A New Year Thought

In total humility, at one with the least of his people, Jesus the

Messiah or Christ, reigns as King, with full authority and

honour for eternity.

There is a marked contrast between the high office, power and

authority given to the Messiah and the tender humility in which

he acts with his people.

The Messiah finds his true identify in searching for the lost,

bringing back the strays, binding up the injured and

strengthening the weak.

Jesus Himself told us why he came:

“to proclaim good news to the poor ... to proclaim freedom for

the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the

oppressed free, and to proclaim the year of the Lord’s

favour.” (Luke 4)

Let us celebrate our knowledge of God’s love by worshipping

Him as King.

Tim Stone

The Salvation Army a Registered Charity No. 214779 and in Scotland SC009359

Church Contact Details

Tim and Cheryl Stone, Church Leaders 59 John Street Ayr KA8 0BS

Tel.01292 269286 ayr@salvationarmy.org.uk

www.ayrcommunitychurch.com

January 2017 Issue 14 Church Leaders: Lieutenants Tim and Cheryl Stone

sorting by type and by 'use by' date. It needs to be stored on the

shelves and then bagged. Ultimately, we distribute the food to

the needy, keeping records about who we have helped and why.

We give space

At various times every room in our buildings has been let to

community groups who require help by having a place to meet.

These groups include job clubs, parent and toddler groups,

youth theatre and many others. We also host Recovery Ayr each

Friday, offering a safe social space. We also give our rooms free

of charge to needy groups such as the DWP confidence-building

group and the SeAscape befrienders.

We give time

Officers of The Salvation Army are appointed to a community.

We are represented on several groups. Tim chairs the board for

Voluntary Action South Ayrshire (the Third Sector Interface)

and also for SeAscape (the local charity for the homeless). As

part of the national health and social care integration agenda,

Tim also chairs the Locality Planning Group for Ayr North.

We give money

Ayr Community Gospel Choir and our Salvation Army band

help us raise £000's each year. Sincere thanks to all those who

have enabled this outcome. Whilst some of this money goes to

Salvation Army projects, around £5,000 per annum is shared

with other local charities such as Women’s Aid and Combat

Stress.

We give hospitality

Although it needs financial support from the corps, the Hub

Café (our community café) is a central place for networking and

is a key attraction to our building. It supports most of the

activities we want to take place here and people will share their

concerns. Michelle Brown (café manager) leaving this position

is a significant loss for us to address. However, there are new

opportunities to explore together and we welcome Danielle

Lowndes into this vital role.

Please keep praying for our essential work. If you would like to

find out more, please speak to Tim, Cheryl or Robin.

Tim Stone

What does The Salvation Army do in Ayr?

We recently celebrated that The Salvation Army has been in

Ayr for 120 years. During that time, we have deservedly built a

fantastic reputation with the local population who are grateful

for our continuous support.

As a congregation, we fully live out our corporate motto of

“belief in action”. Thanks to all of you for your commitment

and support to making a difference in people’s lives.

Nevertheless, several people from the community have asked

about what The Salvation Army does in South Ayrshire today.

The following is a list of how we use our resources.

We give food

Today, we are well known for our foodbank. However, it takes

a team to undertake all the activities required. Various churches

and organisations offer bags of food, but these have to be

collected and brought back to John Street. The food needs

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Band Christmas Playing

In the weeks before Christmas the Band had a busy time in Troon, Prestwick and

Ayr playing Christmas music to the staff and residents of four care and retirement

homes. Apart from one Saturday the weather was favourable and the band

presented music in Ayr town centre. Shoppers and passers-by were treated to a

feast of Christmas music with singers from other churches joining them on the

third Saturday. On these four days, the generosity of the public was very evident.

St Columba’s Church and Dalmilling Church each held concerts where with other

guests the audiences were blessed by the Christmas music played by the band.

The Ayrshire Hospice ‘Light up a Life’ concert held in Kilmarnock Grand Hall gave the band another opportunity to accompany the

Carol singing, listen to choirs and add brass music to the proceedings.

Christmas selections and accompaniments to the Carol singing at Castlehill Church for the concert by Ayr Community Gospel Choir

meant another busy day for the band.

The Bandmaster and Corps Officers appreciate the efforts made by band members at this busy time.

Ayr Community Gospel Choir

On the first Sunday in Advent Castlehill Church was the venue for a very

enjoyable concert by the choir conducted by Bobby and accompanied by Cheryl.

Hallelujah, Carol of the Bells, Feliz Navidad, Bright Star Shining were some of

the titles sung by the choir concluding with The Lord Bless Thee and Keep Thee.

There were solo items, one with ukulele accompaniment and Zara Stone, one of

the younger members of the choir sang ‘For Good’ by Stephen Schwartz from the

musical ‘Wicked’.

Major Raelton Gibbs and Mrs Lynn Gibbs, West Scotland Divisional Leaders

chaired the programme and presented a Christmas message.

This event has become so popular and the church was once again packed to capacity.

The collection raised on the evening amounted to £3700 which was donated to local groups Broken Chains and Recovery Ayr.

Christmas Café Church

After enjoying a cup of coffee/tea the listeners were treated to a feast of music by the band, songsters, young people and

congregational Carol singing. The highlight of the evening was the excellent presentation of the Nativity Story by the young people.

Interspersed with some humorous moments the real story of Christmas was made evident to those who listened.

The young people and those who work with them must be commended for their hard work and successful performance.

CHRISTMAS PRAISE

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Enrolment of Adherents

On the second Sunday of Advent Divisional

leaders Majors Railton and Lynn Gibbs led us in

worship. During the morning meeting the Corps

Officer Lieutenant Tim Stone enrolled six new

adherents. Two of the adherents gave an insight as

to how they had commenced worshipping at the

‘Army’.

Lorna Murdoch spoke about how she began to

attend the Ayr Corps with her daughter. Prior to

this she had for many years been a member of

another church. In her testimony Lorna spoke that

although making a new start she really was

returning to her roots as her grandparents had

been Salvation Army officers.

Ralph Riddiough, a brass band enthusiast first came to the hall to hear the ISB when they visited the Corps in March 2015. Along with his wife and three boys the welcome and friendliness they received helped them make the decision to commence worshipping at the Corps. The building however was not new to them as when it was previously the Church of Scotland Ralph and his wife had been married there and their three sons were christened so they too were returning to their roots.

Enrolment of Senior Soldier Zara Stone

On the second Sunday of the New Year it was encouraging to see that Tim and Cheryl’s daughter Zara had decided to become a Senior Soldier. While attending Recruits classes and still uncertain about her decision, Zara contacted a family friend, Captain John Clifton – Ilford Corps with a request that if she decided to become a soldier would he come to Scotland and conduct her enrolment.

Zara made the decision to become a soldier and John who had promised Zara he would fulfil her request travelled to Ayr, conducted the enrolment and as well as renewing friendship with Tim, Cheryl and family, made Zara a very happy young lady.

Captain John Clifton then gave a very inspiring Bible message and concluded Sunday morning worship.

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The War Cry

I joined the Salvation Army on the 28th October 2014. Shortly after this I started to sell

the War Cry in Prestwick taking over from Alex Glass (a hard act to follow). From the

very start I felt Jesus came into my heart and with His help I have had so much joy in

selling the War Cry every Friday on the street in Prestwick.

There is so much I could say about the generosity of the people of Prestwick – or as I

call them – my regulars. They are there every Friday morning like clockwork and it is

great to see our collecting cans filled by these generous people.

The stories I am told and the respect that the public have for the Salvation Army is

wonderful. I am blessed by them and I hope they receive blessings from me.

One story told by a woman was of a house fire that destroyed the family home. They

were re-housed but with no insurance cover there was no money to replace what had

been lost in the fire. At that time the Salvation Army helped them by giving beds,

furniture, pots, pans and other essential items. The family have never forgotten the help

given to them by the ‘Army’.

Recently Mr A. Cochrane from the Prestwick History Group was taking photographs in the Main Street for their

records. He took my photograph in order that the Salvation Army man selling papers on the street will someday be part

of the history of the town.

While having a break, I call in to have coffee in the 65 club. This gives me time to chat with the people who meet

there.

I am grateful for all the opportunities I have been given to witness and especially thank Stan for all the help and

encouragement he has given to me in this task.

Allan Maitland

The hardest thing you’ll ever do

‘[Jesus] made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant.’

Philippians 2:7 KJV

The hardest thing you’ll ever do is to put others first and yourself second, because we intuitively

look out for ourselves. Self-preservation is man’s first instinct - but it doesn’t work. Do you

know how two goats respond when they meet on a narrow path above a river? They can’t turn

back, and they can’t pass each other because they lack even an inch of spare room. The goats

instinctively know that if they butt each other they’ll both fall into the river and drown. So how

do they handle it? Nature has taught one goat to lie down so the other can pass over it; and as a

result both animals survive and arrive at their destination safe and sound. Instead of seeing itself

as a doormat to be walked on, the goat sees itself as a bridge to be crossed over. So it becomes a

win-win. The Bible says Jesus ‘made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a

servant’. And to do that you must focus on other people’s needs instead of your own ‘rights’.

President Calvin Coolidge once said: ‘No enterprise can exist for itself alone. It ministers to

some great need, it performs some great service, not for itself, but for others; or failing therein, it

ceases to be profitable and ceases to exist.’ And what’s true for any organisation or business

operation, is true for you. And here’s the best part: every time you sacrifice in order to serve

someone, you’re sowing seeds of blessing you will surely reap.

Bible in a Year: Zech 1-2; Rev 15;

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Rachel Runs the London Marathon 2017! Fundraiser: Rachel Irvine My page: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RachelIrvine2 Why support me in raising funds for The Salvation Army?

Since 1865, the Salvation Army has been working with some of the most marginalised people in society, without judgement or condemnation. All sponsorship monies raised will go to support Gloucester House, one of our registered treatment centres which aims to inspire individuals to build a new life free from addiction. Gloucester House is a Care Quality Commission registered treatment centre that has provided residential rehabilitation for people with substance misuse, drug and alcohol issues since 1961. Gloucester House recognises and understands the damaging effects caused to individuals, families and communities through substance misuse, and provides a holistic, integrated 12 step programme designed to empower and support every individual to attain a life free from dependency. Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor me and donations will be quickly processed and passed to The Salvation Army. Please select "gift aid" on your donations so that The Salvation Army can claim it - every little helps!

I really appreciate all your support and thank you for any donations!!!

Announcement will be made for those who want to give cash donations.

6 The Salvation Army a Registered Charity No. 214779 and in Scotland SC009359

Hub Café

Open 10am – 3pm

Monday to Friday

Weekly Activities

Monday

9.30am Rainbow Tots

Baby & Toddler Group

2pm Home League (ladies meeting)

Tuesday

7pm Songster Practice

8pm Band Practice

Wednesday

2pm first Wednesday of each month

55+ Club £2 includes afternoon tea

7.30pm Ladies’ Fellowship

Thursday

6.30pm Brass Learners

7.30pm Gospel Choir

Sunday

10.15am Prayer Meeting

10.45am Family Service

6pm Bible Study with Howel Jones

Any prayer requests or visits required please contact Lt. Cheryl Stone

cheryl.stone@salvationarmy.org.uk

07888 732071

or

Prayer request forms are also located in the side entrance foyer.

Please place completed forms

in prayer box.

Coming Events

Sunday 5th February

Self Denial Launch

Sunday 26th February

Visit of David & Gillian Burns

(division Mission Enablers)

Saturday 11th March

Preliminary Notice

Ladies Fellowship Coffee Morning

If you would like to help with a table or

donation please see Iris

We are raising funds in support of

Rachel Irvine in her bid to run the

London Marathon - all proceeds of

which will go to the Salvation Army

Good Friday

14-April

Easter Sunday

16-April

55+Club Christmas Lunch

Wednesday 7th December saw 26 of our 55+ club regulars sit down for a Christmas

lunch. The menu allowed the members a choice of starter, main course and sweet,

finishing with mints and tea or coffee. Our officer Cheryl accompanied the carol

singing and entertained us with a selection of Christmas music. Cheryl also presented a

Christmas thought before introducing an old gentleman in a red coat, his sack filled

with presents for one and all.

Carol Lambie

Programme for 2017

1st February: Fire Safety in the Home

1st March: Music with Wendy Parkhill

5th April: Easter Parade

3rd May: Sing Along

7th June: Summer Picnic

Flower Rota 2017

We are grateful to those who provided flowers during 2016 and hope that along with

others they are able to continue to give flowers in the coming year.

Although Ayr Floral Union has kindly provided us with beautiful artificial

arrangements on a temporary basis – the additional provision of fresh flowers or

arrangements from members of the church continues to be most welcome.

Should you wish to provide cut flowers or an arrangement in order to signify a

celebration, in memory of a loved one or for any other reason. Please take the

opportunity to add your name to the ‘Flower Rota’ located on the notice board in the

side entrance-foyer.

Carol Lambie