www.stevenstonardeer.comShore Road, Stevenston, North Ayrshire KA20 3LA

PLEASE NOTESunday 1 st of January 2017

Church services now at 10-00 a.m.

December dates for you diarySunday 4th CommunionSunday 11th Gift SundaySunday 18th NativitySaturday 24th Christmas eve service

7.00 p.m. at ArdeerSunday 25th Joint Service at

Livingstone at11.00 a. m.

Today, we live in a very troubled world with serious conflicts in various places where people and families are suffering from awful atrocities. In the New Testament in the gospels of Mathew and Luke we read that over 2000 years ago the people were suffering in a similar way from the Roman authorities and no doubt had similar thoughts.

Luke tells us that an angel of the Lord appeared to a priest named Zechariah and told him that his wife who was barren and over the age of 50 would bear him a son and he was to be called John. He went on to say that John would be filled with the Holy Spirit from his birth and would prepare a way that would be fit for the Lord. Sometime later, an angel appeared to Mary and informed her that she would conceive a son and his name was to be Jesus. The angel told her that the child would be known as “Son of the most high” and that his reign would never end. This fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah chapter 9 that a son would be given and the government would be on his shoulders, the everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. We are familiar with the rest of the story but it does show us that God cares about the problems that we face and is always with us.

We will shortly be putting up the decorations for Christmas and getting concerned about the presents to be purchased and the excess of food that will be bought by many of us. However, let us look beyond the glitter and concentrate on the real meaning of Christmas. This child Jesus that was born would go on to offer people a new way of living and a deeper understanding of the Christian faith.

That same Jesus is still giving us the same message and if we let him into our lives will make an immense difference.

We often complain that our churches do not have the same influence as they used to have and are not well attended. I am sure that the church has made many mistakes along the way and people are discouraged, but we should not pass the buck. We as members are Christ’s disciples and it is also up to each one of us to exhibit our faith and to encourage others to come and join us. Maybe then, our congregation will grow and perhaps 2017 is the year that God has chosen for the birth of a new ministry in Livingstone and Ardeer.

This is a wonderful time of the year with such good news to share about our faith and the hope that the world will be a better and more peaceful place if more will follow the teaching of that little child born in such unusual circumstances.

May God bless you all throughout the Christmas Season and in the year to come.

Ken Welch.

Autumn brings so many changes in our world. This year I have particularly enjoyed the wonderful dry and sunny weather. This has made the foliage turn the most wonderful colours and the lack of rain and wind means that the trees have kept their leaves in all the golden and red hues.

I am still a child at heart, one of my favourite pastimes is to walk through the fallen leaves crunching them and kicking them in front of me; Roy just pretends he is not with me. I firmly believe that we all have childlike traits within us, if we didn’t I think the world would be a far more frightening prospect. My faith is childlike, I just believe.

This autumn has brought the pleasure of the changing season but it has also brought the parting of two of our members who have personally given me so much support and I know that my life in Ardeer will be so much poorer without them.

To remember Guy and with Mrs Easton’s permission I am going to re-run Guy’s walks in the Ardeer Area. He put so much effort into each article; I appreciate all his work and enjoyed them immensely, I hope you will enjoy re-reading his tales. No, we shouldn’t look back but nostalgia surely also has a place in our hearts.

Fergus Buchanan has kindly written an article for Ina who will be missed by everyone not just me, she had very big shoes and they will take a lot of filling. Good night Auntie Ina.

Margaret Kelso

Ina McDonald We weren’t long in Stevenston before we realised what a blessing Ina was to the congregation of Ardeer Parish Church.  She worked closely with me in the preparation of the church for weddings and funerals and became “Auntie Ina” to our sons.   The organisations within the church that benefited from her gifts are well known but it would be difficult to sum up Ina’s impact on the community in general.  No one was outside the warmth of her care.  A listening ear, a word of encouragement, any practical help possible.  Ina gave all of this and more.  We thank God for everything she was and everything she did in the Service of Her Lord. Fergus Buchanan

First walk with Guy

(This was written in 2012, it’s amazing what has changed in this short time, I have not altered anything but we all know some members are no longer with us.) How many shops or business’s do you think there were in Ardeer in the 1960’s.

Rather than give you the answers lets go for a walk starting at the station gates and walking down Shore Road towards the water.

On the right hand corner was Nichol’s the chemist where Mr McDonald Snr. was the pharmacist ably assisted by Miss (Mary) Love. During the 60’s Maureen Getano started in the chemists and only recently retired when Roddy McDonald sold the business. The next shop was up the close and was a barbers/hairdressers and next was a butchers, Whites, then Sawyers the newsagents. Mrs Sawyer was of course Captain of the Girls Brigade for some years. Does anyone else remember this shop going on fire and all the stock of fireworks being lost. The next shop was Morrisons bakers where Millie Kentfield nee Garret and Agnes Erskine nee McFadzean worked, then following was Joe’s cafe; ice cream and sweets at the front and chips at the back. The second last shop on this side of the road was Ailsa Tearoom and for the last shop you had to walk down past the putting green, was that a business with its hut which distributed balls and putters, to get to the shop at the corner before the shore to buy your pail and spade and perhaps lemonade or ice cream.

O K lets go back to the station gates and start on the left hand corner where Gilmour’s grocers and next to that Armours, Mrs (May) Armour, soon to be 97 could tell you more

about that. The next shop down was a ladies hairdresser owned by Mrs Blair, wife of Wallace, then the co-op dairy. The next business was Maxwells the dentist who operated from his home at that time and then it was Frank Gilmours Radio/TV shop just before the manse gardens. Carrying on down Shore Road past the church we will not count the Post Office which is in Caledonian Road but should we count Campbell Blair’s shop at the peak of Shore Road and Ardoch Crescent as in Shore Road. When we came to Stevenston there were poles across Shore Road above Gilmour’s Bungalow and so no through traffic like there is today to Trelawney Terrace.

Would you believe we have only walked Shore Road but counter 16 shops/businesses if we include Campbell Blair’s and the putting green hut.

I hope you enjoyed the walk and if you can add names of who worked where please let me know.

Next time we will walk up Caledonian Road and Carment Drive but until then I’m off to put my feet up.

This session has started really well for the Guild.

We have several new members and have enjoyed lots of interesting speakers.

John Hodgart and Jim Dippie entertained us with traditional music. Cecily McLagan told us about her work as a missionary in Peru.  Vivianne McDonald spoke about her visit to Burma and Dora Scott gave an interesting talk on Quilting.

Just before Xmas we are going on an outing to Dobbies Garden Centre.

In the New Year we are looking forward to Elizabeth Howie talking about her walk to Santiago in Spain and a Burns Night with George and Michael.

Come and join us any Monday at 7.15 p.m. in the Church Hall.

Seashells (Mothers & Toddlers )

This group started in August as there was a need, and it has gone from Strength to strength. This group is part of the need being met in the community by ASFaCT.

The volunteers work hard every week to give parents/carers and the children a safe and stimulating programme.

We recently had a visit from North Ayrshire Council Staff who brought items for natural play and this was enjoyed by all They also left us a donation of children’s books. We look forward to their next visit Christmas Rhyme time and fun songs on Thursday the 1st of December .We hope this goes from strength to strength and would appeal for volunteers. If you can spare a couple of hours on a Thursday do pop in or let us know.

Our session is well underway and all girls are working hard towards their badges. The explorers are learning about safety out and about, the Juniors upwards have been learning about bees, and are now onto some very interesting facts they are now on to health and hygiene; they are all having lots of fun while learning.

A very successful Fundraiser was held, raising approximately £300.00.

We held a fancy dress party and are now looking forward to our annual visit to their pantomime visit.

At 1st Stevenston boys brigade this is a busy time with Christmas just around the corner, but it is also a fun time for the officers and the boys.

Anchors So far the anchors have been learning about space, dinosaurs, the beach, safety at the water, Jonah and the whale and the fishers of men. You may have seen their art work in the back hall. They have taken part in the drawing competition, we don’t know if we have a winner yet. We have a fun packed Halloween party with lots of great costumes. It was hard for aunty jean to pick a winner. The boys have also been learning about the reason we all wear a poppy on remembrance Sunday. We have a fun day in November when all boys go and have a fun morning with boys from other companies

and have fun. The boys will also be going to the Livingstone pantomime on the 8 th December; the boys are looking forward to this

The anchor Christmas party is on the 15th December in the hall with a special visitor or two. We also have a planned visit from the zoo lad with some lovely animals.

JuniorsThe juniors have been busy with battalion competitions, they so far have taken part in: bible quiz, bible knowledge, drawing comp, fun run, we may not have won any medals but it’s the fun of taking part, we still have a few to go badminton, football, story writing and figure marching. so, you never know. Watch this space! We have a football team that are doing well this year they train every Saturday morning in all weathers coached by Marc Mccolgan and John Wilson.

We had a pokemon sleepover that went well , we all have fun at the sleepovers, and this time the boys did all sleep. All section had a fun day at Eglinton part, with a treasure hunt, forest walk and the tent challenge also the burgers and hot dogs.

The boys have also been making a remembrance freeze and learning about why we hold a Remembrance Day, and some boys have been telling the others about family members they have lost in different wars.

With Christmas coming the boys are going to the zone in Saltcoats for a bouncy castle and disco party, and attending the Livingstone panto.

Company They have taken part in battalion competitions as well. They took part in the pool comp and came 3rd next is the quiz night, bible quiz also bible passages. They also attended the sleepover, some of the boys went on a sponsor cycle around Millport; the boys said they had a great time and can’t wait to do it again next year.

At Halloween night, the boys all took part in a murder mystery night in back room, this was fun.

Still to come is the table tennis comp, first aid, football and drill, so lots still to come . The boys also watched a movie about why we hold remembrance services and why we wear the poppy.

They are looking forward to their Christmas party at laser quest in Ayr.

Company boys will also we taking part in the Stevenston light switch on 9 th December, they are also bag packing in Morrisons on the 29th December.

We would like to wish Mrs Maggie Boyce a speedy recovery from all the officers and boys.

Thank you all for your support throughout the year, we would like to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

SeniorsThe seniors have been busy with their badge work; they held a cake sale and made £40.60. Two of the boys took part in the pool competition. they also took part in the murder mystery night, they will also be bag packing on the 29th December.

The senior boys will be going to the Mary Queens close tour in Edinburgh, with Darriane Chalmers officer in charge of the company section. Rather her than me.

We have held a quiz night where we raised £145. We are having a body shop party to raise money for Christmas parties.

We are holding a Christmas fete in the hall on Saturday the 26 th November 10am to 2pm any donations of prizes would be very much appreciated. We will also have raffle tickets for sale at £1 a strip. These will be on sale until 15th December, so far with great prizes; a tour of rangers for 6; 2 half litres if ice cream from shells and scoops; a pizza from Multan; £25 voucher for baseball in Saltcoats and 4 free bowling games; plus others.

Thank you all for your support throughout the year,

We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Eileen Mccolgin

Our session is well underway and all girls are working hard towards their badges. The explorers are learning about safety out and about. The older girls have been learning about bees, and are now onto some very interesting facts about health and hygiene; they are all having lots of fun while learning.

A very successful Fundraiser was held, raising approximately £300.00.

We held a fancy dress party and are now looking forward to our annual visit to a pantomime.

Kay Tudor

Treasurer’s Report November 2016

General FundingAs previously reported due to an income shortfall we were unable to meet our financial commitments in 2015. A very challenging budget income figure of £52.820 was set for 2016. Progress against our target over the first ten months of the year is as follows. Regular Offerings to end October 2016 total £30, 835, representing a weekly average of £717. This represents a further slight reduction in the average reported up to end June (£729). Should the latest weekly average be maintained for the remainder of the year, income from Offerings, as indicated previously, should reach £38,000. (Budget £40,000) The fund-raising team, with your support, has continued to work hard to supplement our income.To date we have raised a total of £3,500 against a budget of £4,000. This total will be supplemented by income from the forthcoming Fashion Show and from the sale of Christmas cards designed by the members of the Children’s church. Income from Gift Aid totals £4681against the budgeted figure of £7,000. A further Gift Aid application is currently being prepared which should achieve the budgeted figure.

Major items of expenditure over the above period include:Salaries £3,365 Energy Costs £4,275 Insurance £2,622 Ministerial Costs £18,186

It is anticipated that due to a combination of expenditure reductions in some areas (Ministries and Mission, Fabric, and Ministerial Support costs) our total out goings will be approximately £2,000 lower than budget.

It is therefore anticipated that we will over the next two months be able to finance both our 2016 Ministries and Mission allocation and clear the debt outstanding from 2015. Stewardship Campaign Due to other commitments, it has not been possible to hold a final wash–up meeting for the Stewardship Campaign. Review of our income from Offerings for the period January to October 2016 compared to the same period in 2015 indicates an increase of 15%.

In addition, six new Standing Orders have been set – up to enable your Offerings to be provided on a regular basis.

Thanks to everyone for your increased donations as you can see from the above financial summary your support should allow us to both meet all 2016 commitments and fund our outstanding 2015 debt.

Restoration Fund All major Restoration is now complete, with the final retention costs of £12,385 to be paid.

You will be aware of the work being carried out in the church to replace the lighting plus it is hoped to be able to undertake some improvement work in the stairway and in the Transept area. Additional third party funding has been obtained for this work, we are however required to provide matched funding.

We ask therefore for your continued efforts, both by way of your on-going regular donations and special fund raising to ensure sufficient funds to provide the necessary funding to support this work.

Jim Dunwoodie (Treasurer)

Learning Group

Come Dine With Me - which took place in October was really good. Sitting round the table enjoying tea, coffee and home baking we had a really interesting chat about various characters from the bible and a lot of other things besides. It was a really relaxed and very informative evening. Thanks to all those who attended.

Future events - We are in contact with the Ayr Community Gospel Choir and hope that they will be able to come in the spring. Having been to one of their concerts it will be a great night. More information in the next edition of Network.Learning Group Committee

Children's Church

We have had a busy time over the past few months learning about some of the characters from the bible and all about Gods live for all of us. We are now starting to practice the Nativity play which will take place n 18th December. We hope you will be able to come and join in.

Christmas Cards - Thanks to everyone who bought Christmas Cards designed by the children. We sold 68 packs of cards but more important than money raised the children will be excited to see their own design and name on a Christmas cards.  Many thanks for your support.

Jean Robertson

I would like to thank everyone for the lovely cards that I received upon taking up my new post as Deacon at Kilwinning Old Parish Church and thank you also to everyone who attended my service of introduction.   It was a great night and it was lovely to see so many people.  I am loving my new post and am already in the midst of preparations for a busy Christmas season.

PeaceIsobel Beck.

Susan, Isobel and family would like to say a huge and sincere thank you to everyone for the kindness shown to their mum during her illness and for the many lovely cards, expressions of sympathy and generosity shown since her passing.  Thank you to all who attended the funeral service, it was a wonderful tribute to mum's life and very touching to see so many people gathered to pay their respects. The sum of £1,360 was raised from the retiring offering and will be divided between three of mum's favourite charities: Ardeer Parish Church, Robin House Children's Hospice and North Ayrshire Cancer Care.

Ardeer Parish Church - Prayer List

Mr R. Burnett McGregor Avenue, Stevenston Mrs M. Rolley Longfield Avenue, SaltcoatsMrs S. Copeland Garven Road, StevenstonMrs M. Campbell Trelawney Terrace, StevenstonMrs S. Mitchell Hillside Street, StevenstonMrs M. Kentfield Sinclair Street, StevenstonMrs I. Rowley Murdoch Crescent, StevenstonMrs H. Smith Clark Crescent, StevenstonMrs C. Crawford Seafield Court, Ardrossan

Mrs M. Harvey Station Road, StevenstonMr & Mrs J. Wilson Burnside Cottages, StevenstonMrs J. Jackson Trelawney Terrace, StevenstonMrs B. Conn Mayville Street, StevenstonTravis Arnold & family Redstone Wynd, KilwinningMrs J. Wilson Greenhead Avenue, StevenstonMrs J. Crawford Campbell Avenue, StevenstonMrs I. Easton Shore Road, StevenstonMrs J. Robertson Burnside Cottages, StevenstonMrs N. Lockhart John Brogan Place, StevenstonMrs C. Batchelor Glencairn Street, StevenstonMrs M. Young West Park Court, StevenstonMrs B. Thomson Dubbs Road, StevenstonMr & Mrs K. Ramsay Shore Road, StevenstonMr J. Magness Reid’s Avenue, StevenstonMrs A. Frew St Monarch’s PlaceMr & Mrs A. Johnstone Grange Court, StevenstonMrs C. McMaster Campbell Avenue, StevenstonMr D. Orr Alexander Avenue, StevenstonMr R. Travers Caledonian Road, Stevenston

Friends in Bonnie Leslie Court

Mr S. Gibson

Care Homes

Abbotsford Care Home, Ardrossan

Mrs C. Montgomerie 

Abbeyfield Care Home, Irvine

Mrs M. Elwood

Remembering Friends who have Lost Loved Ones

Family of Mrs I. McDonaldFamily of Mrs M. HourstonFamily of Mrs E. GibsonFamily of Mr G. EastonFamily of Mr W. McBlainFamily of Mr J. ImrieFamily of Mr F. NimmoFamily of Mr J. Smith

Flowers

Many thanks to the members of the congregation who have donated flowers which have beautified our Church over the last few months.

Anyone who would like to donate flowers to the church, please add your name to the calendar or you can simply make a donation.

The Flower conveners for:

December 2016 Mrs J. Ramsay & Mrs M. RolleyJanuary 2016 Mrs K. Tudor & Mrs N. SymingtonFebruary 2016 Mrs C. Grayston

Next Edition

I am only the editor of this magazine and can only publish articles given to me. I therefore require the co-operation of the whole congregation to contribute and improve the magazine.

Articles to be included in the March 2017 edition need to be in my possession by Sunday 12th February 2017. My telephone number is 01294 468264 or 07554865399 e-mail address is margaretkelso@googlemail.comMargaret Kelso

NAME POSITION PHONE NUMBER

E-MAIL ADDRESS

K WELCH Interim Moderator 01475 675259 kswelch@talktalk.netREV D HEBENTON

Interim Minister 01294 829228

K TUDOR Session Clerk 470008 Kaytudor@yahoo.co.ukJ DUNWOODIE Treasurer 466895 jsd1810@aol.co.ukR McMILLAN Elder 556014 sir-bob@tiscali.co.ukM BRANNAN Elder 466017 bandmbran@live.co.ukF BURNETT Elder 469737P CAMPBELL Elder p.campbell874@btinternet.comM CRAIK Elder 214733 margaret.craik01@btinternet.comJ CUNNINGHAM Elder 466174J DUFF Elder 466545A EWART Elder 601117G FERGUSON Elder 467742C GRAYSTON Elder 468992 muttley49@aol.comR KELSO Elder 468264 kelsowr@aol.comI MAGNESS Elder 465724 ianmagness@tiscali.co.ukM MONTGOMERY Elder 605110 maggs1512@yahoo.co.ukP MOORE Elder 469883J McALLISTER Elder jackmcallister39@yahoo.co.ukJ MCGARVA Elder 461365 jostig@hotmail.co.ukM MCKINNEY Elder 464940PW MCLELLAN Elder 464778D McMAIL Elder bdmcmail@yahoo.co.ukJ NIVEN Elder 467788 jeanniven14@hotmail.co.ukD ORR Elder 468345J RAMSEY Elder 462688M ROLLEY Elder 461963A SANDS Elder 469287E STEWART Elder thomson.elaine@googlemail.comD THOMSON Elder 469067 dthomson57@googlemail.comM THOMSON Elder 469067 marilynthomson@talktalk.net