news

Dorothy and myself attended this year’s General Assembly (GA) in Edinburgh from May 21st - 27th. Dorothy attended last year, but this was my first ever visit as a commissioner to the GA. And what a varied week it was.

Proceedings started on Saturday 21st May with the opening ceremony of the GA. Starting with a rousing singing of Blest be the everlasting God, the Roll of Commissioners was laid on the table and Right Reverend David Arnott was sworn in to be the new Moderator for the next year. The Queen’s letter was then read and His Grace The Lord High Commissioner, Lord Wilson of Tillyorn, addressed the Assembly on the theme of pilgrimage and spiritual renewal amidst the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible.

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Rev. Thomas Williamson, former minister of Ardrossan Barony Church.

Tom died peacefully at Storyville Residential Home, Kirriemuir, on 30th January, 2011. He was a beloved husband of Molly, much loved father of Robin, Ruth and Elizabeth, a loving grandfather and great-grandfather. 

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

Since we have been worshipping in the hall, it has not been possible to hold the monthly communion services after the 11.15am service. Instead the minister will conduct a short midweek monthly communion service at 10.30am. The service will last for half an hour and will be followed by tea/coffee.

Details of the next service will be announced soon. Everyone is welcome. So bring a friend or a neighbour too.

Click the thumbnails below to view photos from our Sponsored Walk on Sunday 22nd August from the Church to the end of the promenade at Stevenston and back. [flickr-photoset:id=72157624954940542,size=t]

The former St John's Church produced a small booklet in 1944 to commemorate their centenary.

Click here to open a searchable pdf file of the booklet. (7Mb)

Our forthcoming fundraising events for 2010 are as follows:

October 29th: Quiz Night and Supper
November 13th: Craft Fair
December 4th: Christmas Fair
December 14th: Carols by Candlelight

Our Trip to Portavadie Marina and the Kyles of Bute on Saturday 31st July 2010 was a great success, despite some mixed inclement weather. After our ferry crossing from Gourock to Dunoon, we headed over the hill towards Colintraive and Tighnabruaich. It was a pity the hills were shrouded in mist and drizzle. Our lunch at the marina was excellent - the staff looked after us and our stomachs very well indeed. After leaving the marina we headed to Tighnabruaich, but at this point the heaven's opened with rain and we opted to wait at the pier to watch the Waverley arriving, before implementing 'Plan B'. Some 15 minutes later, we were heading back up the road to the Kyles viewpoint - and here the sun was splitting the skies. Our journey then took us up to Strachur and back down the side of Loch Eck to Dunoon, where we had around an hour to look around the town. As we were leaving Dunoon, the Waverley also arrived on her return journey of the day. A great day was had by all. Click here for some photos from the day's outing.

Following a fall of plaster in the church sanctuary in February 2010 we have been unable to use the church for worship, as structural surveys have revealed serious problems with the building. We are in the process of commissioning a feasibility study for our buildings to determine what kind of facilities we require to allow us to successfully provide outreach and services to our community. Exciting times are ahead for us. As such, we are now using our church hall for the foreseeable future for all services. Since February, it has seen a remarkable transformation - from a thorough cleaning, installation of a digital organ, new window blinds, and thanks to the generosity of our members, a set of comfy new chairs! We can happily accommodate over 120 people seated in the hall. For events that require a larger capacity such as some weddings and funerals, we have arrangements in place to use alternative church accommodation in the town.

Our coffee morning held on Saturday 26th June raised an amazing £935. In addition, the organ recital held later in the afternoon raised an additional £120 and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. A very big thank you to all who supported both events.

Our 'Pampered Chef' cookery demonstration evening held at the end of April raised the wonderful total of £270.86. A big thank you to all who supported the evening.

Due to serious structural problems with our church building we are now using the church hall for all services. We can happily accommodate over 120 people seated in the hall. For events that require a larger capacity such as some weddings and funerals, we have arrangements in place to use alternative church accommodation in the town.

1st Ardrossan Boy's Brigade meets in Park Church on Monday evenings: Anchor Boys from 5.50-6.30pm, Juniors from 6.30-8.00pm and Company Section from 7.30-9.30pm.

The 1st Ardrossan Boys' Brigade is always looking to recruit some extra helpers and staff as they now only have two officers and one helper to look after three sections. As you can imagine this is putting a considerable strain on them, and if no-one else can be found to assist the company may not be able to continue. If you are interested in helping or supporting the Boys' Brigade please speak to either Rev Dorothy Granger (01294 463571) or Rev Jim Smith (01294 469378).

Thanks to all who turned out for the Annual Stated Meeting and the Congregational Meeting on 21st March.

The Congregational Meeting was opened by Rev Dorothy Granger. Then the Presbytery Clerk, the Rev Dr Johnston McKay, addressed the meeting. Rev Dr McKay talked about the national situation in the Church of Scotland – the financial crisis and the need to reduce the number of ordained ministries in parishes across Scotland - and how this might affect us in Barony St John’s.