PARISH LETTER

Dear Friends,

A Happy Christmas to everyone for 2008 and my best wishes for the New Year and for 2009. So many people have said how quickly this year has past-and they are not all from the older age group!!
It seems that “Christmas” in the secular sense is beginning earlier each year. Santa is arriving on 13th November in Glasgow. It is so difficult for young children to see Santa, and then to wait so long for the day itself.
We have had so much to celebrate this year, and the event for December is the Christmas Fayre on Saturday 6th December. I am certain that it will be another excellent event, and will be very well supported by the village, as well as our own members.
Christmas is, as we all know, the celebration of the birth of the world’s saviour, your saviour and mine. This is a great time for celebration, for family gatherings, for gifts and so many of the best traditions that are associated with Christmas time.
The text on the stunning new stained glass window, that you can see on the front of the magazine, is “Yesterday, today and forever”
One of the great themes of Advent and Christmas is hope. We hear especially through the prophecies of Isaiah, of the coming of the Messiah. In the bible and through all the Christmas passages, we are given hope for today –the word Emmanuel means GOD WITH US, for example.
And through the coming of Jesus that first Christmas, His life of love, his death and resurrection, we have hope for the future.
And so may I repeat the greeting, Happy Christmas. I pray that this gift of salvation brought to us through Jesus, will influence your lives throughout the coming year. And, I hope to welcome you to the church during December 2008 and then into 2009 as we continue to worship “The New Born King”

With love to you all,

Rona M Young

Christian Action Group
As stated in the last magazine this is the 40th year of the group and on the night of our concert founder members cut our 40th anniversary cake which was a very memorable event. Our members enjoyed a night’s entertainment by Sanquhar Silver Band under the baton that night of Mrs Christine Wilson who gave some toe tapping moments and music to sing to, another wonderful evening . A big THANK YOU goes to all who helped: bakers, drivers, donators and visitors who continue to support the group.
Our next event was the Harvest Festival where the sum of £625 was raised on behalf of Water aid a truly wonderful amount. Over the past six years we have collected £4,552 for different charities, thank you to all who contribute. As usual the items on the display table were passed on to Peden Court, who welcomes all such donations; I would like to thank the committee members who donated to this table. The two floral displays arranged by the Flower Guild were given to Afton Court and East Ayrshire Hospital. The Group would like to thank once again Pathhead Bakery for their donations of bread and the corn sheaf, which were enjoyed after the service with butter and home made jam and a cuppa.
Special dates were again recognised: BIRTHDAYS.--Mrs J Jess and Mrs A McMillan, GOLDEN WEDDINGS—Mr & Mrs T Nairn and Mr & Mrs J Davidson.
Christmas will soon be here, anyone who requires transport to the children’s service on the 21st December please give your name to your Elder or phone Jim Murray (338713). Plus we will be having a “Jenny a’ things” table at the Fayre.
The members of the Christian Action Group would like to wish everyone a joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year.
“Use what you have to enrich the lives of others and you will soon find your own cup overflowing” LUKE 6 V 38

Youth Club
From Fisherman to Follower, from Faltering to Fearless, from Forgiven to Friend.
Peter could often put his big “size tens” in it, he had a lot of rough edges, but Jesus loved him, chose him and cherished him.
Our young people are enjoying looking at the life of Peter, his calling and his many exciting times following Jesus.
As an expression of Christian love our young people organised a “Pudsey” night to support “Children in need” A fun time was had by everyone as they enjoyed an X-Factor and a time of disco dancing

Please support the young people of our church in prayer as we seek to influence them for good and for God.

Youth Club Leaders.

PS. So far we have raised £200 for Children in need.

Why we need proof readers & editors

The following are signs that have been noted by sharp-eyed observers

In a Washroom - Toilet out of order. Please use floor below

In a Laundry - Automatic Washing Machines: Please remove all your clothes when the light goes out.

In a London Department store. - Bargain basement upstairs.

In an office - Would the person who took the step ladder yesterday please bring it back or further steps will be taken.

In another office - After tea break, staff should empty the teapot and stand upside down on the draining board

Outside a second hand shop - We exchange anything—Bicycles, washing machines, etc. Why not bring your wife along and get a wonderful bargain.

Notice in a health food shop window - Closed due to illness

Spotted in a safari park - Elephants Please stay in your car.

Seen during a conference - For anyone who has children and doesn’t know it, there is a day care on the 2nd floor.

Notice in a farmer’s field. - The farmer allows walkers to cross the field for free, but the bull charges.

Message on a leaflet. - If you cannot read, this leaflet will tell you how to get lessons.

On a repair shop door - We can repair anything please knock hard on the door, the bell doesn’t work

The Parish Church

The old church was sound But small and overflowing, With people from all around, As the town it was growing. The Heritors had decreed, Something had to be done, They had at last all agreed, To commission a new one. A Tower or a Steeple, That was the debate, When put to church members, Either one would be great. The Elders they were driven, To consider the cost. When the prices were given, Then the steeple was lost. The new church was built in 1833, a magnificent land mark for all to see. For the next ten years From trouble to trouble it lurched, When Chalmers left the Assembly And started the Scottish Free Church. The Rev Kirkland led members, Into the Scottish Free Kirk, And the minister E Murray took over A near empty Parish Church The good Reverend Murray, Or so it is told, Took the next fifty one years, To return them to the fold.

In the late 1870’s, The tower looked so bare, So the Elders decided, To put something up there. When the news spread around The minister’s flock, Mr Cunningham of Afton and Logan, Donated the church clock One hundred guineas, Was the cost to the gent, And the congregation agreed, It was money well spent. The next several years passed, Into the millennium and more, The village was tranquil, with the church to the fore. Then came the Great War, A time straight out of Hell. The church was a stalwart, For the families of the brave men who fell. The war it was over, The bells started to ring, But something was needed, To help the members to sing What a sight to behold The whole church was singing, With the sound of the new organ, And the congregation singing. Once again the church was called, To comfort families of fallen men, As another stupid world war, Which was said could never happen again

. After the church, Temporarily closed down, It had done its work well, But it was sadly run down. The whole church was stripped, Modernised and repaired, Brought up to date Looking regal and fair. The people came from all over town, To see such a wonderful sight, The minister pulled down a switch, The church was bathed in electric light. In the year 1950, The whole town it cried, The Knockshinnoch disaster, Where 13 men died. The service of divine worship, Was held in the church, To give thanks for the rescued, And pray for the bereaved, And the hurt. Times they were changing The miners' rows were knocked down, And the outlying miners, Were moved into town. The Bank church was closed, They were left in the lurch, They merged with the Parish, As New Cumnock Old Parish Church. For the next few years, The church grew as it liked, Until the government in power, Defeated the miners on strike

The local Mines were all closed, The miners had drifted away, The congregation was depleted, But the church held its sway. The whole town was changing, With no work as such, And the young people were drifting, Away from the church. Sadly in the year 1982, After years of demise and decline, The Arthur Memorial Free Church, Closed its gates for the very last time. The name of the Old Parish Church, Has changed every now and then, The "Old" has been dropped from the title, It's back to just the Parish Church again. From the start of time, the Parish Church, Was a bastion for men, Until a small, slim lady minister, Stood local history on its end. The first lady minister, The Reverend Rona Young, Set herself a task, to recruit, and get the church on the turn. The church is now stable, still stately and grand, Organised, fit for purpose, and can be left, In the minister’s capable hands. Now that is the story Of the past 175 years, Of the church and its people, The ministers and its peers.

???????????

It must be Thursday; I’m in the church hall
Enjoying a nice cup of coffee
It’s a nice place to be, so friendly and carefree
A meeting place for so many families.

The toasties are great, just like the small cakes
They melt in your mouth like a dream
There’s scones full of jam, and rolls in baked ham
And sponges full of fresh cream.

As a stand in line at the makeshift till
The ladies serve me with toasties and cake
They smile as I partake of my fill
They then tell me I need to lose weight.

The ladies that serve don’t get the praise they deserve
As they hurry serving all of our needs
They turn up each week in hail rain and sleet
As a duty, not for profit or greed.

A celebration is due to mark the past 25 years
Since the birth of the now “Coffee Bean”
No doubt there will be cheers and maybe some tears
As we reward the greatest wee café ever seen

St ANDREW’S DAY - A DAY OF PRAYER
The Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, the Rt. Rev David W Lunan sent the following extracts to Presbytery Clerks.
Early in October leaders and representatives from every denomination of the Church in Scotland had their annual meeting with the First Minister, the Rt. Hon Alex Salmond.
After discussion it was suggested that we should put the idea of a National Day of Prayer to the First Minister and combine it with the revived interest in St Andrew’s Day. This year it falls on a Sunday, and it is also the first Sunday of Advent.
The First Minister readily supported the proposal.
The agreed statement reads.

“The Leaders and Representatives of Scotland’s Churches encourage our church communities and all people in Scotland to celebrate St Andrew’s Day this year as a day of prayer and reflection in which we will hold the principles of social justice and the difficulties facing the nation and world in our hearts and prayers in faith and hope before God”

 

Financial News
Offerings: January --- October 43 weeks= £35,035.03
Average per week = £814.76
Our budgeted weekly offering is = £1020.00
This leaves a deficit on the budgeted figure.
If our budgeted expenses turn out to be accurate we will face an actual deficit at the end of the year.
We need to keep giving as expenses in the church keep rising.
We are so grateful for all donations including the Gift Envelopes and the ongoing Smarties Appeal: these are greatly appreciated.
We have around 580 members on the church roll and Ayr Presbytery uses these numbers to calculate our average weekly offerings.
Divide £814.76 by 580 and this works out at £1.38 per member.
What could you buy with this amount?
The Committee knows that the members who do give regularly give a lot more than this. BUT. If you are a member and do not give as promised when you became a member, please think about your promise to GOD. We need our minister and church at the heart of New Cumnock.
We look forward to the Christmas Fayre on Saturday 6th December at 11.00am in the Community Centre with teas in the church hall. We hope to have all the usual stalls and also a visit from Santa.
Donations will be gratefully received for any stall, also baking for the teas.
If anything requires to be uplifted please phone 338769 or contact any member of the finance committee
Come along and enjoy the fellowship and do some Christmas shopping..

Isabel McDicken
Convenor

Girls Brigade
Another session has begun and all sections are busy with their badgework. The Explorers are working on the theme: FOOD. The Juniors badgework covers Following Jesus, Ball Games, Singing for pleasure and entertaining an audience. The Brigaders syllabus covers Being young today, Hill Walking, Car Clinic and Service in the home.
On Saturday 25th October we held our 50th Anniversary celebrations in the church hall. We were delighted to be joined by Re. A & Mrs McGurk, Rev. M Dickie, Rev. Rona and Mr Tom Young, also past officers and helpers, 2 members from various organisations within the church along with friends of the Company. The evening started with the welcome followed by praise and prayer, some thoughts on Girls’ Brigade in New Cumnock, cake cutting, Buffet dinner, entertainment by the company and games. The evening was most enjoyable for our guests and girls and officers. I trust and pray that Girls’ Brigade will continue here in our church for many years to come.
On Sunday 25th October we held a joint enrolment service with the boys’ Brigade
On Monday 8th December at 6.00pm we are having a Christmas service in the church. The girls will perform Hosanna Rock. Please come along and support the girls and share the Christmas message with us.
I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and prayers for the Company, and may you all know the joy and peace of Christmas as we worship Christ, born in a manger.

Nan Paterson
Captain

With Thanks
During my recent stay in Ayr and Biggart Hospitals, I was amazed at the number of cards, visitors, flowers, gifts etc. I received. I never realised just how fortunate I am to have so many friends. While I am still trying to contact everyone by letter or by phone, I would like to take this opportunity to say a big “Thank you” to each and everyone. My thanks also to Mrs Young for her visits, to the Guild, the Open Door to the Christian action Group and the Coffee Bean. May I also say how much I appreciate the Prayer Group and their commitment each week as they remember those who are ill or in need of comfort and compassion.
My thanks to each one of them.
Ina McHattie

In Appreciation
My heart felt thanks to all who have shown in so many ways, the love and concern for me in my present circumstances. I have been greatly encouraged and uplifted .
Margaret Ritchie

Thank you.
Betty and I, with the Grace of God, reached fifty years of married life. We would like to thank the church for the lovely bouquet of flowers and card; we also had a visit from the minister. We would also like to thank our family and friends for cards, flowers, and gifts to celebrate the occasion which has been a very happy time for us all. Again thank you very much.
God bless. Thomson Nairn.

It was a beautiful summer day and all was wonderful with the world. I thought so until my fall. The drive to Ayr hospital I remember but what was to follow is a blank.
My recovery was due to the skill and dedication of the doctors and nurses. I thank them very much. They became my friends and I appreciate that very much .I was supported by my faith that all would be well. Kind thoughts to you all & much love.
Barbara O’Sullivan

JUST A MINUTE
Little Jimmy was laying about on a hill in the middle of a meadow on a warm spring day. Puffy white clouds rolled by and he pondered their shape. Soon, he began to think about God.
'God? Are you really there?' Jimmy said out loud.
To his astonishment a voice came from the clouds. 'Yes, Jimmy. What can I do for you?'
Seizing the opportunity, Jimmy asked, 'God? What is a million years like to you?'
Knowing that Jimmy could not understand the concept of infinity, God responded in a manner to which Jimmy could relate. 'A million years to me, Jimmy, is like a minute.'
'Oh,' said Jimmy. 'Well, then, what's a million dollars like to you?'
'A million dollars to me, Jimmy, is like a penny.'
'Wow!' remarked Jimmy, getting an idea. 'You're so generous...can I have one of your pennies?'
God replied, 'Sure thing, Jimmy! Just a minute.'

175th Anniversary
What a year of fun and celebrations we have had in the church and wider community! New Cumnock Parish Church has well and truly celebrated the good news of our Lord Jesus through 175years of dedicated service of the people in New Cumnock who attend and have attended this church over 175 years.
We started the year with the now annual Burns Supper where many people from out with the church come and join the traditional ‘Burns celebration’.
FEB: Youth service where both Cairnhill and Castle Primary School children took part along with members of the Boys’ & Girls’ Brigade and St. Andrews Church in Cumnock. Again many people from other churches came along and worshiped God’s creation.
MAR: Our Songs of Praise took place with speakers from our own organisations who had a special birthday this year choosing a hymn. Again many people from far and wide joined us in the choir and on the night to praise God.
Watch out for next years Songs of Praise, our 10th!!
APR: Something different for our church – a retreat to Saltcoats. A small group left home on Friday afternoon not really knowing what was going to happen. Time was spent sharing in fellowship & friendship, together & alone. Each person came closer to God with reflection and a renewed faith.
The question was asked, “Will there be a next time?” The answer came flying back, “When WILL the next time be?” Something new and very successful.
MAY: Our 175th Anniversary weekend!
Plans were made for the ‘BIG’ weekend and the time had come to put them into place. Our civic reception on the Saturday evening was a time to look back through the years of Gods goodness with past ministers speaking but also looking forward to the years ahead with the church here in New Cumnock.
Our Sunday service was led by the former moderator David Lacey and on the Monday a special service of thanksgiving took place with the congregations top ten hymns sung. What a weekend!!
JUNE: The sun shone, the wind dropped and the midges came ! This was our church outing with the Sunday school to the Burns Cairn. A great day was enjoyed by all who went along.
JULY: Our flower festival with cream teas took place and again many people from far and wide came to enjoy Gods wonderful world through the lovely floral displays and the tea.
A very successful week after a lot of hard work and preparation.
AUG: A car treasure hunt was a successful evening for those who took part and didn’t get lost! Some brought back treasure but how many brought back the correct answers?
SEP: Our autumn fayre took place and was attended by many of the community who came along looking for a bargin.
OCT: October was the month for our harvest thanks giving which is arranged by the Christian Action Group. This year the charity which was supported was Water Aid and over £600 was raised.
We also had a new stained glass window installed and dedicated.
The window commemorates our 175th anniversary.
It was made possible by a legacy left by Miss Betty Trotter and is dedicated to the glory of God. Please read the article about the window.
NOV: A conference for our elders took place and many joined together to learn more about how to visit members in their districts.
DEC: Once again our Christmas fayre took place for all in the community and was a great success.
As you can see our church has indeed had a busy year with many events and all were well supported well especially from people not just from our own church or community but from far and wide. We thank God that our church and its people are active in the work that they are called to do. The church isn’t just about a Sunday morning but about every day and in all things. It’s not just about giving more money but the fellowship shared when we join in any event that is happening.May we ask God to bless and continue to build up our church for the next 175 years.
May I take this time to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas.
Morag Ferrans Anniversary Chair

THE LOST CHAPTER IN GENESIS

Adam was walking around the garden of Eden feeling very lonely, so God asked him,

'What is wrong with you?'

Adam said he didn't have anyone to talk to. God said that He was going to make Adam a companion and that it would be a woman.
He said, 'This person will gather food for you, cook for you, and when you discover clothing she'll wash it for you. She will always agree with every decision you make. She will bear your children and never ask you to get up in the middle of the night to take care of them. She will not nag you and will always be the first to admit she was wrong when you've had a disagreement. She will never have a headache and will freely give you love and passion whenever you need it.
Adam asked God, 'What will a woman like this cost?'

God replied, 'An arm and a leg.'

Then Adam asked, 'What can I get for a rib?' The rest is history..

Flower Guild
Here we are at the end of another year, and once again we want to thank everyone for their support and help.
We have had a busy year beginning with Easter; whish is credit to Mrs Nancy Findlay who attends to this every year. Then we had our Anniversary Dinner, and we provided flowers for this celebration. Next came the Flower Festival, all the organisations set up a display and this was well attended making it all worth while. Lately in October we had Harvest, which we love to do along with Christmas, and we are planning for it at the moment.
You know we take great care and inspiration from Our Lord, and for our Lord in all that we try to do.
Please let us know of anything you would like or join us, it is very satisfying and calming to work with the flowers of God’s creation.
PS. There could be 3 or 4 Sundays to be filled in the flower rota for 2009. If you are interested please contact me.

Many thanks Helen Lamont. (Convenor)

.

Message from Louise McCulloch
East Ayrshire Council, Neighbourhood Services.
We are hoping to start easy exercise classes to older adults or for people with health problems. in New Cumnock on a Friday from 10am until 12 noon, this would comprise of approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour exercise session followed by an informative session from guest speakers such as dietician, pharmacists, community safety officer etc. Tea and Coffee would be provided free at each class and no charges are made for any part of the class.
It is proposed providing a suitable venue can be found that the class will commence on the 16th of January at 10 am.

Knock, knock.
- Who's there?
Wenceslas.
- Wenceslas who?
Wenceslas bus home on Christmas Eve?

Knock Knock!
Who's there?
Hosanna
Hosanna who?
How's sanna claus gonna get down our chimney?
We have central heating and no chimney!!!!!!

Knock Knock
- Who's there ?
Wayne
- Wayne who ?
Wayne in a manger... !

Knock, knock.
- Who's there?
Wenceslas
- Wenceslas who?
Wenceslas train home ?

Knock, knock.
- Who's there?
Doughnut
- Doughnut who?
Doughnut open until Christmas Day

Moderator’s Christmas message.

It’s panto season all wrapped up in tinsel, song, parties, bright colours and lights. Like so many children who receive their gifts at this time of the year there is temptation to be totally amazed by the wrappings and the fun that can be had imagining what can be achieved by transforming them into fantastic props for games and enjoyment. So too at Christmas as we fail to realise what is packaged, being transfixed by the packaging.

The Christmas story, regarded simply as a story, has many intrinsic attractions and has in Luke’s Gospel an admirable narrator, The romantic tale of an infant born in humble and sordid circumstances, who is in fact of royal lineage and destined to greatness, in various forms, has fascinated us from the time when story telling began.

Here, the pastoral setting and the supernatural hints of the real nature of the baby and his future glory enhance the story’s appeal.

Just as a story it is better than any pantomime. Still keeping to the level of the art of the story teller, we may note, however, that in one respect it differs from most stories of the pantomime kind-it is incomplete; it needs a sequel, it points beyond itself to the Good Friday story and the Easter Story;
It arouses our curiosity to ask what happened to the baby whose birth is described so remarkably and what was his life.
Bur of course, if we remain on the level of romantic fiction we miss the whole point. The story is presented to us not only as true, but as deeply significant.
Without looking further than indisputable facts, it is evident that the Birth Story of Christ is totally different from all other stories; it has really no significant resemblance to tales like pantomime. It is a story that shook the world, and, because it was widely told and believed, the course of history was changed. To understand it at any deeper level we must look for its meaning and carefully remove all seasonal wrapping and trapping.

This Christmas season raises the context not only of Bethlehem where the Christ-Child was born, but the more immediate context of our own individual lives and experience. This is so obvious and so intimate that we may best pursue this inquiry in the silence of our innermost self-examination, each asking what relevance the birth of Christ has in that private context known only to oneself and God.
What does it profit to know that Christ was born in Bethlehem if he is not born in me?

Why not join the worshipping community closest to you this Christmas to hear again the Christmas story and , perhaps, for the first time, discover its full meaning for you and your life?

May God’s richest blessing be with you and your loved ones at this very special time of the year.

In Christ, John Paterson

COFFEE BEAN

In January 2009 the Coffee bean will be 25 years old.! Another anniversary. It is felt that the occasion should be celebrated and to that end anyone who has been a baker or helper for the Coffee bean over the past 25 years is asked to contact Mrs May Rorrison on 338603. Details of proposals will be given by Mrs Rorrison.

NEW CUMNOCK PARISH CHURCH

“YESTERDAY, TODAY AND FOREVER”

This new stained glass window commemorates the 175th Anniversary of the church. The design of this window has reference to the past but also looks forward to the future of the community of New Cumnock. It has local references such as agriculture and coal mining to represent the working community. Also included is a Burns reference and the landscape. The window sends a clear message of hope for the future.

• The background of the window shows the hills and landscape of the area.

• To the left of the window there is an image of Blackcraig at the head of Glen Afton.

• In the blue sky above we have St. Andrews cross, the national flag of Scotland.

• The hillside reaches down into the patchwork of fields that are familiar in the surrounding agricultural land.

• Water flows from around the rocks to meet and then flow through the window. This marks the confluence of the River Nith and the River Afton, a meeting of waters that gave rise to the Gaelic place name comunn ach “place of the confluence”.

• Robert Burns, immortalised New Cumnock’s Afton Water in his poem “Sweet Afton”. The water flows throughout the window and is a symbol that life always moves forward and we should look to the future.

• The sky moves from night to day to represent the passage of time.

• New Cumnock was also a mining community. The image of a miner’s lamp is included. Light shines out and reaches up into a rainbow.

• The image of the rainbow sweeps forward as a sign of Gods covenant with the world. The rainbow combined with the dove is a symbol for hope for the future.

• A band of soft purple glass contains the symbol of the Alpha and Omega as the beginning and the end. This represents that we have our Faith throughout our lives and for evermore.

The stained glass window has been made using traditional methods of cut glass, lead and solder. The hand blown glass is bought from France, Germany and England. It has great colour and every sheet is unique. Each process is carefully executed by hand. It also contains faceted jewels. The text and stars are hand painted and kiln fired.

Moira Malcolm, Rainbow Glass Studio.

The Atheist and the Bear
An atheist was taking a walk through the woods. 'What majestic trees! What powerful rivers! What beautiful animals!', he said to himself.
As he continued walking alongside the river he heard a rustling in the bushes. Turning to look, he saw a 7 foot grizzly charging towards him. He ran as fast as he could up the path. Looking over his shoulder he saw that the bear was closing in on him. His heart was pumping frantically and he tried to run even faster.
He tripped and fell on the ground. He rolled over to pick himself up but saw the bear raising his paw to take a swipe at him.At that instant the atheist cried out: 'Oh my God!...'
Time stopped.
The bear froze.
The forest was silent.
It was then that a bright light shone upon the man and a voice came out of the sky saying:'You deny my existence for all of these years, teach others I don't exist and even credit creation to a cosmic accident.
Do you expect me to help you out of this predicament? Am I to count you as a believer?'
The atheist looked directly into the light.
'It would be hypocritical of me to suddenly ask you to treat me as a Christian now, but perhaps, could you make the BEAR a Christian?'
'Very well, 'said the voice. The light went out, and the sounds of the forest resumed.
And then the bear lowered his paw, bowed his head and spoke: 'Lord, bless this food which I am about to receive and for which I am truly thankful, Amen.'

World Mission
This Christmas, I hope you will save your used stamps. The proceeds will help educate girls in India.
Please remember in prayer the persecuted Christians in Orissa, India and in many other parts of the world.
Mary Alexander, according to her November newsletter, is enjoying her renewed connection with the small but lively Christian community in Sapporo, Japan. She also supports her fellow missionaries in their medical and other needs.
Pauline Devenish has finished her work in Thailand recently and intends to stay in Aberdeen with her twin sister. We have been privileged to support her prayerfully and practically throughout her faithful service overseas. Let’s pray that God will clearly guide her in the future as He has in the past.
This year, we’ve managed to send a second £1000 to Kajilirwe-Kavuzi Church in Malawi. Our Malawi Fund had a balance of £169.38 at 6th November. That amount will surely rise, with our army of generous folk collecting so much change so regularly. Zikomo kwambiri. (Thank you very much)
A prayer for the world in 2009 – Loving God, let there be real HOPE, real JUSTICE and real PEACE. In Jesus’ Name we pray. Amen.
Mary Ritchie (World Church Rep)

Peden Court
It’s now ten years since our church began supplying emergency rations to this hostel. For several years now the goods bedecking the table on Harvest Sunday have gone there.
And grateful thanks are also due to all those who have placed tinned goods in the basket in the Church vestibule or given money donations to purchase items. All those ways have enabled us to give regularly to our local homeless. Please help it to continue.
Mary Ritchie

Sunday School
Since September we have been talking about animals in the bible. We have a modern story linking to the original bible passage which makes it easier for our younger members to relate to and understand. We then have an activity sheet and a game or song time to end our morning.
We would like you to encourage all boys and girls who attend Boys Brigade and Girls Brigade to attend either a Sunday school or Bible class as both these organisations have Christian roots, and encourage church attendance to boys and girls and leaders. We have plenty willing Sunday School teachers who would really like to see the Sunday School’s numbers increase
We have started to prepare for our Christmas Service which will take place on Sunday 21st December in the church, we hope that you will come and see what talent our small Sunday School has.
As we all start our Christmas preparations and get caught up in the hustle and bustle let’s not forget what we are preparing for—the birth of our Lord Jesus, the most special present ever given.

BIBLE TRIVIA Quiz.
Q. What do they call pastors in Germany?
A. German Shepherds.
Q. Who was the greatest financier in the Bible?
A. Noah. He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation.
Q. What was the greatest female financier in the Bible?
A. Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little prophet.
Q. What kind of motor vehicles are in the Bible?
A. Jehovah drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden in a Fury. David's Triumph was heard throughout the land. Also, probably a Honda, because the apostles were all in one Accord.
Q. Who was the greatest comedian in the Bible?
A. Samson. He brought the house down.
Q. What excuse did Adam give to his children as to why he no longer lived in Eden?
A. Your mother ate us out of house and home.
Q. Which servant of God was the most flagrant lawbreaker in the Bible?
A. Moses. He broke all 10 commandments at once.

The Guild
This year the Guild has a new convenor, Mrs Susan Hastie and a new Secretary Mrs Anne Ferrans. We would like to thank the retiring convenor Mrs Helen Lamont and retiring Secretary Mrs Ella Goldie for the work they did in their years in office. The new session opened with the dedication service in church on the 14th September, Rev R Young based her service on the Guild theme. He restores my soul. We had speakers from Ayr Spinal Care, International Release, and slides and talk about the church in New Cumnock. We have had a demonstration on making cards and the police are coming and they will be talking about the role they play in wildlife.
In November we are looking forward to celebrating our 70th Anniversary and will be having a special evening with guests from local guilds and members from the Presbyterial Council.
We have had a busy session so far and were happy to welcome new members. If you would like to join us, come along on a Tuesday evening at 7.00pm.
History and background
With around 35,000 members, the Church of Scotland Guild is one of Scotland's largest voluntary organisations. Although women make up the bulk of our membership, increasingly, men are becoming members and taking active roles at local and national levels.

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

To look up and not down,
To look forward and not back,
To look out and not in,
And
To lend a hand

Life’s too short to sit around
And moan about what is wrong.
From these actions comes the sound,
Of such a plaintive song.
So let us change the tune and try
To banish fear and doubt
And orchestrate as time goes by
There’s much to sing about

Dear Santa,
Could you please come early this year?.
I’ve been really super good.
But I don’t know if I can last much longer.
Please hurry

For The Housebound

The Old Testament begins “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” words of great majesty and power, whereas the New Testament reveals God in a much quieter way, “The word became flesh and had his dwelling among us” this verse is from John’s Gospel 1:14
In the Old Testament, God reveals himself through the prophets and teachers, but this only gave us a vague understanding of what God was like, but when he reveals himself through his Son—“The word became flesh” – then for the first time, we can understand that in Jesus, we see God as he really is.
“And made his dwelling among us” Sometimes people wonder why Jesus only lived on earth for 33 years. However, this was long enough for him to reveal God’s character, and the only way God could redeem his people, was to come to them.
He did not just stay in heaven, but through his Son, he made his dwelling among us-amid our poverty, our misery, our temptations, our problems, and our disappointments. Jesus lived among us, felt our pains, and showed us in a day to day revelation what God is really like.
No one can completely define or describe God, it is beyond our understanding, but in Jesus we see what God is really like. Through Jesus, we see that although God is all-powerful (Omnipotent) and present everywhere; (Omniscient) God’s heart is a heart of love
This Christmas, may we joyfully celebrate the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to earth. The message of Christmas is that, the only way to God, is through the new-born babe born in Bethlehem.
May we look at the new- born baby and see the wonder of God’s love. Read John 1: 1-14

NEW CUMNOCK LIAISON GROUP
This is a fairly new group, set up originally to look into what could be done about the dilapidated state of some of the properties on our main street. Representatives from the church were very much involved in starting up the group and are still involved in the running of the group. The group would like to represent the community as much as possible, so if you would like to become involved please come along to the monthly meetings. Copies of the minutes of the group can be found in the Community Centre.
Some success is evident in the village; Halls factory is no more, the buildings at Afton Bridge have been tidied up, the Castle hotel has made a start at tidying up the grounds and the building frontage has had some work done on it. Unfortunately some properties still need attention. A number of owners have been ordered to complete some work by the end of this year. If there is no response to this the council could have the work done and the Bill sent to the owners.
The Group is also involved in Bulb planting. To
Begin with a number of areas around the Community
Centre, the Miners’ Memorial, and the Heritage
Garden at Afton Bridgend will be planted.
A Sub-group is looking into acquiring sign-posts for
the village. A number of places have been decided on,
and it is hoped that funding will be available to buy
good quality signs.
The Group is cooperating with the East Ayrshire
Coalfields Environment Initiative in starting up
New Cumnock Community Wildlife Garden that is
to be created between the swimming Pool and
McGarva’s Garage

 

How to dance in the rain.

It was a busy morning, about 8.30am when an elderly gentleman in his 80’s arrived to have his stitches removed. He said he had to hurry because he had an appointment 9.00am. I asked him to take a seat, knowing that it would be over an hour before he could be seen. Since I was not busy I decided to evaluate his wound. It was well healed, so I talked with a doctor, got the needed supplies to remove the stitches and redress the wound
.
While taking care of his wound, I asked him if he had another doctor’s appointment this morning, as he was in such a hurry. The gentleman told me he needed to visit his wife in a nursing home to have breakfast along with her, she had Alzheimer’s disease. As we talked I asked if she would be upset if he was a bit late. He replied that she no longer knew who he was, and that she had not recognised him for five years now. I asked “And you still go every morning, even though she doesn’t know who you are?” He smiled and patted my hand and said “She doesn’t know me, but I still know who she is”

I had to hold back the tears as he left. I had goose bumps on my arm and thought, “That is the kind of love I want in my life.”
True love is neither physical, nor romantic. True love is an acceptance of all that is, has been, will be, and will not be. The happiest people don’t necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything they have. Life isn’t just about how to survive the storm, but how to dance in the rain

APPEAL

Do you buy Coca Cola or Lemonade in clear in 2 litre bottles?
The New Cumnock Community Wildlife Garden will have a Greenhouse constructed of empty 2 litre bottles. Please do your part for the community and save the bottles for this project. It is hoped that a container will be available within the church grounds.

Prayer Group
So, how long have you prayed for that friend who’s in constant pain, or that bereaved family member struggling with life? How often have you brought our community before God, that hurting neighbour or someone who is lonely? Maybe its months, years or decades. Do you cry out to God to fight their corner or act on their behalf? Maybe it seems there is no big miracle or amazing changes. But each time you kneel before the Father they get the strength to persevere, get through another day and hang onto the hope that one day things will greatly improve. Isn’t it great to know that as soon as we pray, God begins to answer, begins to work in the person’s best interests, and begins to make changes.
So let us KEEP PRAYING, keep kneeling before God’s mercy seat, keep pleading for those we love and believing that our God does answer prayers.

Helen Glendinning.( Prayer Group)

Water Aid
The following extracts are from an official publication on behalf of Water Aid.
Zainabu Rama from Mungumaji in Tanzania tells her story. “I used to do my washing in a traditional well and collect water from another traditional well which took three hours. It took a long time especially if there was a queue and there was very little water so you have to scoop deep, it was tiring, I had to do more than one trip to get two buckets. Since we have had the water pump installed in the village I have gained eight extra hours to do my business. Now surplus money from selling the vegetables goes to buying meat, clothes and other things we could not afford before, our nutrition is much better”
It costs just £15 for Water Aid to help provide one person in the developing world with access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene education.
CLEAN WATER AND ADEQUATE SANITATION ARE BASIC HUMAN RIGHTS

 

Malawi

An email arrived on the 27th October to thank us for the £1,000 that was sent out earlier in the month. This was the second time this amount of money had been sent this year, and I want to thank everyone, most sincerely, for all the small change given for Malawi from members of the church and also from the village. It is great that so many non-church members are so willing to be included in this partnership.
Rev. Anocks says that they believe that we are a blessing to them, and they thank the Lord for His kindness.

 

Planned Giving

This is the one thing no one wants in a church, and no one wants to be involved in this kind of campaign. But, the reality is that our weekly budget is not being met, and our costs as a church go up and up.
I know that you will be thinking, or saying, but all our personal bills are going up and up at the same time too. This makes this a very challenging campaign for us all.
Back at the beginning of June, a joint meeting of the Kirk Session and the Congregational Board agreed that Jim Barnes, Elder from Kilmarnock would lead our Planned Giving Campaign for 2009. He has led 28 successful campaigns in Ayr and Irvine and Kilmarnock Presbyteries.
I believe that God means us to conduct this campaign next year, and that as God led us to full Status, God will lead us through a successful campaign.
No doubt lots of you have lots of questions, but everything will be explained stage by stage, and I trust that you will support our Campaign Chairperson, Mr Jim Murray.
Paul says
“Each person should decide what they have decided in their hearts to give, not reluctantly, or under compulsion for God loves
a cheerful giver”
Rona M Young