Whats On each week...

Stevenston High Kirk

The Challenge

Sunday Sunday Sunday Monday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Friday Saturday

10.30am 10.30am 7.15pm 7pm 7pm 7pm 10am 6pm 6pm 7.15pm 6pm 7.30pm 10am

Morning Worship Sunday Club & Creche Evening Fellowship Singing Together International Agency* Alpha Course Rainbow Club Girls Brigade Prayer Meeting The Guild Seekers (Kids Club) Revival Fellowship Linda Turner School of Dancing*

Church Church Hall Church Hall Church (SMA) Church Hall Church Hall Church Hall Church Hall Church (SMA) Church Hall Church Hall The Manse Church Hall

*Outside organisations who use our premises

Stevenston High Kirk

(Church of Scotland) Registered Charity No. SC009848

n Editio tumn Au 2011

www.highkirk.com

C O N T A C T S
2

Minister Rev Scott Cameron Session Clerk Stewart McLellan Treasurer Mary Blair Fabric Treasurer Liz Crawford Church Secretary Margaret Durham Church Officer Janet Dawson Music Co-ordinator & Organist Iain McLellan Child Protection Carol Wilson Hall Convenor Betty McKirdy Creche & Sunday Club Margaret Durham Rainbow Club Antonia Cameron Seekers Club Raymond Wilson High Kirk Guild Marie Seaton Missionary Correspondent Dorothy Rose Life and Work Magazine Janet Montgomery Challenge Magazine Margaret Durham Mildred Burns Social Convenor Anne McLellan Christian Aid Maureen Kilpatrick

revscott@highkirk.com

Tel: 463356

DAILY READINGS DATE SEPTEMBER

Hebrews 12:14-29 Hebrews 13:1-25 1 Peter 1:1-12 1 Peter 1:13-2:3 1 Peter 2:4-12 1 Peter 2:13-25 1 Peter 3:1-12 1 Peter 3:13-22 1 Peter 4:1-11 1 Peter 4:12-19 1 Peter 5:1-14 2 Peter 1:1-11 2 Peter 1:12-21 2 Peter 2:1-22 2 Peter 3:1-18 1 John 1:1-4 1 John 1:5-2:6 1 John 2:7-29 1 John 3:1-10 1 John 3:11-24 1 John 4:1-6 1 John 4:7-21 1 John 5:1-12 1 John 5:13-21 2 John 3 John Jude 1-16 Jude 17-25 Revelation 1:1-8 Revelation 1:9-20

OCTOBER
Revelation 2:1-7 Revelation 2:8-11 Revelation 2:12-17 Revelation 2:18-29 Revelation 3:1-6 Revelation 3:7-13 Revelation 3:14-22 Revelation 4:1-11 Revelation 5:1-14 Revelation 6:1-17 Revelation 7:1-8 Revelation 7:9-17 Revelation 8:1-5 Revelation 8:6-13 Revelation 9:1-12 Revelation 9:13-21 Revelation 10:1-11 Revelation 11:1-14 Revelation 11:15-19 Revelation 12:1-17 Revelation 12:18-13:10 Revelation 13:11-18 Revelation 14:1-5 Revelation 14:6-13 Revelation 14:14-20 Revelation 15:1-4 Revelation 15:5-16:21 Revelation 17:1-18 Revelation 18:1-24 Revelation 19:1-10 Revelation 19:11-21

NOVEMBER
Revelation 20:1-6 Revelation 20:7-10 Revelation 20:11-15 Revelation 21:1-22:6 Revelation 22:7-21 Proverbs 1 Proverbs 2 Proverbs 3 Proverbs 4 Proverbs 5 Proverbs 6 Proverbs 7 Proverbs 8 Proverbs 9 Proverbs 10 Proverbs 11 Proverbs 12 Proverbs 13 Proverbs 14 Proverbs 15 Proverbs 16 Proverbs 17 Proverbs 18 Proverbs 19 Proverbs 20 Proverbs 21 Proverbs 22 Proverbs 23 Proverbs 24 Proverbs 25

stewartmclellan@btinternet.com

Tel: 468054

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Tel: 468238

Tel: 469404

margaretdurham@uwclub.net

Tel: 601322

janetdawson221@btinternet.com

Tel: 465507

is.mclellan@btopenworld.com

Tel: 468054

iain@wilson5469.fsnet.co.uk

Tel: 603517

betty-mckirdy@tiscali.co.uk

Tel: 602070

margaretdurham@uwclub.net

Tel: 601322

revscott@highkirk.com

Tel: 463356

raymond@in.com

Tel: 467697

Tel: 463374

dorothyrose07@aol.com

Tel: 835899

janet489@btinternet.com

Tel: 467824

margaretdurham@uwclub.net millieb@mb38.orangehome.co.uk annemclellan@btinternet.com

Tel: 601322

Tel: 468054

Tel: 464007

27

Obituary
Dick Earl McGregor Avenue
Richard Earl, more affectionately known as Dick, was born on the 26th October 1920 here on Schoolwell Street to Jessie & Alexander Earl. He grew up attending Stevenston Higher Grade along with his brothers, Alex & Bill (who were twins). In those days it was normal to leave school at 14. Therefore Dick left school and began work in a small family baker in Saltcoats. For a short time he also worked as a clerk in the auction rooms. During the war years, his brothers joined the army while Dick joined the Navy, serving his time as a wireless operator in India & Burma. On the 1st of February 1946 at Stevenston Free Church, Dick married his beautiful bride and dearest friend, Cissie McGlauchlin. Some have commented that they were the best looking couple in the three towns. Dick and Cissie were then delighted to see the arrival of their children: Richard, Sandra & Steven. In time the family circle began to grow as they saw the arrival of their grandchildren (Tracey, Angela, Nicola, Leanne, Stephen & Katherine), followed by their great grandchildren (Reece, Saffron, Kaela, Quinn, Amie, Logan, Jake & Bailey). He was very much the family man who cared deeply for his family and was absolutely devoted to his wife. Dick and Cissie were an inseparable pair. Therefore, losing Cissie almost 12 years ago was a great blow to him. For Dick, life lost much of its colour when Cissie passed away, but with time he soldiered on.
26

We remember Dick Earl as an absolute gentleman. A very sociable man who would give you such a warmth of welcome. Many a child throughout Ayrshire will remember his kind nature. After returning from the war, he began working for the Prudential (where he worked for 31 years). While visiting homes he would often leave a six-pense or a shilling for the children. If you had ever shaken the hands of Dick Earl, you soon were make aware that you were shaking the hands of the man from the Pru! After leaving the Prudential, he looked after his mum until her passing, and then latterly worked at Hunterston. Although Dick was unable to get to church in his latter years, due to ill health, he was still deeply committed to the High Kirk, enjoying his visits from his Church Elder, and catching up with all the news through the quarterly magazine. We give thanks to God for the life of Dick Earl - a man who gave a lot of love and joy to those around him. He was also a man who received a lot of love and joy in this life. PRAYER: O Lord, you who are the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort; look with compassion, we pray, upon all who have known the loss of a loved one, that their minds and hearts shall know the touch of your hand. Oh that we would experience deeply your mercy and grace. May our loss bring a sense of heavenly nearness and great trust in you. And may the peace of Christ, even the peace that passes all understanding, abide with us and rest upon us. We pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In this issue
A View from the Manse Events Diary Guild News A Visit to Keswick Judas High Kirk News Breakdown of Morality Rev John Lafferty Julies Journal Goodbye Uncle John Word Alive Dans Fun Corner Compassion International Bible Fun Church Register Daily Readings Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 11 Page 13 Page 14 Page 17 Page 19 Page 20 Page 22 Page 24 Page 26 Page 27

The Challenge Magazine

Autumn 2011 Edition

We would appreciate articles for the next issue of the Challenge to be emailed to Margaret Durham (margaretdurham@uwclub.net) or Mildred Burns (millieb@mb38.orangehome.co.uk) or, if you do not have access to email, to be handed in to St Monachs Aisle by Sunday 13th November.

A View From The Manse

I believe Psalm 51 to be one of the most beautiful prayers of Scripture. This deeply moving chapter was penned by David the sweet singer of Israel; the Shepherd boy; the Giant Slayer; David the undignified and intimate worshipper of God. Yes, this is David, the man after Gods own heart. But here we now find David as the man of a Broken Heart. His memories are back to a fateful night when David had returned home from the wars. He had slept through the day and woke up in the night. As he went out onto the veranda there he saw Bathsheba. From one glance at a beautiful lady came the downfall of Davids life. One year after his adultery and murder, Nathan the prophet comes to accuse David of his sin. He was exposed and caught in a snare of his own sin and folly. But this psalm reminds me that his story doesnt finish there, but goes on to reveal his long journey back home to God. David who was once so filled with joy as he slew Sauls thousands was now returning from a personal war with a broken heart. The return to God was a long painful journey, since he was now spiritually crippled in both feet. Only GRACE could carry him back into Gods presence and favour. David was not the kind of man to wallow in his sin and despondency. He did not lie down and ask to be taken from this world. He did not offer sacrifices, tithes or offerings of appeasement, or good works to make him feel better about himself and acceptable to God.
4

Colouring Page

He did not make any deals with God; If you get me out of this, then Ill do this for you! No, not at all... He did not turn to his own resources, but turned and took flight to God in his brokenness. He believed that there was mercy and grace to save him. He had confidence in Gods willingness to pardon and to pardon completely. For he believed that forgiveness would restore joy and gladness to him. David was desperate to hear from God; oh to hear a word from the Lord! David needed to hear from heaven itself. Make me to hear joy and gladness! David knew that if he took flight into the presence of God, that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. He did not ask that God would grant a hipreplacement, or would ease his pain. He asked that God would cause every bone that was in agony, due to brokenness, would rejoice in God. He desired that his whole inner-most naturehis soul, would sing and rejoice in God again. Like David, your heart desires to sing and rejoice in God but you feel that you have been caught in a trap. Has Satan trapped you in one of his snares? Have you fallen in sin and are struggling to make it back to God? Do you remember days when things were spiritually vibrant and now... you are crippled in both feet? Let GRACE carry you into the presence of God that you may REJOICE again! Your Friend and Minister

Jesus calls four of his disciples.

From Thru-the-Bible Coloring Pages for Ages 4-8. 1986,1988 Standard Publishing.

Scott Cameron

25

Bible Fun

Events Diary
SEPTEMBER
2nd 4th Gideons Night at 7.30pm (High Kirk). Family Service at 10.30am Hayocks BBQ Night at 6pm (Hayocks Community Centre) Guests: Andrew Jewell and friends from Struthers Memorial Church, Greenock. Communion Service at 10.30am Lunch Club in the Church Hall (12 noon - 2pm) Kirk Session at 7pm (St Monachs Aisle) United Service at 3pm (High Kirk) Alpha Course begins at 7pm (High Kirk Halls) Sammys Sponsored Walk round Cumbrae Worship Service at 3pm (Three Towns) Worship Service at 1.45pm (Thistle Day Care) NOVEMBER 1st Word Alive at 2.30pm in the Manse (Speaker: Rev Norman Cruickshank) 6th Family Service at 10.30am Hayocks Night at 7.15pm (Hayocks Community Centre) 8th Lunch Club in the Church Hall (12 noon - 2pm) Word Alive at 2.30pm in the Manse (Speaker: Rev Norman Cruickshank) 13th Remembrance Day Service at 10am Morning Service at 10.30am Town Remembrance at 1.30pm (War Memorial) 15th Word Alive at 2.30pm in the Manse (Speaker: Rev Norman Cruickshank) 22nd Word Alive at 2.30pm in the Manse (Speaker: Rev Norman Cruickshank) 27th Worship Service at 3pm (Bonnie Leslie) 29th Word Alive at 2.30pm in the Manse (Speaker: Rev Norman Cruickshank)

11th 13th

18th 20th 21st 25th 28th

OCTOBER 2nd 6th 9th 11th 16th Harvest Thanksgiving at 10.30am Grace Singers Night at 6pm in the Preshal Trust Centre, Govan Guild (Communion Service) at 7.15pm (Guest Speaker: Rev Scott Cameron) Morning Service at 10.30am (Guest Preacher: Rev Norman Cruickshank) Lunch Club in the Church Hall (12 noon - 2pm) Morning Service at 10.30am (Guest Preacher: Rev Norman Cruickshank) Worship Service at 3pm (South Beach House) Word Alive at 2.30pm in the Manse (Speaker: Rev Norman Cruickshank) Ministers October Break 14th - 21st October

Flame in the North Conference 2011

Friday 7th - Sunday 9th October Venue: Alness Baptist Church, Ross-shire.
Guest Speakers: Rev John MacLeod, Milngavie Rev Scott Cameron, Stevenston Mr Kenny Gillies, Kirriemuir Mr James Urquhart, Aberdeen

25th

24

Guild News
Dear Friends, I hope you are all well and have enjoyed your summer holidays, whether away or at home. Typically, the weather here has been very mixed, but the lovely days we have experienced, have been uplifting and gratefully received. Since my last letter, we held two Coffee Mornings in May, to help raise funds for our Projects, and I thank you and all our friends again for your continued generous support. When I look back to our Outing in June to Floors Castle near Kelso which seems a long time ago now, I remember the glorious weather of that day. It added to everything we experienced, the journey, our stop at the Garden Centre and our time at the Castle, sitting so majestically among its green fields and trees. W e were able to enjoy exploring the castle and strolling leisurely in its grounds before going in for a very nice meal in the Buccleuch Arms Hotel. Thanks again to Carol and Liam for their arrangements and care of us, to Robert for his excellent driving and not forgetting Marglen, who although away on holiday remembered us and provided our sweeties for the bus trip! A great day was had by all. And now, here we are in August and, God willing, look forward to our Coffee Morning on Saturday September the 3rd, when we can all get together again. Before we know it, well be into October when our regular meetings will restart on the 6th, lets hope the winter weather is kind to us. God Bless.

Compassion - Contd...
HOW TO COOK A HUSBAND.
The first thing to do is to catch him; having done so, the method of cooking him to make a good dish must be studied. Many a good husband is spoiled in the cooking. Some women keep them constantly in hot water, while others freeze them with conjugal coldness; still others keep them in a pickle all their lives. These women always serve them up with tongue sauce. Now d is not supposed that husbands will be tender and good if treated this way, but they are on the contrary very delicious when managed as follows. Get a large jar called the jar of carefulness, which all good housewives have on hand. Place your husband in it and put him near the fire of conjugal love. Let the fire be fairly hot especially let it be clear; above all let it be constant. Cover him over with affection, garnish him over with spice of pleasantry, and if you add kisses and other confections let them be accompanied with a sufficient portion of secrecy, mixed with prudence and moderation.

Peace always hoped that some day someone would rescue her . She didn't know how or when, but in her young mind and heart she knew that one day she would be set free. Peace told that she became ill and was told that she would not live to be a teenager. Peace wished for freedom or indeed death. God saw her need, and later a Canadian couple sponsored Peace through Compassion. Peace was brought out of slavery by this, and now 20yrs later is married with her own family. The people who sponsored Peace encouraged her through prayers and love, Peace was enabled through the Leadership Development Programme of Compassion to develop Christian leadership qualities. Today she and her husband work full time with Compassion. Her husband at the time of the conference was working in a project in Uganda. Peace quoted to the audience that her " shackles are gone and her spirit is free." She also said that when she was naked the Lord clothed her. We are reminded in Proverbs that if we "give to the poor you lend to the Lord." and also that God is no man's debtor. Psalm 37 v 4 If we delight ourselves in God he will give us the desires of our heart. Compassion have a special Sunday laid aside, which is called Compassion Sunday. This is on the 18th September. This is where all the churches who want to consider its work either for Individual sponsoring of a child, or for a group eg a Sunday school, or other church group, or indeed for a Church as a whole , to engage in sponsorship. However, this effort does not have to be on a certain

Sunday. Should anyone be interested in sponsorship, or indeed the work of Compassion, then they can speak to both of us regarding this. Although this has been a lengthy topic, we hope that it has enlightened many of the work and aims of this outreaching charity, that Bill and I have been involved in for 8 years now. We were privileged to go to the Dominican Republic in May 2010 to meet our sponsored child Alicia Rodrigues . Alicia is now 17 yrs old and we have sponsored her for 8 yrs . Our meeting with Alicia and her sister, who is her carer now since her Mother died, was joyful, tearful, and has now brought us closer to her. Alicia now writes to us with love and in the knowledge that she is in our thoughts and prayers. May the work of Compassion be in the thoughts of those who read and share our experience.

Marion & Bill Cobb

MAN ALIVE
The Commission 2011
Saturday 3rd September
Speaker: Jeff Lucas Worship Leader: Stuart Townend Venue: Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow Contact: info@thecommission.org.uk www.thecommission.org.uk
23

Submitted by Pauline Thomson.

Marie Seaton.
6

Compassion International
children saved for Christ. Other practical work carried out in Haiti by Compassion is that to date there has been 12 water wells installed, which helps to stop children walking miles to carry water for their families. On the 18th June this year Bill and I had the privilege of attending a conference led by the child sponsorship organisation called Compassion. This was held in the Audacious Church, Manchester. Among the guest speakers were Andy Hawthorne of the Message Trust, and Peace Raharuza, who was once a sponsored child. Andy gave a wonderful insight into his work in Port au Prince Haiti, immediately after the earthquake. His topic was 'What is our response to extreme poverty in our generation'. He spoke of the slums of Haiti, where raw sewage runs in the streets , and where around 10 or more in families live in corrugated iron shacks, where children walk 2 miles back and forth to collect water for there families. He spoke of his encounter with an 11year old boy who had been scarred with lack of sight in one eye , which had rotted into his head. This boy was later sponsored by Andy and his wife. With joy the boy now tells Andy in his letters that he now lives because of being sponsored. He also spoke of the fact that when families in Haiti cannot afford to feed their children, they give them away into slavery. These children are used and abused by those who take them. Compassion programmes aim to rescue these children. The work by compassion is carried out by partner churches, who have an evangelical zeal to see these
22

A Visit to the Keswick Convention

thousand committed suicide. This number is still growing. A special love offering was taken and 20,000 was going to OMF personnel to help in the restoration of lives and communities. Dr Helen Roseveare, another medical missionary, was in what was then, Belgian Congo, in the 1950's. She shared her experience of the early 1960's when civil war broke out and she was captured by rebel soldiers. For five months, she and other missionaries suffered at the hands of these people where they were beaten, abused, constantly being watched, threatened with unspeakable atrocities and she herself was raped. She spoke at the Keswick lecture and we have the DVD which can be shown at some point. In spite of suffering at the hands of these rebels, she went back to what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo, when she pioneered in medical work in the rainforests. At the close of the missionary meeting on Thursday evening, she spoke of the need for people to go, to give and to pray. Many young people and not so young people, responded to a call to be willing..... to be willing, should God call them into full time service. A sight to behold. The dates for the 2012 Convention are: Week 1 14th to 20th July Week 2 21st to 27th July Week 3 28th July to 3rd August.

The earthquake took its toll on Haiti, but even in the midst of chaos churches there have doubled in numbers , and 44 new schools were build with the aid of Compassion. The work of MAFF ie the Missionary Aviation Fellowship was highlighted . They use small planes to enter areas which are difficult to get to. Andy explained that he found a young girl lying in rubble with broken bones. It was quick thinking that he ran with her to a make shift hospital at the local airport, where a Christian orthopaedic surgeon operated on her immediately, saving her live. Over 3000 children were rescued through Compassion during 2010, whose main work is about the lost in these needy countries. We then listened to the searching testimony of Peace Raharuza. Peace told us how she was born in a family of 14 children in Uganda, Africa, where her mother could no longer afford to feed her, gave her to relatives at the age of 4 yrs in the hope that they would care for her. Instead of caring for her they abused her and kept her as a slave. She was separated from her twin sister and her family, she was starved, and beaten. After some time she abandoned in the jungle, eating the flower petals. However, she knew the area and returned back to her relatives, who then made her sleep with the goats without cover from the cold. Peace was made to collect wood for the family fire, and burned if she did not bring enough.

The Keswick Convention is a Christian teaching and holiday event and takes place every summer for three weeks. The great attraction is that the programme offers excellent bible teaching from a team of international speakers. There are special young people and children's meetings as well as a crche for babies and toddlers. For us, the highlight of the convention are the morning bible readings (just like our Word Alive!) This year they were given by Ajith Fernando fro Sri Lanka. He was national director for Youth for Christ in his own country. For five mornings he looked at the ministry of Jonah. It was amazing just how relevant the book of Jonah is to us today. You may remember that the prophet had a struggle in accepting and obeying the will of God. Two speakers touched our minds and our hearts. Dr Patrick Fung is the General Director of OMF. He and his wife.... both medical doctors... served as missionaries in South Asia for many years. Amongst other things he shared about the state of Japan after the earthquake and tsunami. He told us that it was devastation beyond anything ever imagined. The situation was so much worse than the media showed in that sixteen thousand lives were lost, five thousand not accounted for and two

Jennifer Cruickshank
7

Judas, the Man Who Never Knew

But for all the things we dont know about Judas, there is one thing we know for sure: He had no relationship with the Master. He had seen Jesus, but he did not know him. He had heard Jesus, but he did not understand him. He had a religion but no relationship. As Satan worked his way around the table in the upper room, he needed a special kind of man to betray our Lord. He needed a man who had seen Jesus but who did not know him. He needed a man who knew the actions of Jesus but had missed out on the mission of Jesus. Judas was this man. He knew the empire but had never known the Man. Judas bore the cloak of religion, but he never knew the heart of Christ. We learn this timeless lesson from the betrayer. Satans best tools of destruction are not from outside the church; they are within the church. A church will never die from the immorality in Hollywood or the corruption in Washington. But it will die from corrosion withinfrom those who bear the name of Jesus but have never met him and from those who have religion but no relationship. Judas bore the cloak of religion, but he never knew the heart of Christ. Lets make it our goal to know Christ deeply. Submitted by Mildred Burns

MEANEST MOTHER CONTD...

She always insisted on us telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. By the time were teenagers, she could read our minds, and life was really tough. She wouldnt let our friends just honk the horn when they drove up. They had to come up to the door so she could meet them. While everyone else could date when they were 12 or 13, we had to wait until we were 16. Because of our mother we missed out in lots of things other kids experienced. None of us have ever been caught shoplifting, vandalizing others property, or ever arrested for any crime. It was all her fault. We never got drunk, took up smoking, stayed out at night, or a million other things other kids did. Sundays were reserved for church, and we never missed once. We knew better than to ask to spend a night with a friend on Saturdays. Now that we have left home, we are all God-fearing, educated, honest adults. We are doing our best to be MEAN PARENTS just like our Mum was. The world just doesnt have enough MEAN MOMS anymore. (Mom was pretty much like this THANK GOD) (Taken from the Northern Light News Letter) Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car. If I agreed with you, we'd both be wrong. (I have to remember this one) We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public. War does not determine who is right - only who is left. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad. Evening news is where they begin with 'Good evening', and then proceed to tell you why it isn't. To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research. A bank is a place that will lend you money, if you can prove that you don't need it. Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet? Always borrow money from a pessimist. He won't expect it back. I used to be indecisive. Now I'm not sure. (I think I like this one) You're never too old to learn something stupid.

Ive wondered at times what kind of man this Judas was. What he looked like, how he acted, who his friends were. I guess Ive stereotyped him. Ive always pictured him as a wiry, beady-eyed, sly, wormy fellow, pointed beard and all. Ive pictured him as estranged from the other apostles. Friendless, distant, undoubtedly he was a traitor and a quisling. Probably the result of a broken home, a juvenile delinquent in his youth. Yet I wonder if that is so true. We have no evidence (save Judass silence) that would suggest that he was isolated. At the Last Supper, when Jesus said that his betrayer sat at the table, we dont find the apostles immediately turning to Judas as the logical traitor. No, I think weve got Judas pegged wrong. Perhaps he was just the opposite. Instead of sly and wiry, maybe he was robust and jovial. Rather than quiet and introverted, he could have been outgoing and well-meaning. I dont know.

DANS THOUGHTS FOR TODAY

Going to church doesn't make you a

21

Dans Fun Corner

RETIREMENT FROM A CHILDS VIEW
After spring break, a teacher asked her young pupils to write about how they spent their holidays. One small child wrote the following: We always used to spend holidays with Grandpa and Grandma. They used to live here in a big brick house, but grandpa got retarded and they moved to Florida. Now they live in a place with a lot of other retarded people. They all live in little tin boxes. They ride on big tricycles and they all have name tags because they dont know who they are. They go to a big building called a wrecked hall but they must have got it fixed because it is all right now. They play games and do exercises there, but they dont do them very well. There is a swimming pool there, but they stand in it with their hats on. I guess they dont know how to swim. As you go into their park, there is a dolls house with a little man sitting in it. He watches all day so they cant get out without him seeing them. When they can sneak out, they go to the beach and pick up shells. My grandma used to bake cookies and stuff, but I guess she forgot how. Nobody cooks they just eat out. They eat the same thing every night-early birds. Some of the people dont know how to cook at all, so my grandma and grandpa bring food into the wrecked hall and they call it pot luck.
20

High Kirk News

For more information on the Alpha Course, please contact Margaret Durham on 601322 or Billy Aitken on 604477.

Grandma says grandpa worked all is life and earned his retardment. I wish they would move back up here, but I guess the little man in the dolls house wont let them out.

MANSE GARDENS
As from the 31st August the Council will no longer be assisting the church with the grass cutting due to the financial cuts that are affecting many Councils round Scotland. We are therefore looking for volunteers who would be happy to help us with the grass cutting and other garden work during the growing season. Please let the minister or Stewart McLellan (468054) know of your availability.

THE MEANEST MOTHER IN THE WORLD

We had the meanest mother in the world! While other children ate candy for breakfast, we had to have cereal, eggs and toast. When others had a Pepsi and a Twinkie for lunch we had to have sandwiches. And you can guess our mother xed us a dinner that was different from other kids too. Mother insisted on knowing where we were at all times. Youd think we were convicts in prison. She had to know who our friends were, and what we were doing with them. She insisted that if we said we would be gone for an hour, we would be gone for an hour or less. We were ashamed to admit it, but she had the nerve to break the child labour laws by making us work. We had to wash dishes, make the beds, and learn to cook, vacuum the lie awake at night thinking of more things for us to do. oor, and do laundry and all sorts of cruel jobs. I think she would lye awake at night thinking of more jobs to do.

HOSPITAL VISITING
If you know of anyone in hospital who would like a visit, please speak to the minister (463356). Due to data protection, it is becoming increasingly difficult to find out who is in hospital, so please dont assume the minister already knows about someone who has been admitted. Many thanks!

SCRIPTURE UNION NIGHT

Many find it hard to get back into a routine of attending church in the mornings. Why not begin by inviting a friend to a Sunday night meeting which starts on Sunday 28th August at 7.15pm in Stevenston High Kirk Halls, Schoolwell Street. Our guest speaker will be Trish Archibald from Scripture Union and the worship will be lead by Rev Scott Cameron on the accordion.

GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Many churches and individual members were distressed at the recent decision by the General Assembly regarding same-sex relationships and the ministry. A website has been set up to affirm the Biblical position which you can sign up to. It is found at www.dissent.uk.com.

PRESBYTERY FUNDING
For some time we have had to borrow equipment to use at the Hayocks Hall for our monthly evening meetings. We were therefore delighted that Presbytery has granted 2, 000 from their Mission Aid allocations towards purchasing sound equipment & other resources. Presbytery also approved a further 1, 000 towards our Summer Mission events. If you would like to give a special donation towards our Mission Fund, then please make cheques payable to: Stevenston High Kirk (Mission Fund). Our Mission Fund helps provide resources for mission and discipleship.

ALPHA (See Billys Updates)

Over the years at the High Kirk, the Alpha Course has run successfully each autumn. We hope to start another Alpha Course starting on Tuesday 20th September at 7pm in the Church Hall. Why not join us for these refreshingly informal nights together as we discover more about the Christian faith? Livingstone & Ardeer Churches have also been invited to join us this autumn; this is in preparation for our Alpha 2012 where we hope to have a well publicised town Alpha Course running.

Billys News Updates

SUNDAY EVENINGS
We meet most Sunday evenings in the church hall at 7:15 between August and June. This is an informal and relaxed meeting where we enjoy an evening of worship and sharing. There are usually about 25 of us in attendance. We have been blessed with guest speakers like Barbara Smith from Kilsyth although usually it is our minister Scott Cameron, David Wilson or myself who will lead the meeting on a very flexible rota basis. On the first Sunday of each month we have our outreach meeting in Hayocks Community Centre and we usually have guest speakers there. Over the last year we have had our friends from Struthers Church, The Emmanuel Christian Centre and of course May Nicholson and team from the Preshal Trust. We have also been blessed by The Grace Singers. If you are free on a Sunday evening why not come along and join us and bring a friend or two. You are assured of a warm welcome and a cuppa as well as hearing what God is doing in peoples lives. We look forward to seeing you.

Word Alive
Simple. We are intending having a close look at a man who it is thought came from the North of Palestine and was described by others as having the face of an angel. [Acts 6 v 15] Who was Stephen? Why was he put to death for preaching the gospel? Why does the writer of Acts record his long speech which resulted not in conversions but martyrdom and of crucial importance....what are the lessons for those of us today who seek to follow Stephen's Master? Should we compromise in our presentation of the gospel when it may result in suffering in an age when relativism and liberalism seek to undermine the plain meaning of Scripture? This' angel of the North ' was faithful to his Lord and to the message passed down. Indeed he paid the ultimate sacrifice ...martyrdom. We note with interest St.Jerome's phrase 'The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church'. Stephen, this deacon of the early church is an example...indeed a challenge to every believer as we ponder on his life and reflect upon his death. We will see how persecution can lead to church growth and the missionary work of the church is often advanced as a result of opposition. Please join with us on these Tuesday afternoons. Bring your Bible and together seek a fresh understanding of God's living Word. See you on the 25th October!

ALPHA COURSE (Past and Future)

About a year ago our house group responded to a request to run an Alpha Course. We liked the idea but realised that between the 5 of us (David & Helen, Venetia and Billy & Joyce) we had attended an Alpha course a total of never!! We decided that as a house group we would have a trial run and we were absolutely delighted when we were joined by Heather, Oliver, Margaret, Marilyn, Gavin and Arthur for the 12 week course on a Wednesday night in St Monachs Aisle. Everyone got something out of attending especially Gavin as it led him to recommitting his life to the Lord, and we are all delighted about that. We were challenged by the questions asked and encouraged and blessed by the openness of all at the group discussion sessions. We had a great day away at the Emmanuel Centre in Irvine one Saturday for the three sessions on the Holy Spirit. David and I really appreciated the support we got from Ollie on the IT and music and everyone who laughed (or groaned) at our jokes. So what next? Having been blessed by our experience we are planning to run another Alpha starting on Tuesday 20 September 2011 at 7 oclock. This time it will be in the church hall on Schoolwell Street and with the churchs support we hope to invite everyone who lives in our parish to come along. We are looking for willing hands and feet to help distribute leaflets to every home in the parish. We also propose to extend an invitation to those in Livingstone and Ardeer churches.

TUESDAY 25TH OCTOBER TUESDAY 29TH NOVEMBER Have you ever seen an angel? The bible writes much about those heavenly messengers. Psalm 91 v 11 'for he will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways' When we consider angels our thoughts turn to goodness, beauty, holiness, glory etc. Perhaps we have described another as acting like an angel or having the face of an angel. As I pondered this subject my mind conjured up the iconic 'angel of the north'. I refer to Gateshead Public Northern Artwork. The statue looms over the region and it is believed to be the largest angel sculpture in the world. Countless travellers and tourists view it every day. Indeed I have read that some 33 million people view it every year. However, it is so unlike the biblical image of God's heavenly beings. In any case, what has all this got to do with our next six week Word Alive course?

BBQ
Our first meeting of the new session at Hayocks will include a BBQ where we will take the opportunity to invite our friends and neighbours for free burgers and hot dogs. Our guest speakers at our meeting immediately following the BBQ are our friends from Struthers Church and we are looking forward to hearing testimony of how an encounter with Jesus has changed their lives. The BBQ is planned to start at 6 oclock on 4 September.
10

Norman Cruickshank
19

An Inspirational Cruise
Dear Friends, The Cross was taken from one of the Sunday services on our last cruise, and we would like to share it.

Breakdown of Morality
The England riots are not just a breakdown of law and order, they are the consequences of a breakdown of morality in our society. We have all been appalled to see the shocking absence of respect for human life, for lawful authority and for private property. Why are these values so absent? In what social institution do people learn respect for their fellow human beings? Where do people learn to respect authority? Where do people learn respect for others possessions? Values It is in the family that these values are passed down from one generation to another. It is in the family that these lessons are instilled in people from an early age. To be more specific, it is in families headed by a father and a mother who have committed themselves to each other, and are committed to raising the children they themselves have procreated and are biologically attached to. Fathers are especially responsible for their sons. Boys need solid and reliable male role models. Undermined If a persons formative years pass by without these values being instilled in them, then trouble lies ahead. Of course there will always be families that through no fault of their own do not conform to the ideal model. And there can be delinquent parenting within intact families. But an anything-goes attitude to the family should not be celebrated as progress. Yet this is what has happened. The institution of the family has been relentlessly undermined by successive Governments in recent decades. Politicians are nervous of supporting marriage too strongly.

Agnes and John Stevenson

The Cross
A young man was a the end of his rope, seeing no way out, he dropped to his knees in prayer "Lord, I can't go on," he said. "I have too heavy a cross to bear." The Lord replied, "My son, if you can't bear its weight, just place your cross inside this room. Then, open that other door and pick out any cross you wish." The man was filled with relief and said, "Thank you Lord," and he did as he was told. Upon entering the other room, he saw many crosses; some so large the tops were not visible. Then, he spotted a tiny cross leaning against a far wall. "I'd like that one, Lord," he whispered. The Lord replied, "My son, that is the cross you just brought in." When life's problems seem overwhelming, it helps to look around and see what other people are coping with. You may consider yourself far more fortunate than you imagined.

Yes, Jesus loves me.. Yes, Jesus loves me.. Yes, Jesus loves me, for the bible tells me so. Though my steps are oh, so slow, With my hand in His I'll go On through life, let come what may, He'll be there to lead the way. When the nights are dark and long, In my heart He puts a song.. Telling me in words so clear, "Have no fear, for I am near." When my work on earth is done, And life's victories have been won. He will take me home above, Then I'll understand His love. I love Jesus, does He know? Have I ever told Him so? Jesus loves to hear me say, That I love Him every day.

Responsibility Yes, we must improve education in our schools and, yes, we must ensure our laws are properly enforced. But the issue of the family remains at the heart of the matter. We need strong families instilling children with values of personal responsibility. It is high time our political leaders stopped undermining marriage and the family. Prayer In the meantime, we pray for the brave police officers who are on the streets. We pray they will come to no harm, and that they will restore law and order. We pray that innocent members of the public will be protected from the violence, and that their property will be safe. We pray that the criminals involved in the rioting and looting will be caught, and that justice will be done. And we pray for our Prime Minister and the rest of the Government, that they will have the wisdom to do all that is necessary to deal with the immediate problem, and the wisdom to face the wider long-term moral problem. Gospel Peoples biggest problem is a spiritual one, and only the saving grace of Jesus Christ can answer that. But God also cares for people through his common grace. He instituted the family and governing authorities for peoples common good. It is our Christian duty to follow the character of our heavenly Father and care about these matters too; and also to pray for those in authority (Rom. 13, 1 Pet. 2, 1 Tim. 2). By Mike Judge (Head of Communications for The Christian Institute) 11

Open Your Word (by Dorothy Rose)

tune: Bullinger

Open Your Word to me, O God! Let me not just read! Let me be transported, Lord, Let me see Jesus! Open your way to me, O God! Take away my will! Let me walk with You, my Lord, Let me live Jesus.. Give me Your strength for every day; Let me not just live Day by day for my own desires Let me love Jesus..

Jesus Loves Me
Jesus loves me, this I know, Though my hair is white as snow Though my sight is growing dim, Still He bids me trust in Him.

18

Barnabas Fund News

IRAN - DEATH PENALTY UPHELD FOR CHURCH LEADER
Irans Supreme Court has upheld the death penalty for Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, who was convicted of apostasy from Islam in September 2010. The pastor had appealed against his conviction, but a written verdict from the court has now confirmed that the appeal was unsuccessful. The death penalty will be annulled if the father of two renounces his faith. Pray for protection for Youcef and others who are in prison for their faith; pray that the death sentence will not be carried out and that he will soon be released unharmed. Give thanks for Mostafas boldness in witnessing for Christ despite the dangers that Christians face in Iran. families who have fled violence elsewhere in Iraq, notably Baghdad and Mosul. Pray for protection for Youcef and others who are in prison for their faith; pray that the death sentence will not be carried out and that he will soon be released unharmed. Give thanks for Mostafas boldness in witnessing for Christ despite the dangers that Christians face in Iran.

Goodbye Uncle John by J John

struggling curates, Christian Union leaders from tiny colleges, children; all were important to him. He lived modestly; so, for instance the wise host always gave John a full plate as, in a world of hunger, he felt it wrong to take seconds. Despite his learning and his wisdom he never made anyone feel inferior. His humility comes over in his numerous books. Although he was perfectly capable of engaging with the finest minds of his age and often did so, he never flaunted his learning or felt the need to use pretentious complexities when plain simplicity would suffice. Almost every Biblebelieving Christian with any sort of library has had a moment when after being confused by a hard text made harder by commentators they have 'turned to Stott' and found relief. A third characteristic of John Stott was his helpfulness. In the days to come it will be fascinating how many people will say of this or that project that it only ever got going because of John Stott's quiet encouragement or wise guidance. When it came to initiatives John Stott was an extraordinarily gifted obstetrician! Significantly, his help always came without the expectation that you would back him on some other issue in return. By offering help without attaching strings he modelled God's grace. The final characteristic of John Stott was his holiness. Those who hosted John on his travels soon realised that as unobtrusively as possible their guest was up and engaged in prayer and bible study long before anyone else was even awake. John was a man richly blessed by natural talents and education, but he knew that he needed to bring all that he was to God for him to be effective in his ministry. John's dedication to the Lord's work was costly and he set aside much that he could have enjoyed as a right. He set a challenging example. Uncle John, we thank God for all you were to us and all you taught us. May we, in some way, become something of what you were. 17

On the 26th of July, after some years of failing health, John Stott finally slipped quietly away to glory. I was one of many people blessed by his ministry and to me he was - and always will be - 'Uncle John.' In days, months and years ahead there will be many careful and insight-filled evaluations of John Stott's importance. They will no doubt focus on such big aspects of life such as his role as a wide-ranging theologian, how he made evangelicalism intellectually respectable and how he restored a vision for social involvement to evangelicals. I look forward to them but here I simply want to mention some aspects of John Stott that impressed me. Some of the titles given to John by the media (the 'Prince of Evangelicals' and even 'The Pope of Protestants' !) were not just ridiculous but also misleading: they gave the impression of a mighty, aloof figure preoccupied with programmes and power. So the first characteristic that I want to mention was his humanity. John was loved and lovable and that title 'Uncle John' reflects that. He was warm, friendly and concerned, not just for a small circle of contacts but for a great range of people from across the world. He prayed for vast numbers of people. A single man, he acquired an enormous 'family' of those who were loved by him and loved him back. Few great men are nice men; John was an exception. A second and related characteristic of John Stott was his humility. This showed itself in many ways. He had time for everybody: pastors from remote African villages,

CHINA - CHURCH CONTINUES TO MEET DESPITE HARASSMENT

Church members from Shouwang Church, one of the largest unregistered churches (house churches) in Beijing, continue to meet in an open-air plaza each Sunday, having been evicted from their leased meeting space by the government in April. At the time of writing, the church had endured 15 consecutive weeks of raids and arrests at these outdoor meetings; according to ChinaAid, members of the congregation have lost jobs, done time in jail and been verbally abused. Please lift our brothers and sisters at Shouwang Church to the Lord and give thanks that, despite these challenges, they continue to make a stand each week for Christ. Pray for Pastor Shi Enhaos protection during his time at the labour camp.

IRAQ - NEW CHURCH FOR CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY

Iraqs beleaguered and marginalised Christian community have made a defiant move against violent attempts to drive them out of their homeland by opening the first new church in the country since the 2003 US-led invasion. The church in Kirkuk, where Christians have come under repeated attack, was officially opened earlier this month with around 300 people in attendance. It serves a housing complex in a secure location for around 200 Christian
12

Julies Journal - Contd...

The Mozmabiqians preached in Portuguese and Makua. Village life has huge alcohol problems. Many people came forward for prayer asking for help in this area. We awoke the next morning to a large crowd of children. We started playing games that had actions in them. The kids loved it. Many of the villagers came and game us many gifts. We got two pigs to feed everyone, corn cobs, nuts, sugar cane. These people had very little but they gave us the best of what they had. People started coming to us for prayer. One lady brought her four week old baby for prayer. though the mum couldnt understand anything that we praying for her, her face had totally changed at the end of it all and we just knew that God had done something. We put on the music again at night and it attracted a larger crowd than the night before. We then played a Jesus movie in Makua so that the villagers could understand who Jesus was. Some of the girls shared their testimonies of what they were like before they met Jesus and what their life is like now. Many came forward to be saved and 16 people were baptised in the local river the next day. I have loved every minute of being in Africa and want to thank you all for making it possible. Notes: Julie Carty is a member of Stevenston High Kirk who has been serving with Nancy Goudies New Generation Music Ministries. After her recent trip to Mozambique, Julie now senses the call of God upon her life to serve in Mozambique as a missionary. We werent sure why but we laid hands on the baby and prayed. When we finished praying the mums face was still downcast. One of the girls came up and told me that the mums first baby had died and she was frightened that the same would happen again. We decided it should be the mum we should be praying for and not the baby. Even
16

Retirement of Rev John Lafferty

man Jesus and the thirst for more knowledge continued under the influence of another Minister the late Rev RWW Irvine. Realising that what I searched for in life wasn't to be found in speculative or political areas, Christianity became the major focus in my life. This new found faith led to my studying at the Glasgow Bible Training College (part-time) and on completing my studies being set apart as a 'Reader in the Church' in 1974. Early in 1979 I gave up my then employment as International Sales and Marketing Manager with a London based organisation and set off with my wife and children to spend Easter in the Holy Land. This was to be a time of reflection and decision making. Our time in Israel was a deeply moving spiritual adventure - a 'make your mind up' point in life. So it came about eventually, after a heart to heart chat with Moira, I applied to the Church of Scotland in late 1993 for acceptance as a candidate for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament. I was accepted, completed my BD studies, graduated in 1997 and entered into a Probationary period for one and a half years, half of which was overseen by the recent Moderator Rev John Christie. John's guidance, insistence almost, led me to apply for the vacant charge of Livingstone and Ardeer in deferred linkage and I came to Stevenston in February 1999. Moira could tell you that much as I resisted the call to serve in Stevenston, time has proven that God knows best. The rest you know. I will miss the good folk of this town when I leave in October but I will continue to serve Christ, God willing, as a Locum giving up a call from God is not an option.

Born in Cleland, a Lanarkshire mining village on 11th October 1944 I suppose I can be described as a war baby. No such things as 'Pampers' for war babies. My late mother told me that my waterproof pants were fashioned from the material of Barrage Balloons which had been shot down. I completed my schooling at Wishaw High School and went on to work until 1994 in the insurance, and later the Financial Services industry. It was early October of 1994 that my University education dream was achieved when, a few days before my 50th birthday, I entered upon a Bachelor of Divinity Degree at The University of Glasgow. Never a religious person, in my teenage years obviously searching for something to make sense of life, I flirted with the Communist Party. Gradually through the influence of a Christian wife and without a Damascus Road experience, I came to reflect on the man Jesus and had many private conversations with Moira's Minister, the late Rev James Heathwood, but remained an outsider to Christianity. His death led me to attending church - not as a new convert to the faith - but for the practical purpose of helping Moira to support Mrs Heathwood and her son and daughter. Sermons preached by the late Rev George Forbes aroused even more interest in the

1. Please remember Julie in your prayers. 2. If you would like to support her financially or to keep up-to-date with her news, then please contact her through e-mail: jewels.carty@googlemail.com

13

Julies Journal
Dear Friends at the High Kirk, I want to start by thanking everyone who contributed to my Mozambique trip either prayfully or financially. Your contrubution fed the hungry, prayed for the sick and loved on the lonely. I thank God that I was chosen to play small part and I loved every minute of it! Our group of 8 girls stayed with and worked alongside Roland and Heidi Bakers Iris Ministries based in Pemba, Mozambique. Iris care for around 200 orphans. These kids have been found on rubbish dumps, handed in by social services or found on the streets. thought oh my word the gospel is really lived out here! James 1:27 NIV - Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. Heidi Baker took the service and talked about the dangers of visiting the witchdoctors, which is a really normal thing in Mozambique. Around 30 woman came forward to repent. We were asked to go round and pray for each lady. There was also a opportunity for anyone who hadnt asked Jesus into there lives to come forward. Around 20 ladies came forward it was an amazing service.

Every day Iris would feed around 800 village children a plate of rice and beans. This would be the only meal these kids would get a day and many of the children would put the food in a bag and take it home to their families. There was one day the guys said we dont have enough food to go round all the children. We all stopped what we were doing joined hands and asked God to stretch the food. When we were finished there was enough food right down to the very last plate full!

and we went round and prayed for many of the men. We also had an opportunity to go on a bush outreach. We travelled four hours along with 35 others made up of Mozambicans, YWAMers and other visitors from America. We travelled in the back of a Cameo truck to get to a remote village. After a while of singing and talking we closed the cameo up and it was pitch black and you couldnt even see your own hand in front of you. It was a little scary at first until we started belting out the African worship songs. So good. There was a crowd of people waiting for us to arrive. We set up our tents with the girls in the middle and the boys and Mozambicans on the outside. Then we set up a big screen and the sound system. We started to dance and have fun with all the children. The music soon attracted a crowd. Some of the girls gave their testimonies and it got translated into Makua.

Every Monday Iris have a childrens church for about 800 children made up from Iris and local village children. The kids were so full of love, as soon as we came in they would sit on our knees cuddle in and play. At the end of the service we stood at the door and prayed a blessing on each child as they left to go to school. The next service that day was for the local widows in the village. A group of around 80 ladies came in the church. I
14

Next thing on the agenda was visiting the baby hut. The babies just love the attention. Most of these kids have been brought in by social services or their parents have passed away and there was no-one else to look after them. Working alongside Iris really showed me what love looks like. This was love in action.

Every Tuesday the Mozambican Pastors go to the local medium security prison. Many of the prisoners have already become Christians and 16 Prisoners had been studding for 4 years in Prison to become pastors. When the prisoners realised that we had arrived they started to worship. I have never heard worship like it, it was so powerful. We walked down a narrow corridor which had prisoners at either side of the corridor right to the middle of the prison. They were around 300 men. It should have been terrifying as there were only 10 of us and no security but it wasnt at all. It had been arranged that I would give my testimony and one of the long term missionaries would share a word. It was amazing 20 men gave their lives to God

15