Torch The Web November 2014 www.riccartonparishchurch.co.uk

The Web
Torch
November 2014
www.riccartonparishchurch.co.uk
The Web Torch November 2014
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Dear Friends,
I want to begin by thanking you all for the very generous gift that
was presented to me at the service on 18th October to mark my
25 years in the ordained ministry. Laura and I were completely
overwhelmed by the response. It has been, and continues to be a
great joy to serve as your minister. As a family we very much
appreciate the friendship and support that have been extended to
us at Riccarton over the last seven years. It was lovely to have our
good friend Mike Goss leading worship. Mike baptised Anna, he
and his wife Rhona are godparents to Zoe, and Laura and I are
godparents to their daughter Aileen. You may remember that
Mike preached me in when I first came to Riccarton, and I also
preached him in at Carnoustie, when he moved from Dundee. It
was great to also have my father taking part in the service, and a
number of people have commented on how well he read from the
word of God. It was also wonderful to have Bill and Jenny Whyte
with us. Bill was minister in Nairn: St. Ninian’s, where I was a
member from 1981 until my ordination in 1989 (although I was
elsewhere with my training for the last 4 years).
However, as Mike emphasised during the service, it wasn’t so
much about me as the one who called me, and who continues to
call each one of us to service. We sang,
, the paraphrase taken from 2 Timothy chapter 1, where
Paul writes:
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God,
which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did
not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and
of self-discipline. So do not be ashamed of the testimony about
our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering
for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and
called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but
because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in
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Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been
revealed through the appearing of our Saviour, Christ Jesus, who
has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light
through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald
and an apostle and a teacher. That is why I am suffering as I
am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed,
and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted
to him until that day.
What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound
teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. Guard the good
deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the
Holy Spirit who lives in us.
Paul is writing to Timothy, a young pastor who finds it hard going
at times. Paul encourages him to focus on the Lord Jesus Christ,
and all that he has accomplished for us through the cross.
Timothy has experienced God’s touch on his life. He has been
changed by the power and the love of God flowing in to his life.
Even in his prison cell, Paul is sustained by the grace of God and
remains confident that the one who loved him and died for him
will not let him down now, but will somehow use whatever he is
going through for his glory.
That’s a lesson that we all need to learn and to apply in our own
lives. It is so easy to let our circumstances and the pressures they
bring get on top of us. We need to continually come back to the
cross and live in the light of the victory that Jesus has won for us
through his death and resurrection. May we each take hold of
that truth today and every day!
Colin A. Strong
Dementia and Worship
The Sunday that we were on holiday we took my mother to
church. She hadn’t been at a church service for at least 2,
possibly 3 years. The care home where she lives is just across the
road from the church in Leuchars, although we had to drive her
round and up the hill at the back. We weren’t sure whether she
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would make it through the service or we would have to make an
early exit. We went up earlier to have a look, and a very helpful
elder informed us that they had a wheelchair available, which he
got for us to help her in. The congregation could not have been
more welcoming.
It was really a very moving experience to be with her. Her eyes
just lit up. She insisted in standing for all the hymns, which she
sang with great enthusiasm. She knew all the words. She no
longer has the cognitive powers to process the information from
the sermon and she will not even remember that she went to
church that day. However I believe that each moment there was
precious to her as it happened. She has known Jesus Christ as her
Saviour for about 80 years, and not even her dementia can rob
that from her.
I am reminded of the words of the Ayrshire-born hymn writer
James Montgomery:
And when these failing lips grow dumb
And mind and memory flee,
When thou shalt in thy Kingdom come
Jesus, remember me.
Her lips certainly haven’t grown dumb! However the rest of the
verse is a reminder that she still belongs to Jesus, and is in his
care. As Paul wrote in Romans 8:38, 39, “I am convinced that
neither death nor life, neither angels or demons, neither the
present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from
the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Nothing! Not even dementia!
I am very conscious that a number of our church members also
suffer from dementia. I do wonder if there is more that we could
be doing to provide opportunities for worship for them. It would
involve co-operation and help from their families. For some it
might not work. What do you think? Let me know!
Colin Strong
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Wullie White had been moved from Thorntoun
Nursing Home to Crossgates Nursing Home.
At the June Meeting of Presbytery held on
Tuesday 24th June. The Rev Andrew Black Minister at Irvine
Relief Bourtreehill was installed as Moderator for year 2014 –
2015.
Moderator congratulated Rev Colin Strong being present and
Rev James Davidson in his absence on the 25th Anniversary of
their respective Ordinations.
The Celebration of the Lords Supper preceded the September
Meeting of Presbytery which was held on Tuesday 2nd of
September.
A Dempster commented on how meaningful and dignified the
Communion had been. The Moderator the Rev Andy Black was
to be congratulated on his conduct and message given during
the service.
Tributes were made to the Rev George Campbell former
Minister at Stewarton John Knox and Mr Andrew Pelling
Equalising Elder of New Laigh Kirk who had died during the
summer.
Moderator welcomed new Commissioners and received
Advisers Readers and Students.
Moderator congratulated Rev Neil Urquhart on the 25th
Anniversary of his ordination to the ministry.
October Presbytery Mission Meeting on Tuesday 7th October at
Irvine St Andrews would be “Messy Presbytery” giving
presbyters an insight on Messy Church.
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November Presbytery Meeting on Tuesday 4th November at
Crosshouse Parish Church would be led by Rev John Bell. The
subject would be “Worship as a Mission Tool”
D Kirkpatrick reported on the Sunday School and
the Youth Church. Both were doing well. The Sunday School
have their programme planned until Christmas and would
involve the Youth Church in musical Sundays. The Youth
Church are following a youth alpha course of nine videos. It
was encouraging to note that the older age group were still
interested.
Liaison Elders were appointed to various
organisations:
Sunday School and Youth Church
David Lees
Boy’s Brigade
Bill McCready
Line Dancing
Eleanor McCallum
Guild
Ann Dempster
Guild of Friendship
Tom Linton
Messy Church
Elspeth MacTaggart
It was noted that the Minister and Session Clerk are able to
attend any meeting of church organisations and committees.
(Ex officio)
D Kirkpatrick asked Session to discuss the
situation with the organ cover and how Kirk Session wanted to
go forward. We currently have Stephen Robson, Allan Wilson
and Denham Kirkpatrick available. We are covered up to the
end of September. He stated that he and Laura Strong were
going to try and make the music group more prominent when
it was the Sunday he was down to play. After discussion it was
decided to continue as at present.
D Kirkpatrick advised Session he was not able to
continue covering half of District 10 due to further
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commitments. Andrea Dunachie was willing to continue doing
her half. Session Clerk would try to make arrangements to
cover district.
Ian Aitken reported on another successful
Doors Open Day Ayrshire. Thirty visitors had attended visiting
the Church and the Graveyard. This has been the best
attendance so far. This was helped by an article in the
Kilmarnock Standard showing a full picture of Riccarton
Church. Those who attended were very interested. Thanks to
all who helped to make the day a success.
Session Clerk reported Mr Miller Hardie former
Session Clerk of Craigie Church (now closed) had visited
Riccarton Church and offered to give the pew cushions from
Craigie Church to Riccarton Church. Miller looked round the
Church and said they would fit also they were the same red
wine colour. There would be no charge for them. Session Clerk
agreed to make arrangements to have them delivered and
fitted.
Stuart McKelvie reported that two officers
namely Jamie Chapman and Mark McKelvie had resigned from
the Company. Denham Kirkpatrick would be joining the
Company as a Lieutenant and along with Gary Kirkpatrick
would be responsible for the Junior Section.
BB Dedication Service would be Sunday 26th October
The Dedication of the Guild and
Guild of Friendship would be on Sunday 16th November.
will be Tuesday 21st October 2014 at
7.30pm in the Church Hall.
James Barnes
Session Clerk
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Church of Scotland Guild
16 Days of prayer
Why 16 Days?
It is now several years that the Guild has talked about and raised awareness of Domestic Abuse. In these intervening years there has been
progress, but still Domestic Abuse happens in homes where there are children and it is never a place of calm and happiness. The Police have
changed their tactics and prosecutions are going through the courts faster. For those with the courage to leave these kinds of situations, this is
making life better. However, leaving may not be possible and it is these
families that we pray for to have the strength to carry on living in fear or
being able to leave the home life they have built up over many years.
Sometimes they are waiting for the right moment and we pray that such a
moment comes and they are free from the violence which is takes place
behind closed doors. The Guild belongs to the Interfaith Group on Domestic Abuse, which started off as Ecumenical but is now Interfaith. It has held
many conferences and seminars over the 11 years we have worked together, but recently we put together an exhibition "Souls of our Shoes"...
104 pairs of shoes with statements from clergy, some from abused people
and some from those who stand in solidarity with those coping with Domestic Abuse. These shoes denote that there are 104 pairs of empty
shoes at the end of each year as there are 2 women per week killed by a
violent husband or partner. The exhibit has been a great success and is
very powerful. It has been seen all over Scotland. We should not forget
that men also experience violence in the home and as we pray we should
remember their plight. For men it can be a slightly more complex situation
as when a husband leaves the home there are all sorts of repercussions
due to maintenance and access to the children. As The Church of Scotland Guild may we remember all who live with violence in today's world.
For 16 days At the 16th hour
Pray for a change
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This year, for each day, we offer a prayer on some aspect of work in
connection with overcoming violence, alongside a Bible verse for
reflection.
NOVEMBER 25th
Isaiah 26 v4
Lord we ask that You stay close to all who have lived with Domestic
abuse. Those who live in fear in their own homes Lord Hear our
Prayer.
NOVEMBER 26th
Psalm 69 v 29
Bountiful God, we pray for all who live with a violent partner who are
trying to find enough courage to leave. Give them the strength to make
that decision.
NOVEMBER 27th
2 Corinthians 4 v 1
Lord, your love surrounds us and with that love show us how we can help
- May we have a listening ear to all who confide in us and give us the
wisdom to find answers.
NOVEMBER 28th
Psalm 46 v 1 - 3
Today Lord we pray for all who work in this field. Give them the strength
of Your love and may they know the presence of the Holy Spirit.
NOVEMBER 29th
Matthew 19 v 14 & 15
Loving God, may You protect children caught up in this situation. May they
be calmed by Your Spirit and help teachers and friends understand their
suffering.
NOVEMBER 30th
Romans 5 v 1 & 2
Let's give thanks, Lord, for refuges throughout Scotland who work
tirelessly to help all who have lived with Domestic Abuse. A place of
sanctuary where one can live without thinking about how to avoid
confrontation. A place where children can be carefree and have peace of
mind.
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DECEMBER 1st
WORLD AIDS DAY
Psalm 41 v 1
Loving God, throughout the world today people are being made aware of
the HIV epidemic which threatened continents. With Your guidance
research has given us a way of managing this illness and for that we give
thanks today.
DECEMBER 2nd
Psalm 55 v 1 A 2
Bountiful God we pray for all who are affected by HIV, families and
countries throughout the world coping from day to day with medication
and fears.
DECEMBER 3rd
Psalm 52 v 9
We pray for the work of the Waverly Trust in Scotland. Giving advice and
helping patients come to terms with test results and the administration
of medicine for the rest of their lives.
DECEMBER 4th
2 Corinthians 9 v 10
Our Prayer today, Lord, is that all who suffer can have access to the
treatments that keep this illness at bay and also for food to make the
medicine effective.
DECEMBER 5th
Psalm 62 v 11 & 12
Lord, Let us give thanks for all researchers and doctors working in this
field. May they see the difference it is making to so many lives.
DECEMBER 6th
Psalm 71 v 12
In a world where many are starving and thirsty can we have a fairer way
of distributing wealth - not in monetary terms but with the gift of sharing
our abundance of the western world to our poorer neighbours.
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DECEMBER 7th
Psalm 70 v 5
Lord, in this troubled world we ask for peace where there is no peace. We
ask governments to talk with governments to achieve that peace. Using
discussion not guns to settle disputes.
DECEMBER 8th
Psalm 68 v 35
We pray for all war-torn countries where innocent people are killed and
maimed. The Children who have never known peace in their time, growing
up with hatred at what has gone on before they were even born. We pray
for peace in their time. 0 Lord Hear our prayer.
DECEMBER 9th
Romans 8 v39
Loving God, many live in fear in Your world. May they know that they are
held in our prayers and that Your love surrounds and strengthens them.
Countries of the world should be working towards solutions through a
Justice system where none are let down and allowed to suffer. Hear our
prayer.
DECEMBER 10th
Psalm 72 v 17
Today is International Justice Day. Let all who work for Justice strive for a
better life for all who are in a war situation, who are refugees or in any
violent circumstances. Lord Hear our prayer.
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The 9th November being Remembrance Sunday the service will
begin at 10.50am.
Congratulations and every good wish to
Marion Marshall who will be 80 years young
on the 4th November, Well done.
Earlier this year our organist, Bill Godfrey, intimated that he
would like to retire. Unfortunately he took ill as he and Maureen
were about to go on holiday. The Kirk Session decided that he
should be given a presentation when he was better. This will take
place at the morning service on Sunday 14th December. If you
would like to contribute to his presentation there will be a retiring
offering on Sunday 7th December, or contact your elder. Bill is in
better health now, and will be able to continue playing for us
when required on a fill in basis.
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by Erma Bombeck
If I Had My Life To Live Over..............
I would have talked less and listened more.
I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the
carpet was stained and the sofa faded.
I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living
room and worried much less about the dirt when
someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.
I would have taken the time to listen to my
grandfather ramble about his youth.
I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled
up on a summer day because my hair had just been
teased and sprayed.
I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a
it melted in storage.
rose
I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not
worried about grass stains.
I would have cried and laughed less while watching
television and more while watching life.
I would have shared more of the responsibility carried
by my husband.
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of
pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I
weren't there for the day.
I would never have bought anything just because it was
practical, wouldn't show soil or was guaranteed to last
a lifetime.
Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd
have cherished every moment and realised that the
wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in
life to assist
in a miracle.
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When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never
have said, "Later. Now go get washed up for dinner."
There would have been more "I love you's".. more "I'm
sorry"s"
But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize
every minute...look at it and really see it... live it...and
never give it back.
Christmas Fayre
This year the Christmas Fayre is
on Saturday 29th November 2014
from 10 -12 in Church Hall.
Tickets priced £1.50 on sale NOW
All proceeds to Restoration Fund. Tea/Coffee
and cakes included.
All usual stalls and Santa but NO nearly new clothes. Hope to
see you all enjoying the Fun of the Fayre.
Donations of baking etc greatly appreciated and any monetary
donations can be gift aided if you are a tax payer.
Eleanor
In the piece about the Used Stamps, I gave Betty
Kirkpatrick's friend the wrong name! The lady's name is Mrs
Grace MARTIN, and I am grateful to her. Sorry about that.
Ann Gilmour
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From Marion and Tom Linton.
Thank you so much for the beautiful church flowers and to everyone
for cards and good wishes on our Golden wedding. They were all
appreciated very much. Thank you for your kindness.
God bless.
From the White family
The family of the late Wullie White sends
grateful thanks to all at Riccarton Church for
their kindness and support over last few years.
Especially to the Sunday School and caring group
who brightened his days with their visits, cards
and gifts.
From Jenny Gibson
Thank you for the lovely flowers I received from church. They were
very much appreciated.
From Madge Jardine
Thanks for the flowers I received from church recently. Also thanks
to Marion Linton for her visits with the memory sticks.
From Margaret Logan
Thank you for the lovely church flowers I received after the death of
my dear husband Bill. They were very much appreciated.
From Sadie McLean
Thank you to Elspeth and everyone who prayed for me while I was in
hospital. Thanks also to Eleanor and Rev. Colin Strong who visited
me there.
I am home now and feeling a bit better. Your prayers have been
answered.
From Anna McCluskie
Thank you very much for the lovely church flowers and cards
received on my 80th birthday.
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From Anne Paterson
Many thanks for the lovely plant from the church. It was most
greatly appreciated.
From Bill and Betty Connor
Thanks to everyone who sent cards and good wishes on the
occasion of our Golden Wedding Anniversary. They were very
much appreciated.
Noah Adam and Eve Lazarus Esther -
"Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head"
"Strangers in Paradise"
"The Second Time Around"
I Feel Pretty
Job Moses Jezebel Samson Salome Daniel Joshua Peter EsauJeremiah The Magi Jonah Elijah -
"I've got a right to sing the Blues"
"The Wanderer"
"The Lady Is A Tramp"
"Hair"
"I Could Have danced All Night"
"The Lion Sleeps Tonight"
"Good Vibrations"
"I'm Sorry"
"Born To Be Wild"
"Take This Job And Shove It"
"When You Wish Upon A Star"
"Got a Whale of a tale"
"Up, Up And Away"
Methuselah "Stayin1 Alive"
Nebuchadnezzar - "Crazy"
The song may be as old as the characters!!
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We have got off to a good start this session. Our
speakers have been so informative.
11th
25th
Music and Dance - Tartan Ladies
Chernobyl - Michael Lafferty
9th
Candle Tea
We welcome anyone who wishes to attend any of these meetings
which interest you.
Mary Kean
Secretary
Congratulations and every good wish to
Bill and Betty Connor who celebrated 50
years of marriage on the 10th October. All
the Best to you both.
Moira & Ian Aitken
Jackie Wallace.
Convener Tom Linton
Alex & Shona Hamilton Marion Linton
Convener Tom Robertson
Gloria Barnes
Pat Duthie
Sylvia Paterson
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Jane Ferguson
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Ask why God made the gem so small?
And why so huge the granite?
Because God meant mankind should set
That higher value on it.
Robert Burns
2nd
&
9th
16th
23rd
30th
Christine Dalgleish
Bill McGill
Kirk Session
Guild
Elspeth MacTaggart
Edith Jamieson
7th
Anonymous
If any assistance with the buying or arranging the flowers is
required, the flower convener will be happy to help.
Mrs Margaret Henderson Tel. 537982
2nd
9th
16th
23rd
30th
Mr J Marshall
Mr S McKenzie
Miss E MacTaggart
Mr W Connor
Mrs S Hamilton
7th
Mrs M Aitken
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2nd
9/16
23/30
Marion Linton
Margaret McCluskey
Beth McGhee
Jackie Wallace Lorna McColgan
Carol-Anne McKelvie Rose Forbes Mairi Kirkpatrick
7/14
Nan Barlow
Ann Gilmour
Marie Littlejohn
Tom Linton
Alan Cairns
Ian Aitken
Jackie Wallace
Tom Robertson
Sylvia Paterson
Gloria Barnes
Alan Cairns
Jane Ferguson
2nd
16th
30th
Jim Robson
Bill McGill
Bill McCready
9th
23rd
Bill McCready
Jim Robson
7th
21st
Bill McGill
Bill McCready
14th
28th
Jim Robson
Bill McGill
Material for December Torch should be given to Mrs Betty Robson,
8 Bressay Place NOT LATER THAN Sunday 23rd November
Betty Robson (Editor) 01563 532248
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