THE MAGAZINE OF
NEW LAIGH KIRK Church of Scotland KILMARNOCK Scottish Charity No.:SC031334
NOVEMBER 2018
“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 Community and Families: Amy Hannah Community and Youth: Bethany McCaw Pastoral Care Worker: Morgan Johnston 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: Amy Hannah (07980 665432) TrekkersNG (11-17 years) Contact: Bethany McCaw (07827 816405) See Youth activities programme Contact: Bethany McCaw (07827 816405) Guild (every second Monday) Contact: Elinor MacKillop (525223) 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: Amy Hannah (07980 665432) 2.00 p.m. Music and Movement Contact: Christine Kinnell (535190) or Jean Mulholland (403891) 7.00 p.m. Badminton Club Contact: Mr Alan I’Anson (07949 169051) 7.00 p.m. Congregational Board Meeting Contact: Mrs Elizabeth Young (540339) 7.00 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 and 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 and 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: John and Jamila McDowall Safeguarding Panel Members: John Dale, Bill Sherry and Ellen Stewart
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New Laigh Kirk Manse November 2018 Hello. We are in the season of Remembrance once again and Remembrance Day is particularly significant this year commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of the Great War on 11th November 1918. In our church there are six rolls of honour to men who served from four of Kilmarnock’s churches –Martyrs, Grange, West High and Laigh, men who flocked to enlist in their thousands, all over the country as community after community responded to the call to serve. On these rolls of honour are the names of those who paid the price of war – some just boys who lied about their age to embark on the big adventure, young men, family men, dads and sons of Kilmarnock. It is right to remember the dead and the wounded of the Great War and 26 other wars that our soldiers, sailors and airmen have been involved in over 100 years. Studdart Kennedy wrote those words from personal experience of the trenches of the Great War. Waste of muscle, waste of brain, Waste of patience, waste of pain, Waste of manhood, waste of health, Waste of beauty, waste of wealth, Waste of blood and waste of tears Waste of youth’s most precious years, Waste of ways the saints have trod, Waste of glory, waste of God……war.”
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How can some of us remember an experience we never had, because we were not there. Nevertheless remember we must. If it hadn't been for the great sacrifice of teenage boys and men in their prime we would not know the peace, and freedom and the ability to take our liberties, often without thought of the past and without thanks. Behind us is our country’s history of 100 years from the end of the Great War, we have the enormity of sacrificial death, millions of lives lost which we remember with both sorrow and pride. Before us, we have the enormity of the challenge given to us in Christ Jesus to love our neighbour as ourselves. This is God's world and we claim to be God's people and God is and will be at work, in spite of the hardship, sorrow, tragedy, violence and warfare that plague us still today. We must use this 100th Anniversary Remembrance commemoration to allow the past to frighten us into our future and gather at the feet of Christ day in and day out and entrust our country, our people, our world and the United Nations into the care of his transforming love. And the morning sun from heaven will rise upon us to shine on those who live in darkness under the cloud of death and guide our feet into the way of peace. Almighty and all-loving God, author of life and conqueror of death; we dedicate our wreaths of remembrance to you. As poppies’ scarlet sprang from shattered earth, may our garlands be symbols of regeneration and continuing goodness for our own age. Weaving past sorrow and future hope, may they make us mindful of the debts we owe and the demands that lie ahead. We pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen. With every Blessing in this season of Remembrance
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Monthly Prayer Meeting and Prayer Requests There is a Prayer Request Box on the Table of Remembrance in the church. If you would like anyone to be prayed for or something to be prayed about then please leave your request in the box provided. Some people ask, “What is a Prayer Request ?� The simple answer is when you feel you need something to be prayed about then write a wee note and drop it into the box on the Table of Condolence in the church. Your request might include a wide range of prayers needed for example: request a prayer for the work of the church, the organisations you are part of, the ministry, Sunday School, Sunday Services, people visiting, people needing to be visited. Request a prayer of thanksgiving for life events, birth, marriage, new home, children setting out in life, retirement anniversaries, happy times. You might like a prayer for someone who is ill, at home or in hospital, someone going through difficult times, bereavement, family break up, job insecurity. Prayers for others are important as well as the issues that concern us in a troubled world. You might want prayers said for news items or newspaper headlines that trouble you or that we should be thankful for. You can name people if you like and there is no need to name yourself, you can make your prayer request anonymously. From this very small list you can see there is no barrier to a prayer request. The limit is our own anxiety of making the request.
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The prayers are removed from the box at our Wednesday Prayer meeting, the group respond offering your concerns and thanksgiving to God prompted by the words written in your request. Please use the tear off slip below and place it in the box. You may also send your request to the minister, again this may be done anonymously. The prayer group will meet on the first Wednesday of the month at 7.00pm in the church. Please also note, anyone at all may attend the prayer meeting. You do not need to pray aloud. Others will lead the group in prayer. Just sitting in the stillness is all you need to do. There really is no barrier to attend and you will be made very welcome by all who already take part in this very worthwhile ministry of our Kirk. If you pray for another you will be helped yourself
Please Pray for…………
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An extract from the tribute given at the Funeral Service of Andrew W. Bryson, Session Clerk 2001-2014 It was with much sadness that we faced the passing of Andrew Bryson Session Clerk (retired) of Laigh West High Kirk and New Laigh Kirk. The Bible tells us to honour good men. Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; honour to whom honour. Full tribute was paid to Andrew at his funeral service which took place in the church on Tuesday 25th September 2018. Our Kirk mourns a much loved servant of Kilmarnock as a friend and family man, full of fun and laughter and music. Andrew was always busy, out five a nights a week - and always late you had to tell him 15 minutes to half an hour earlier than the time you wanted him to be anywhere. Andrew involved himself in many activities and always gave his best. He was a stalwart of the Laigh Kirk Drama Club getting to at least 4 Scottish finals for 1 act plays travelling all over Scotland for competitions. Laigh Kirk Pantomimes were a favourite - the first one he was cast as Scrooge – no he was not type cast – another he was ‘Fairy Flop’ who had a ‘Workin froak’ and a Guid froak’. On first appearance a lady in the audience was heard to shout ‘God – he’s goat his mother’s legs.’ Prior to that Andrew had given a lot of time to the church as Sunday School Superintendent and like his father and grandfather before him was ordained an elder of the Church of the Scotland in 1973, and he was extremely proud that Douglas followed him. He served as Property Convener and was invited to become Session Clerk of the united congregations of Laigh West High and New Laigh. He played jazz 7
grooves on the chancel with the praise band and he orchestrated the distribution of the elements of Holy Communion from the same chancel. He was Mr Laigh Kirk and strangely enough also Miss Laigh Kirk. He won a beauty contest dressed in a blue ball gown and when he got his new teeth, in his best posh voice he whistled the readings on Sunday mornings when it was his turn to read. Andrew was a loyal servant of Christ’s church. He loved the Laigh church of Kilmarnock and his family’s long history here. Session Clerks are called by God to do a specific and very important task. It is a calling Andrew took seriously in the pastoral and spiritual nature and duty of the role. He faced the challenges and changes of the church not liking them all particularly but he had a knack of the compromise when it was necessary, and he was most encouraging of young people in the church - it is their church too. We valued his council, administration skills, his friendship - and his lack of memory and timekeeping. He carried out all his duties - even the most interrupting and inconvenient ones with a smile – we loved him for that. And when he retired from the role Andrew offered his gifts and experiences to committees of Presbytery and as a Commissioner to the General Assembly. We saw in him a servant’s heart. Andrew was diligent in the often unsung and unseen work of Session Clerk and encouraged people both within and without the fellowship of New Laigh Kirk. He faced many of the challenges and changes of the church a knack of the compromise when it was necessary. Andrew truly honoured his vows of ordination as he walked with God in the service of his church. He felt the grace of God at work in his life and was supplied and clothed with all the gifts and skills he needed. Andrew’s measure was who he was and not what he did, for faith is not measured in the number of good deeds performed, high office or church positions held, but in the faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. 8
We rejoice because Andrew Bryson gave us so much of his life, a kind, gentle, and fun loving person who was always late, but not for a session meeting!!! A man that loved God, his wife Elaine, his children, grandchildren and his church and his friends. We mourned his passing and we celebrate his life in our memories of him. And so we wish for him his final benediction Saints by the power of God are kept, till the salvation come: we walk by faith as strangers here, till Christ shall call us home. Andrew waving from beyond the stars that all is well.
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Members of New Laigh Kirk are very active in the Celebrate Kilmarnock Initiative. What is Celebrate Kilmarnock? The aim of Celebrate Kilmarnock is to enable people from all sections of town life to come together to discuss the future of the town centre, consider its strengths and weaknesses, develop a collective vision for its improvement and jointly identify priorities for action. This has resulted in a successful launch of the Celebrate Kilmarnock Action Plan, and the creation of the Kilmarnock Town Centre Partnership, to bring vision into reality. Celebrate Kilmarnock, is a community-led partnership that encourages people to collectively re-imagine and reinvent our public spaces. It promotes collaboration that confronts disadvantage, poverty and exclusion, and promotes active participation and ownership which fully recognises the importance of a healthy 'human infrastructure’ to a vibrant town. Celebrate Kilmarnock has real ambitions for our town, and the drive and flexibility to become a real movement for positive change: � � �
Strong network with an Open Forum held every 3 months, attracting over 50 participants. Local community leaders driving a community led change agenda for town centre improvements. Annual community events that bring community together in common purpose. 10
Celebrate Kilmarnock challenges participants to drive change: to take a risk when everyone is already feeling stretched; to invest scarce resources; to share ‘their resources’ in common purpose. Celebrate Kilmarnock has worked hard to generate a strong sense of purpose that is clear to Kilmarnock’s diverse communities of interest ultimately reaching our vision of a community where town centre regeneration is both supported and achievable. DELIVERING OWNERSHIP, RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY In order to encourage ownership of a vision and plan the Partnership committed itself to holding open events every three months for all participants of themed groups from the Kilmarnock Town Centre Community Action Plan delivered in 2016 which consists of six key Priorities for Action: � A great place to shop and be in business � A great place to live and learn � An accessible town centre with good movement and communication � An animate and creative place � A green town with a rich heritage to enjoy � A safe, clean and attractive place The Celebrate Kilmarnock approach, has always been about starting from what is strong rather than from what is wrong. A lot of what is required to improve Kilmarnock already exists and is available, the challenge is better connecting its people, harnessing our collective skills, knowledge and experiences and giving people a voice. Stakeholder Video: http://www.celebratekilmarnock.com/ck/watch-the-video/ Kilmarnock’s Halloween Experience – was the starting point to encourage people to work together and take collective responsibility for public activities and events in the town centre.
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K – Fest (Music, Food and Beer Festival) –a collection of local businesses that have embraced the Celebrate Kilmarnock approach largely, with their support, into a whole weekend programme of activities and events that showcases local talent and creativity with over 400 people at the launch, and over £700 raised for charity. The importance of delivering these events raises Celebrate Kilmarnock’s profile but also in giving a diverse group of people the opportunity to work together on the design and practical delivery of agreed actions. Success often breeds success and the commitment of a wider range of people to get involved and deliver will only grow. Celebrate Kilmarnock promotes activity that confronts disadvantage, poverty and exclusion, and promotes active participation. Below are some practical examples of where actions have been taken towards greater community engagement in the decision making process: Community Choices Fund / Participatory Budgeting Pilot - £10,000 –Over 100 people attended the public event at New Laigh Kirk and spent the evening listening to presentations from applicants. 2018 - £30,000 –The most recent event saw 34 volunteers put themselves forward to support the delivery of the programme. Two public themed events Putting Kilmarnock on the Map (£5,000 max per bid) and Sprucing Up Oor Toon (£3,000 max). Community Friends - Strong connection with the Celebrate Kilmarnock Action Plan, tackling homelessness, vulnerability, chaotic lifestyles, addictions and anti-social behaviour exist on our doorstep. Capacity Building Programme to engage better with Kilmarnock’s neighbourhoods Kilmarnock’s regional importance is crucial but it’s also important to recognise the importance of its neighbourhoods to the health and wellbeing of the town centre. If Kilmarnock is to thrive, local people need to feel ownership of ‘their’ town centre. 12
Long-term sustainability, often, if not always, rests on the strength of a community’s social connections and support networks. New Laigh Kirk is very good at that and encourages / challenges us all, to endeavour to be more open, flexible and responsive to local challenges and opportunities. It also recognises that we all need to contribute - be it our time, talents or resources – we all have to invest when we want things to thrive. If you would like more information contact check out www.celebratekilmarnock.com
Church Flowers Janice and Sheena would like to thank all the flower arrangers for their beautiful contributions to the Harvest Thanksgiving and all the people who so quickly responded to the minister’s request to deliver the baskets. It is now coming to the time for setting up the lists of arrangers and deliverers for 2019 and for various reasons we are short of people for both of these. Delivering flowers to people who may not be able to come to church for some reason or are celebrating birthday or some other special event is very rewarding and does not take a lot of time BUT is so much appreciated by the recipient! If YOU could give some time to arrange or deliver flowers can you please let us know by contacting Janice Grant Tel. 542202 or Sheena Macpherson Tel. 524660.
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Lesley Wright has been appointed as our Presbytery Elder and the Moderator thanked Derrick MacAllister for his many years of service as Presbytery Elder. Stephen Brown reported on behalf of the Communications group that more volunteers are required to be trained on the audiovisual equipment and who would also be available on the required Sundays. Estimates for live streaming and printing developments will be brought to the Congregational Board on 16th October. Morgan Johnston, our Pastoral Care Worker, reported that in a recent survey conducted by Elders, 70 members were identified who could be in need of pastoral care. The group list contains 98 names. Morgan emphasized that more volunteers were urgently required. The Moderator thanked Andrew King and Lilian Gillies for their services in Safeguarding over the last five years. They are now standing down from this role and will be replaced by Jamila and John McDowall, whose appointment was approved. Janice Grant gave an enthusiastic report on her attendance as a Commissioner at the General Assembly. She highlighted a number of memorable points including the celebration of 50 years of the ordination of women ministers and a decision to permit, but not oblige ministers to conduct same sex marriages. Netta Lindsay has tendered her resignation after 20 years of dedicated service as an Elder. Her resignation was accepted with regret, but understanding. Derek I’Anson
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Where Did New Laigh Kirk Contributions go? 110623 - NEW LAIGH KIRK Total Contribution to Ministries and Mission for 2018
£125,391
Ministries (83.5%)
Mission (16.5%)
£104,701 of your total contribution will go towards the costs of providing over 750 ministries and other parish workers in communities throughout Scotland and further afield. This contribution also assists with the costs of recruitment and training.
£20,690 of your total contribution will be used to support the Church’s work in: resourcing congregations for Christian education and outreach; providing social care services in Christ’s name to further the caring work of the Church to people in need; accompanying partners around the world on our shared Christian journey; contributing the Church’s opinion in public debate and on issues affecting Scotland and the world; providing central day-to-day service work in administration, financial and legal matters; and in planning the General Assembly and ensuring the Moderator represents the Church.
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Life and Work Subscription 2019 Please order my copies of Life and Work for 2019 at a cost of £33.60 Name
………………………………………
Address ……………………………………. Orders must be with me no later than Sunday November 11th
Please make cheques payable to “New Laigh Kirk” Stephen Brown 46 Glasgow Road, Kilmarnock KA3 1TX email :- stephenbrown46@sky.com Tel :01563 525114
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Highlights Klub Our October evening started our session in great style this year, with an excellent flower arranging workshop led by our very own Lesley Wright, ably assisted by Elizabeth and Anne. Lesley shared a lot of very useful tips on how to get the most from our flowers and demonstrated how to make a small arrangement. We all then made our own arrangements and as usual, we appear to have a lot of talented ladies in our group! Many thanks once again to the 3 ladies for making the evening so interesting and enjoyable.
Our November evening is a cocktail making demonstration (and of course tasting!), with Janet from Class Cocktails, and then on a similar theme, our Christmas event is afternoon tea with Christmas cocktails in Culzean Castle, on Saturday 15th December. This trip is now fully booked, and for those ladies attending, the bus will leave the halls in John Finnie Street at 12.30 p.m. and should hopefully be back in Kilmarnock between 5 and 5.30 p.m. New members are always welcome at any of our evenings – contact me on 543488 or Angela on 534622, or speak to any of the committee. Eileen Murphy, Chairperson
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Prayer Group Have you heard of Crossreach? It’s the title for all the social care services provided by the Church of Scotland, giving a helping hand to many people in our communities. You might know about it from being asked if you would like to buy Christmas cards from Margaret Brown or donate used stamps to Esther Douglas. The money supports the Crossreach facilities and services. As prayer correspondent for our church, I receive information from Crossreach, including their prayer diary. I was therefore aware of the Morven Centre in Ardbeg Avenue, Kilmarnock which is part of Crossreach. However, I had never been there until we were invited for the October presbytery mission meeting. About two dozen of us had a very interesting and encouraging afternoon there. We heard from staff members and service users about the work done there, were shown round the various rooms and entertained to tea and cakes. The Morven Centre offers help to people with mental health problems and illnesses. For those suffering from conditions such as depression, anxiety or schizophrenia, it is a safe place to go where they have people to talk to who understand their problems. There are all sorts of activities on offer – a wide variety of arts, crafts and music and the opportunity to socialise and make friends. People can be referred by medical professionals, but it is also possible to self-refer. Then they will be interviewed before being accepted. No one with drink or drug addiction is accepted till they have been ‘clean’ for 12 weeks, as the centre must be a safe place. The half-dozen service users who shared their stories with us spoke about the problems they have faced – loneliness and isolation, lack of confidence and self-worth, suicidal thoughts. The support they have received at the centre has been a lifeline and the fact that they were able to engage so openly with us was testament to the progress they had made. The centre is only open three days a week but there is a help-line to phone if they need to 18
speak to someone and staff have meetings one afternoon a week in Stewarton, Hurlford and Newmilns. Staff also visit the homes of people who cannot leave the house due to their conditions. Several of the service users we spoke to now volunteer their own time to help at the centre. They know what it’s like to suffer from these mental health issues and want to help others in the same boat. Passing on the love, as it were! One of the questions asked by one of our group was what church members can do to help. The main answer was to let people know about the Morven Centre and its services. They don’t want to be a hidden gem! And so I decided to write this article. However, they would also be glad of any help anyone could offer –especially anyone who would be willing to do a bit of cooking. I don’t think you need to be MasterChef! They do provide snacks and meals but without voluntary helpers, the staff must do the cooking as well as all their other work. You can pop in any time they are open, just to visit and see what goes on there. We certainly got the impression that the Morven Centre is a very worthwhile resource in our town and although there is no openly religious aspect, it is a great example of God’s love in action. At the very least, we can keep them all in our thoughts and prayers, both staff and service users. The Prayer Group still meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 7pm in the church. Anyone is welcome but if you can’t come in person, please place prayer requests in the box in church or send them via the church Facebook page. Here are some suggested topics for your own prayers: � Pray for increasing awareness and understanding of mental health issues � Pray for anyone contemplating suicide and for the families of suicide victims � Pray for all the social care provided by Crossreach
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� �
Give thanks for the friendship and fellowship in our church and its organizations Pray for the national church at this time as it seeks to face up to change
And in the lead up to Christmas, let’s pray for peace on Earth, especially in our hearts and minds! Lesley Wright.
Time to sing! The Fellowship of Kilmarnock Churches invites everyone to join in two joyful events in December. On 2ⁿd December at 2 p.m. there will be a Carols and Christingles service in the Howard Centre. To enable as many people as possible to enjoy this time, a British Sign Language interpreter will be available and there will be provision for people with other kinds of disabilities. If you have special needs, please ring Barbara Graham at 01563522108 so that any necessary arrangements can be made. Saturday 22ⁿd December will see people from churches and other members of the public carol singing alongside the Salvation Army from 11 a.m. to noon at Kilmarnock Cross. Come for part or all of this time before enjoying refreshments and music at New Laigh Kirk. If you cannot stand outside to sing, please come to the church at noon and enjoy a time of fellowship indoors.
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Kilmarnock Churches
Carols at the Cross Saturday 22nd December 11 a.m. – 12 noon
Sing favourite carols with the Salvation Army Band. Join us for tea, coffee and mince pies at New Laigh Kirk at noon. 21
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The Guild The Guild has recommenced after the Summer break – and what a fabulous Summer it was! As the temperature falls and daylight hours reduce, we enjoy the colours of Autumn, before the approach of Christmas. In September, several Guild members made their way to Dundee for the annual Gathering of Guild members from across Scotland. What a fabulous day we had – good speakers and great music. Once again the event was live-streamed. We welcomed several new members this year. Our session began with a visit from Rev. David Cameron, who celebrated Holy Communion with us. The next speaker was Adity Houison-Craufurd who gave a very interesting talk about her home, Craufurdland Castle, and on 15th October we welcomed Kevin Simpson who spoke about the first of this year’s Guild Projects – “Growing the Future.” For our Hallowe’en event ‘Ghouls and Guisers’, held on 29th October, we were entertained by a few members of ‘Celebrate Kilmarnock’ ‘Spooky Trail’ Group, - who told us about the history of Hallowe’en in Kilmarnock – before entertaining us with a few extracts from this year’s Hallowe’en ‘Spooky Trail’. Amy Hannah and several members of NLK Singers then entertained us with songs and a Hallowe’en poem. Future events for the remainder of 2018 are: November 12th Trefoil Guild Margaret Hamilton November 26th Guild Week (fundraiser) Beetle Drive December 10th Christmas Night Out (£19.95) Fenwick Hotel Our meetings restart on 7th January 2019 with a visit from David Hume. On 21st January, Andrew Dick will speak about Burns, whilst on 4th February, our topic is ‘Bible Favourites’. 23
Friendship Group Pantomime Trip Sorry folks but it is coming up to that time of year again! Take in a show this festive season with the classic tale of Sleeping Beauty.
Featuring all the classic elements you’d expect from the Palace panto, including spectacular sets and costumes, amazing special effects, fabulous songs, dances and bags of slapstick fun. . 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. The date of this year’s show will be Saturday 1st December at 1pm (meet at 12:45). The cost is £13 for members and £15 non-members. There will be a tea in the halls after the panto for church members only. 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 2018 NAME ______________________________________
ADDRESS ______________________________________ ______________________________________ ______________________________________ TELEPHONE NUMBER:
___________________
Number for
Panto Only
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Number for
Panto and Afternoon Tea
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Total number of members’ tickets @ £13 each
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Total number of non-members’ tickets @ £15 each
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Access to church for all Earlier this year a survey was undertaken to find out how New Laigh Kirk can respond to the needs of members who have any kind of disability. Thanks to everyone who gave written and verbal comments. Now we can tell you what has been done to respond to our findings. Hearing issues Although there is an audio-loop for hearing aid users in the church, we discovered that some people still have difficulty in hearing some intimations and Bible readings. There were also occasions when the sound system was not used at meetings held in the sanctuary. To address these issues the following actions have been taken: � Audio-loop signs have been added at entrances to the church and included in orders of service. A slide with this sign will appear on screens with announcements before services. � The sound system will be activated at meetings in the sanctuary. This is one reason why there has been an appeal for volunteers to train on the sound system. � Readers of announcements and Bible passages are reminded of the need for good voice projection while using microphones. Visual impairment Several actions have resulted from feedback: � The number of large print orders of service was increased. � Large print copies of the magazine can be supplied on request. Dietary needs Comments on this subject literally gave us food for thought: � A request for gluten-free biscuits to be provided at coffee mornings was passed on to organisations which host these events. � It was noted that some churches provide gluten-free bread at Communion. Technology 26
A member who is not able to attend church remarked, “I would love to hear sermons, though I realise that it would be too difficult to provide a printed copy.” � Recordings of services are available on request and can be delivered to members’ homes. � The Communications Group is investigating the possibility of live streaming so that people at home or in residential care can watch services as they happen. � As not everyone has equipment at home to benefit from the above services, elders and pastoral care visitors are encouraged to tell home-based members about our church services and the wider community life of New Laigh Kirk. We are still open to suggestions for improvement. If ideas occur to you, please contact Barbara Graham at tel. 01563-522108 or barbara.graham74@btinternet.com . You can also speak to any elder or Pastoral Care Group visitor. Music and Movement Music and Movement resumed in September with a very good attendance (such a relief to both of us). We will be having our Christmas Lunch at the Piersland House Hotel, Troon on the 4th of December. If you would like to join us please see Christine Kinnell (Tel. No. 535190). Thank you. Christine Kinnell and Jean Mulholland
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“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” Isaiah 43:2 Puzzle: What can you not get enough of, even when you have already had too much? For the victims of the Indonesian tsunami the answer is “Water”. Following a series of violent earthquakes and tremors, the island of Sulawesi was swamped by ten metre high waves crashing into coastal towns. Within the first week it was reported that over 1,200 people had died and around 50,000 forced to flee their homes. Sadly, that is not the full measure of the disaster as some areas could not be reached due to damage to roads and landing places. Indonesia is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, an area which is at constant risk of volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, floods and tsunamis. It is number one in the unenviable league of countries with the most active volcanoes in the world. With an average of at least one significant volcanic eruption each year, what must it be like to live with the constant threat of your home being engulfed and disappearing before your eyes? The consequence of the recent major eruption is that hundreds of thousands of people have been left without the basic necessities of water, food, shelter and sanitation. This brings the threat of epidemics and violence as people resort to looting in order to stay alive.
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International aid agencies are already responding with emergency supplies, but there will be a need for continuing aid when the time comes for reconstruction and trauma counselling. Charities such as SCIAF, Tearfund, Christian Aid and the International Red Cross are already on the scene or working through their partners to meet immediate needs. The Disasters Emergency Committee brings together 14 leading UK aid agencies to raise money for humanitarian crises in shattered communities. Donations can be made online at https://donation.dec.org.uk/ or sent to DEC Secretariat, Ground Floor, 43 Chalton Street, London NW1 1DU. In crises on the scale of the Indonesian disaster donations are often accepted by local banks. Let us share in this prayer from Tearfund for suffering people: “Lord, we pray for the people of Indonesia who have already suffered ten earthquakes this year. We lift up to you the families hit by this latest devastating earthquake and tsunami. Comfort those who have lost loved ones and homes, and help to heal and restore injured people.�
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New Laigh Kirk, Kilmarnock, is celebrating the award of a silhouette funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust. The silhouette will be affixed to a bench in the churchyard at a Veterans’ Service marking the Centenary of the First World War Armistice which will be held in the church - in John Dickie Street, Kilmarnock - at 2.00 pm on Sunday 11th November. All armed and auxiliary services veterans (regular and territorial) and their families are invited to attend, as are personnel currently serving. An invitation is also extended to veterans and service personnel from the Merchant Navy, Land Army, Home Guard and other auxiliary services and to staff from emergency services and organisations which support veterans, service personnel and their families. The award was made under the Armed Forces Communities programme, which makes awards to bring communities together to remember, and to think about the Armed Forces today. The silhouette on the bench acts as a focal point for remembrance, not only of those who made the supreme sacrifice, but of the numerous individuals who sustained physical or mental wounds. The haunting opaque silhouette - of a seated soldier – theme ‘There but not There’ serves as a reminder to keep memories alive ‘Lest we Forget’. Our current servicemen and servicewomen - people who fought in more recent 30
conflicts and their families need our continued support. A local veterans organisation commented: “The project is important because it is estimated that 47,000 armed services veterans and their families live in Ayrshire.” We hope that members of New Laigh Kirk will attend, whether or not they have any forces connection to both welcome our visitors and show support for our Veterans. Ken Stewart
All 3 sections of 4th/5th Kilmarnock Boys’ Brigade have started back with 40 boys in the Anchor boys, 30 boys in the Junior Section and 35 boys in the Company/Senior Section. The Company section are now back at their usual meeting place in John Finnie Street. Ten boys from the Company Section went along to Tamar Manoukian Outdoor Centre at Dumfries House to take part in the Battalion Climbing Wall and Dodge ball evening (not at the same time!). And a group also had an evening of Archery practice at Galston. This year’s Enrolment/Dedication Parade is at St Andrew’s and St Marnock’s Church on Sunday 28th October. The Boys’ Brigade are having a Coffee Morning on Saturday 24th November in the Howard Centre, tickets are available from any boy or member of staff. 31
Update from Amy Hannah Communities and Family Hey everyone! We’ve had a great start to the new term at N.L.K. as things have been moving rapidly towards Christmas (already!) The new term is progressing very well with the Kingz Kidz as our juniors who are following lessons from the Old Testament before we move onto the Nativity Story and the birth of Jesus. This will lead us perfectly in time to perform our Nativity this year as our children take to the chancel in a wonderful rendition of how the Saviour of the world was born to us. Our seniors, however, are following David’s children’s addresses so that our theme for the day is tied together nicely with the services. Our Kingz Kidz continue to do well as the kids explore new bible stories, get messy with crafts and sing some songs. A big thank you to all our leaders who lead, help, assist in any way with our Kingz Kidz; thank you for all your hard work! October Club will be run from October 17th-19th (Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) from 10am-12pm in the halls on John Finnie Street. All children from Primary 1-7 are welcome to come along to enjoy stories, crafts, games, snacks and songs as we take the children through some of the Ten Commandments, or God’s Top Ten! There’s still time to register your child so please contact me (Amy) on amy_bh@hotmail.co.uk with your child’s name, primary year and if they have any allergies or dietary requirements. Our next All Age Kingz Kidz is November 4th, when we will be having some very special guests from the Loudoun Musical Society coming along to run a workshop with our Kingz Kidz to teach them the songs and dances from ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat’. All Age will be in the lower hall on John Finnie Street, from 10:45am12:05pm and all children are welcome to come along and enjoy the workshop! 32
Barcaple was a fantastic success! On September 22nd, we took twelve children and young people to Barcaple Activity Centre in Dumfries and Galloway. We set off from a very early start at 7am, had a full day of activities and lunch/snacks and then returned home for just after 7pm in the evening. We got to experience abseiling, zip-wiring, archery and robes course. Suffice to say it was a busy, tiring day, but fun was had by all throughout the activities and we even managed to get some great photos in the process too. On December 9th, the Kingz Kidz will be having a “Deck the Halls� and movie night, where all children are welcome to come along to the halls after the service and decorate the halls with as much Christmas spirit 33
as they can bring. Afterwards, we can all sit together and enjoy a Christmas movie, accompanied by some hot chocolate, pizza and snacks. Make sure to keep it in the diary so all the kids don’t miss out. December 16th will also host our Christmas parties for our Kingz Kidz groups and more information will provided for that nearer the time, we hope you can all make it. Over the summer, our Singers group and praise band within the church did a fantastic job of leading worship for our early services as we explored new worship songs and different styles of service. Thanks to all who participated with the services and worship. Our Singers group will continue to rehearse for Christmas every Wednesday evening in the church from 7:30pm-9pm, please feel free to come along, sing, play an instrument and explore worship with us. Rehearsals for our church Choir are also underway for the new term and we are also preparing for Christmas, as we have already begun to rehearse our music for all our wonderful Christmas services. Please feel free to come along and join us to sing with the choir on Thursday evenings, 7:30pm-9pm in the church. Our Community Choir has also hit the ground running from the beginning of our rehearsals in August. We started with a small number and have grown to twenty members in our fourth week. The 34
Community Choir is open for anyone and everyone who enjoys singing a variety of different styles with a variety of different people, no auditions or previous experience required; just come along and join in the fun! Rehearsals for the Community Choir are Tuesday evenings from 7pm-9pm in the church and all are welcome! Thanks for reading, Until next month, Amy.
NLK Walking Group The 2018 Walking Season has now ended. Our Wednesday evening walks finished at the end of August as it was getting dark too early. Our monthly weekend walks continued until late October. On a very wet Sunday (in Kilmarnock) in August, a few walkers and a puppy ventured to Rouken Glen Park, where there was no rain and it was possible to have our coffee and cake outdoors at the cafe overlooking the pond. During the chat, we agreed that coffee and chat was an essential part of our outings. In September we had a lovely afternoon walking along the Troon foreshore, returning to the main street through the town before adjourning to a lovely local teashop for tea/coffee and cake. Weather permitting, our final outing for this year (on Sunday 21st October to Straiton) will have taken place by the time the magazine is distributed. Our monthly walks will recommence in mid-March, and our weekly Wednesday evening walks on the first Wednesday in April 2019. Look out on NLK's Facebook page, Orders of Service and the Church magazine for details. If you have walked with us this season, thanks for your company - and we hope to see you again next year. If you haven't come along - yet - we'd love to see you in the Spring. Ellen Stewart
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NLK FairTrade Group
NLK FairTrade Group has been active. In late October, the group took orders for ‘Real Advent Calendars’ which contain individual ‘FairTrade’ Milk Chocolates – one for each day of Advent, plus a booklet telling the Nativity Story. This is the first time the group has sold ‘Real Advent Calendars’ and follows on the success of our sales of ‘Real Easter Eggs’ in the Spring. As many of you will be aware, sadly, FairTrade’s trading partner ‘Traidcraft’ will cease trading at the end of the year. Traidcraft has given assurances that all purchases prior to that date will be honoured. The reasons for Traidcraft’s demise are complex. A short explanation is given below: “Supported by millions of members, FairTrade International and its partners worked to show how paying a fair price to farmers on the other side of the world could make an enormous difference to the quality of their lives and the communities in which they live. It isn’t only about paying a fair price, FairTrade wants to support a scheme which guarantees farmers control and autonomy and which encourages local democratic decision making. Confusing the consumer
Across the retail sector, it’s become confusing. There are a baffling range of ethical badges which retailers and brands choose to put on their products. Customers don’t always know the difference between these rival ethical labels, often with similar sounding names to Fairtrade, nor 36
understand the trading relationship between retailer and supplier. Different standards are used to measure, and there are different ways of monitoring. Some alternative schemes may not help producers to keep control of how they use the money they earn. It’s the most vulnerable people who pay the greatest price for this confusion. Low wages, irregular income and uncertain futures are rife around the world. Over the last five years, the price of coffee and cocoa in the international commodity markets has regularly fallen to levels which don’t meet the Fairtrade minimum price – causing uncertainty for those at the sharp end of the market. Fairtrade creates the security that means those farmers can afford to keep growing cocoa and coffee beans and put food on their own tables for their own families. When retail margins in the UK become ever tighter, our commitment to the producers on the other side of the world needs to become more important, not less. Instead, it is becoming apparent that when ‘push comes to shove’, short-term local profit counts for more than global justice and retailers start to create ethical schemes that are less expensive to run. Making it work for everyone
To make Fairtrade work for everyone – the producer, the retailer and the consumer – requires an on-going conversation with our customers about what global economic justice needs to look like. That’s a tough conversation to have in a shopping aisle! But actually, that’s exactly where it needs to be taking place. The challenge is how to do it well. Fairtrade is the best model out there if we want to be serious about economic fairness.” NLK FairTrade Group
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Our new session started on 27th September, Elizabeth McGill welcomed everyone and hoped everyone had enjoyed the summer. She then read a prayer which we would like to share with you. FRIENDSHIP In this hour I remember the face of a friend, A friend that I haven’t seen for some time And would like to see again. There are so many friends I have lost touch with And it would be so easy to pick up a phone or send a card. Real friendship is too precious to forget or neglect. Lord, I need friends but I wonder what kind of a friend I am to others I know I am guilty of using other people Even people I care about deeply help me to be warm in greeting people Help me to give, to give some love And friendship to all the people I shall meet this day. Lord of the morning, help me I am often selfish with my friends I want them to listen to me, To my problems and I only half listen to them Lord of life, forgive me. Lord of life, help me to be a friend, a trustworthy friend; To be able to defend when others gossip or criticise. Greater love has no man than when he lays down his life for his friends 38
Sometimes I am not able even to lay aside Five minutes for those who need my time Lord, help me to realise both the gift and responsibility of friendship. Lord, help me to really look At the people that I pass fleetingly every day The people on the fringe of my life Help me not to be enclosed Within the inner circle of my own friends But to offer friendship to those who find it difficult to make friends, Lord, of the morning help me Amen Our speaker was our minister David Cameron. We had a very interesting discussion on the future of the Church. We meet every second Thursday in the lower hall at 2pm. Janette Howard
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CHURCH OPEN DOORS New Laigh Kirk is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 12noon to 2.00pm. The Church will be open for those who want to come for a period of solitude or reflection; to see the stained glass windows from the inside; or to find out some of the history of the church and town. We urgently require a pool of volunteers, especially men, to welcome the visitors during 2019. We are particularly short of volunteers on Wednesdays. If you could help even occasionally, it would be most appreciated. If you could spare a couple of hours approximately every six weeks or if you could cover shifts when regular volunteers are on holiday, we would be delighted to hear from you. The church will be open every day during Advent so we will require additional volunteers. If you are able to help during this period, we would love to hear from you. If you would like to be included in the rota, please speak to Helen Colman. Remember that the more volunteers there are, the less often you will be on duty!
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East Ayrshire Churches Homelessness Action So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12 You may have read in the previous magazine that EACHa has been working for some time on the EACHa/Community Friends Action Plan. The final version was published in October after many months of hard work. We’ve always known that no matter how valuable the service EACHa provides, to some extent we’ve been a sticking plaster. There have always been successes, and people have moved on to more settled lives, but so many people are stuck in a rut, in a cycle which might include repeat homelessness, prison, poverty, addiction, and chronically poor mental and physical health. But were many people’s lives actually being transformed? There must be a better way. During discussions about what else could we do, someone said ‘Why don’t we ask the people themselves?’ It’s the easy way to think that we know what’s needed, to decide what we are going to do to help the disadvantaged. But had anyone ever asked the people concerned? And to walk alongside the people, what we do being with the people, rather than for them. We decided to embark on an Action Plan, similar to the ones which have been prepared over the last couple of years for communities throughout East Ayrshire. We were assisted in this by a team from East Ayrshire Council’s Vibrant Communities team, who spent months with our own service users, gaining their trust, learning their stories, their likes and dislikes, their aspirations. This was the most challenging, so many had no aspiration at all, no hope that anything could be different, nothing to look forward to. This was a huge learning curve for us as volunteers too. We tend not to ask questions of our service users, but we found that many are happy to open up. And every single person is an individual, with their own unique circumstances. Each Person Matters. 41
The result was the draft plan, accompanied by an excellent film of interviews with three service users. We showed the film to our volunteers and service users, and their reaction was quiet gratitude that at last someone was listening. In May we brought together around 100 decision makers – from the Council, NHS, police and many church and community groups. The theme –‘Building co-operation for tackling issues in homelessness, health and wellbeing and anti-social behaviour’. Our meeting, facilitated by Steven Owens, asked delegates to read the report with the understanding that it is a draft. The next stage would be that having read the report, and read what their clients had to say, what gaps they could identify in services provided, and what could be done to transform the lives of those concerned, whether immediately or in the longer term. There was no disagreement at all at the meeting. All delegates agreed that many gaps required to be filled, and this could only be done by organisations – whether statutory or voluntary - working together with a determined will to 42
make radical changes to how things are done now. Current practice isn’t working. Over the summer the responses were gathered together, and four themes were identified. These are; Raising public awareness; access to services; availability of employment, training, volunteering; key transitions. Within each, there were suggestions as to how the theme can be addressed. Based on all the responses, and I stress there was solid consensus, 13 recommendations were identified. Again the team at Vibrant Communities helped to put these findings into this final document, and everyone was invited back on 4th October. Delegates were asked: what has your organisation done since the May meeting; what changes do you propose to introduce? Finally everyone was invited to sign up to one of the theme groups, and agree to meet regularly, face to face or online, to ensure that the recommendations – approved by themselves – are put into practice. Each theme group will report to an overall Governance group. So this is where we are now. A huge amount of work has been put into this, but this is the start, not the end. We’ve been enthused by the willingness of professionals to take this Plan on board, and to commit to making changes. This isn’t easy, we are all very comfortable with the 43
way things are. Taking on the unknown is a risk, but the response has been positive. The conversation has begun, and we will let you all know how it progresses. We are a small charity, we cannot do all this on our own. But we have a team of committed volunteers, all of whom are passionate about what we do. And why do we do it? We do it to make a difference, and we do this in Christ’s name. At all times, we do not see ourselves as charitably doing things ‘for’ our Friends, but walking with them, alongside them, unconditionally, knowing that we are doing God’s work, and that God is with us in all we do, as he is with our Friends. Have a look at the video, link below. This is why we do what we do. https://youtu.be/kHYZ_2x3pog
Badminton Club The badminton club is on Tuesday nights 7.15 - 9.00 pm. We are a friendly club for anyone over 16 to come along and enjoy games and have a laugh. It has been good to be back in the hall since September after the repairs had been carried out over the summer months. Any questions or queries please feel free to contact me. Regards Alan I’Anson 07949 169051
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15th Kilmarnock Rainbows
The Rainbows have started this term working on the new Rainbow programme; our new programme will offer balanced and varied activities across six themes. Know Myself, Express Myself, Be Well, Have Adventures, Take Action and Skills for the Future, Unit meeting activities and interest badges. We have started on Express Myself, so far we have completed three of the five skill builder required Go gobots, exciting experiments and puppet pals. The Rainbows attended the rededication service on Sunday 7th October. The following Rainbows made their Promise on the 3rd October - Lilly, Alex, Abigail, Elise and Zahra made her promise on the 10th October. October will see them doing Halloween crafts and their Halloween party. Rainbows meet on Wednesday nights 6pm -7pm in the Upper hall Thanks to Jaclyn, Doreen, Jennie and Alex 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 six new Brownies - Scarlett, Emily, Ava, Felicity, Zara and Isla who made their Promise on the 26th September. Brownies that were not doing their Promise book were doing the First Aid Badge or Number Fun Badge; they received their badges on the 26th September. Fifteen Brownies attended our weekend away to Blair Activity Centre on the 22â żd-24th September and enjoyed low rope course, mountain biking, crafts and sleeping in wigwams, they completed the Brownie holiday badge and received their two nights away badge, we would all like to thank Alison for arranging this great weekend and all the leaders who helped and made it possible. The Brownies attended the rededication service on Sunday 7th October. In October they will be having a Halloween craft night and their Halloween Party. Brownies meet on Wednesday night 6:30 - 8:00 pm in the Lower hall. Thanks to Alison, Fiona, Jaclyn, Eilidh and Jennie for all their help Sheena
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Church Register Baptism 23rd Sept 2018 Louie John Sinclair 46 Benbecula Road Kilmarnock Funerals 7th Sept 2018 Edwin Marshall 18 Woodside Avenue Kilmarnock 25th Sept 2018 Andrew Bryson (E) 1 Charles Street Kilmarnock 28th Sept 2018 Jim Orr 6 Strathy Place Kilmarnock 11th Oct 2018 Lena Douglas (M) Lizdean Nursing Home Kilmarnock 12th Oct 2018 Douglas Johnson (M) Shawhill Cottage Hurlford
Stranger on the Shore Acker Bilk / Robert Mellin Here I stand Watching the tide go out So all alone and blue Just dreaming dreams of you I watched your ship As it sailed out to sea Taking all my dreams And taking all of me The sighing of the waves The wailing of the wind The tears in my eyes burn Pleading, my love, return Why, oh, why must I go on like this? Shall I just be a lonely stranger on the shore?
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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 Morgan have no way of knowing if our church members are in hospital unless they are told. Please use the Pew Card, telephone or email to inform him 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
To see the magazine in colour go to http://www.nlk.church
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