I was watching the football on tv and heard the commentator comment that a player had taken the ball from another player by “sticking out a giraffe leg”. His legs looked quite normal to me. Of course, I know what he meant, but what he said seemed odd. That is something we come across regularly in church. Even reading through the bible there are things sound odd: ”I am the bread of life”; ‘your word is a lamp for my feet’ and so on. These are often pictures to try to help us understand a deeper concept but sometimes, because language or interpretation changes over time, they make little sense to us. We had a visit last month from a group from America. They came to spend time sharing their faith with us and the community. There were so many in the group that we had to send some of them off to the Highlands, and others to Arran. We are very grateful to those who hosted team members or gave donations towards the visit. While they were here they did an outreach

event at Ayr with music, drama and testimony. In Prestwick they tried different things, including taking a sofa into the street and offering to simply sit and listen to people. So many people are alone and don’t have someone to talk to so they appreciate having someone to chat with. We also had a ceilidh to teach our American visitors some Scottish dancing and that went down well. Communication is vital on so many levels. You would imagine that sharing the same language would be useful for communicating but we found that English is not the same everywhere! There were times with the team when although we were using the same words they were understood differently e.g. for us, the statement, “We need to leave at 9.15 means

www.mpnchurch.org.uk Charity Number SC004271

Autumn 2013

be there before then and be ready

to leave by 9.15, but for them it

seemed to mean we’ll be getting

organised to leave about 10ish, and

there’s no real hurry. I have to be

honest this caused some frustration

on both sides but it should remind

us we need to find effective ways to

communicate the Good News about

Jesus, and it doesn’t always have to

be with words. In fact, words often

serve to confuse things. Here are

some from church notices:

The Rev. Merriwether spoke

briefly, much to the delight of

the audience.

A worm welcome to all who

have come today.

Barbara remains in the hospital

and needs blood donors for

more transfusions. She is also

having trouble sleeping and

requests tapes of the Minister’s

sermons.

Helpers are needed! Please sign

up on the information sheep.

The outreach committee has

enlisted 25 visitors to make

calls on people who are not

afflicted with any church.

The ladies of the Church have cast

off clothing of every kind. They may

be seen in the basement on Friday

afternoon. Words are important in

church,. That’s why we read the

bible and why we read the bible and

have sermons but it’s not always

necessary. Our foodbank is a good

example of how to share God’s love

in a very practical way without

relying on words. This week sees

the start of Girls’ Brigade (on

Monday evenings) and Boys’

Brigade (on Friday evenings). Both

organisations teach Christian values

and behaviour with an emphasis on

fun and experience. It is the same

for Messy Church: each event is

planned around a theme but the

learning is interactive and

experiential rather than sitting still

and listening. I believe that we are

supposed to introduce people to

Jesus and, although I love to preach,

I think we should find any way we

can that makes it possible for

people to understand. If it involves

listening, giving free hugs, chatting,

painting, delivering food, preaching,

praying, laughing, or crying then I’m

up for it. I don’t think there is

anything more important for us to

share but the words of Jesus:

John 3:16 For God so loved the

world that he gave his one and only

Son, that whoever believes in him

shall not perish but have eternal

life. 17 For God did not send his Son

into the world to condemn the

world, but to save the world through

him.

Blessings,

David

T H A N K Y O U.

I would like to say a huge thank you for all the support and kind words as I

venture on to a new chapter of my life. Over the next three years I will be

the youth worker at Cambuslang Parish Church and will continue to study at

Strathclyde University for the next two years. I have felt both comfortable

and challenged with my time at MPN Church and I am gutted to be leaving, but

feel God leading and guiding me in this new direction.

Thank you for all the support and encouragement you have given to me and my

family over the years, especially with my time in hospital. We have been truly

blessed as a family to have you all in our lives. Please keep in touch and I look

forward to hearing what MPN Church is doing from you all.

Many blessings,

Kieran Wardrop.

1st PRESTWICK BOYS’ BRIGADE

We meet in the Monkton & Prestwick North Church Halls, Monkton Road, Prestwick (opposite Bryson’s garage) on Friday evenings and our new session commences on Friday 6 September 2013 at the following times: Anchor Boys – (Primary 2 & 3) - 6.00 p.m. – 7.00 p.m. Junior Section (Primary 4 - 7) 6.30 p.m. – 8.30 p.m. Company Section (Secondary School) 7.15 p.m. – 9.45 p.m. We would invite any boy who thinks he might be interested to come along and join us for a night of fun, games and fellowship. Please contact Pat Simpson on 01292 477289 for further details Sam Gilmour Captain

WELCOME TO A NEW MEMBER.

Welcome blessings to Mrs. Margaret Deans of 33 Lichtenfels Gardens, Prestwick

who is the sister of David Parker.

THANK YOU. A very sincere thank you to the ‘Lunch clubbers’ and the Lunch Club teams for the bouquets of flowers, book tokens and the beautiful cards on my retirement from the lunch club. Thank you also for seven years of friendship, fun and fellowship I loved it all. I had a simply great time in Cardiff using my book tokens and also reading the books. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers and especially for Jeanette on this new venture for her.

God Bless you all Valerie.

LUNCH CLUBS.

Another season of lunch clubs—come along and join in the fellowship and fun sharing

a meal together. Two courses followed by tea/coffee £3.50—start time 12 noon.

PRESTWICK: Wednesday 4th September : 2nd October : 6th November

4th December.

MONKTON: Thursday 19th September : 24th October* : 21st November

12th December.

* Please note change of date for Monkton.

MENUS : September—Sausage casserole with peas. Apple tarts and cream.

October—Soup. Mince potatoes and peas.

November—Sausage casserole with peas. Jelly, fruit and ice cream.

December—Chicken casserole with potates and peas. Trifle.

A big welcome awaits everyone. The Lunch Club Teams.

MONKTON & PRESTWICK NORTH CHURCH.

14th—18th October 2013 6pm - 8pm Young people in P1-P7 welcome!

Registration takes place at 2pm on Sunday 13th October.

H O L I D A Y C L U B

Every experience God gives us, every person He brings into our life, is the perfect preparations for the future that only He can see. (Corrie ten Boom) CHRIST IN ACTION – Food-bank Update C.I.A One Year On. The C.I.A. Emergency Food Parcel Project has been running for just over one year. During that time, we have witnessed the steady development and growth of the project. We have noted the increasing numbers of statutory and voluntary Agencies who refer people in crisis to us and the many donors, both in and out-with the Church family, who have been moved to provide food to support the poorest in our community. We have seen connections being built between Churches and Community. We have always known that the C.I.A project is richly blessed, but during this last year, we believe that God has blessed the project to “overflowing”. This has been shown to us in many ways. Pray and Ask. We prayed for the courage and opportunity to speak about the Project to our own congregation and other organizations. Doors were opened for us and we stepped inside. Our prayers were answered. We prayed for Volunteers for the Project. We now have 16 regular Volunteers on Rota that is 8 teams of 2 people. In addition, we have a reserve list of 7 others from our Church. We also have people in other congregations ringing to ask “if they can help” and leaving their phone numbers. Our Prayers were answered. We prayed and wrote to seven Churches, asking if they could assist us with food collections. We now have four other Churches which includes, Kingcase Parish Church, South Church, St James Parish Church, St Quivox RC Church as well as Monkton & Prestwick North, providing food (and volunteers) for the project. God said He would provide – and He did. Our prayers were answered – and how! We prayed for “more space” as we bumped our heads on various bits of equipment getting in and out of the food storage cupboards. Bearing in mind that not an extra inch of space was within our vision or knowledge - Our prayers were answered. Volunteers There is no doubt that the C.I.A. Volunteers are often humbled by their experiences when delivering food to people in need. The folks they visit may be lonely, vulnerable, in despair, or have obvious addiction problems. They may be homeless or just out of prison, or hospital. They may be tagged and under curfew. Very often they are fighting to get benefits from a welfare system under significant reform and employees who may appear quite unsympathetic to their plight . We thank God for the C.I.A volunteers,

who stretch out their hands to every person He brings into their lives through this Project and who readily seek to meet the challenges laid out in Matthew 25-35. Some Facts and figures. Since June 2012 to July 2013, The C.I.A Food-bank Volunteers have delivered emergency food parcels to meet the needs of 389 people. From initial referrals of 2-4 a week in 2012, we are now receiving between 8 –12 referrals a week. The most significant rise has taken place since 1st April 2013 when some of the Government’s welfare reforms legislation came into effect. From January 2013 till the end of July 2013: (People left hand column—referrals right hand colum)

THESE FIGURES ARE SHARED TO SHOW HOW THE PROJECT HAS PROGRESSED IN TERMS OF GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT. WE CONTINUE TO THANK AND PRAY GOD’S BLESSINGS ON EVERY SINGLE PERSON BOTH IN, AND OUT-WITH, THE CHURCH FAMILY FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT, ENCOURAGEMENT AND PRAYERS.

CIA TEAM

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July

Referrals

People

Men55%

Women36%

Childre

n9%

0%

Food Distribution Ratio

PATRICK & THOMSON BUILDING

SERVICES LTD.

Hello we are ALAN and HUGH and we started our own business over two years ago when our boss retired. We are a qual-ified brickie and a joiner. We are honest and hardworking and use only time-served tradesmen. We can and have done all sorts of jobs large and small. For a free estimate ‘phone ALAN 07852918099 or HUGH 07708949835 or Free phone 08002118503 or See Margaret Thomson who will take your details.

THE GUILD

The new session of the Guild will begin on Thursday 3rd October at 2pm, when we

will welcome our friend the Rev Kenneth Yorke to speak to us. Sadly Jan McGill has

given up the role of Convenor but you will be welcomed by the new ‘team’. Another

change is that we will only meet every second Thursday. The programme for the next

3 months is below.

The Guild gives us the opportunity to continue our worship of our Lord, make friends

and provide support for each other. The theme for this year is “A fellowship to build”.

There already is great fellowship within the Guild and we would like to extend this

to others. All ladies and gentlemen are more then welcome.

Guild syllabus

6th Sept 7.30pm Autumn Rally Ayr St James speaker Mrs Julie Griffiths

3rd Oct Hello Again Rev Kenneth Yorke

17th Oct Ugandan Experience St.Kentigerns Church

Kilmarnock

31st Oct My 7 months with ENSA Marjory Richardson

14th Nov Rhymes and Reasons Sheona Cameron

17/24 Guild Week

28th Nov The entertaining life of a holiday rep Paul

12th Dec Bring and Buy Sale/Christmas Tea and Allocation of Funds

ASHGROVE HOME IMPROVEMENTS.

Kitchens, Bathrooms, Bedrooms and Marble

Fireplaces, Stockists of Wall Panels and Floor.

We also cater for the less abled.

Our specialist staff will tailor a design

to meet your needs, and help inspire you

to create the home of your dreams.

New showroom at

21 Mackintosh Place, South Newmoor Ind.

Estate, Irvine KA11 4JT.

Tel. 01294 211888.

Open 7 days.

www.ashgrovehomeimprovements.co.uk

Elaine’s Childminding Services Registered Childminder

23 years experience in Early Year

Education

Open Days available on request

Contact:Elaine Wardrop

155 Adamton Road South

Prestwick

01292 670513 Mobile 07526128194

wardrop.elaine@gmail.com

Photo of 4 guests all from Kenosha, Wisconsin (on Lake Michigan north of Chicago) Tom Larson, Nick Bryzozovski, Aaron Shanahan, (front) Nathan Whitmire.

Margaret and I were apprehensive about the invasion of 5 boys from Kenosha north of Chicago but they were an absolute delight to have in the house. The fifth boy, John, only stayed the one night before moving on to another venue. He subsequently got engaged to Christina in Edinburgh Castle—carrying the engagement ring in his rucksack for the whole trip. The boys were very excited about their mission to Scotland and all got on very well together. The first night after Margaret and I had gone to bed they chatted away until 3 o’clock in the morning! They were all very helpful in the house and so appreciative of anything we did for them. It was great to see and hear the stories from these young people and their commitment to the Word of God as they follow the path of Jesus. We were sad to see them go and hope they will stay in touch by e-mail. It was a real blessing to have them for what seemed a short week in our home. Jim and Margaret Goodlad.

FORTHCOMING EVENT.

The “God With Us” Choir from Glasgow will present “The Christ The Cross The Crown” in the Church on Sunday 6th October at 7pm. The choir numbers 40—

60 members and their presentation will last 90 minutes including singing, narration and in some presentations, testimonies.

There is no charge for this event but a collection will be taken for the Girls Brigade and Church funds.

This will be a very significant event and a good turnout from members and friends is anticipated.

Jim Riach.

PIONEER CAFÉ

In the three summer months we have served over 1300 people – it has been very

busy and in fact by the end of one week we had completely run out of baking. Our

Guardian Angel arrived on the Monday with a large delivery of beautiful home baking

– I think you can all guess that our “Angel” was Elizabeth Mitchell – what would we

do without her? If any of you are baking or making soup please make some extra,

phone the café (471153) and someone will collect it.

The Café makes a substantial contribution to Church Funds and we need your help.

One of our Volunteers is having a hip replaced and others are going on holiday.

Please help us if you can, even short term. Please contact Mary Yuille (475680),

Margaret Goodlad (470903) or the café 471153.

BITS AND BOBS.

Worry is like a rocking chair — it gives you something to do but doesn’t get

you anywhere!

God makes a promise. Faith believes it. Hope anticipates it. Patience quietly awaits it.

The task ahead of us is never as great as the power behind us.

Laughter is life’s shock absorber.

MONKTON FLOWER LIST.

October 13th Mrs. Mary Yuille October 27th - November 10th - November 24th - December 8th Mrs. Evelyn McHarg and Mrs. Isobel Shields December 22nd -

1st Monkton & Prestwick Girls’ Brigade

The Girls’ Brigade 2013/14 session starts on Monday, 2nd September at 6:30pm.

We are looking forward to seeing all our girls back again, and would like to invite any girls from P1

to S6 to come along on a Monday night and see if they would like to join us.

Contact Captain Susan Campbell on 07863868863 for more information.

Captain Susan Campbell and the Officers of the Girls’ Brigade

GUILD OUTING.

Jesus Christ Superstar, Ayr Amateur opera company - Sat 18th January 2014 - matinee performance followed by an evening meal.

This year the show is much earlier due to the Gaiety closing in the spring for essential work.

We have to pay for the seats at the end of October when we book, if you would like to go I need to receive the £16 per concession ticket before Sun 20th

October - the meal will be payable at beginning of January but I can take it anytime between now and then which is £14 including the tip. You can go to either or both.

Thanks Margaret Thomson 477045 or 07773944872

They say you can get too much of a good

thing. Well, of some things that may be

true, but can you have too much happiness,

too deep a sense of contentment? I will

take as much of these as it pleases God to

give me and thank Him for it.

And what about beauty? Can we ever have

too much of that? Can we give or receive

too much friendship?

When it comes to the really important

things in life, our souls always have room for

more.

MPN Malawi Committee

We are delighted to inform you that the twinning agreement between ourselves and the congregation

at Lweya has been finalised. We are looking forward to building this twinning with communications

being set up between organisations within each congregation, namely ‘The Young Church’, ‘The Guild’,

‘The Youth Group’ and they also have ‘The Men’s Guild’. We will be in touch with the prospective

leaders in the near future to discuss how we can strengthen our bond with our Malawian brothers

and sisters.

Lesley has been in touch with Reverend Patings at Lweya a couple of times since taking over as Chair

and describes him as a gracious man whom is very appreciative of all we have offered them in the

past and is looking forward to a future where we will work together to create a strong relationship

between our two church families.

We recently sent out money to allow for mosquito nets to be bought and distributed to the villagers,

the following photographs (and many more) were received from Rev Patings along with the dearest of

thanks.

Although our brothers and sisters were delighted to receive these gifts there are still a number of

villagers who require nets in order to help prolong their life. We at the MPN Malawi committee have

a couple of ideas up our sleeves but you will have to wait!

Thank you for your continued support.

MPN Malawi Committee

HOUSEBOUND VISITATION GROUP

As Housebound Co-ordinator for the Pastoral Care Group I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to consider the needs of our housebound. We as a team are very aware of the need for choices and with the agreement of our housebound members visits have been made regularly over the past year. Friendships have been formed and with these regular visits our members have had extra opportunities to experience what would normally have not been possible. We had a member who was able to attend afternoon Communion with the visitor support, sadly he passed away not long after. What a blessing for our member and visitor. Being alone can be very depressing and cause fears and anxieties to build. We as members of the body of Christ’s Church can reach out to our lonely folk. Let us enhance our member’s quality of life by helping them to still feel part of the Church. Visiting can bring back the fulfilment of the membership of their Church. It is a good thing to get to know others who are ahead of us in the Christian life. We live in a society that does not generally honour the wisdom that comes with age, we put older people out of sight. This kind of interaction needs to be encouraged so that we do not lose the wisdom of the past. Paul reminds Timothy that he has his grandmother and mother to thank for his well-grounded faith. Seek out those who are ahead of you on the journey. We all have gifts, a gift is anything that one is or has or does that creates an opportunity for meaningful interaction with at least one other person. Give this simple gift of your presence. Please consider our housebound members and their need to feel God’s Love and by being part of the visiting group you will bring His presence into their homes Can you spare some time? PLEASE. Anne Parnaby.

CREAM TEA - Saturday 21st September—1.30-4pm TEDDY’s JOURNEY.

Once again Teddies and gifts for children in Eastern Europe are being sent at Christmas time by Samaritan’s Purse. Please come along and enjoy afternoon tea in the Church hall on Saturday 21st September and help raise money to pay for the transport of the gifts. There will be stalls including bric-a-brac, books, home baking and toys. If you would consider donating any items to sell I would be very pleased to pick them up or collect them at Church. Also if anyone is willing to help on the day you would be made most welcome. Please come along and help make a child smile this Christmas. Anne Parnaby Area Co-ordinator for Samaritans Purse. 01292 571842.

Since the last edition of the magazine Messy Church has had two sessions, in June and August. Both were very well attended and this ministry continues to grow and put down roots in Monkton. We are beginning to see an established group of regulars which is fantastic and we hope that the families of Monkton are starting to feel that they are a real part of our Church Family. Our next session will be on Sunday 29th September followed by our next fundraiser on Saturday 26th October from 10-12noon. This will take the form of a Tea Party and the ticket price will include tea, coffee and home baking. There will also be lots of competitions and games to entertain you. Our fundraiser events are for everyone, not just Messy Church attendees or for that matter just for families with children. Everyone is invited and we hope that as many of our Church Family as possible will come along to support the worthwhile work of Messy Church. With love and blessings, the Messy Church Team (now sadly missing Kieran, as goes off to start a new adventure with God. We will miss him dreadfully, but wish him all the very best.) PS - One of Messy Church mums, Myra, is holding a Macmillan Coffee Morning in the Monkton halls on Saturday 28th September. Please come and support this worthy cause. Also any donations of home baking would be very gratefully received.

D I S C O V E R Y

The aim of the Discovery Process is to show God’s love through action in our

community, therefore bringing about positive change and improving the lives of

others.

After months of working through the Discovery Process, lots of prayer and building

relationships with key people in our community, the Discovery Team have identified

a project which we believe God to be guiding us towards. Initially, the project will be

aimed at helping Sutherland House and Shawburn by showing God’s love in a

practical way, helping with a variety of practical things and working together to

provide activities that can be enjoyed together.

We hope you will feel encouraged to become involved, there really is something for

everyone, there is no need to be able to commit to a certain amount of time or a

huge amount of responsibility, but rather, just a need to let us know of any hobbies,

interests, skills or gifts you may have, or just a desire to make a difference in

somebody else’s life. We believe that this is an opportunity, not only for us to show

God’s love in a practical way, but also an opportunity for us to receive God’s love

through others, to build relationships. What a privilege!

We are going to be issuing a questionnaire to help us collate the necessary

information, we apologise in advance if you end up with 5 questionnaires!!! But we

are eager to reach as many people as possible, as we strongly feel that this is

something that many people could be involved in. We would like to strongly

encourage you to complete your questionnaire and return it to us. (details of how to

do this will be on the questionnaire when you receive it)

Together with our awesome God, we really can make a difference!

If you have any ideas, questions or concerns about the Discovery Process or about

the project, please speak to one of the team. Meanwhile, we would encourage you to

keep our communities in your prayers, that God would open our eyes that we may see

the needs of vulnerable people around us, please continue to pray for Discovery,

that God would continue to guide us in the right direction.

Thank you for your continued prayers and support.

The Discovery Team

Ann, Duncan, Ed, Emily, Elaine, Eleanor, Elizabeth,

Elspeth, Kieran, Lily, Margaret, Richard, Robin, Tom

BIBLE STUDY Tuesdays 10.30 am Margaret Thomson

Telephone : 01292 477045

BOYS’ BRIGADE Friday pm (Various)

Pat Simpson Telephone : 01292 477289

GIRLS’ BRIGADE Monday 6.00 pm Susan Campbell

Telephone : 07863868863

GUILD Thursday 2.00 pm

Jan McGill Telephone : 01292 477112

MONKTON BROWNIES Thursday 6.30 pm

Monkton Community Church Irene Boyle

Telephone : 01292 478376

KIDDIEWINKLES Monday 10.00 am

Christy Watson/Francis Tippett Telephone : 07826639785

TOTS-TOWN

Wednesday 10.00 a.m Monkton Community Church

Toni Burns Telephone : 07886449563

THE YOUNG CHURCH

Sunday 11.00 am Margaret MacBain

Telephone : 01292 479092

MINISTER Rev. David Clarkson

Telephone : 01292 471379 Email : minister@mpnchurch.org.uk

SESSION CLERK

James U Riach Telephone : 01292 476458

Email : james@jriach2.fsnet.co.uk

TREASURER/HALL BOOKINGS Robert Gibson

Telephone : 01292 479248 Email : property@mpnchurch.org.uk

ORGANIST

David Watson Telephone : 01292 314867

CHURCH OFFICE

Telephone : 01292 678810 Email : office@mpnchurch.org.uk

KIRK SESSION

COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES

Discipleship Sam Gilmour

Telephone : 01292 470614

Fabric & Finance Ed Sutherland

Telephone : 01292 849554

Outreach Anne Ferguson

Telephone: 01292 470975

Pastoral Care Jim Riach

Telephone : 01292 476458

Worship Scott Wardrop

Telephone : 01292 670513