Autumn 2014
Y
ou may have heard that there is a vote of some sort coming up in September. You may also be relieved to know that, apart from saying that you should take the chance to vote if you can, there will be no political comment here.
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Harvest (28 Sep); Remembrance (9 Nov); Advent (30 Nov) and Nativity (21 Dec).
If you don’t come to church often then please take this as your invitation on any of these dates, or any Sunday, at 11am. Our services are quite informal and you will be made very welcome. If you’d like to try something even less formal then we have our Messy Church or Gathering events each month at our café in Monkton. If you are a member of our congregation then please think about who you could invite along to a service. It is possible that the person you invite might not come and, in fact, that’s ok. The If you come into our church buildings over important thing is that they’re invited. the next few weeks you’ll see these Some people need to be asked more than pictures around the place. You see, we once and that’s why we have a whole want the church to grow and we realise variety of services you can choose from. that very few people will simply walk In addition to the Sunday morning services through our doors unless they have a we have an Alpha Course starting on 28th reason to be there, or they have been September and it is a really great way to invited. During the next few months our introduce people to what Christians aim is to encourage people to come believe. along and see what they’re missing by not being in church. To help with this we are The Alpha course is an opportunity to having a ‘Season of Invitation’ where we’re explore the big questions of life in a asking our members to invite their family, relaxed, friendly setting. When a course is friends and neighbours to church. running, we meet once a week for great (free) food, learning, and discussion in a There are some special dates coming up: fun and friendly atmosphere where no Back to Church Sunday (7 Sep); question about life or God is seen as too
simple or too hostile…questions like—Is there a God? Why am I here? What is my purpose?
One of the things about visiting another congregation is that you can learn from things they do that have been positive for them. I liked the way the church at Each session typically includes: Desert Hills encouraged their people to 7:00pm – Guests arrive and dinner get to know each other better by prepared by the MPN Alpha team is holding Dinner for Eight at each other’s served. This is a great opportunity to houses. I thought we might try a chat with friends and meet new people. version of this at MPN! People who 7:30pm – Welcome and a few classic want to participate sign up to have jokes by the Alpha team leader. All three meals with their group during a guests are then invited to watch a period of three months. The people short video on one of the Alpha course who sign up will be arranged into topics. groups of six (couples and/or singles) 8:10pm – Participants break into small and then three dinners are arranged group for open-ended discussion. Once with a different host each time. The the video is complete, each guest host prepares the main course and the breaks off into a small group to others bring a starter or sweet. At the discuss the week’s topic in more detail. end of this period you can choose to These group settings are a sign up for another chance to get to non-threatening environment, where know a different group of people or people have the opportunity to express choose not to. The idea is that when their opinion without feeling judged or we know each other better we can ignored by other group members. encourage and support each other and 9:00pm – The evening winds up. be more effective at caring because we know each other’s needs. We can also have fun and share friendship. It is NOT about comparing houses or cooking skills, it is about getting to know people better. Having been involved in this in another congregation I can say that I have had ‘cooked from scratch’ meals and take-away; meals with children present and meals without children; meals in a mansion and some in a room and kitchen. What makes it special is the people. So, in the spirit of the season, I’m inviting you to sign up for Dinner for 6 @ MPN. Blessings
David
G O O D
M O R N I N G.
Good morning. I am God. Today I will be handling all of your problems. Please remember that I do not need your help. If the devil happens to deliver a situation to you that you cannot handle, do not attempt to resolve it. Kindly put it in the SFJTD (something for Jesus to do) box. It will be addressed in MY TIME, not yours. Once the matter is placed into the box, do not hold on to it or remove it. Holding on or removal will delay the resolution of your problem. If it is a situation that you think you are capable of handling, please consult me in prayer to be sure that it is the proper resolution. Because I do not sleep nor do I slumber, there is no need for you to lose any sleep. Rest my child. If you need to contact me, I am only a prayer away.
Author Unknonw. I found this in God’s Little Acre.
T H A N K
Valerie.
Y O U.
The family of the late Flora Alcorn would like to thank everyone who cared for Flora, especially during the last few years and also grateful and loving thanks to everyone who paid their last respects at the Service in Church.
1st PRESTWICK BOYS’ BRIGADE COMPANY
1st PRESTWICK BOYS’ BRIGADE Our Annual Display was held on Friday 9 May and was well attended by parents, friends and Church family. Our Inspecting Officer was Mr Tom Kennedy, Crew Member of Troon RNLI. During the first half of the evening, the Inspection took place with Mr Kennedy taking time to speak to the boys and officers. The boys then took part in Marching, Games and P.T., all of which they performed with great enthusiasm. The second half of the evening was dedicated to the presentation of Awards, Badges, Prizes and Certificates. These awards together with the presentation of the Steven Muir Memorial Award and the Valerie Greig Trophy were presented by Ms Kirsty Ferguson. In his closing remarks Mr Kennedy praised the boys for their hard work and enthusiasm which he said had showed in all the events throughout the evening and he hoped it would continue into next session. He also paid a fitting tribute to the officers. Our thanks to all who helped make our evening such a success. The Junior Section camp to Moffat took place two weeks later and the boys enjoyed a varied programme of events including a walk in the countryside, sports, football, rounders and trips to the sweet shop, toy shop and boating lake, all of which proved very popular. We meet in the Monkton & Prestwick North Church Halls, Monkton Road, Prestwick (opposite Bryson’s garage) on Friday evenings and our new session commences on Friday 5 September 2014 at the following times: Anchor Boys – (Primary 1 - 3) - 6.00 p.m. – 7.00 p.m. Junior Section (Primary 4 - 7) 6.30 p.m. – 8.30 p.m. Company Section (Secondary School) 7.15 p.m. – 9.45 p.m. Please note that boys aged 5 years and upwards can enrol and we would invite any boy who thinks he might be interested to come along and join us for a night of fun, games and fellowship. Please contact Pat Simpson on 01292 477289 for further details Sgd.: Sam Gilmour, Captain
Monkton & Prestwick North Parish Church, 10 Monkton Road, Prestwick, Ayrshire, KA9 1AR Captain: Sam Gilmour, 22 Angus Avenue, Prestwick, Ayrshire, KA9 2HZ Tel: 01292 470614 Chaplain: Rev. David Clarkson, Craigard, 40 Monkton Road, Prestwick, KA9 1AR Tel: 01292 471379 Object: The advancement of Christ’s Kingdom among boys and the promotion of habits of Obedience, Reverence, Discipline, SelfSelf-Respect and all that tends towards a true Christian manliness. Registered Charity No: SC033197
FELLOWSHIP AT BIGGART HOSPITAL. Every Wednesday during September it’s our turn to provide ‘escorts’ for the patients who attend the short service of worship led by the chaplain, the Rev. Paul Russell. Even if you feel unable to cope with a wheelchair, you are still very welcome to come and bring friendship to the patients who gather weekly. The Rota is as follows: September September September September
3rd 10th 17th 24th
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McMillan Ward Drummond Ward Urquhart Ward McMillan Ward
Please meet at Reception in the Biggart Hospital at 1.30 pm for the 2 pm service which last for about 30 minutes. Alison Christie.
THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES. I was glued to the television and radio 5 live during most of the summer—we have had an absolutely amazing spring/summer of sport. I love to watch all sorts of sport - I have to admit I know very little about football but I watched more World Cup football than my husband did, the tennis, the open golf and the Commonwealth Games and at the time of writing this I am looking forward to the Ryder Cup. Most of you will know that I was born 10 miles south of Edinburgh and have always looked on Edinburgh as my favourite place. There has always been a ‘hug and a draw’ between Edinburgh and Glasgow in the same way as Prestwick Airport and Glasgow Airport—but in my opinion the Commonwealth Games put paid to that. We are Scottish no matter if we were born on the east coast or the west coast. (I have now lived longer on the west coast that I did on the east!!!) These games were a brilliant advert for not only Glasgow but Scotland and our people. The ground work over the seven years of preparation made the Games the best ever. The people of Glasgow and Scotland opened their arms and their hearts to all visitors. All athletes gave their all and produced many personal bests and records and the non partisan crowds cheered and sang with all winners and all participants. Valerie
THANK
Y O U.
I would like to say a very sincere ‘thank you’ to the many friends, Church family and everyone who sent me good wishes, paid me visits and gave me practical help after my recent fall. Your kindness and concern has been wonderful and is appreciated by me. I’m glad to say I am on the mend and making good progress. Thank you once more. Sincerely Annabel Wilson.
LUNCH CLUB 2014 – 2015 Calling all Lunch Clubbers, can’t believe it is almost time to begin the new session. If you have never attended the lunch club before, now is the time to come along and join us for food and fellowship. Here are the dates for the first part of the session, note them in your diary and we will look forward to seeing you. PRESTWICK MONKTON
September October November December
3rd 1st 5th 3rd
18th 16th 20th 11th
Jeanette Munro THE GUILD. The new session of the guild starts on Thursday—25th September with two events on that date. Our first meeting will be in the small hall at 2pm when our Minister David Clarkson and ‘team’ will tell us about their ‘Mission to Arizona’. In the evening The Autumn Rally is at Castlehill Church at 7.30 pm. The speaker will be from ‘Help for Heroes’. On Thursday 2nd October the Project Partner Meeting is at 1.30 pm at the Ayr Auld Kirk Halls. Our syllabus is not yet finalised so details of meetings will be in the intimations on Sundays. All are welcome to our meetings. Our secretary is Margaret Thomson—tele: 477045 other contact Margaret Goodlad tele: 470903
FLOWER
LIST.
DONATED BY
DELIVERED BY.
3rd August
Morag Hamil
Rita Mitchell__________
10th August
Mrs H. McGraw
Katrina Carswell
17th August
Jeanette Munro
Tom & Lily Dougan
24th August
Jennifer Bond
Tom & Elizabeth Mitchell
31st August
Pat Riach
Nan Dagostino
7th Sept.
Evelyn Reid
Susan Campbell
14th Sept.
Lyn Richmond
Marion Balish
21st Sept.
Patricia Casey
Elizabeth Ewing
28th Sept.
Alice Crombie
Jeanette Munro
5th October
Valerie Greig & Vicky Parker
Morag Hamil
12th October
Margaret & Sandy Ferguson
Leslie McCarrell
19th October
Nan Dagostino
Margaret Goodlad
26th October
Mary Yuille
Linda Welsh
2nd Nov.
Lily Dougan
Margaret Thomson
9th Nov.
Marie Cuthbert
John Clayton
16th Nov.
Pat Simpson & Elspeth Manson
23rd Nov.
Emily Kerr
Jim McLauchlan
30th Nov.
Ina Donald
Jan Armour
7th Dec.
Christmas Flowers
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14th Dec.
Mrs E McHarg & Mrs I Sheilds
21st Dec.
Christmas Flowers
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28th Dec.
Christmas Flowers
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Elaine Wardrop
Margaret Ferguson
Happiness is something that comes into our lives through doors we don’t even remember leaving open. Always face the sunshine and the shadows will fall behind.
ASHGROVE HOME IMPROVEMENTS. Kitchens, Bathrooms, Bedrooms and Marble Fireplaces, Stockists of Wall Panels and floor. 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. New showroom at 21 Mackintosh Place, South Newmoor Ind. Estate, Irvine KA11 4JT. Tel. 01294 211888. Open 7 days. www.ashgrovehomeimprovements.co.uk
PATRICK & THOMSON BUILDING SERVICES LTD.
Hello we are ALAN and HUGH and we started our own business over two years ago when our boss retired. We are a qualified brickie and a joiner. We are honest and hardworking and use only time-served tradesmen. We can and have done all sorts of jobs large and small. For a free estimate ‘phone ALAN 07852918099 or HUGH 07708949835 or Free phone 08002118503 or See Margaret Thomson who will take
CHRISTIAN AID 2014. Hi all, as part of the Christian Aid Team, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the team to thank all from M.P.N Church for supporting this very worthwhile cause. It takes a great deal of effort from you, as a congregation, every year to give up your time to take the envelopes round the doors and also go back and collect them. We have quite a few streets to cover, and thanks to you, we managed to get them all delivered and returned and with that a fantastic sum was raised by your efforts. It is not just the envelope collection, but also the Penny Jars, the Fun Day, the Quiz and also a Ceilidh are run throughout the year to raise funds for Christian Aid, which all contribute to raising money for Christian Aid to help people at home and abroad. The figures for this year are:
M.P.N Door to door collection M.P.N Penny Jars Total Raised
£1,824.44 £ 274.14 £2,098.58
Christian Aid Fun Day
£1,574.46
If you add the above totals to those raised from all the Churches in Prestwick, the total raised for Christian Aid 2014 is £11,424.09. this money will be used to make better lives for all. I would like to say a big thank you to the team, I would not be able to do this without your help. Once again thank you all for your fabulous effort in raising this great total. Scott Wardrop.
THANK YOU. I would like to thank the Minister and the Church Family for the lovely flowers and card on the occasion of my 80th birthday. Much appreciated John Paterson.
Elaine’s Childminding Services Registered Childminder 23 years experience in Early Year Education Open Days available on request Contact:Elaine Wardrop 155 Adamton Road South Prestwick 01292 670513 Mobile 07526128194 wardrop.elaine@gmail.com
Young Church A notice for our Young Church! Times are changing you’ve said ‘Goodbye’ to the Fabulous Maragret Macbain as she seeks out new ventures. We would like to thank her again for the amazing work she has done over the last couple of years. She will still be about so don’t forget to say hello. Luckily for you she has been replaced with two! Duncan Campbell & Lesley McCarrell Along with a dedicated team of Young Church leaders and helpers our aim is to encourage lifelong disciples of Jesus.
The new session starts 31st August 2014 where we will learn about Jesus and have lots of Fun
CHRIST IN ACTION – FOODBANK UPDATE In the six months from January 2014 to June 2014 the CIA Volunteers have packed and delivered food parcels to meet the crisis needs of 400 men women and children. [ See separate stats]. This reflects a significant increase in the number of emergency referrals to the Project. As requests for help have increased, so too has the gracious bounty of food provided by so many people. We ask God’s richest blessings on our church family and our partner churches who faithfully support the C.I.A. Project with food, donations and volunteers. We ask too, a special blessing on the people out-with the Church, who have been moved to help us in so many different ways. Increased Demand - Reasons The reasons for emergency food referrals are personal and varied. However, there is widespread agreement that welfare reform is the single most dominant cause of increased demand. Some of the main factors associated with this is of course, benefit delays, benefit withdrawals and applied Sanctions. Switching between benefits e.g. from Jobseekers Allowance to Income Support causes a payment gap. The gap widens as processing of the new claim gets underway. If there is no money to cushion this gap, the level of deprivation is worsened. No income, means no food, no heating, no bus fares. Benefit Sanctions (where the claimant has failed to comply in some way) attracts a minimum four week stoppage in benefits). For people in work, it may be a fall in income through a zero hours contract. This is where the working hours on offer are as the “employer requires” and a full week’s pay cannot be relied on. An unreliable income will tip a person/family into seeking basic survival from a food-bank. We know that the people and families in crisis who receive help through the C.I.A. Project, are just so very grateful. Volunteers are very often affected by the circumstances of the people they deliver to, particularly when the people are vulnerable or there are children. Talking of children… Thinking of Others We were delighted to meet 8 year old Annie Cassidy, her wee sister Connie, along with Mum Angela when they visited the Food Bank at Monkton & Prestwick North Parish Church in July.
Annie who goes to St. Ninian’s Primary School, recently took her 1st Communion at St Quivox R.C. Parish Church. Her commitment to show Gods love to others resulted in a venture by the sisters to sell their books and raise funds for the C.I.A. Food-bank. The girls set up a stall in the Church Hall and raised the amazing sum of £110. Annie and Connie were able to buy every item on the shopping list and presented the box of shopping and the rest of their fundraising (£92) to the Food-bank. How wonderful is that? In recognition of their achievement, the girls will be presented with a lovely framed “Certificate Of Gratitude”, prepared by one of the C.I.A. members. They will receive this from Father Kitchen at a local family Service. Sainsbury’s Over the past two years, the CIA Food-Bank has enjoyed wonderful support from Sainsbury’s in Prestwick. From Christmas presents for children nominated by the Food Bank, to bundles of Sports Relief Tee-shirts – handed out to hostels in Ayr. (The Elba Gardens Hostel residents were delighted to receive them). One of the store merchandisers often phones when she has a collection of “slightly bashed tins” or spilled items which have been taped up or cereals which have lost their outer packaging, or indeed – anything she thinks we can use. These items supplement our store cupboard which we are very grateful for. The stewardship of and distribution of food to people in crisis is our primary mission. However, as the C.I.A. project has expanded and developed, we are aware that there is a need to provide additional items if possible. For example, when food is delivered and the recipients only have pennies left on their electric meter card – they will have to eat the food cold and will not be able to make use of the basic items they have been given. For example, rice, pasta, tea, packet soup or indeed anything that requires cooking or heating. We wanted to set aside a small amount of money that “in exceptional circumstances” could be used by the team who were responding to the referral. As most donations we receive are for food – we just prayed about it. We also wanted to put together a hygiene pack for people in crisis. If you cannot afford to eat, there is little chance that personal items for men and women or children will be high on the agenda. Initial Research confirmed the whole idea was cost prohibitive – so again we just prayed about it. Answered Prayer Within a short space of time, Sainsbury’s offered the C.I.A. a Saturday bag-pack. The bag pack raised several hundreds of pounds which enabled us to put some money aside for Food Bank emergencies. The Young Church also got involved and supported the food-bank volunteers by packing goods at the various check outs. Working together for the benefit of others less fortunate than themselves showed Christ In Action at its very best. Similarly, the CIA volunteers were able at very short notice, able to accept an invitation from Sainsbury’s to man two trolleys at the front of the store, aimed at a collecting hygiene items for men and women in crisis. This truly was an answer to prayer. That Friday, through the grace of God, C.I.A. Volunteers and the generosity of Sainsbury’s customers and staff, we collected 300cwt of toiletries. Our Young Church folks are currently involved in making up the personal hygiene packs from the items collected.
Volunteer’s perspective. Each quarter, one of the C.I.A. volunteers is invited to share a perspective regarding their involvement with the Project. This one is from Fiona of Monkton & Prestwick North Parish Church. “I’ve been really fortunate to have been blessed with many opportunities and advantages in my life but I know for others this is not always the case. I’ve become increasingly concerned about how, in recent times, many families and individuals have been hurt by the economy and changes in welfare reform and are struggling to feed themselves. My eyes have been opened to the fact that hunger is not just a third world problem and that even in South Ayrshire there are many people living on the edge of poverty. All it takes is a sudden bereavement, illness, redundancy or theft to throw people into a genuine crisis and it can affect people from all walks of life. I think most people recognize the need to give back to the community but for many of us, there are perceived obstacles to our volunteer involvement. For myself, even though I felt God putting a burden on me to help in some way with the Food Bank, I wasn’t sure I could make the time to commit to a regular schedule due to family and work commitments. It was an answer to prayer, then, when I was asked if I could stand in as secretary for the Christ in Action team which involves attending monthly meetings and preparing the Agenda and Minutes rather than the commitment to a week’s rota which I wouldn’t have been able to do. I’m so glad that I’ve been given this opportunity as it has been a life changing experience for me. It is so immensely rewarding in ways that are impossible to describe. Not only have I been inspired by the dedication and positive, non-judgmental attitude of the Christ in Action Team but also by the generosity of our own, and local, churches and also the wider community in the donations they have made to the Food Bank. It is really great to see God’s hand at work in the project. I have also had the opportunity on several occasions to actually deliver food parcels. It has been a great privilege to be able to meet the families and individuals and to hear their stories. They are all so grateful too. Each time has been an extremely moving experience and very grounding. I just think God’s love is amazing.” The C.I.A. Team give their heartfelt thanks to every single person both in and out-with the church family who is moved to provide donations of food, support, encouragement and prayers. C.I.A. Team
CHRIST IN ACTION FOODBANK Food Disbursement figures from JANUARY 2014 – JUNE 2014
Referrals left hand column—People Assisted middle column—Children right hand column.
Over the last 6 months, the CIA Emergency Food-bank Project has through God’s Grace, been able to provide 400 people in crisis with enough food to last 3 days.
Start at 24% - Statutory and work round circle clockwise for other percentages.
Statutory Services includes; Addictions/Housing/Children/Families/Youth Services/ Learning Disabilites/NHS/Mental Health. Seascape ; - Support vulnerable people in own/temporary accommodation. Hostels; – Supporting people presenting Homeless. Voluntary; – Supporting recovery - Addaction/Aspire Together/Lighthouse. Others; Churches placing referrals - Kingcase Parish Church, Monkton & Prestwick North, Salvation Army/New Life Church. .
PIONEER CAFÉ
10 YEARS OLD
Surprising as it may seem the café opened 10 years ago on the first of October. During those ten years we have served lots of customers, been helped by many volunteers, given thousands of pounds to local charities and contributed even more thousands to church funds. The café was set up as an Outreach and has fulfilled this purpose by helping customers and volunteers when they have been having a difficult time in their lives. We also have five young people with learning difficulties working with us – this benefits us all – we get help in the café and the young people gain confidence in a work environment. Two of our volunteers Ann Leckie and Pat Riach have worked on a Tuesday morning for all of the ten years. Mary Yuille and Ann Ferguson held the café together when we had a crisis which threatened closure. Our grateful thanks go to these four ladies and all the many volunteers who have baked, made soup, and served our customers. Celebration To mark this milestone we are having an ‘Open Afternoon’ on Wednesday 1st October from 2pm to 4pm Afternoon tea will be served. All are invited - especially those who have been volunteers or helped in any way in the past ten years. Please come along and bring friends as many local people still do not know about the Pioneer Cafe. During the summer we were lucky that some of our young people helped in the café. Thank you John Clarkson, Shannon Hamil and Rhanna Orr – we really appreciate your hard work. The church has also been a Fairtrade Church for ten years. How much longer can the café remain open? Many church tearooms do not survive ten years even Paisley Abbey tearoom is struggling for volunteers. We can only survive with your help – giving us publicity, coming as customers and bringing your friends, and volunteering to help. It is a happy and rewarding experience. We are open weekdays 10am to 3pm. Hope to see you there soon. If you can help please contact: Margaret Goodlad Tel 470903 or 07747864364 or Sandi Munro Tel 265631 or the Café 471153 Margaret Goodlad
The following words were written by Eleanor Roosevelt To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart. Anger is only one letter short of danger. Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.
It has been a very busy summer for Messy Church. We had a stall at the Monkton Gala Day organised and manned by Messy Church Mum's Lesley and Myra. It was a day of glorious weather and the stall was busy with craft activities including seed planting, making Princess jewellery and the ever popular Loom bands. We are very grateful to them for all their hard work and support. Next came Prestwick Prom when the weather was not quite so kind to us! Despite this, there were still a good number of people willing to brave the rain to support this wonderful community event and the weather may have encouraged people to linger longer at our stall as the Church had it's usual double stall with plenty of sheltering space! Not that this was an awful lot of comfort to those on the Free Hugs Team, roaming the Prom gamely showing God's Love for all in spite the pouring rain. We had received a special request to repeat our Free Hugs showing that, what might seem a strange thing to do, is having an impact in our community. Messy Church were handing out leaflets and goodies such as notepads, pencils and balloons, making 'Fruit of the Spirit' kebabs where people were invited to choose which gifts they were most in need of (or suggesting to their [usually] husbands which one they needed!), and making Bubble Snake Makers. For June's Messy Church we had an evening of competitions and games to celebrate the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. A lot of fun was had by all and a great deal of competitive spirit was shown especially by the parents! At the end everyone got a prize to remind us that we are all winners on God's team. For the next Messy Church we will be joining in the 'Season of Invitation' with the main Church, making invitations to a Messy Church Party on Sunday, September 28 4-6pm at Monkton Community Church, which we hope the young people will then give to their friends. If you have ever thought of coming along to Messy Church then this would be an excellent night to give it a try, so why not come along and give it a go? Sandi Munro and the Messy Church Team.
Healthy Eating Classes Through Discovery, MPN Church has been running a Healthy Eating course for our friends at Sutherland House. Many of our ladies have given up their time each week to share their knowledge and their cooking skills, this has been a great success, and it wouldn’t have been possible without their commitment and hard work and without the support and encouragement of the wonderful volunteers from Sutherland House. As the magazine goes to press we will just have completed the 6 week course. 8 people have attended each week learning a variety of skills whilst having fun and sharing a meal and fellowship together. Each of the participants will be presented with their certificate during morning worship on Sunday 7th September. This has been a very successful venture and I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped, and also a huge thank you to our eight wonderful cooks for coming along every week and completing the course Congratulations to Andy, Caty, Elizabeth, Jamie, Martin, Matt, Richard and Tracy on achieving your certificate. Elaine Wardrop Discovery
We are very blessed to be working in partnership with Sutherland House to help support the wonderful work and the truly committed team of volunteers who work there, providing support, advice and social activities for our friends with learning disabilities. We feel so privileged to be able to partner with this wonderful facility. The usual term time activities at Sutherland House have been on holiday over the summer, however, there have been many other events. We had the privilege of joining Sutherland House at The Carlton Hotel for their summer meal and disco, a lovely meal, lots of dancing and a great night was had by all. The summer got off to a good start with the summer BBQ, then in July they held their Prize giving Dinner at the Carlton Hotel. In August, some of our friends from Sutherland House joined us for BBQ and the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games, thank you to Kenny for bringing the minibus and making sure everyone was able to get home safely. Recently Sutherland House held a celebration to mark the 60th birthday of ENABLE, it was a lovely celebration, with many activities going on for the many guests who attended, including a Pool Competition. A really special evening, it was an honour to attend. Thank you to our ladies, who very kindly donated home baking for the occasion. Our Healthy Eating classes have been running during the summer, this has been very successful and we hope to run another course later in the year as more people have expressed an interest. Thank you to the Healthy Eating Team who have done a fantastic job. As we leave summer behind, we are planning ahead and looking at another couple of projects. We hope to start a walking group, this would hopefully just be an activity that we could all enjoy together. We also hope to start a knitting group in the winter, again, an activity we can enjoy together, sharing and passing on our skills. We will keep you informed when we have more details of these. We are having a wee evening on Monday 15th September at 7.30pm in Monkton Community Church, this is just a wee Discovery update evening. If you would like to hear more about the plans for the future, or if you feel you would like to get involved in any way or feel you may be able to help with any of the plans mentioned above, please come along, everybody is welcome, or if you can’t manage on the 15th but would like to find out more, please don’t hesitate to speak to me or call me on 01292 857153. Meanwhile we want to thank you for your continued support and encouragement and we ask that you please continue to pray for this partnership, that God would continue to guide us as we work together , building relationships and showing God’s love in a practical way. Remember,
Together with our awesome God, we really can make a difference! Thank you Elaine Wardrop Discovery Group
Personal Appeal As an individual I am constantly looking for ways in which I can challenge myself and with acouple of 10K runs under my belt I felt the need to up my game and try a Half Marathon! So I have signed up for the Great Scottish Run on the 5th October and so far training is going well I truly believe the Lord is with me, encouraging me through any tough runs. I am running on behalf of Cancer Research UK a worthy charity that does amazing work with any money that is raised. My appeal is for your prayers during training and on race day. Thank you Lesley McCarrell I also wanted to share this poem to which has inspired me to continue racking up the road miles!
Cancer JOG ON! By Carol Cameleon Cancer you Cause So much grief and fear Cancer JOG ON! You’re not welcome here! You touch people’s lives In all the WRONG ways You take a loved one Every Single Day You’re all WRONG, You’re all BAD You’re nobody’s friend So Cancer, to you This message I send For all those people Both YOUNG and OLD Who know someone taken From the Fold I’ll run my ‘Half Marathon’ So CANCER be gone In Memory of ALL CANCER JOG ON!
MPN Malawi Committee “My expectations of the facilities in Malawi were very low so arriving at our first accommodation at Ekwendeni guest house to see light meant that there was electricity which was a relief and that I actually had a bed to sleep in along with running water and a proper toilet that 'flushed' well when it wanted to. I knew that our twinned church in Lweya and the manse didn't have electricity so as we visited various other churches and manses that had electricity I was slightly nervous about staying for 2 nights in Lweya with no electricity. Nobody had let me know about the toilets at Lweya which came as a surprise as behind the manse there was a small shed with 2 toilet facilities which inside where pit latrines which was a hole in the ground and the sheds had just been specially painted just for us. In Malawi it turns dark outside at 6pm every night which proved to be difficult in Lweya as we had to use torches and solar lights as there was no electricity these weren't the easiest to use and were still a dull light. Trying to search through my suitcase at night with just a small wind up torch was a task in itself as my case was large and weighting 35kg instead of 22kg so things had to be shuffled around before leaving St. Nicholas manse. Also not having electricity is difficult for Rev Patings to communicate via laptop and mobile. Little things we take for granted back home such as being able to have things at night in our church because we have electricity.” A few Words from Holly As you will imagine after Holly’s safe return from Malawi our focus on the committee has moved towards prioritising getting electricity to the Church and Manse at Lweya. The difference this would make to the congregation is astonishing. In completing the installation of electricity to the church would mean that Rev. Patings would be able to host evening sermons for the community and offer a safe haven for the villagers to visit. We will be arranging a number of fundraisers during the next year where all money raised will go towards the ‘GIVE LWEYA LIGHT’ fund. Our first appeal is for wind up or solar torches. Many of the villagers walk for miles to get to church on Sunday morning with some choosing to leave the night before to ensure they are there on time. This means that a number of these miles are carried out in pitch black. We thought Harvest would be a great time to collect the torches, whilst you are clearing cupboards for food pop in a torch if you can – The gift of light is amazing! Our Second appeal will take place on the 15th November – We are looking to host a “Candle Light Supper”. This will be a Malawian theme supper where will eat surrounded by candlelight to truly experience the hardship ur brothers and sisters face in Lweya on a Daily basis. We are sure you agree this is a worthy cause. Your support throughout the next year will be very much appreciated by not only the MPN Malawi Committee but by our friends in Lweya. Please remember to hold Lweya and Malawi in your prayers.
Some thoughts on our trip to Arizona nd Kieran ful a see r e d n A o o rizona wa t w a od ch s a great s was t was go rting ea e pir x a perience. n o o I z p . We got to itual, professional a Ar nce and sup The c u e a spend tim o lt i t u r re t e with e learning nd personal le. rt visi exp for skills and some amazing pe a bout a ne The htening ing out ng peop y Desse ity op le w u b r k weeks tha arned as much as w le. We shared man enlig one loo ly the yo ganised hip, cha eath y t e I ta w s y r l r u o r g u a o b h ld love to eve especi amme llow k my en do again. t. A great two o p, fe r r othe ng prog worshi visits, to , Kathle e g ti exci includin eing and viting m n e s Hill , sight s ou for i y work . Thank y Erin a aw , I think my first response was When I was asked to go to Arizona ing and was worried before I “no way!” I then took lots of persuad realized very quickly I was went. When we got there though, I nds and I learned that I can frie going to love it. I made many new ght I couldn’t! actually do lots of things that I thou What a wonderful mi ssion trip to Arizona. To see spiritual growt the encouragement an h and expanded vision d assistance provided for the team, and to churches and chariti It says something ver es who need support y meaningful to the rec was overwhelming. ipients of the mission activities when they rea s’ lise that we serve sim ply out of love. It is the enriching experience. Lord's work and I had Assisting at a homeles such an s lunch that serves up humbling of all experi to 1000 people per da ences. How blessed are y was the most we that we can come those who are genero to serve those in need us because they feed . Blessed are the poor, proverbs 22 Let's continue to pray :9. for our friends in Arizo na as they carry on wi ways. th serving The Lord in truly marvellous
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Elaine spend privilege to be invited to go and A wonderful experience, what a We r. ethe tog n lear to and cious people time with lovely, generous, gra had and nds frie an eric Am new h our shared many new experiences wit may we way. I learned that although lots of fun and laughter along the s and the world, have different culture all come from different parts of ates, clim and ts different environmen languages, and enjoy a variety of ers together in Christ. we truly are all brothers and sist
MINISTER Rev. David Clarkson Telephone : 01292 471379 Email : minister@mpnchurch.org.uk
BIBLE STUDY Wednesday 10.30 am Margaret Thomson Telephone : 01292 477045
SESSION CLERK James U Riach Telephone : 01292 476458 Email : james@jriach2.fsnet.co.uk
BOYS’ BRIGADE Friday pm (Various) Pat Simpson Telephone : 01292 477289
TREASURER/HALL BOOKINGS Robert Gibson Telephone : 01292 479248 Email : property@mpnchurch.org.uk
GIRLS’ BRIGADE Monday 6.00 pm Sue Christie Telephone : 07751219601
ORGANIST David Watson Telephone : 01292 314867
GUILD Thursday 2.00 pm Margaret Goodlad Telephone : 01292 470903
CHURCH OFFICE Telephone : 01292 678810 Email : office@mpnchurch.org.uk KIRK SESSION COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES Discipleship Sam Gilmour Telephone : 01292 470614 Fabric & Finance Ed Sutherland Telephone : 01292 849554 Outreach Anne Ferguson Telephone: 01292 470975 Pastoral Care Jim Riach Telephone : 01292 476458 Worship Scott Wardrop Telephone : 01292 670513
MONKTON BROWNIES Thursday 6.30 pm Monkton Community Church Irene Boyle Telephone : 01292 478376 KIDDIEWINKLES Monday 10.00 am Elaine Gilbert Telephone : 07734806812 TOTS-TOWN Wednesday 10.00 a.m Monkton Community Church Toni Burns Telephone : 07886449563 THE YOUNG CHURCH Sunday 11.00 am Lesley McCarrell Telephone : 01292 477779 Duncan Campbell Telephone : 01292 435020