afternoon on 10th November, a talk from Barbara Graham on 24th November and our Christmas Party on 8th December. We meet at 2pm in the Lower Hall, new members welcome. Janette Howard
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Music and Movement Our Autumn / Winter session resumed on 20th September and it was nice to see all the ladies back after their long summer break. Things are well in hand for our Christmas Lunch on Tuesday 6th December at Piersland Lodge Hotel in Troon where I am sure we will have a very enjoyable time. Mildred and Anne
A note of thanks to all my friends at the New Laigh Kirk for the lovely get well cards and good wishes which I received after my accident. I am now at home and feeling much better – keep doing the exercises – as the saying goes practice makes perfect !!?? Thank you all, again. All my good wishes. Marion Urquhart.
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Church Register Baptism 21st August 2016 Matthew Alan Peter Skinner 4 Lamlash Gardens, Kilmarnock 30th October 2016 Olivia Eleanor Dale Burton Funerals 26th August 2016 Margaret Hood (M)
Granary, Ayr
126 Dundonald Road, Kilmarnock
8th September 2016 Alastair Ramsay(M) 2a North Hamilton Street, Kilmarnock 13th September 2016 William Currie(M) 14 Mount Avenue, Kilmarnock 14th September 2016 Bill Wallace (M)
74 Annanhill Avenue, Kilmarnock
20th September 2016 Martha Clark (M) Crossgates Nursing Home, Kilmarnock 5th October 2016 Mary Cuthbertson
44 Manor Avenue, Kilmarnock
11th October 2016 Bill Jardine (M)
4 Linfern Avenue West, Kilmarnock
14th October 2016 Tom Reid
20 Crofthead Road, Kilmarnock
18th October 2016 Morag Biggar
Gracelands Nursing Home, Kilmarnock 34
From the falter of breath, through the silence of death, to the wonder that’s breaking beyond; God has woven a way, unapparent by day, for all those of whom heaven is fond. From frustration and pain, through hope hard to sustain, to the wholeness here promised, there known; Christ has gone where we fear and has vowed to be near on the journey we make on our own. From the dimming of light, through the darkness of night, to the glory of goodness above; God the Spirit is sent to ensure heaven’s intent is embraced and completed in love. From today till we die, through all questioning why, to the place from which time and tide flow; angels tread on our dreams, and magnificent themes of heaven’s promise are echoed below.
Brian Wren 1936
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Hospital Visiting Due to the inadequate provision of patient lists to ministers of the church, knowing who is in hospital is impossible to determine. This includes Crosshouse, Ayrshire Central and Ayr Hospitals. David and Barbara have no way of knowing if your family members and our church members are in hospital unless they are told. Please use the Pew Card, telephone or email to inform them if you know of someone who is in hospital at any time. Your help in this matter will ensure we maintain effective pastoral contact with our members in time of need.
David
01563 525416 dvdcam5@msn.com
Barbara
01563 538289 barbaraurquhart1@gmail.com
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