Parish Record Winter 2013/14

Archie & Christine Speirs with the painting by Gavin Nicol

www.SkelmorlieWemyssBayChurch.org

Cover Photo The photograph on the cover shows the Minister Archie and his wife Christine with the picture of the Clyde which was a gift from the Linked charges of Inverkip and Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay. Archie said of the painting – ‘ The gift of the painting is just stunning, and I should like to mention just how talented the local artist Gavin Nicol is. You need to stand back and look at the painting and it just seems to come alive with its colours and perspective. It is as if you are standing there looking out towards Arran.’

2 From the Minister ……….

Well the summer has gone and winter is here with its cold north winds and heavy rain, but the views of the Firth of Clyde with its ships and the ferry are just stunning no matter what time of year. The beauty of the scenery is also reflected in the warmth and kindness given to Christine and I and this has made our journey from further up the Clyde so much easier and we can’t thank you enough. Jesus spent a great deal of his time in a boat sometimes just watching Peter and Andrew James and John fish. At other times he would use the boat not to catch fish but to catch people. Again this day a great crowd gathered at the water’s edge at the Sea of Galilee. People were hearing about this man from Nazareth and they wanted to see him for themselves and listen to what he had to say. Jesus was connecting with people in a way that the religious teachers and political rulers of his day could not. From that boat Jesus was reaching out to people and saying,” This is the way the world is, but come and follow me and I will show you a better way.” Jesus wants to use us to catch people. We have some big challenges ahead of us and as part of the Presbytery Plan for Inverkip, Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay Liz Geddes as our Ordained Local Minister will soon come and join us in those challenges. Liz will be ordained on the 27th November in Skelmorlie & Wemyss Bay Parish Church and I know that you will make Liz and her husband Jim just as welcome. You are a wonderful congregation, a congregation who wants to hear what Jesus has to say to us. “Come and follow me and I will teach you to catch people.” I think of those times out in a boat looking at the scenery around me, the Firth of Clyde, the mountains, things take on a different perspective; the quietness and the beauty are food for the soul. I think about Jesus out on the boat where the beauty of his life could be seen even from the shore. When James and John, Peter and Andrew were out fishing they had to work together to bring in the catch and over the coming years we will be asked to work together in new ways. Like fisherman we need to adapt to where the fish are, the different weather conditions, but the greatest thing of all we know that Jesus is in the boat with us. Christine and I are looking forward to our first Christmas with you. Not that long away now, only a matter of weeks, but it is still an amazing thought that God became like us that we might become like him. This Christmas time may the Lord continue to richly bless us as we fish together, thank you all for the support you have given me and for the wonderful welcome you have given Christine and I. Your Minister Archie 3

DIARY OF SERVICES

CHRISTMAS 2013

December 1 11.30am Morning Worship: 1st in Advent: December 8 11.30am Holy Communion: 2nd in Advent: December 15 11.30am Christmas Family Gift Service 3rd in Advent. A special giving envelope is available for your donation to Glasgow City Mission – please do use Gift Aid if this applies to you December 22 11.30am Morning Worship : 4th in Advent:

CHRISTMAS EVE 10.30pm Hot mince pies, shortbread, mulled wine and Christmas drinks in the hall 11.15 Carol singing in the church 11.30 Watchnight Service

CHRISTMAS DAY In Inverkip Church December 25 10.00am NB Inverkip Church Children are invited to bring along one of their Christmas presents ______

December 29 11.30am Morning Worship: Last of the year

Services are held each Sunday Morning at 11.30am . There is a Sunday Club for the younger children following the Children’s address. Tea and coffee is served in the Hall following Morning Worship. We look forward to seeing you there.

4 Ordained Local Minister (OLM) As part of the agreed Presbytery Plan for the reduction of 14 ministry posts for Greenock and Paisley presbytery an OLM was appointed to Inverkip linked with Skelmorlie Wemyss Bay churches as it was felt that the linked parishes would be too heavy a work load for one minister. Presbytery has appointed Liz Geddes to that post and set the date for her induction on 27th November. In consultation with the two Kirk Sessions we have agreed a work plan with Liz as the post is a part time non stipendary position consisting of a Sunday plus ten hours during the week. That work plan is a basis for a contract being drawn up between ourselves Liz and Presbytery who ultimately have responsibility for Liz and her appointment. Liz is very pleased to be appointed to us and is looking forward to being part of the ministry with us. I will still be the minister for both churches as you have graciously called me to be your minister. May The Lord continue to richly bless us as we journey together. Your Minister Archie

LIZ GEDDES Presbytery has agreed that Mrs Liz Geddes, one of a number of Ordained Local Ministers (OLM) be attached to our linked charge. Once formally ordained, an OLM is in effect a full Minister of Word and Sacrament. Liz will be ordained at a special Presbytery service conducted by the Moderator The Revd Kenneth Gray within Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay Parish Church on Wednesday 27th November at 7 pm. Following the service, there will be a finger buffet served in the hall. Liz has been an elder at St Machar’s and Ranfurly, Bridge of Weir for over 25 years. She lives with her husband Jim in Bridge of Weir who has been with her on a number of visits to our churches over the last few weeks. They have two daughters, Joanna and Jessica. She has served for many years as a Reader in Presbytery and has also acted as Locum at several churches within Presbytery including Barrhead Bourock, Inchinnan , and more recently, Martyrs’ l/w Sandyford, Paisley so she brings a wealth of experience in preaching and pastoral care We look forward to getting to know Liz and Jim during their time with us and we welcome them most warmly to our church.

Jason Goodwin Wemyss Bay Handy Man Pharmacy General Home Repairs Open Mon - Fri 9am till 6pm Garden Work Early Closing Saturday 1pm Paving, Fencing etc For advice on health matters plus a wide choice of gifts [email protected] Home Deliveries good rates good rates Tel: 648683 Tel: 522995

FRIDAY SOUPS Please come along at 12.15pm to the Church Hall - there you will be warmly greeted with a wholesome bowl of soup, delicious filled roll, coffee and biscuits, all for £3.50 It’s a great place to catch up with friends, meet new friends and generally enjoy a nutritious lunch in pleasant surroundings.

LAST SOUP DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS WILL BE 6TH DECEMBER WE RESUME AGAIN ON FRIDAY 24TH JANUARY

Surprise! Surprise! I dreamt death came the other night, and heaven's gate swung wide; With kindly grace an angel came to usher me inside.

Yet there to my astonishment stood folks I'd known on earth, Some I had judged as quite unfit or of but little worth.

Indignant words rose to my lips But never were set free; For every face showed stunned surprise - NO ONE expected me! Anon

Private Personal care in your own home • Fully qualified, Housekeeping/Laundry, Shopping, Outings, Appointments • References available Liability insurance Disclosure Scotland Care tailored to suit personal needs of our client One hour to 24 hour care and also respite Contact Sylvia on 0794 947 1995, 01475 670 365 or 01475 707 660

6 CONGRATULATIONS

Christine Spence and Alasdair Burns

on their Wedding Day

14th June 2013

Erika Yde and Kenny Diffenthal

on their Wedding Day -

28th June 2013

7 MEN’S FELLOWSHIP (Skelmorlie & Wemyss Bay Church)

FRIDAY 13th December 7.30pm CHRISTMAS CONCERT with the joint church choirs and the Soggy Bunnet Boys Thursday 9th January 7.30pm Skye in photographs Alastair Jackson Thursday 23rd January 7.30pm DIY BURNS 8 Chiefly Ourselves! Thursday 6th February 7.30pm A Life in Teaching David Johnston Thursday 20th February 7.30pm Travelling Light Jennifer Boag

“Some Christians try to go to heaven alone, in solitude. But believers are not compared to bears or lions or other animals that wander alone. Those who belong to Christ are sheep in this respect, that they love to get together. Sheep go in flocks, and so do God’s people.” Charles Spurgeon

THE GUILD (Inverkip Church)

Monday 2nd Dec Christmas Celebrations St John’s Gourock Tuesday 14th Jan My life with Dogs Ann Danabie Tuesday 28th Jan Le Jog Eddie Yde Tuesday 4th February A.B.M Lyle Community Kirk Tuesday 11th Feb Counter Terrorism Laura Stewart Tuesday 25th Feb A Faith to Proclaim Revd Archie Spiers Friday 7th March World Day of Prayer St Particks & St Joseph’s Wemyss Bay

Retiral Offerings for 2013 January - July Jan Vision Ministries 172.20 Feb Inverclyde Family Contact Centre 142.30 Mar Yorkhill 141.50 Apr Erskine 258.00 May Christian Aid 912.80 June Ardgowan Hospice 150.50 July MAF 123.20

CHRISTMAS FAYRE Saturday 7th December

10am -12 noon Church Hall

Stalls will include home baking,

Forgotten Gifts, Flora's Baskets, Gifts by the Flower Club, Designer Cards, Jewellery and Christmas Decorations.

Donations for all stalls including the Tea Room will be most welcome and can be handed to any member of the social and fund raising committee or brought to the Church Hall on Friday 6th December from 6pm – 7pm

Muriel O’May: Social Convener Tel: 520640 Email:[email protected]

Email It would be most helpful if all members and adherents could pass on their email address. This would allow us to contact all members easily with any information about meetings and updates - simply email [email protected] with your name/s as the Subject. No message needed. Many thanks

God has landed on this enemy-occupied world in human form. The perfect surrender and humiliation was undergone by Christ: perfect because He was God, surrender and humiliation because He was man CS Lewis

9 PROPERTY

Many of you will have noticed the new lock on the hall entrance door. It's a safety improvement, as the door can always be opened from inside just by turning the handle. It's also more secure as it's always locked to people outside. However it can be temporarily latched "unlocked" if you're holding a meeting and want people to get in - hold down the handle and slide the small button on the lock face. But if you do, please don't forget to slide it back to the normal, locking position afterwards.

A pair of high quality microphones have been donated and installed; they greatly improve the CD recordings (which are increasingly popular). The new upper hall heating setup seems to be working well.

Wireless broadband is available (yes really!) - please contact Bill Wright if you want to use it. This may be useful for Sunday Club. You'll also have seen the new "digital signage" (screen on the wall) in the Hall telling you "what's on". These items have been provided at very little cost.

We are working on several things including the disabled toilet (former vestry) which has dampness and needs plaster and redecoration. We hope to look at a better way of accommodating wheelchair users in the church.

We need people to look after the church garden, mainly at the south (Largs) end. Tom and Wilma have taken wonderful care of it and kept it beautiful for very many years. Someone else's turn now! We always appreciate help with any aspect of Property - "many hands, etc."

Please contact Bill Wright, Gavin Dunn, Alex Leitch or Bruce McKechnie to offer help on anything, or tell us of anything needing attention.

CONTENTMENT AND HAPPINNESS

Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves

Bruce Barrie

10 NATIONAL YOUTH ASSEMBLY From Friday 16th to Monday 19th of August I attended the Church of Scotland’s National Youth Assembly for the second time and it was just as good if not better than my first time. I had made friends the first time I went and it was great to see all their friendly faces again. Each NYA has a theme, this year we looked at ‘Identity’, identity of the Church, Scotland and Ourselves. On the Friday we concentrated on getting to know one another better and we were split into groups and began a giant game of murder mystery which I found rather confusing, so would be perusing a career in becoming a detective. On the Saturday we started with a service and worship which introduced the theme of Identity. Throughout the day we had various workshops, making us think about the identity of the Church of Scotland; what made us unique, what Kirsty Maclean can we change and what should we keep. We talked about Ecumenism and had various speakers from other types of church telling us about their principles and ways of worship. It was insightful to see how others worshipped and how their church services ran. On Sunday, we looked at the identity of Scotland. We had to think about what our top 3 values were, our group identified: Human Rights, Health Services and Education. We looked at how we could make Scotland better and how the Church could help. Sunday evening we had a service and then all got dressed up for dinner/ceilidh. All donations towards the dinner were donated to Yorkhill Childrens Hospital and COSY (Church of Scotland Youth), it was a great evening and the food was delicious! On the Monday morning before we all said our farewells, we looked at our own identities. I initially thought this would be quite a simple task but I was proved wrong. Working with my friends I’d met over the weekend it was quite an emotional experience, as we shared and discussed a lot of personal issues and about what being a Christian meant to each of us. In the afternoon, the Rev Lorna Hood, Moderator of the General Assembly gave us a sermon and joined in on a few of our games. Sadly it was then time for us all to part ways and go home. The weekend as a whole was fantastic and really made me reflect on my own personal identity as a Christian and what I want for the Church and Society in the future. I learned so much about the Church, other Churches and more about myself, which has helped my faith grow stronger. It was a great experience and I hope to return again next year. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. Kirsty Maclean

Tribute - May Ferguson May had a way of getting what she wanted. She enjoyed being surrounded by joy and colour; she had a strong aversion to drabness and morbidity. May (Mary Gray Cross) was born on June 19, 1920, one of three sisters. May had a happy childhood and maintained she was her father’s favourite because he treated her and dressed her like the lady she was meant to be. Her father, David Cross, worked in the mines until lung disease caused him to give up. He and his wife started a wee shop out of their home in Longlea, and then expanded to Crosshill and Airdrie. Young May worked hard in the shops; but May’s life was shattered when her father died. She was only seventeen. A creative person, May won prizes at school for her sewing and knitting which she continued to do well into her late eighties. On January 16, 1942 May married her childhood sweetheart John Ferguson; they were inseparable all their lives. They started with nothing and worked long hard hours, scrimping and saving to make ends meet. Myra was born on September 16 in her grandparent’s house in Baillieston. John saw his new baby only once before being shipped off to Africa and Palestine during the Second World War; he didn’t see May or his first child until Myra was three years old. Their first home was a single-roomed attic next to the school in Baillieston. A born home-maker, May transformed the attic into their Wee Palace, as she called it. It was in 1953 when bouncing baby John came along. After the war, John began in the postal service and eventually worked his way up to management and to the Greenock Post Office. May was a shrewd money-manager and John a faithful provider; he would hand over his entire pay packet to May and get back what he called his “weekly insult”. Together they fulfilled their dreams, and settled finally in Skelmorlie which they loved and from where they made their almost monthly visits to their beloved Culzean Castle. When in their thirties, May and John had a job offer in Canada but they chose not to go; and by an odd coincidence both John and Myra emigrated there. They enjoyed many visits to Vancouver to visit John and to Banff to visit Myra and made many friends there. On December 23, 2003, May’s beloved husband John died suddenly, but May bravely carried on as she had done throughout her long life. Visits to Canada increased. May found a kindred spirit in newly widowed Helen Marshall and they became great pals. May was in her element in 2010 when she celebrated her 90th birthday in Banff with John and Myra and over 60 friends. “It was the best time of my life”, she said. Although lonely, May was adamant that she wasn’t moving from her home in Skelmorlie. Sadly, in September of that year the doctors asked John and Myra to arrange for carers as she needed permanent help with general living and especially with her medications. Her health worsened in the past year. Her final five days were peaceful, and she “just wanted to go to sleep and wake up in heaven”. In one of her last lucid moments, Myra had asked what advice she had for younger folk. She said: Live a good life; live a pure life; stay out of debt; and make people happy. May did all of that. From the Tribute paid by Myra at May’s Memorial Service in Skelmorlie and Wemyss Bay Parish Church on 19 October 2013.

12 FLOWERS OF THE BIBLE Flowers of the bible were scarce in Palestine with the sea on one side and the wilderness on the other. The bible story begins in the garden of Eden, an image of perfect happiness and innocence. The beauty of flowers is celebrated in the Song of Solomon. The beloved is like the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys. This book also has many references to other plants and spices, pomegranates, saffron and cinnamon. Roses and lilies sound like flowers familiar to all of us, but in fact they are not what we would recognise as such in our gardens. The translation of lily stands for several Hebrew words and is not easy to identify, but it can be taken as one of a number of sweet smelling plants. The rose causes even more conjecture, it is thought it may be a kind of narcissist or crocus or meadow saffron. The true rose comes from Asia Minor and grew in the mountains of Palestine, though probably at a later date. It may have been a rose mentioned in Ecclesiasticus (39.14). Among other flowers mentioned, crocus is prized for its yellow dye. Also the mandraic with blue and white flowers were found in Jordan. These flowers weren't cut or taken indoors; they were appreciated where they grew. Pomegranates have red flowers, figs and olives have no flowers, but the new growth must have brought great joy because of the fruit they would bare. Jesus speaks of himself as the true vine. Flowers, despite our best efforts, do not last forever, like our human life (Job 14, 2). Flowers are also a sign of great joy (Song of Solomon 2, 11, 12). Flowers and foliage remind us of the constancy of God’s love and eternal life through faith, which the bible promises us.

Aileen Smith

We are almost at the end of the first year with monthly arrangers taking charge of their month. This is working well. There is now no flower convener, but there is a small support team of 3 - Ann Grant, Gwen McKenzie and Aileen Smith - if there are any problems There are two Sundays with no flower donations: April 6th and July 28th . As most of you will know, I have moved house, but the group have been marvellous to work with and have given me great support. Many thanks to all. Aileen Smith

Mearns T McCaskie @ The Seaview Now serving Sunday lunches Opening hours from 12pm - 4pm Mon - Wed 8am – 5.30pm (roast of the day available) Thurs - Sat 8am -late

1 course £9.95 (Bistro menu from 6pm) 2 courses £12.95 Sun. 9am - 5pm MCCASKIEBUTCHER .COM TEL: 520192 MCCASKIEBUTCHER.COM

Frank McMahon PAINTER &DECORATOR interior exterior Shore Road Skelmorlie Tel: 521648 mobile 07913969044

Skelmorlie, Wemyss Bay Clyde Coast Strathspey & Reel Society & Inverkip “The Clyde Coast Fiddlers” Amateur Dramatic Club New players warmly welcomed! Join us to act, direct, paint, build, light, We’ll play for your event - social, stage-manage, makeup ….. concert, ceilidh etc. Contact: Margaret Turner Contact Hazel Gray 529591 01505 502663

THE LIGHTER LUNCH MAIN COURSE, DESSERT & COFFEE £8.95 Available Monday to Thursday* 12‐2.30pm from our Lighter Lunch Menu. *Except Bank Holiday

KIP MARINA, INVERKIP 01475 520919 WWW.THECHARTROOM.CO.UK

RA Woollard LJ Hairdressing Chartered Accountant Quality professional hairdressing In the comfort of your own home • Tax Returns A service tailored to Individual • Book Keeping / Payroll • Accounts needs. Styling, colours, special occasions: also gents and kids cuts IP MARINA, INVERKIP 01475 520919 Tel: 520699 Tel: Lindsey: 07525 375 837 Email:[email protected] Email: [email protected] Web site: www.woollard.org.uk Facebook page: L J Hairdressing

Pearson SPAR of Wemyss Bay UPPER SKELMORLIE over 100years in business The longest established family car dealership in Post Office, Paypoint, Inverclyde National Lottery, Autoteller

SUZUKI: 4x4: Commercials: Prestige: Sports 51 Castle Road, Skelmorlie Sales Hotline 01475 520149 Tel: 520746 www.pearsoncars.com

Strathclyde House MD Joinery Strathclyde House provides an ideal retirement & DOUBLE GLAZING facility in a wonderful setting with a secure House Builders, Loft conversions, Kitchens, environment. Appealing to those of a Christian persuasion these flats offer independent living Extensions and friendship with those of a like mind Show Flats available for Viewing Malcolm Doull 61B Skelmorlie Castle Rd Contact Duty Manager Skelmorlie Tel: 522525 Tel: 520390

15 Editor: Jane Macdougall: email: [email protected]

STOP PRESS

The New Web Site – SkelmorlieWemyssBayChurch.org is now online. Please do take time to look at this. You will find all sorts of new things - a photo gallery, weekly Orders of Service, Dates for your Diary Don’t miss out – check it out!

Scripture Readers Door Duty If a date is not suitable please Please ensure that you: arrange to swap with someone, • Are at the door no later than 11.00am.

and remember to inform • Bring a partner to ensure that there are the three Jane Macdougall people required to take up the offertory. • Arrange a substitute to cover for absence due to December holiday/sickness etc.

1 Morag Mackintosh December 8 Bill Wright 1 F. Nicol I. Jarvie 8 I. Lightbody A. Grant 15 Alan Grant 15 G. Dunn A. Leitch 22 Lesley Gurton 22 S. Streets H. Steel 29 J. McAnna A. Doull 29 Tom Ovens

2014 2014 January January 5 Caroline Scott 5 T. Ovens J. Beaumont 12 M. O’May N. Jackson 12 Barry Streets 19 E. Wright A. Craig

19 Stewart Macdougall 26 A. Haig G. Black

26 Jacquie Beaumont February February 2 J. Nugent M. Mackintosh 2 Roddy McAskill 9 T. Craig A. Smith 16 C. Scott E. Yde 9 Jane Macdougall 23 F. Nicol I. Jarvie 16 John Nugent

23 Eddie Yde