Union of churches in Saltcoats and Ardrossan: VOTE
Notice is hereby given that, on behalf of the Presbytery of the South West, the Planning Committee has called a meeting of this congregation of Saltcoats St Cuthbert’s on Sunday 19th November at 11:45 in St Cuthbert’s Church, Saltcoats when the Basis of Union, as drafted and approved by the four Kirk Sessions, will be presented for your approval.
Please note, only members and adherents who appear on the recently approved Electoral Roll are eligible to vote. Regretfully only ‘in person’ votes may be cast so proxy voting is not available. All voting is by secret ballot.
The approved Basis of Union can be downloaded HERE.
There will be two parts to the vote:
• (1) The Basis of Union (excluding clause 7)
• (2) Clause 7. (which asks that The Rev Nigel Chikanya (current minister at Kirkgate Church of Scotland) be the minister of the united charge.)
November 2023 magazine
The latest magazine is now available for download from the Magazine page. You will also find the October magazine there too which was not previously uploaded (with apologies if you were looking for it!)
1st Ardrossan Girls Brigade
Like many youth organisations, the Brigade relies on a good leadership team and would like to add to their team.
If you are aged 16+ and have a couple of hours on a Friday to spare, they would love to hear from you. You will need to go through an enhanced PVG check and some online training before starting with the Company.
“Being a Girls Brigade leader is so rewarding, and we have so much fun (girls and leaders), so why not join us?”
Please contact / direct message Linda Morrison via their Facebook page
AYRSHIRE FIDDLE ORCHESTRA ON
FRIDAY 6TH OCTOBER
with organ interludes from our own Rosemary and Peter
SUNDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2023
SEPTEMBER MAGAZINE
September’s magazine is available to download from the magazine page. If you would like to receive it direct by email, please let the webmaster know on webmaster@saltcoats-stcuthberts.org.uk.
VARIOUS NOTICES
We will celebrate Harvest Thanksgiving on Sunday 24th September and will shortly announce whether we are seeking goods or just financial contributions
We will celebrate Holy Communion on Sunday 1st October. This is likely to be the last one in this building.
There will be a concert from the ever popular Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra (AF)) on Friday 6th October. The concert starts at 7pm and with an interval should conclude by 9pm but concert goers will be invited to stay for tea and coffee. There is no ticket charge but an opportunity to contribute towards the Orchestras funds will be available. The AFO relies heavily on the generosity of their patrons and appreciate any donation you’re able to make.
We will not be collecting Shoe Boxes for Blythswood this year but there will be a retiring collection at some point.
NOTICE FOR ALL ELDERS
Ardrossan/Saltcoats Joint Session Meeting with Presbytery to be held at North Church on Tuesday 15th August 2023 from 7pm.
South West Scotland Presbytery would like to explore, determine, and understand the thoughts of local parties that they may progress to Union of these charges and the formation of Ardrossan and Saltcoats Church of Scotland.
JOINT SERVICE: 16 July 2023
This coming Sunday, 16th July, will be a joint service for all four Church of Scotland churches in Ardrossan and Saltcoats and will be led by the Rev Nigel Chirkanya. This will be live streamed if you are unable to come along, although we hope you do. (YouTube link can be found on Kirkgate Parish Church’s YouTube page)
COMMUNION
We will be celebrating Communion on Sunday 4th June. The service will be led by our friend the Rev Alan Ward.
JUNE 2023 MAGAZINE
The latest magazine can be downloaded from the MAGAZINE page.
NOTICE FOR ALL ELDERS
There will be a Session Meeting in the Hall from 7pm on Tuesday 30th May 2023.
Retirement presentation
If St. Cuthbert’s Church in Saltcoats closes, it will be the end of 115 years of worship in this place. For 55 years of that period the stewardship of the finances of the church has been in the very capable hands of the Turner family. Ann and her late husband Findlay became treasurers in 1968. Following Findlay’s passing 13 years ago Ann continued in the position.
Ann has decided that now is the right time for her to step down from that role and during a Sunday morning service a presentation was made to recognise her years of dedication and commitment to caring for the church funds. When she presented her last set of accounts at the Stated Annual Meeting, it was the end of an era. Few churches, if any, will be able to record such long voluntary service as treasurer.
Not only has Ann been a devoted custodian of the church accounts the congregation all know and appreciate her commitment to anything that involved finance and fundraising for St. Cuthbert’s – not the least of which has been her locally renowned annual plant sale. For 30 years (even through Covid a way was found) it has been the number one church fund raiser generating in excess of £50,000. Congratulations and well done Ann.
A further photograph of Ann can be found on our Facebook page.
Session meeting
There will be a Session meeting on Sunday 19th March in the small hall following the morning service. This is for essential business relating only to the PMP following the recent news of the rejection of our appeal
Ceilidh March 2023
Quiz Night February 2023
February 2023 Magazine
Please click this link to view the latest edition of our church magazine.
Poinsettias grace the Communion Table
Christmas Carol Service
Please do come along to St Cuthbert’s for a 3:30pm Carol Service on 18th December 2022.
Christmas Lunch
Christmas and New Year arrangements
This year Christmas Day and New Year’s Day are both Sundays. It is possible that congregational attendance will be smaller than usual as people will be away visiting family or busy getting ready to host family in their own homes. This has also meant that across the local area it has been difficult for some churches to arrange organist supply and / or pulpit supply. As a result, the four Ministers and Interim Moderators across Ardrossan and Saltcoats discussed the possibility of our congregations sharing in worship over these two Sundays, and our Kirk Sessions have agreed this would be a good idea, with two church buildings being open each Sunday. Please see below. You will be made very welcome wherever you choose to be.
Bless the Peacemakers
This morning (Sunday 4th December), Sarah suggested you might like to follow a guided prayer programme from Tearfund called “Bless the Peacemakers”. Please follow THIS LINK to join the prayer campaign. This will take you away from our website to a new tab.
Christmas – 2nd Sunday in Advent
The beautifully decorated tree surround by gifts from the congregation for children who may be otherwise disappointed this year. The Christmas decoration welcoming worshippers as they enter the building. The organ decorated by Peter and Alister
Magazine December 2022
The December 2022 magazine is now available to download from the Magazine Page.
Sunday 27th November 2022
Christingle is a joyful celebration that brings families and communities together to share the light of Jesus and spread a message of hope. So that you can join in the celebration, please bring an orange with you – all will become clear on the day!
Here are a few photographs taken which show the lit Christingles!
CrossReach Christmas Card Sales
This year’s sales of Christmas cards raised just over £500 which included additional donations. This is a pleasing figure – thank you to all who have purchased cards and to Margaret Kelso for organising it again this year.
Gift Service: 4th December 2022
The first Sunday in December (the second Sunday in Advent) will be the Gift Service when we donate a new toy or gift to children in the community who otherwise may have a poor Christmas. Please support this initiative by donating a gift of your own. Gifts should be either placed in a gift bag (unwrapped) or otherwise left unsealed so that they can be distributed appropriately.
Remembrance Sunday 2022
Blythswood Care Christmas Boxes
Over 50 prepared boxes were donated – a tremendous result!
November magazine
The November magazine and supplement can now be downloaded from the Magazine Page.
Christmas lunch (11 December 2022)
Please ensure you have booked a place for our Christmas lunch on Sunday 11th December by Sunday 13th November at the latest (see Bea or Ena to choose your menu)
The Tower repairs
The image below is showing work done on belfry floor of tower to alleviate water ingress. Several bags of rubbish had to be disposed of first before pitted concrete floor was sorted and then a fibreglass solution was applied to floor (which is weatherproof as well).
A Service of Celebration: 30 October 2022
To watch the photographs film that was shown before and after the service please click HERE to open in YouTube.
Sunday School Memories – sharing Senga’s reflection HERE
WERE YOU THERE?
THE STATIC DISPLAYS
EVERYONE Welcome! Bring a friend!
Blythswood Care Shoe Boxes
It’s easy to choose gifts for people who have so little. Shampoo, a pair of socks, a notepad, a small toy, a bag of sweets – things we take for granted will seem like luxuries to people living in poverty.
By filling a shoebox with simple things you can bring hope this
Christmas. Shoeboxes will be delivered to vulnerable people in Ukraine, Albania, Bulgaria, Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Romania and Serbia.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Your gift will truly make a difference. Boxes should be brought into the church before the end of October please.
You can download the checklist HERE
Guild: Wednesday 5th October 2022
Unfortunately our speaker for Wednesday 5th October is not able to come but instead we will be bringing forward our Quiz currently scheduled for 19th. Please do come along, support your Guild and test your knowledge on topics as varied as History and Entertainment, Sport, the Arts and much more!
Guild: Revised programme can be accessed from the GUILD page
The Arkleston Singers
Concert by the Arkleston Singers in aid of the Beatson Cancer Charity in St Cuthbert’s sanctuary on Sunday 2nd October was a great success. A mixed programme from Mozart to the Beatles and music written by one of their members, interludes of organ solos and a brief outline of the work of the charity all contributed.
Photographs provided by and with permission from Scott Johnston
Magazine
The October 2022 magazine is available to download from the Magazine page.
Upcoming services and events
This coming Sunday, 25th September, is our Harvest Thanksgiving Sunday. As in previous years, we will be supporting the local Foodbank . Monetary donations enable them to purchase those items urgently needed by families However, they are also happy to receive tinned goods such as stew, mince, vegetables and rice pudding. Please do not bring cereals, pasta and rice this year!
The following Sunday, 2nd October we will celebrate Holy Communion. It is planned to return to the previous practice of elders serving the elements as we used to do pre COVID. If you haven’t been in church for some time please consider taking this opportunity to join our first “normal” Communion since February 2020.
We encourage you to come back again in the evening to enjoy the Arkleston Singers who are raising funds for the West of Scotland Beatson Cancer Centre (see below)
Statement and prayer from the Moderator on the death of Her Majesty The Queen
It is with great sadness that we learn of the death this afternoon of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Below we share the prayer offered by the Church of Scotland Moderator.
Almighty and everlasting God,
in you there is neither beginning nor end;
you are from everlasting to everlasting, ever good and ever true.
You are our hope in life and in death,
and in your word of promise we place our trust. Today we give thanks for the life of your servant, our Queen Elizabeth,
whom now you have taken to be with you.
Long has she reigned over us,
offering support and courage,
a steadying hand in difficult days,
and a kindly presence in times of peace and prosperity.
We praise you for her life,
so rich in years and in service,
for her unwavering commitment to country, commonwealth, and every generation.
And for her trust in Jesus Christ,
her devotion to the church, and her respect for other faiths,
receive our thanks today.
May she rest in peace and let light shine upon her.
In their loss, comfort her family,
especially our King as he assumes his new responsibilities;
assure them of your unending love,
grant them the consolation of cherished memories,
and the hope of your promised kingdom.
These prayers we offer in the name of Jesus Christ, AMEN.
Crossreach supports over 10,000 people a year, even through trying times. On the Crossreach website you can use a smartphone camera to scan the QR codes and enjoy learning more as the videos bring the stories to life. Stories that with your support, have been made possible.
Christmas Card samples will be available to view in the church hall from this Sunday 4th September, there will be catalogues and order forms available.
The most popular designs sell out quickly, do not delay complete your order immediately. Once we qualify for free delivery I will be on it and am very happy to make multiple orders.
If you will not be at church and would like a catalogue please let me know, I will be happy to deliver it to you, collect the completed order form and deliver your order.
Margaret Kelso (If you would like Margaret’s contact details, please email webmaster@saltcoats-stcuthberts.org.uk or ask your elder to help.)
Magazine September 2022
September’s magazine is now available to download from the MAGAZINE PAGE.
1st Saltcoats Boy’s Brigade
After an extended hiatus caused by various lockdowns and subsequent restrictions, the Boy’s Brigade, led by Officer in Charge Daniel Hunter and supported by three BB lieutenants, plan to hold taster and recruiting sessions to both gauge the appetite and explain the ethos of the Brigade. The dates are 15th, 22nd and 29th September starting from 6pm and not expecting to last more than an hour. The aim is to formally restart on Friday 7th October 2022. This initiative will be advertised locally in schools and other appropriate places. If you know anyone who would like to know more, a private message can be sent via the 1st Saltcoats BB Facebook page or by email to the church (webmaster@saltcoats-stcuthberts.org.uk)
GUILD
The Guild programme is now available to view from the GUILD PAGE.
A CHOIRED TASTE
The much anticipated, and delayed summer concert “Rise Up”, has now been rearranged for Sunday 4th September from 7:30 – 10:00 pm. Tickets are free. If you wish to take advantage of a coach running from St Cuthbert’s church leaving at 6:30 pm please let William know your intention. The cost will be £10 per head – payable on the bus.
For more information, please click HERE
SESSION MEETING
There will be a meeting of the Kirk Session on Tuesday 23rd August in the large hall at 7pm.
One of the items on the agenda will be the Presbytery Mission Plan recently approved by Faith Nurture.
Following a meeting of the Ardrossan Presbytery on this coming Tuesday 16th to officially receive this approval St Cuthbert’s Session will have 14 days if they wish to ask for a review of the decision to close our church.
Please ensure that you voice your views now as any submission has to be made to the Principal Clerk by the end of August.
Additional note: Individuals not on Session are also able to attend to hear the debates unless confidential information needs to be discussed in which case they will be asked to step out of the room.
SUNDAY 14TH AUGUST 2022
The minister (Sarah) will be back with us on Sunday so please bring something bird related to help with the service.
BLYTHSWOOD RECYCLING BINS
The Blythswood recycling bin which was located close to the side door of the church was removed a few weeks ago by Blythswood. Currently the only bins are located in the north of the country (Strathspey to Caithness). When more information becomes available, this will be posted on our website and Facebook pages.
APPRECIATION FOR SUPPORT
Margaret Kelso, our CrossReach contact, has asked me to share this message from their CEO with you all.
“It has been an incredible year where, you have been a valued and loyal friend by donating and supporting us. As you may know, every year around international friendship day, we dedicate a week to show you our appreciation as without your continued support, our services simply would not function.
“Have a look at the video below and see how Viv Dickenson (our CEO) and the Fundraising and Engagement team highlight the community of individuals that give to CrossReach. It’s amazing how many individuals are truly invested in the work that CrossReach does. Also you can look on Facebook for more videos.
“We would love for you to like and share these videos to help us spread our word of thanks even further.”
SUNDAY 31st July 2022: How wide is our circle?
Rev Tom Macintyre will be leading us and we will be thinking ‘How wide is our circle?’. He asks you to bring a thought on friendship.
SUNDAY 17th July 2022: Sea Sunday
CHURCH TOWER MAINTENANCE
The church is having work carried out to the top level of the tower to make sure it remains safe for EVERYONE. This will allow us once again to use the main door under the tower. This complies with the recent structural engineers’ report and the tower will be inspected every year by the structural engineer.
Work has been carried out on the church to comply with Health & Safety requirements, and work will continue for as long as necessary to repair any defects found.
Roy Kelso, Property Convener 23 June 2022
A special Sunday!
A very special Sunday (5th June 2022) – we celebrated Pentecost with communion. the blessing of a pear tree (now named Peter Paula Partridge), which will be planted as part of the Queen’s Jubilee Tree Canopy, and enjoyed a piece of Platinum Jubilee cake after the service which was cut by our oldest and youngest attending member, helped by the minister.
Magazine: June 2022
The June magazine is now available for download and can be collected from the Magazine Page.
Thy Kingdom Come
Thy Kingdom Come is a global prayer movement that invites Christians around the world to pray for more people to come to know Jesus. In North Ayrshire there are various events planned for June including Thurs 2nd June 8.30pm Saltcoats Harbour Beacon Lighting Event. Different churches will have stalls to engage with this community event. Expectation is that the beacon will be lit around 9.45pm but there will be stalls and a prayer van with prayer stations and a prayer tree for prayer requests around all evening. Come and watch, come and say hello, pray for good engagement with the community. This event is being run by the council as part of the Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations.
Other events are shown on the attached PDF.
Church of Scotland General Assembly 2022
The Assembly opens at 9.30am on Saturday 21st May and continues until Thursday (May 26) with sessions each day from 9.15am and 2pm.
You can follow proceedings live from the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly site, where you will also find full reports and pre-recorded Conveners’ speeches, and on Facebook.
Life and Work will be providing daily reports of the debates.
Sunday 15th May 2022
This morning we were witness to the joy of an adult baptism and admission of three new communicants. The smiles on the faces truly reflects the feelings of us all.
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK 15-21 May 2022
Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. In Zimbabwe, the climate crisis is causing aching hunger for families like Jessica’s.
For the first time in a generation, global poverty is rising. The combined effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, conflict, and drought have robbed communities like Jessica’s of the power to provide for their children. It’s unjust.
This Christian Aid Week:
- We stand with the resilient women – like Jessica – who are determined to lift their families out of hunger
- We raise our voices to call for climate justice
- We pray that families will stay strong during times of drought
Together, we hope to restore justice to our world, and protect the future for our children and grandchildren.
Please give to help women grow crops that survive in the drought. You can help turn hunger into hope.
With every gift, every action, every prayer, every one of us can change lives. Giving envelopes are available in the church or you can donate online HERE.
To learn more about Christian Aid you can follow THIS LINK.
Magazine – May 2022
May’s magazine is available to download from the magazine page.
EASTER SUNDAY – EGG ROLLING!
MISSION
As you may know Ardrossan presbytery will soon be joining with others to form the South West Presbytery.
“We have said all along that our hope is to ensure that mission is at the very centre of the new Presbytery. To this end representatives from each of the presbyteries have gathered up some of the best practices in mission and pioneering and would like to share this with you.
“The meeting is open to anyone interested in this area of work – so Kirk Sessions but also church members too.
“This zoom meeting will be on Tuesday 26th April from 7-9pm and to gain access to it please would you sign up via this Eventbrite link:”
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/catalysts-for-mission…
EASTER 2022 services
This Friday, Good Friday 15th April,, there will be a reflective service witnessing Christ’s crucifixion at 7pm in St Cuthbert’s and on Sunday we will celebrate His resurrection at the usual time of 10:45.
There will be an Ecumenical Communion Service in Kirkgate at 7pm on Maundy Thursday (14th April) to which all are warmly invited.
PALM SUNDAY 2022
This service was lead by Rev Tom Macintyre. The Sunday School and some others started outside and then paraded into the church singing “O Glory Laud and Honour”
The service included some response prayers and a mixture of old and more modern Easter hymns and a very well presented perspective from different voices present in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday – ably delivered by Marian, William and Ena.
The decoration in the sanctuary, pictured below, was provided by various members of the congregation led by Nan.
PRAYER
Building in a regular time for prayer is possibly one of the hardest habits for any Christian but it can also be one of the most rewarding.
Save us Lord from being self-centered in our prayers and teach us to remember to pray for others. May we be so caught up in love for those for whom we pray, that we feel their needs as keenly as our own, and pray for them with imagination, sensitivity and knowledge. We ask this in Christ’s name.
Amen.
“God, I’m not sure you are there, but if you are I want to get to know you…” If you have never tried praying before, you can download the Try Praying booklet, which is a 7 day prayer guide for those who are not religious. Get one to carry with you from https://www.trypraying.org/try-it/
Ardrossan Presbytery Prayer Group produce some suggested prayers and have just released their cycle for April to December 2022. You can download the full document from the Ardrossan Presbytery Prayer Cycle page (you can find it under ‘Worship’) . Inside you will find many suggested resources, specific prayer points, key dates to remember and Bible references.
VOLUNTEER!! We are looking for a prayer champion for St Cuthbert’s. If you feel that you would like to take up this challenge, please contact Sarah (the minister), William (Session Clerk) or email webmaster@saltcoats-stcuthberts.org.uk.
APRIL 2022 MAGAZINE
Please do access the April magazine from HERE or from the Magazine page. An headline extract from the Presbytery Plan and the recent Treasurer’s report are included so well worth taking time to read.
PRESBYTERY PLAN
In light of the changes which are affecting the whole of Scotland, including our own Presbytery (Ardrossan) please find the recently released Mission Plan draft in either PDF or Word format.
MAGAZINE
You can download the March magazine and centrefold from HERE and HERE or from the Magazine page.
LENT 2022 (2 March – 14 April)
The minister encourages us to read one of the four Gospels during Lent which starts on Ash Wednesday (2nd March).
“You might choose Mark for its brevity and directness or because it is the earliest of the written Gospels.
“You might choose Luke who tells the story of Jesus’ life and ministry with the sensitivity of a caring doctor.
“You might choose Matthew for its emphasis on the kingly nature of Jesus.
“Or you might choose John for its depth of reflection on who Jesus is, beginning long before the nativity, in the eternal being of God.”
She adds:
“Alongside our personal reading of a Gospel and spending a little more of our quiet time in prayer, we may find it helpful to follow other resources provided by different Churches and Christian charities for the period of Lent. These resources often challenge us to think about the life of Christ and His impact on the way we live our lives today, perhaps seeking a practical response to the needs of others, inspired by the compassion of Jesus Christ towards the poor, the suffering and the outcast. Two I have used in the past are Christian Aid and Forty Acts (of kindness), both reminding us that Lent is not just about ‘giving something up’ for a few weeks, but about doing something positive for others as part of our Christian commitment.“
Here are some links which you might find helpful? The links should open in a new page.
Churches Together in Britain and Ireland “Following Christ in the Footsteps of the Saints”
Tear Fund where you can sign up to get a daily Lent Devotional direct to your email.
There are certain to be others if you initiate a Google search (other search engines available)!
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
This year the World Day of Prayer is being hosted by Kirkgate Church of Scotland on Friday 4th March 2022 from 2pm. The material has been prepared by Christian women in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for the first time since 1945. Please do try and come along.
I Know the Plans I Have for You
I Know the plans I have for you, Plans that you do not yet know: Plans to prosper you, not to harm you, Plans to give you hope and a future. So whatever you are going through right now. Be assured that I am with you and that rainbow days will be ahead.
My child, Hold on to these promises in your heart and know, as your Father God, I love you
Session Meeting
Notice to all elders that there will be an ‘in person’ Session Meeting on Tuesday 22nd February 2022 from 7pm in the large hall.
Communion and February magazine
Next Sunday, 6th February 2022, we will be joining together in communion. If you are planning to come to the service, please bring your own elements (grape or grape juice and a piece of bread) as we are still advised not to serve individually.
The February magazine is now available to download.
Sunday 9th January 2022
Spoken extracts from this morning’s service are available on YouTube via our Facebook page.
Christmas Eve Carol Service
Do you remember how much fun it was to go out carol-singing around the neighbourhood – even on a Scottish winter’s night?
St. Cuthbert’s Church Christmas Eve Carol Service at 6pm is now going to be held in the church garden. The weather forecast is dry, although some might be hoping for a slight shower of snow!
Come along with your families – dress warmly! Add some tinsel or decoration to your outfit! Bring a torch or fancy lights! Bring a garden seat if you want!
Be ready for joyful singing of favourite carols from the Bethlehem Carol Sheet!
There will be a bucket for donations to the Schiehallion Ward (Children’s Cancer Care).
Magazine
December’s magazine is now available for download from the Magazine page.
Gift Sunday 2021
Sunday 5th December will be our annual Gift Service when we are encouraged to bring in a gift or gifts for a child in the Three Towns area who may otherwise not be receiving anything. Parcels should be suitably wrapped and a label attached indicating recipients age and, where appropriate, whether a boy or a girl.
Remembrance Sunday 2021
Service of Remembrance will be held in St Cuthbert’s this Sunday, 14th November, from 10:45.
Magazine
November magazine is now available for download and can be found on the Magazine page.
COP 26
If you are wondering about COP26 which will be held in Glasgow from 31 October – 12 November 2021 (the 26th Conference of the Parties – UN member states. The original COP was held in Berlin in 1995), Scotland’s Environmental Chaplain has written a piece for Life and Work which is available as a free supplement and can be downloaded HERE. On the last page you will find a listing of some of the EVENTS and WORSHIP as well as some useful relevant links
MONDAY CLUB
The Monday Club started meeting on Monday 4th October and despite needing to comply with current COVID restrictions, they have really enjoyed getting together again. Some played bridge and some focused on their craftwork (knitting or crochet this time). You would be very welcome to come on a Monday from 2pm. Please ensure you have a mask and it is helpful if you bring your own mug for tea (disposable cups are available if you forget).
COMMUNION
A reminder that this Sunday coming (3rd October) we will be celebrating communion and that – during the pandemic to save on handling of bread, glasses, trays etc – you are invited to bring along yours own small piece of bread / small container of grape juice or grapes
HARVEST FESTIVAL
Photographs of the small displays in the church. Donations were invited for the local Food Bank and so far £310.00 received with more to come.
OCTOBER 2021 MAGAZINE
The October magazine is now available to download from the Magazine page. With thanks, as always, to William for the interesting range of material he is able to collect.
NOTICES: 19 SEPT 2021
Next Sunday (26th September) is when we celebrate harvest. Rather than bring in produce, we are inviting you to bring in a financial donation for the Food Bank. Please put it in a separate envelope marked Food Bank and leave in the offering plate as you leave the sanctuary. This will be an all age service (no full sermon) and all being well, we should be able to meet together for tea and coffee and a time of informal fellowship afterwards. Please note that we still need to observe the current restrictions (distancing, masks etc.) and we are still required to take names and contact details.
The following Sunday (4th October) we hope to re-start Sunday School and creche. Rather than meeting together before the service, children should come into the sanctuary and sit with their families until they are called to move to the halls during the service.
A reminder that boxed and labelled donations for the Blythswood Care Shoe Box appeal should be brought into church before the end of October.
BAPTISM
We were delighted to welcome Albie Crawford with his mum Lesley, dad Paul, family and friends into the church for his baptism on Sunday 29th August 2021. May God bless you and keep you.
SEPTEMBER MAGAZINE
The September 2021 magazine is now available to download from the Magazine page.
FURTHER RELAXATIONS
Further to our recent notification that singing would restart (and it has been joyous!) and that there would be no further requirement to phone and let us know your intentions, we are now increasing capacity to reflect the reduction in requirement for social distancing. Now we will be using alternate pews in the central part of the sanctuary.
HELP SOUGHT
We are looking forward to restarting Sunday School, once volunteers are in place, and returning to fellowship over tea and coffee in the hall after the service. If you can help in any way to work towards eventual return to full operation, whether your skills are administrative or practical and you can offer a little time every week, please talk to the minister.
PRESERVING HISTORY
North Ayrshire Heritage and Cultural Services Collections Officer has been working with St Cuthbert’s Church in Saltcoats to do a little bit of conservation for our bibles. A wee clean out of the case, a brush down of the bibles and some acid free barriers between the objects were the order of the day when she visited last week. Please see their Facebook page for images and better description of the work carried out.
UPDATE TO COVID RESTRICTIONS
Considering changes to restrictions which came into force in Scotland from Monday 19th July, the Kirk Session met after the morning service on Sunday 18th July 2021.
From Sunday 25th July congregational singing will be permitted but masks must be kept on. Hymn books will be available for collection from the front door, and you are asked to carry them out and place them in a dedicated container on exiting the sanctuary. If you have your own hymn book, please bring it with you and take it home at the end of the service.
It was agreed that we would retain the current limits on attendance, keeping the capacity at 58 and with 2 meters distancing. This is because we are not yet reaching this number and there was concern that reducing the distance may discourage attendance in view of the continuing high levels of infection. It was decided that this would be kept under review concurrently with Scottish Government reviews.
Although we are now permitted to use the balconies and return the pew cushions, it was agreed that neither would be appropriate because of the significant increase in an already difficult cleaning regime. If people wish to bring in their own cushions to increase personal comfort, that would be acceptable, but they would need to be taken away after each service.
Similarly, because numbers are not reaching our current limits, it is no longer necessary to call in and book a place. It is hoped that dispensing with this will not necessitate turning people away so the situation will be monitored. For special occasions, e.g., baptisms, it may be required as a one off.
SUNDAY 13th June 2021
During this morning’s service, there was a short report on this year’s Assembly. A take away might be extracted from the address given by the retiring Moderator.
He referred to five marks of mission which would or maybe, should, underpin much of the coming debates.
- To proclaim the Good News of the Kingdom;
- To teach, baptise and nurture new believers;
- To respond to human need by loving service;
- To transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind and pursue peace and reconciliation;
- To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation, and sustain and renew the life of the earth.
Martin wanted to see a time when the third, fourth, and fifth were no longer an issue. His rallying cry was that while these problems continued “There is work for us to do”. But, he emphasised, we need the first two so that there is still a church to do these things.
Magazine June 2021
June’s Magazine is now available to download from the Magazine page or HERE.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 2021
Highlights from the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, where around 750 delegates from Scotland and all over the world are debating and voting on Zoom will be broadcast on BBC Scotland at 22:30 on Sunday 30th May 2021 and can be found HERE.
SUNDAY 23rd May 2021
Please find an audio of this morning’s Pentecost address HERE.
CHRISTIAN AID WEEK
10 – 16 May 2021: Think about doing something amazing!
This climate crisis hurts us all. But people living in poverty fight the worst of it every day.
Your gift could help a community build an earth dam, so when the rains do come, they will have the water they need to live. A reliable source of water will help families withstand long drought or relentless rainstorms.
Every envelope. Every gift. Every challenge can change lives.
PRAYERS: THY KINGDOM COME
Thy Kingdom Come events from 13th to 23rd May are part of a Global Wave of Prayer and you can get all the core information from their website www.thykingdomcome.global
As part of the worldwide 24/7 Prayer movement, based in Irvine and spread across North Ayrshire, it is hoped to encourage people as individuals, and as groups and churches to get involved in prayer. More information on the 24/7 Prayer website. www.24-7prayer.com
Sign up sheet and resources
They have set aside the 10 day block and are asking people to sign up to pray for one hour over the period from 9am on the 13th May (Ascension) to 9am on Sunday 23rd May (Pentecost). This is done through the National 24/7 website. There are loads of resources to encourage and help people to pray on the above websites. You are directed to a range of these ideas and resources via a special virtual prayer wall which has ideas and links for individuals and groups to use.
Prayer Gatherings
You are invited to join together for half an hour of prayer each day on Zoom This will take place at 2pm on the Thursdays and at 7.30pm on the other days. Click for the Zoom link.
LIVE WORSHIP
You may wish to feel part of a live period of worship, until you can make it back into St Cuthbert’s once all restrictions have been lifted. South Beach Baptist Church invite you to join them at 10:45 every Sunday on their YouTube channel by clicking on THIS LINK.
ORGANIST REQUIRED!
Do you know anyone who would love the opportunity to play a very fine three manual pipe organ in our church? We are looking for an organist who will play for our Sunday services and incidental events during the week, including weddings and funerals (when we are allowed to host such occasions).
Please ask around your contacts and see whether there is such a skill available.
In the first instance they should contact webmaster@saltcoats-stcuthberts.org.uk to register their interest and ask any questions.
Magazine May 2021
May’s Magazine is now available to download from the Magazine page or HERE.
Image of the church from 1936.
WEEKLY SERVICES DURING CORONOVIRUS RESTRICTIONS
While the church was closed and for a while once it was opened with restricted access, we recorded the services so you could feel part of the church family.
Sunday 25th April 2021 was the last recording for now as Scotland begins to reopen and hopefully we will be able to start returning for full services and eventually singing!
You can listen, and in places sing along on to the service by clicking this link. YouTube
RE-OPENING
St Cuthbert’s will reopen for worship on Easter Sunday with restrictions as defined by the Scottish Government.
We are limited to 50 worshippers (including children), and will be required to sanitise our hands & register contact details on arrival while wearing a mask throughout the service.
Pre-booking is necessary so please phone the church mobile:
07538 209 161.
Magazine April 2021
April’s Magazine is now available to download from the Magazine page or HERE.
HOLY WEEK WITH THE MODERATOR
This Holy Week everyone is invited to take part in a series of specially created online events including daily reflections with the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland and a spirit-filled Easter service. Hamilton-based theatre group DramaKirk have also filmed a new version of their annual Passion Play, which will be available to watch on the Church of Scotland website. Beginning on Palm Sunday (28 March) and continuing until Easter Sunday, each morning at 8am on the Church of Scotland website and Facebook page there will be a Bible reading, contemplative music, prayer and a short reflection from Rev Dr Martin Fair and others from across the breadth of the church
Links can be found on all platforms used by the Church of Scotland as well as the church’s home page. Some are shown below.
CHURCH OF SCOTLAND FACEBOOK PAGE
MAGAZINE
March’s Magazine is now available to download from the Magazine page or HERE.
HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT (PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION)
If you are out and about with your camera (even in your garden) you might like to think about the Moderator’s photography challenge entitled ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’.
Follow this link for more information
https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/connect/moderators-photo-competition
WORLD DAY OF PRAYER 2021
10 Days of Prayer for World Day of Prayer and Vanuatu.
Starting on Tuesday 23 February, and every day thereafter up to the World Day of Prayer on Friday 5 March, there will be one of a series of articles about the island of Vanuatu in the South Pacific.
The women of Vanuatu have written this year’s World Day of Prayer service. Leaders of most of the Christian denominations in Scotland will be offering a daily ‘Thought for the Day’ about Vanuatu and the wider world and this will be followed by a prayer led by a member of the Scottish committee. You can watch them each day on the World Day of Prayer Scotland Facebook page.
You can also get more information about the Zoom service taking place on Friday 5 March using This Link.
MAGAZINE
The first magazine of 2021 is now available from the Magazine page or direct February 2021
CROSSREACH PRAYER DIARY
Each week the panel below will display Prayer Points for the current week for you to prayerfully consider and reflect upon or you can download the full year prayer diary here (Feb 2021 – Jan 2022).
ALZHEIMER CARE & SUPPORT NORTH AYRSHIRE
Alzheimer Scotland Care & Support North Ayrshire would like to draw your attention to their Online activities. If you know anyone who may benefit, please contact them direct.
WEEK OF PRAYER FOR CHRISTIAN UNITY
ALPHA COURSE
South Beach Baptist Church are running an online Alpha course from Wednesday 20th January to Wednesday 7th April 2021. (7:00-8:00pm) and invite members of St Cuthbert’s to join them. To find out more and sign up, please follow this link.
https://southbeachbaptistchurch.com/alpha
LEVEL 4
Along with the rest of mainland Scotland, North Ayrshire is currently under Level 4 restrictions. This started on 26th December 2020 and will last for at least three weeks. These restrictions mean that there can only be a maximum of 20 people attending worship.
The Session has decided that the practicalities of opening the church would be very difficult so we will not have a service on Sunday 27th December, January 3rd or January 10th. Beyond that date will be dependent on government guidance.
During this period, we will revert to providing an online (or telephone) service only. This starts with the Moderator leading worship on 27th December which can be viewed HERE or by phoning 01294 654 494.
ATTENDING CHURCH SERVICES
If you are planning to come to a Sunday morning service during the COVID restrictions, please let your elder know beforehand or leave a text/voicemail message on the church mobile.
07538 209 161
LISTEN ON THE PHONE
If you know someone who is NOT on the internet but would like to hear what is going on in our own church on a Sunday, there is now a phone in service so they can hear for themselves later in the day.
The number to call is 01294 654 494.
The first Sunday in Advent will be 29th November 2020. This will be an all age service and also the Community Giving Service when members of the congregation are invited to bring in toys or other gifts for local children who might otherwise have a poor Christmas. This is earlier than usual to allow time for the gifts to be put into quarantine.
This year’s Christmas Service will be in the early evening on Christmas Eve. There will be no Watchnight Service or Sunday after Christmas service (27th December). This is because of the cleaning requirements which would be difficult to achieve. A recorded service will be made available through the website.
December 2020 Magazine
December’s magazine is now available from the Magazine page.
November 2020 Magazine
November’s magazine is now available from the Magazine page.
October 2020 Magazine
The latest magazine is now available and can be accessed from the Magazine page. If you wish to contact any one who has contributed, please email webmaster@saltcoats-stcuthberts.org.uk in the first instance.
NOTICES for Sunday 6th September 2020
Harvest Sunday is 20th September but we will only be able to accept cash donations which will go to the North Ayrshire Food Bank. Please put any donations (cash or cheque) in a clearly marked separate envelope when you leave the sanctuary. Alternatively, bank transfers can be made. Please contact Ann Turner for details
The CrossReach Christmas catalogues will be available from next week from Margaret Kelso. More information will also be on this website soon.
September 2020 Magazine
The latest magazine is now available and can be accessed from the Magazine page. If you wish to contact any one who has contributed, please email webmaster@saltcoats-stcuthberts.org.uk in the first instance.
Guidance for attending worship in St Cuthbert’s
Since the Scottish Government announced that places of worship could reopen from the 16th August we have been working on how to recommence services at St Cuthberts in as Covid-19 safe way as reasonably possible. I must thank Angela Beattie, Roy Kelso, Ray and Bea Nicholson for their hard work in making this happen.
Prior to attending services
- Please let your elder know if you intend to be coming to services in the near future.
- Do not attend if you are unwell in anyway. Especially if you have any of the Covid-19 symptoms of high temperature, new persistent cough or new loss of taste or smell.
- Use your toilet at home.
There will be a number of changes to how we worship
- Social distance of 2 metres must be maintained between each household. Please remember a family group may be 2 or more households.
- The pew cushions have been removed.
- Face coverings need to be worn within the church.
- There can be a maximum of 50 people within the sanctuary at any one time.
- Entry will be one household at time.
- You will be invited to sanitise your hands (or gloves if you chose to wear them) before entry.
- Each household will be asked for a contact name and number for Test and Protect.
- You will be guided to a pew. There will be no choice of seat at this time. The balcony is closed for health and safety reasons.
- At the end of the service please remain seated until invited to leave.
- The halls are out of use at this time.
- The only toilet available will be the one next to the vestry. Please use only if absolutely necessary. You will need to clean it after use.
In the unlikely requirement of an emergency evacuation
- There is no need for social distancing
- Follow the normal evacuation plan by leaving via the nearest fire exit.
- Gather in the car park of St Cuthbert’s Court
Other points
- Cash offerings require extra caution at this time.
- I would encourage everyone if they do not already do so to contribute by standing order either weekly or monthly.
- Please consider down loading the app Tapmydata which allows a quick and secure way of recording your presence for Test and Protect.
- One of the great joys of church attendance is the fellowship enjoyed within buildings both before and after the service. Unfortunately the new reality is that at present talking in a large group indoors is unsafe.
Worship in St Cuthbert’s
Sunday worship is restarting on 23rd August at 10.45 a.m. To enable adherence to Government regulations numbers are restricted to 50. Face masks, social distancing, hand hygiene and collecting of contact details are in practice.
If you are hoping to come please would you either let your elder know or email webmaster@saltcoats-stcuthbeberts.org.uk if you can’t reach your elder.
You can download Sarah’s full letter to the congregation HERE.
If you would like to register your attendance at St Cuthbert’s on Sunday 23rd (or subsequent Sundays) there is an app recommended by the Church of Scotland called ‘Tapmydata’ and available for your mobile phone, which you can access through Google Play or Apple’s App Store.
The QR code will be available at the church.
If you are concerned about your data being held digitally, you can give your name and best contact number to the elder on duty when you come to the church. This will be held in paper form only and retained for 21 days before it is shredded. https://tapmydata.com/
A week of Prayer
During this time you’ll be able to watch a morning reflection everyday from 8am on the Church of Scotland’s website or social media channels. For those without internet, recordings of the reflections will be available by phoning 03333409200. Here is a link to the first for the week.
Financing the church
Although we are still not able to come together as a congregation, our church still needs funds to keep it going. Everything from insurance and maintenance to the minister’s salary and other support functions need to be covered. The generosity of our members is amazing and we imagine that you have been putting your usual offerings aside ready for the day when we get back together. If you are able to pay this via the bank as either a one off donation or a monthly Standing Order, this would be very helpful. Please email webmaster@saltcoats-stcuthberts.org.uk and we can get the banking details to you. THANK YOU in advance for your help.
A week of Prayer for Church and Country
The Moderator of the Church of Scotland has identified Monday 17th – Saturday 22nd of August as a Week of Prayer for Church and Country, believing that as we head into such a critical period we should be ‘on our knees’ before the One who has promised to lead us.
Fuller details of how to get involved and how to involve congregations will follow, but in brief there will be a short, recorded reflection and prayer each morning and an opportunity to gather nationally online each evening. These gatherings will be entirely interactive and there will be ways for individuals and congregations to participate – as little or as much as possible.
COVID-19 APPEAL FROM THE DISASTERS EMERGENCY COMMITTEE
If you can, please consider donating to this appeal. Millions of lives are at stake as Covid-19 hits refugee camps and war-torn countries like Yemen, Syria and South Sudan. Help families fleeing conflict face a deadly new threat.
The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) includes the following organisation: ActionAid; Action Against Hunger; British Red Cross; CAFOD; CARE International; Christian Aid; Concern; Age UK; Islamic Relief; Oxfam; Plan UK; Save the Children; Tearfund; World Vision and are concurrently running appeals towards this fund direct.
COVID-19 Update for St. Cuthbert’s Church
Although the Scottish Government has said that places of worship may open from 15th July, each church has to undertake a COVID-19 risk assessment before being allowed to open. We have the responsibility to decide when it is safe to open our buildings for worship.
The Presbytery, too, is involved in the decision-making process. Our Presbytery has said that the earliest date for Sunday worship in a building is 16th August.
St. Cuthbert’s has not yet decided on a date for reopening, but the Planning Team** of the Kirk Session are currently working through the guidelines and risk assessment, and we will inform you once a decision has been made.
Rev. S. Nicol.
**St. Cuthbert’s Church has an “Emergency Planning Team” drawn from the Kirk Session who will be discussing and reporting to the full Kirk Session about our anticipated opening. Once a decision has been made, we will inform people via our church website, emails, texts or phone calls. However, it is important to let you know that we will not be making a hasty decision. Rather, we will be following a cautious path, in order to “stay safe, protect others, save lives”.
The church halls remain shut for all groups and organisations, and due to the previous “normal” pattern of daily use, it is likely that the date for reopening the halls will be significantly later than the reopening of the sanctuary.
In the meantime, we pray that you are finding encouragement through online services and prayers provided by many branches of the Church worldwide, and by television and radio reflections, and freephone prayer lines, as well as by telephone conversations with members of our congregation.
100TH BIRTHDAY!
As reported in the local newspaper (Ardrossan & Saltcoats Herald) one of our members, Peter Milne, recently celebrated his 100th birthday. We would love to add our congratulations on achieving this great age. Happy Birthday Peter! Click HERE for newspaper article.
Peter joined Caledonia Care Home with his wife Mary in April 2012 and in his words, he has had a great time.
Sadly Mary passed away in 2015. Peter was a lecturer in various places up until he retired and Mary was a teacher in the local schools.
WORSHIP AT HOME
Last Sunday was Trinity Sunday and if you wanted something additional to help your focus on The Father, Son and Holy Spirit – in addition to Sarah’s wonderful weekly prayers and the myriad of options to watch on the web – the Church of Scotland provides some material which you can download and read through in your own time. The music suggestions allow you to find hidden gems and alternative arrangements to familiar songs that will inspire creativity and spark fresh curiosity about how we best use music in worship. CLICK HERE
Do also look at the Children’s Page for links to Scripture Union resources and upcoming Holiday Club
FUNDRAISING / PLANT SALE
Ann has told me that an impressive £2689.50 was raised with virtually everything sold. She could have sold more but it is very difficult to judge what people will want and everyone was desperate for plants.
A massive thanks to Ann for her dedication and hard work and thanks also to those who helped to deliver the plants and of course the buyers for their support.
JUNE 2020 MAGAZINE
William has been hard at work again and offers a different series of recollections. He thinks that this series might provide more photographs for the archives. If you come across any, please let him know. Just click on this link JUNE MAGAZINE.
SHEILA HANLON
Memories page can be reached from HERE.
It is with deep sadness that we share with the congregation that our much-loved friend, loyal Church member, elder and dedicated Church Officer, Mrs Sheila Hanlon passed away on Sunday 17th May.
Sheila has been part of the congregation of St. Cuthbert’s from her childhood days, and over the years has been a good friend to many in the church and community. Her life was inspired by her Christian faith and she touched our lives with her cheerfulness and kindness.
I have only had the privilege of knowing Sheila for two years, but from my first Sunday, Sheila made me very welcome and was eager to help in any way she could.
We will remember Sheila as a special person and sister in Christ, who appreciated the gift of life in God’s wonderful world, and sought to share that joy of living with others.
We remember Pat and all their family in our prayers,
Sarah Nicol.
If you weren’t able to watch the Heart and Soul 2020 event on Sunday you can catch up with it here
HEART & SOUL 2020 ONLINE
We’re delighted to announce a special “Heart and Soul 2020” event will take place (online) on May 17th 2020. The current crisis has meant that the original event, scheduled to have taken place in Princes Street Gardens on that day, has had to be cancelled.
However, a number of features from the event in Princes Street Gardens can be transferred into an online format, and we’re going screen an abridged “Heart and Soul” at 2.00pm on May 17th — when the original event would have taken place. The programme will run until about 4.20pm. A recording of the event will be available soon afterwards.
Hosted by our usual presenters, Rev Ken Froude, Seonaid Knox and Rev Justin Taylor, the event begins with a replay of the service of installation for the new Moderator, Rev Martin Fair. Without giving too much away, the event features a mix of worship, music, stories and some exciting “In Conversation” guests.
Heart and Soul regulars ‘Fischy Music’ will lead a special segment for all ages, and we hope that you’ll join in all the actions from home! Spread throughout the afternoon will be some very special conversations: Hugh Pym will be in conversation with Prof Jason Leitch and Viv Dickenson from CrossReach, discussing how they have all been tackling Coronavirus and also how their own faith has helped them. Very Rev Susan Brown will be in conversation with Ross Greer MSP and Tara Shannon from COSY discussing climate justice. Prison Chaplain Anne Stewart will be in conversation with Hospital chaplain Mark Evans taking about chaplaincy as a career and the impact of Coronavirus in their places of work.
No Heart and Soul would be complete without some hearty singing, and we’ve chosen some highlights from the archive over the last ten years of Heart and Soul, the Guild Big Sing and the General Assembly to round things off.
We hope you can join us then – here, on the Heart & Soul website.
As promised William has put together some reflections from the 100th Anniversary of the opening of the building now known as St.
Cuthbert’s in lieu of the May magazine. You download a copy from HERE or from the Magazine page.
April 2020 magazine and Plant Sale listing available
Just for the time being, we have an informal Facebook page where you can add messages of support to others in the community. Inappropriate messages will be removed at the earliest opportunity but as this is a public platform it may not be instant.
CHURCH CLOSURE
The Church of Scotland now asks, in the strongest terms, that all gatherings for worship should cease until further notice, with effect from Tuesday 17 March 2020, which includes Easter services. This will include, but not be restricted to: house-groups, meetings for youth work, and church cafes.
It is therefore with regret that our doors, although not our hearts, will be closed with immediate effect.
Our usual news can be found on the Posts (blog) page. Added 25 March 2020 – a message to us all from the Presbytery Moderator.
The minister will post items and prayers from time to time to keep you connected with St Cuthbert’s and its wider community HERE. To just listen to the prayers, see the shortcuts on the right (mobile phone users will probably need to follow the link)
NEW
As we hear about community initiatives we will include them HERE. Community Hubs have now gone live and you will find contact information HERE. Whether you wish to help or need support, this is a great place to start.
There will be a daily devotional opportunity written by the Church of Scotland in Shetland which you can follow (Be still, and know that I am God).
We will include national and international initiatives HERE which you might be interested in to help keep your spiritual life alive and shining.
Sunday broadcasts of a weekly service take place on Radio 4, and also on Radio Scotland; other radio stations are available. Radio 4’s Thought for the Day can be accessed HERE.
PS. If you find this website helpful or have any suggestions to make it more useful for you, please do let us know. We are here to inform you and only with feedback, good and bad, can we be sure that we are getting it right. Please email webmaster@saltcoats-stcuthberts.org.uk (and many, many thanks to those of you who are already getting in touch. Bea)