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Dates for the Diary 2016

Candle Tea—Coylton Church Hall at 7pm. Doors open 6.30pm. 9th December Joint Ecumenical Service with St Clare’s and Coylton in the Schaw Kirk, Drongan at 7.30pm. 13 December Young Church Nativity Service at Coylton Church at 10am 18 December Quiet Service for those wanting a quieter Christmas—Coylton Church at 7.30pm 21 December Rankinston Community Centre—Christmas Eve Service at 7.30pm 24 December Watch night Service—Coylton Church at 11.30pm . Tea/coffee and mince pies will be served after the service. 24 December Joint Christmas Day Service—Coylton Church at 10.30am. 25 December

Charity No SCOO5283 (Church of Scotland) C.C.L. No: 041381

COYLTON PARISH

CHURCH

Looking Forward

Many folks have said to me recently they didn't know where the year has gone. I certainly have found that the year has passed in a blur. Per-haps it's a sign of growing old, though I've heard young folk say it too! It may be something to do with our pace of life. Life these days seems to be one big rush. This time of year especially so. Yet this time of the Christian year, Advent, is one where we should be stopping to think, draw breath, reflect, examine ourselves and prepare for the coming of Jesus. The world however, gets in the way, with prepa-rations of a different kind. The rugby scrum of last minute shopping, ambitious baking that would leave Mary Berry quaking in her shoes, parties, panto (behind you!) and all the other "traditions" we do at this time of year. Are we misguided in getting involved in these things? Well, not as such. It's all a question of priori-ties. You can still have a sociable, enjoyable Christmas and enjoy peace in your hearts if you don't lose sight of what and why we're celebrat-ing. The real purpose of the coming of Jesus was to restore the broken relationship between us and

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God. Jesus came into a dark world as a light of hope. A real tangible personification of unconditional love. A love that would go to the point of death and beyond for each and every one of us. So Advent is a time of waiting, anticipating, reflecting, taking time out of the busyness of life to thank God for the gift of His Son. However, there still seems to be a tension between our spiritual lives and our everyday lives. The reality of deadlines still appear looming in our diaries. How can we resolve this, you may ask? Well, it's more fun if you have a wee challenge set for you. The chal-lenge is this. Pray to God everyday of Advent and ask Him what the best way to achieve this balance would be for you. I look forward to hearing about your progress! May the blessing of our Lord and Saviour be with you and yours this Christmas.

Douglas

I would just like to send everyone my Christmas greetings and may 2017 be a holy SPIRIT filled.

Jill Clancy

Interim Moderator

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MATCH THE ORNAMENTS UP WITH THE NUMBERS AND COLOUR IN

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What do they call pastors in Germany?

German Shepherds.

THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS

A young man who had been raised as an atheist was training to be an Olympic diver.

The only religious influence in his life came from his outspoken Christian friend.

The young diver never really paid much attention to his friend's sermons, but he heard them often.

One night the diver went to the indoor pool

at the college he attended. The lights were all off, but as the pool had big

skylights and the moon was bright, there was plenty of light to practice by.

The young man climbed up to the highest diving board and as he turned his back to the pool,

on the edge of the board and extended his arms out, he saw his shadow on the wall.

The shadow of his body in the shape of a cross. Instead of diving, he knelt down and asked

God to come into his life. As the young man stood, a maintenance man

walked in and turned the lights on. The pool had been drained for repairs.

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SOCIAL COMMITTEE Social Committee is at present working hard to raise funds for the New Church Hall, by the time the News- letter goes out, we will have had a stall at the School’s Christmas Bazaar, let’s hope this will be a successful evening for us. I must thank the committee for their commitment and their hard work to all the events we have had, and every-one who has supported us in all our endeavours. If there is anyone out there who has an idea about rais-ing funds please feel free to contact us. All suggestions will be most welcomed. Anna Cameron Social Committee Convenor.

ChurCh OffiCer’s repOrt

I am happy to report that the Hall is being used every day literally from morning to night which is very gratify-ing, especially as the majority of the hires are from non-church groups. As you know we have a very active Karate Club who now meet twice a week and are entering and winning local and national competitions. We have a few weddings coming up in the new year right up to the beginning of the summer, I certainly enjoy these events.!! Remember if you have a special event coming up and you want to use the hall we will do our best to accommodate. Best wishes and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Anna Cameron Church Officer

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Congratulations go to Mrs Jenny Brooks one of our

oldest members, who will celebrate her 103rd birthday on 13th December 2016.

Amelia Elizabeth Jane Wilson was baptised on Sunday 30th October 2016

and we welcome her into our Church family.

YOUTH GROUP

Several members of the Youth Group were part of the 'Dream Team' who were a great help at holiday club,

their challenges each day were a hoot!

We meet on the first Sunday of the month and our September meeting was a planning session

with lots of trampolining!

In October we made scented bath bombs and had a special guest in to teach us some Tai Chi.

Our November meeting was a big outdoor game called 'Capture the flag'. We had 14 young people that night

and finished off the evening with fireworks and burgers.

We are looking forward to 'Dick Whittington' at the Claude Hamilton Hall in December.

Happy Christmas Ingrid McCormick

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Why not come along and enjoy informal fellowship after the church service?

We are a friendly bunch and it gives everyone a chance

to have a wee chat and get to know others whilst having a wee cup of tea or coffee.

We are always looking for volunteers to serve the

Fellowship Teas and Coffees. If you feel you can help, please add your name

to the list on the Notice Board in the Session Room or speak to anyone on the Tea Rota List.

WHERE DO YOU SIT IN CHURCH?

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To finish off our summer session we had a trip to the Farm Park. We had a lovely afternoon and the weather was very kind to us. After a very successful “holiday club” which was based on superheroes we spent the first couple of weeks back talk-ing about our superheroes and of Gideon who was so brave. We then talked about Saul and the transformation from his hate of Christians to him becoming a follower of Jesus. He travelled to many countries telling people the good news and was often in danger. Saul then became known as Paul. On Harvest Sunday Zander very kindly let us borrow some of his tractors and other farm toys and we played a game with these and discussed the meaning of Harvest. God’s Word - discussing Paul, how he was still spreading the word from prison by letters. We made felt trees showing the roots going firmly into the ground, holding the tree firmly and taking in the food and water from the ground. We enjoyed watching a Christian DVD called “The Jesus Movie” on the day of Communion. This story covers Jesus life from birth until the crucifixion. The first part of the story brings us nicely onto Christmas as we start rehearsals for the nativity. Remembrance Sunday : making pinwheel poppies and doing a word search. We are looking forward to the pantomime on 4th Decem-ber and rehearsals are underway for our Nativity. We wish you all a very Happy Christmas. Lesley and Ingrid

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Alivia Elizabeth Helen Hair was baptised on Sunday 22nd May 2016

and we welcome her into our Church family.

Katie Flora Carol Rowan was baptised on Sunday 29th May 2016

and we welcome her into our Church family.

Please come and join us for a traditional Candle Tea

on Friday 9th December at 7pm. Doors open at 6.30pm.

Donations raised will be for Shelter Scotland

Refreshments will be served.

Freya Kathleen Walker was baptised on Sunday 30th October 2016

and we welcome her into our Church family.

Oliver John Webb was baptised on Sunday 18th September 2016

and we welcome him into our Church family.

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Since returning after the summer we have been working hard to complete half our badge work before Christmas. The Explorers, although low in numbers, have been looking at seasons. They are enjoying their evenings. The Juniors have been working on two of their badges: Physical—Heartbeat and Educational—lots to do with Lego. These topics have been taken from our New Programme Book. We had a Halloween party which was great fun. We will end the session with Christmas Crafts and Games night. Myself, helpers and girls would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Gillian Dick Captain

1st Coylton Girls Brigade

Explorers and Juniors (P1 - 7) Meet at 6.15pm—7.30pm Brigaders (S1 upwards) Meet at 7.30pm-9.00pm

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crèche

Our babies and toddlers meet at the crèche every Sunday and they would welcome new playmates to come and join them while mums and dads enjoy participating in worship.

Experienced mothers supervise the crèche and the

children are welcomed in a safe and pleasant environment.

USED STAMPS APPEAL Thanks everyone

Last year, through this appeal, the sum of almost £1,000 was raised by our Ayrshire churches, which was used to

help the HIV Aids Programme.

The project for the current year is:

The Church of South India who have opened an ECO Spirituality

Centre, where the people learn about climate change and biogas plants.

Please remember to tear off the stamps from all your

letters and from all the Christmas card envelopes. The stamps can be placed in the box at the

front of the Church.

Happy Christmas

Nancy Bone

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CHRISTMAS CHOIR by William Worthless

I like to hear the choirs singing in the snow

singing Christmas carols ones that we all know carrying their lanterns shining oh so bright singing loud and clear on a Christmas night

Singing all together each one all in tune

bringing joy to Christmas as they begin croon I like to hear the choirs singing in the snow

it makes me feel so happy and gives my heart a glow

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas

Boyd and the Choir

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NEWS

Our boys have been kept busy so far this year carrying out their brigade badge work. Junior and Company sections took part in a very soggy camp at Culzean in September, which was very much enjoyed by all. We are now looking forward to an indoor camp at Dumfries House Estate in January. John Mitchell and Marie Venton have both retired from our Company and we would like to thank them for all their hard work. There will be a few more leaders retiring in the next year or two, therefore we are looking to recruit some new leaders/helpers within our Company. If you are able to help out then please come along one evening to speak to us.

FRIENDS OF AYR BATTALION (FAB) Friends of Ayr Battalion is a regular newsletter providing information on Battalion events etc. Membership of FAB is open to all serving Company Leaders, Former Members and Friends. Cost of membership is £10 per person and new members will receive a membership badge. If you are interested you can contact our Battalion Sec-retary Stuart Hyslop Tel: 01292 269803 or e-mail stuarthyslop@btinternet.com.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at 12th Ayr (Coylton)

Boys Brigade.

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We meet on a Wednesday night

Anchor Boys P2, P3 and P4 Coylton Church Hall 6.30pm to 7.30pm

Junior Section P5, P6 and P7 Coylton Primary School 6.30pm to 8pm

Company Section All Academy years Coylton Primary School 6.30pm to

8.30pm

12th Ayr Boys’ Brigade

Each week the boys have the opportunity to take part in activities such as crafts, games,

quizzes and marching.

Come and join your local Boys’ Brigade in Coylton where you can make new friends, develop

new skills, seek out adventures and win awards.

The boys will also have a chance to participate in outdoor adventures, camping, fund raising

and competing in competitions/activities with other Brigade Companies.

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SOME FACTS ABOUT CHRISTMAS

Many of the popular Christmas traditions today found their roots in Saturnalia: Branches from evergreen

trees were used during winter solstice as a reminder of the green plants that would grow in spring

when the sun gods grew strong

These evergreen branches became the foundation of our Christmas tree. Germans are thought to be

the first to bring “Christmas trees” into their homes at the holidays and decorate them with

cookies and lights.

The Christmas tree made its way to America in the 1830s but wasn’t popular until 1846,

after Germany’s Prince Albert brought it to England when he married Queen Victoria.

The two were sketched in front of a Christmas tree and the tradition instantly became popular.

Royal fever was real even back then.

The well-known reason we give presents at Christmas is to symbolize the gifts given to baby Jesus by the three wise men. But it may also stem

from the Saturnalia tradition that required revellers to offer up rituals to the gods.

Because of its roots in pagan festivals, Christmas

was not immediately accepted by the religious. In fact, from 1659 to 1681, it was illegal to celebrate

Christmas in Boston. You were fined if you were caught celebrating.

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In the quiet sanctuaries of our own hearts,

let each of us name and call on the One whose power over us is great and gentle,

firm and forgiving, holy and healing ... You who created us, who sustain us,

who call us to live in peace, hear our prayer this day.

Hear our prayer for all who have died, whose hearts and hopes are known to you alone ...

Hear our prayer for those who put the welfare of others ahead of their own and give us hearts as generous as theirs ...

Hear our prayer for those who gave their lives in the service of others,

and accept the gift of their sacrifice ... Help us to shape and make a world

where we will lay down the arms of war and turn our swords into ploughshares for a harvest of justice and peace ...

Comfort those who grieve the loss of their loved ones and let your healing be the hope in our hearts...

Hear our prayer this day and in your mercy answer us

in the name of all that is holy. Amen.

The peace of God be with you.

PRAYER BY AUSTIN FLEMING

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“Garden hit squad”

The advancing years of some members of the Garden Squad has meant that they have had to reluctantly step down, and the remaining few members have bravely soldiered on. The layers of bark in the shrub beds has greatly reduced the workload, and as we employ a contractor to maintain the grassed areas, the work is now manageable, cutting back shrubs, spraying weed killer on the tarmac areas,, and brushing up leaves and particularly pine needles. We would welcome any new members who would like to join us in this very enjoyable get-together, and there is always the chance for a natter and a cuppa at half time. If you can assist please speak to any member of the squad or speak to me directly. Finally, many thanks to those members of the team who still manage to regularly work in our Church garden, their work is much appreciated. Happy Christmas to one and all. Peter Arkley

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C6 Joint Churches Group The C6 Group of Churches consisting of Ochiltree/Stair, Patna/Dalmellington and Coylton/Drongan continue to work together holding joint events and sharing ideas and exper-tise. This year our main events were a ‘Young at Heart’ evening in Drongan where 70 people from the 6 Churches were entertained by The Loudoun Friends and then en-joyed a lovely tea with home baking. Our next event was a Songs of Praise in Patna Waterside where we learned some new hymns as well as enjoying some not so new. The guest for the evening was Graham Maule a well known hymn writer. Again there was a good turnout with all 6 churches represented. A collection was taken on the evening for StARS (St Andrews Refugee Services, Cairo) a total of £145 was raised. Plans are underway for an Open Air Communion on Wednesday 17th May 2017 at 6.30pm within the grounds of Stair Church. Further information on this event will be given nearer the time. It is also proposed to have a meeting for all Session Clerks and Clerks to the Board on Tuesday 31 January 2017, a meeting for all Treasurers on 25 April 2017 and a get-together with all Fabric Conveners on 21 February 2017. These meetings have proved to be of great benefit in sharing ideas with office-bearers in the other Churches. Joyce Shepheard

What did the Christmas tree say to the ornament? “Aren’t you tired of just hanging around?”

Where do snowmen keep their money?

In a snow bank.

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FLOWER MINISTRY

Another year in which the flower ministry has been very well supported and I would like to say a big thank you to all who have contributed. The people who have received the flowers over the last year have asked me to thank the congregation and also to let everyone know how much they appreciated the gesture. If you know of any member of the community you feel would benefit from receiving the flowers any Sunday, please let us know and we will ensure they are delivered to them, you may even like to deliver them yourself. Please speak to Muriel, Joyce, any Elder or Board member as we may not be aware of a situation where the flowers would be appropriate. The flower list for 2017 will be available in the Vestibule for anyone who wishes to contribute. Please add your name and telephone number to any available Sunday and I will give you a call at the appropriate time. Thank you so much for your support, it is very much appreciated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Muriel Newton

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A SIGN OF THE TIMES

They lie on the table, side by side The Holy Bible and the TV Guide.

One is well worn, but cherished with pride (Not the Bible, but the TV Guide)

One is used daily to help folks decide.

(Not the Bible: it's the TV Guide.) As the pages are turned, what shall they see

Oh, what does it matter?...turn on the TV. Then confusion reigns, they can't all agree

on what they shall watch on the old TV.

So they open the book in which they confide (No, not the Bible.....it's the TV Guide.)

The Word of God is seldom read. Maybe a verse e'er they fall into bed.

Exhausted and sleepy and tired as can be...

not from reading the Bible-from watching TV. So then back to the table, side by side,

lay the Holy Bible and the TV Guide. No time for prayer....no time for the Word.

The plan of salvation is seldom heard.

But forgiveness of sin so full and free is found in the Bible.....NOT on TV!

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samaritan’s purse Christmas Child

Shoebox Appeal 2016

As in the past this year our Church participated again in the Samaritan’s Purse Shoebox Appeal. Thanks must go to the members of the congregation who supported this charity by either filling shoeboxes or donating goods to be put in boxes. We had a big response this year and the boxes and gifts were dedicated on Sunday 20th Novem-ber before being taken to a central point where they are checked before being sent overseas. These boxes will be given to children who would otherwise have nothing at Christmas. Operation Christmas Child is the world’s largest children’s Christmas project, run by the Christian relief and development organisation Samaritan’s Purse. Their mission is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to needy children around the world, and together with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. A big thank you to all who contributed from our Church. Joyce Shepheard

Why did the elves ask the turkey to join the band?

Because he had the drum sticks.

What does Mrs Claus say to Santa when she sees clouds? Looks like rain, dear

What kind of candle burns longer, a red candle or a green candle?

Neither, candles always burn shorter!

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treasurer’s nOtes

Year 10 of our Planned Giving Campaign finished on 30 June 2016 and I can report that our total offerings for the period 1 July 2015 to 30 June 2016 amounted to £38,835 which is down slightly from the previous year. This total of course includes £7,886.85 received from tax reclaimed through Gift Aid and the Gift Aid Small Donations Scheme. As I have said in the past I cannot emphasise enough the difference this income makes to our financial position. As you can see it equates to approx. 20% of our total income. Therefore if you are a taxpayer and have not signed a Gift Aid form I would encourage you to do so, a signature is all that is required the Church does the rest! Forms are available from myself. Our offerings to date this year are keeping par with that of last year and it looks like we could finish the year with a small surplus in the General Fund. I am most grateful to all our members for their continued financial support of our Church, it makes my job so much easier. You will have heard that we have had to have some essen-tial repairs carried out to the stonework of the tower at a cost of £15,594, this expense will be met from the Fabric Fund and it is hoped that we can reclaim the VAT paid through the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme reducing this amount to £12,995. Over the past months we have also tried to help others less fortunate than ourselves. Through collections a total of £222.70 was raised for Christian Aid Week in May and a further £274.00 for our Harvest Collection. Our retir-ing offering for Poppy Scotland also raised £100.00. Thank you to all those who supported these worthwhile causes. May I take this opportunity to wish all our members every Blessing for a Happy and Peaceful Christmas. Joyce Shepheard Treasurer

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READ THROUGH THE WHOLE OF THE

NEW TESTAMENT IN 2017 New Year is often associated with doing something which will improve our wellbeing in some way – dieting, stopping smoking etc. This year, it would be great if everyone in the congregation could think about something which will help their spiritual wellbeing and relationship with God. Perhaps you find it difficult to be disciplined enough in reading your Bible? A reading plan has therefore been prepared which provides readings which will allow you to read through the whole of the New Testament in 2017. Rather than starting at the beginning of the New Testa-ment and working through it page by page, the reading plan is based on chronological order – ie in the order that the events actually happened. So you will find that you will read about: The birth of Jesus, his early ministry, his teachings, his death and resurrection. The start of the Church, how it scatters and expands. Paul’s letters to various people and groups – linked in to the readings from Acts at the appropriate times when they were written. Peter and John’s letters. The future as revealed to John. Did you know that to create a habit, you need to do it for three weeks? This is why for so many people, New Year’s Resolutions have often gone by the wayside sometime in January. They have not been able to keep going for 3 weeks and so the habit has not been created. The reading plan has been put together with flexibility built in, to make it as easy as possible to form a habit in reading your Bible:

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Readings are provided for Monday to Friday each

week with no readings included on Saturday or Sunday. Having some time off each week allows for flexibility – if you don’t manage to do a reading one day, you are not immediately behind. Readings are generally fairly short – one chapter a

day. There is flexibility – you can work ahead if you wish. This plan was created from one that could be com- pleted in 3 months, with longer readings each day and no days off. It is being published early – so if you want to start

now then you can! The plan will be published in sec-tions in the Church Magazines over the coming year and it is hoped that the full reading plan will be posted on the Church Website in due course.

It is hoped that having this challenge will draw us closer together in our walk with God. We will all be doing the same thing. It is important therefore to talk to each other about your journey through God’s Word in 2017. There may be times when you struggle – so it is important to encourage each other to keep going as one day you may need the encouragement! Remember, as the Psalmist says in the Old Testament:

‘Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.’ (Psalm 119:105)

God wants to be our guide as we journey through 2017 – through any ups and downs that we may have to travel. Margaret Moore

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WOmen’s GrOup In the Christmas Story we hear about the Three Wise Men and the gifts they brought. The Women's Group 'loosely speaking ' also welcomed along three wise and interesting gentlemen to speak at our meetings since the start of the session in October. The Very Revd Dr David Lacy entertained us with his memories of his year as Moderator of the Church of Scotland, at our first afternoon meeting. Though this was 11 years ago it was great to hear about his travels to every corner of Scotland and the 258 (approx.) beds he had slept in, some older than others! Joan, his wife joined him to occasionally jog names and places - no wonder with all that entailed during their wonderful term in office. Moving on to November Dr Tom Smith, retired GP, author and radio broadcaster cheered us up with his stories, all true he said, of his time in Ballantrae and Barrhill and throughout the world during his travels with work. Again he brought Mrs Smith, Mhairi to promote and sell his books - say no more - there maybe just one in your Christ-mas stocking! Our third and final 'chappie' Hugh Wallace will entertain us in December and though he doesn’t have a wife to bring along with him I'm sure he's working on it! Hugh has trav-elled to Switzerland on a Young Farmers exchange and returned this year to rekindle old acquaintances. We look forward to hearing what he has to say. A theatre visit to see “Sunshine on Leith” at Centrestage, Kilmarnock in Nov was also most enjoyable. Thank you to all who enthusiastically attend our meetings and especially the hostesses for providing the teas. There's more to come in the New Year but in the mean-time have a lovely Christmas. Doreen Young

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Overall we have not experienced any other major prob-lems this year. There were some minor plumbing issues, which impacted the boiler function on a couple of Sunday mornings. Looking ahead to next year, we may look at some decora-tive work, particularly around the Church windows and the Session Room. A plan will be developed early in the New Year. Several members have asked about the Manse, and we can advise it is wind and watertight, and being inspected regularly. The grass is kept under control by a local con-tractor and weed killer applied to the hard landscaping. The heating system is maintained to ensure the tempera-ture does not drop too low, with winter approaching. All that should be required when we obtain a new Minister is some internal decoration. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2017. Peter Arkley Session Clerk

What kind of bug hates Christmas?

A humbug.

Why does Santa have 3 gardens? So he can hoe-hoe-hoe.

Why did Santa get a ticket on Christmas Eve? He left his sleigh in a snow parking zone.

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BIBLE READINGS FROM JANUARY-JUNE 2017

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NOTES FROM THE FABRIC

GROUP OF THE

CONGREGATIONAL BOARD

Once again the members of the Kirk Session and Congre-gational Board have been occupied with the business of looking after our Church. In the spring the source of some dampness in the hall near the store doorway was investigated, and it was found that the external drainage downpipes were completely clogged. It proved impossible to clear the blockages, many years of solidified pine needles, hence the down-pipes section leading to the drain was replaced, and we have now noticed an improved situation. Over the years we have employed contractors to clear the Church roof drainage system, and carry out maintenance work to slipped tiles etc., but had no real idea ourselves as to the overall condition of the roof. In the summer, we commissioned a contractor to video the roof and report back. This activity revealed that several areas were suffering from dried out mortar and crumbling sandstone, and if left unrectified, could have potentially become unsafe. The contractor has now carried out appropriate remedial work, to the structure, as well as repairing lightning con-ductors where sections had become detached. You will have noticed that the scaffolding has now been removed, and the structure is now sound before the onset of winter proper.

Another area of concern is occasional flooding of the west car park area. Our plumbing contractor has cleared the drainage pipes under the car park, however as the last few months have been unseasonably dry, we have been un-able to assess how successful that work has been at the present time.