It’s rapidly approaching Christmas with

all the usual hustle and bustle. We

decided that we would have an ‘angel’

theme for this year so angels will be

appearing in different activities and

services around the

church for the next

few weeks. The

angels play an

important role in the

Christmas story

because they were

the ones that

announced the good

news to the different

people involved.

On the 30th

November the

Christmas lights

will be switched on

in Prestwick and

there are lots of

things planned

around the town for

that day. Shops will

be open and there will be music and hot

chocolate, sweets and mince pies. As

part of that celebration we at MPN got

together with Prestwick Business

Association to hold a competition.

There are ten angels who have managed

to get lost in a shop in Prestwick and

each one has a piece of a Christmas

message. If you can find them and make

the words into a Christmas message then

you have a chance of winning a large

Christmas hamper to share with your

family and friends.

Some people will

come to church this

year because they

‘always go at

Christmas and

Easter’ and it’s

good that they

make the effort but

this competition

allows us to engage

in a different way

with people who

might never even

think about coming

to church. We need

to find new ways to

engage with our

community and this

is one way of

getting people

talking about the

true meaning of Christmas.

It’s not that the story is boring: angels

announce to a young girl that she is

going to have God’s baby; her fiancé is

told the same, and that he should still

marry her; shepherds were told when it

happened; and, travellers from the East

Monkton and Prestwick North Parish Church of Scotland Scottish Charity Number SC004271

followed a strange star in the sky until they

found the baby. Then a king got wind of it

and a chase ensued; lots of babies were

slaughtered to try and get rid of this one

baby but he and his parents escaped.

It is the story of how God moved into the

neighbourhood. Never again could he be

thought of as ‘far off’ or remote. Christmas

is when the infinite, eternal God, who made

everything that exists became part of his

own creation. And not an important part

either. He didn't become King of the

Universe at Christmas, though even that

would have been a big step down. He

became an illegitimate baby born to a poor

couple from a conquered race, born in a

grotty cave-stable in an insignificant back-

water of a town in the unfashionable end of

the Roman Empire. And that is the same

God who spoke and the universe was

created.

And God did this not just to blow our

minds, but to enter into our experience. The

God of the Universe became one of us and

lived as one of us so that we could know

him and be with him. God himself bridged

the gap between people and God, and at

immense cost to himself.

Do we praise and worship God for

Christmas? Do we let the facts of

Christmas bring us to our knees? I want to

recommend that you take some time on

your own or with another Christian to just

think about what God did at Christmas until

you are left with no choice but to worship

him for it.

Christmas is also a time to celebrate what

we have in this life. Telling people to put

Jesus at the centre of Christmas often

doesn't work because they don't see how he

will help them enjoy Christmas more. We

need to show them that Jesus was right

when he said “I have come that they may

have life to the full,” and that the best life

to live is one with Jesus at the centre.

I am so glad that so many people at MPN

are actually doing this. The warmth and

sense of community is something visitors

often comment on. I want to take this

chance to thank everyone who volunteers

at church and in the Cafe: door and count

teams; tea and coffee makers; those who

buy supplies; the cooks and cleaners; the

servers; the knitters; the magazine editor,

writers, folders and deliverers; the visitors

and encouragers; the musicians; the

readers, prayers and preachers; the AV

team; the leaders in organisations; the

flower arrangers and deliverers; the elders;

those who put the tables and chairs out and

away; office helpers; gardeners; drivers and

walkers; shoe box fillers;

You all make the church and café work and

we are indebted to you. What you do is so

important because the story of Jesus is not

just for Christmas—it is for every day. You

help to show that it matters and that Jesus

makes a difference in your lives. Thank

you.

May this Christmas be a time when you

experience the ‘Good News’ for yourself.

Enjoy time with family of friends,

remember the past and give thanks for the

future because you’re part of this amazing

story that is waiting for its climax when

Jesus will be revealed in all his glory.

Have a happy and peace filled Christmas,

David

CELEBRATION BIRTHDAY.

I am sure many of our Church Family members will remember Mrs Jessie

Hunter who lived at the bottom of Alexandra Avenue. Jessie was a very

faithful member attending every Sunday morning with her friend Ruby Niv-

en—Jessie was a stalwart member of the Guild—she was always smiling and

you never heard her complain. A good few years ago due to oncoming frailty

Jessie moved to sheltered housing in Morris Court, Dalry where she recently

celebrated her 100th birthday.

Linda Welsh gave me a cutting out of the local paper with Jessie surrounded

by her family, friends, carers and also with our Queen’s representative

presenting Jessie with her telegram from the Queen.

I have given the cutting to the Guild for anyone who would like to see how

well, happy and contented this dear lady is.

Best wishes and many blessings to this special lady from all our Church

Family.

Valerie.

Max Lucado wrote this and I just had to share it with you all. ‘None of us pray as much as we should, but all of us pray more than we think, because the Holy Spirit turns our sighs into petitions and tears into entreaties. He speaks for you and protects you. He makes sure you get heard’.

Valerie.

2015 2016 NEWS FROM PASTORAL CARE COMMITTEE.

The committee agreed that the Church Fete for 2015 will take place again on a date in June and that the possibility of a concert in the spring is being investigated.

Finance update Our commitment to Edinburgh 2014 £58,781

As I reported in the December Magazine last year, we were £25,000, in arrears with these payments These arrears have been paid and our payments for 2014 have been paid by standing order and are up to date. All of this has been achieved by the grace of God, hard work by the finance team and the continuing support of YOU the Congregation. Again, I must take this opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who work tirelessly week after week in our Pioneer Café at Monkton. The financial support this gives our Church cannot be over emphasised. It is a major contributor to the finances of our Church. Your Brother in Christ Robert Gibson Treasurer

Blythswood Care Christmas Shoebox Appeal

A huge thank you to all those who very kindly filled a box for Blythswood

Care we sent away the magnificent total of 75 boxes.

Grateful thanks also to those who knitted garments or who donated cash.

These gifts will make an enormous difference to those who would

otherwise receive little or nothing this Christmas and who are so grateful

to know that people who have never met them want to make a

difference.

Jeanette Munro.

IT IS TIME TO SAY GOODBYE.

Thanks to all who have shared my Christian Life over the last 24 years. When

Donald came as Associate Minister and did a lot of Pastoral Care Work, we learned very quickly the names and concerns of people in the congregation. We were with you for only 4 months when our eldest daughter was killed in a road

accident on the A77 and we were shown such love and care in those days. Some 4 years later dear Donald died suddenly and again I received such love and support from many in this congregation. Our minister at this time advised

me not to leave the congregation but to stay with the friends I had made—very wise.

When I was in hospital some time later and came home to recuperate a team of ladies looked after me and my home wonderfully. When my daughter was doing

some work in Tanzania it was wonderful to raise thousands of pounds with the help of many of you in this congregation. She and her students at Robert Gor-

don University were involved in a World Health programme setting up a Phar-macy in a remote area of Tanzania.

I have taken part in many aspects of our Church and witness throughout the years and the latest one is Christ in Action and I will be leaving that outreach but dear Liz does need more help to deliver food to those in need I do hope some

of you will respond.

When Tom and I married 5 years ago it was the most wonderful experience to see the Church family share in this joyous occasion. One of the ministers taking part was The Rev Dr Abi Ngunga who had adopted me as his Mum some

9 years previously. He has come to minister at Newton Wallacetown Church and we have decided to join him and his family. It will save us driving from Ayr and we will be in his Parish.

My sincere thanks to all who have shared in this walk with me and Tom and I

wish you all God’s Richest Blessing. Tom and Elizabeth Mitchell.

P I O N E E R C A F E.

The Pioneer Cafe will be closed for 3 weeks over Christmas from Friday 12th December until Monday 5th January. Thank you for your support during the year and we wish you and all our volunteers a very Happy Christmas.

FAIRTRADE

Traidcraft’s Special Christmas Appeal is for children in India who have to work at

home to supplement the family income and so miss out on going to school or ‘playing’

like children should. Akash a 7 year old and his brother 10 year old Yogesh help

their parents heat plastic bangles over a Bunsen burner and join the ends together.

This is laborious, repetitive work and exposes them all to dangerous fumes. Akash

has been doing this since he was 4 or 5. His family can only afford to eat 2 sparse

meals of vegetables per day and if there are no orders they don’t eat.

Even though child labour in factories has been legally abolished, millions of children

work long hours in their own homes, doing unskilled tasks. Traidcraft is so against

this exploitation of children that they are supporting local Learning Centres, which

provide an education for children who have missed out on schooling and also offer

vocational courses for adults. Akash and Yogesh now attend one of these Learning

Centres and are making good progress in Maths, reading and writing. The family

income went down when the children were not working such long hours but the

family have managed and their mother plans to attend the Centre to learn to stitch

and sew. She then hopes to increase the family’s earnings and break the cycle of

poverty.

Traidcraft also helps families to form community groups, giving them a stronger

voice to negotiate fair prices for their work.

Traidcraft encourages parents to diversify their income making activities so that

their families can eat every day.

Traidcraft promotes the fair and equal treatment of women and the protection of

children.

Traidcraft also helps families access government benefits such as health insurance,

which provide vital security for home workers.

Please give £10, or whatever you choose, to help children like Akash learn to read

and write and have a better life.

Traidcraft, Kingsway, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE11 0NE, UK.

Tel 01914976445.

www.traidcraft.org.uk

Margaret Goodlad.

Lunch Clubs at Prestwick and Monkton

Once again Christmas is almost upon us - where has the last year gone? We have enjoyed lunch clubs at both Prestwick and Monkton and while sometimes numbers have been down there has been no lack of fellowship and fun. If you would like to come along for a chat and have lunch you will be made very welcome. Here are the dates for the first half of 2015. Prestwick Monkton February 4th 19th March 4th 19th April 1st 16th May 6th 21st June 3rd 18th

The Lunch Club Teams.

THE GUILD

We have had an interesting session so far with a variety of speakers and activities starting

with ‘Arizona Highlights’, followed by Irene Smith’s brother the Rev Jack Graham, from

the East End of Glasgow. He formed amazing ideas and challenges from a few games of

‘Countdown’ and finished with an excellent rendition of ‘I’ll walk with God’. Zumba

expert Fiona Young got everyone moving and gave us a very happy afternoon. We have

a speaker on the 4th December from the ‘Good Morning Service’ who will tells us how we

can get a daily phone call to check our well being.

Everyone is welcome every second Thursday at 2pm. The syllabus for 2015 is below.

8th Jan. New Year, New Start Rev Kenneth Yorke

22nd

Jan Scottish Day

5th Feb Another Adventure Jim Goodlad

19th Feb ‘Literate’ Greta Yorke and friends

5th March DVD from Dundee Rally

12th March Spring Rally Troon Portland Church

19th March Salvation Army Cheryl Stone

26th March AGM and Daffodil Tea.

14th May 7pm Annual Business Meeting Ayr Auld Kirk Halls

4th June 7.30pm Summer Rally Girvan South Church

Margaret Goodlad

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 qualified 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.

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

CERTIFICATES ISSUED.

Mr & Mrs William McConnell of Fernbank to Kingcase Church

Mrs Elizabeth Mitchell of Craigie Way, Ayr to Newton and Wallacetown Church.

Robert Gibson—Roll Keeper.

Once again Margaret Cranston has submitted an amusing story from her daily paper

for us all to enjoy. Thank you—Margaret.

The Rev. Richard Coles, broadcaster, vicar and 1980’s pop star, has had another

run-in with the law. At a reading of his new book, Fathomless Riches, Coles

confessed that he has just had to take a speed-awareness course for the second

time. It was not wholly his fault, though. Coles blames a woman ‘with flaming locks

of auburn hair, with ivory skin and eyes of emerald green’, Don’t they all.

I’d arranged a parish outing to see Dolly Parton in concert, he explained. “As I drove

my parishioners back, we had a singalong and as we rose in our condemnation of

Jolene (the eponymous subject of Parton’s 1973 hit) I pressed on the accelerator”.

Alas, he was clocked doing 50 in a 40mph zone and nicked thanks to that minx’

Jolene’. Perhaps something more pedestrian from Hymns Ancient and Modern would be better next time.

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

My name is Lesley Keenan and I have recently returned to live in Scotland after being in London and the Isle of Man for the past 14 years. I took the opportunity to retire early from the Department of Health, Isle of Man Government at the end of March 2014 and my husband and I both decided that Prestwick had everything we were looking for in our retirement. We had previously lived in Prestwick in the early 1990s for just over 3 years so we were coming back to familiar ground. I was brought up in the Church of Scotland, however when I moved to the Isle of Man I attended a lively Baptist Church and stayed there for 11 years. I was not sure if I would attend the Baptist Church in Ayr or return to the Church of Scotland; however after seeking advice and prayer from my Pastor he encouraged me to try the local Church as he said it was important to feel part of the community. When the decision was made to ‘come home’ to Prestwick I looked at all the Church of Scotland websites to see what each had to offer. I was impressed with the website and the work that MPN Church was doing, especially its involvement in the community and it was great to be able to hear David preach. So the first Sunday I returned to Prestwick I went to MPN and immediately felt that this was the Church I would like to belong to. I have been made most welcome at Church and the weekly Bible Study and hope that I can start to get more involved in the life of the Church once we’ve sold our house on the Isle of Man. At the moment I’ve had to keep going back and there have been a number of other commitments which has kept me from getting involved. I look forward to seeing what God has planned for me at MPN.

Congratulations to Tracy, Elizabeth, Martin, Matt, Andy, Caty, Richard and Jamie, our friends from Sutherland House, who recently completed their Healthy Eating Course. Certificates were issued during morning worship. We had lots of fun and fellowship as we all learned new cooking skills from each other. Thank you to our wonderful team of ladies who gave up their time to come to the classes and share their skills, and a special thank you to Morag for all your hard work and organization. We are hoping to run another beginners class alongside an advanced class in the new year, watch this space!

We recently started our new Walking Group, 24 people attended, the sun was shining and we enjoyed a soup lunch and fellowship as we took some gentle exercise together. Our next walk is scheduled for Sunday 7

th

December, we will have a light lunch after morning worship and aim to start walking for 1.15pm. This is a short walk to suit all ages and abilities, we will definitely be back at MPN no later than 2.45pm, we would like to strongly encourage you to come along. Everybody welcome. Thank you to Sam & Jeanette for leading us. We hope to start a knitting group in the near future, this is in the very early planning stages but we will let you know as soon as we have any information. Our volunteers continue to go along to Sutherland House in the evenings to help. Sutherland House is a wonderful facility, run by a wonderful team and serving a community of wonderful

people. We would strongly recommend you find out a bit more if you think this is something you would like to be involved in or if you think you would like to help with any of our joint activities, sharing your skills or just simply enjoying fellowship, it truly is for everyone! We would like to say a huge thank you for your continued prayers and encouragement and we would ask that you continue to pray for our friends at Sutherland House and that God would continue to guide us as we work together. For more information, please contact Elaine 01292 857153

Remember, together with our awesome God, we really can

make a difference!

‘Equip – for the Arts’

A number of 'Equip' days have been held in various parts of the country over the past three years, featuring a variety of speakers and workshops on mission, discipleship and worship, and these have been very well received. Our next Equip event taking place in Motherwell on Saturday 28 March 2015 will be slightly different, focussing as it will on inspiring and resourcing congregations specifically through the arts. Please see the poster on the noticeboard in the Crush Hall and in this edition of the magazine. For full details and to register, you should visit https://www.resourcingmission.org.uk/events/equip-arts

Church Flowers I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who kindly made donations towards the Church flowers over the past year. The flower list for 2015 will be on the Chancel from Sunday 30

th November, you will find it

on the small table just in front of the font. If you would like to mark an occasion or anni-versary with flowers in Church please add your name against the date/dates you require. I want especially to thank all the ladies and gentlemen of the flower team who cheerfully deliver the flowers after the service each Sunday, they do a tremendous job on our behalf and their kindness means a great deal to everyone they visit. If you should hear of anyone who is ill, bereaved, housebound or just needs cheering up, I would be very grateful if you could please let me know and I will be very happy to deliv-er flowers on behalf of the Church family. If you don't manage to catch me in Church please just give me a call at the following number. 01292 479472. Margaret Ferguson—Flower Convenor. Margaret Ferguson Flower Convenor

We came to Prestwick in February after deciding it was time to downsize from the family home in the south side of Glasgow. Our move had many twists and turns and at times we wondered what God was planning for us. It certainly didn’t seem to fit with what we had in mind! Cathcart Trinity Church had been our spiritual home for several years and it was a big wrench to leave the church family there. Some folks who knew MPN said we would find a warm welcome here and so it has proved. Bible based teaching and lively praise have made us feel at home and we didn’t feel the need to visit any other churches in the area. There is so much happening in the church and we hope to become involved as God leads us. It is great to be a part of a very special fellowship and we look forward to exciting times ahead. Malcolm and Carol Yates.

MOST OF US WERE TAUGHT THE “Three Rs” at primary school—reading, writing

and arithmetic. The Dalai Lama’s Three Rs, however are:

Respect for yourself

Respect for others

Responsibility for all your actions.

That seems like a good Route through life.

(Taken from the 2009 The Friendship Book—a thought for each day of 2009.

The Girls Brigade started back on the 8th September

with a games night with a total of 11 girls. An exciting programme of events and a recruitment campaign in local schools has now resulted in a total of 30 girls attending

each week. The theme this year is the rainforests and endangered species and so far we have enjoyed a themed drama workshop, a speaker from the RSPB and a very well attended soup and sandwich fund raiser which helped to pay our annual fees. The Youth Parade on Remembrance Sunday at the Cenotaph was also well attended by our girls. We look forward to welcoming our Guest Kirsty who is a local reptile and animal shop owner later on this month and also to our annual Carol Singing in Prestwick and Christmas Party in December. Because of the number of girls attending now we need some adult volunteers to help keep the Brigade going and make it a safe and fun place for all our girls. Susan Christie Lt

Divisional Competition winners—October 2014. CONGRATULATIONS GIRLS

Musical Notes

Whit wey’s the bairns a’ gether’d roond

The Kirk-yaird gate at sic’ an hour

Dae ye no ken whit’s on the nicht?-

The practice o’ oor Junior Choir!

Sae in we gang, and cast oor claes

Up on the pegs (they’re faur too high-

Maybe pit there for grown folk

Wha sang his praise in days gone by !)

A body scarce can hear his thochts,

Wi’ forty weans a’ clatterin

But noo the maister’s stick comes oot,

Twa taps suffice to quell the din.

The music’s there! By direct threats

The muckle pains laborious

Tis gradually drawn frae lusty throats

Tae tak’ a shape harmonious

A dinna fancy “second” pairts

Sae awfu’ low and unco douce

Ye need tae ken the doh-re-me

To keep thon pairt agin the tune

Frae Handel’s michty chorus doon

Tae Britten’s brent-new melody,

The sangs we ken are a’ weel writ

An’ aye enrich the memory

And sae, guid-folk, on Christmas E’en,

Jist tak’ yersels richt up the brae,

Tae God’s Ain Hoose For as was told

‘A little child shall lead the way’

Written by Arthur J Maxwell.

BIBLE STUDY Wednesday 10.30 am Margaret Thomson

Telephone : 01292 477045

BOYS’ BRIGADE Friday pm (Various)

Pat Simpson Telephone : 01292 477289

GIRLS’ BRIGADE Monday 6.00 pm

Sue Christie Telephone : 07751219601

GUILD

Thursday 2.00 pm Margaret Goodlad

Telephone : 01292 470903

MONKTON BROWNIES Thursday 6.30 pm

Monkton Community Church Irene Boyle

Telephone : 01292 478376

KIDDIEWINKLES Monday 10.00 am

Elaine Gilbert Telephone : 07734806812

TOTS-TOWN

Wednesday 10.00 a.m Monkton Community Church

Toni Burns Telephone : 07886449563

THE YOUNG CHURCH

Sunday 11.00 am Lesley McCarrell

Telephone : 01292 477779 Duncan Campbell

Telephone : 01292 435020

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