February 2015
The Parishioner
The magazine of the Portland Parish Church of Scotland: Troon
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
With God’s support we are developing Portland as a
dynamic, Spirit-led Church impacting on our town and
beyond through encouragement, nurture and service
CHURCH REGISTER
BAPTISM - “ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM”
14th December
Sarah Laidlaw
DEATHS—”I AM THE RESURRECTION AND THE LIFE”
16th December
20th December
25th December
29th December
31st December
8th January
Ruth Dunn
June Steele
Dillon Alexander
Dr Elizabeth Sweet
Donald McNaughtan
Jack Linton
CHURCH CALENDAR
1st February
2nd
3rd
9th
10.30am All Age Worship with Troon 1st Co. BB
7.30pm Congregational Board Meeting in the Lesser Hall
7pm Alpha Course in the Millennium Room
7.30pm time for prayer in the Millennium Room
8pm Bible Study in the Millennium Room
7pm Alpha Course in the Millennium Room
7.30pm Troon Churches Together in the Committee Room
Alpha away day (further details to be arranged)
10.30am Sacrament of Holy Communion
3pm Sacrament of Holy Communion
7.30pm Joint Trustees meeting
7pm Alpha Course in the Millennium Room
10.30am Worship led by the Reverend Stewart Birse
7.30pm time for prayer in the Millennium Room
8pm Bible Study in the Millennium Room
7pm Alpha Course in the Millennium Room
10.30am Worship led by Portland Worship Team
10th
14th
15th
16th
17th
22nd
23rd
24th
1st March
RECRUITING - NOW YOU SEE IT!
We have a great new projection system in our church and we are now recruiting
volunteers for our projection team rota - full training provided (once I work out what I
am doing!)
Please speak with me to express your interest.
Jamie Milliken
DEADLINE FOR FEBRUARY 2015 ISSUE OF THE PARISHIONER—
SUNDAY, 15TH FEBRUARY 2015
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Message from Revd. Jamie Milliken
Dear members and friends of Portland Church,
A
t our most recent ‘Out the Box’ service on Sunday evenings we were asked to
think of the picture of a refreshment station during a marathon. The best I
have managed to run is a half marathon, but whatever the run there is
nothing like the sight of someone holding out a cup of fresh cold water for me
to drink and/or pour over my head if I’m overheating!
During the ‘Refreshment Station’ service we listened as people from our congregation
shared their own experiences of the refreshment of God. Times when God has given
them the refreshing boost needed to see them through. It was really uplifting to hear
our own folks share stories and bring refreshment to one another in their telling.
Someone pointed out to me afterwards that while God offers refreshment stations
along our way, we have got to take the time to drink. And it’s so true that many of us
go through life rushing from one thing to another, never stopping for breath, or to see
the bigger picture, or to receive the refreshment God holds out for us to enjoy.
We remember that it was Jesus who said, ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega, the
Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of
the water of life.’ Revelation 21:6. And we remember that church is a place where we
gather to meet with Jesus and Church, is a much needed refreshment station.
One of our greatest refreshment stations is worship and there are many opportunities
for worship over the next month, so come along and join in and be refreshed again for
the journey of life. During the next month we have our Sunday morning services and
the next two ‘Out the Box’ services are at 6 pm on Sundays 1st February and 1st March.
We also share Communion together on Sunday 15th February and if you are unable to
attend the morning service, or it is too long, then please join us for our shorter 3 pm
service. We also have home communion for people who are not able to come along to
the afternoon service. If you would like home communion then please speak with your
Elder who will be more than pleased to arrange this.
Jesus says, ‘whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I
give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.’ John 4:14
I look forward to being refreshed alongside you as we worship together through 2015
and beyond.
God bless
Jamie Milliken
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A
A SPECIAL GIFT FROM OUR NEIGHBOURS
t our shared service for Christian Unity the congregation of Troon Old Parish Church
generously made the gift of a new pulpit fall for our congregation. A picture of the
pulpit fall is on the front cover.
The pulpit fall has been kindly given to mark our one hundred years in our current building and
is a bespoke design by the Scottish artist Muriel Ritchie which she based on our logo. The design
includes a seagull, waves, beach, sun and the hill in the background as a representation of the
view from the sea towards our town.
The pulpit fall is contemporary and bright reflecting our seaside location and a positive outlook
to where God has called us to live, worship and serve. It is also bright and positive to reflect who
we are as a congregation. It is an outdoor scene to reflect a church that is outwards looking. The
bird is the seagull used in the Troon Churches Together logo and unites us with the rest of the
town's Christian community.
The seagull is relevant to Troon and representative of the incarnational Holy Spirit who makes
her dwelling among us. The rising sun over the hill again reflects our local setting and is
representative of our risen Saviour Jesus Christ, the Son of God. The waters are representative of
Jesus our ‘living water’ and the waters of baptism we pass through.
Please do take time to enjoy this work of art.
We greatly appreciate this gift and the friendship we share between our congregations.
Jamie Milliken
WESTBANK, SUNCOURT AND BELHAVEN NURSING HOMES
PORTLAND DATES ON THE WORSHIP SERVICE ROTA FOR
2015
Thank you to everyone who assists with the church services at our local nursing homes. Details of
services for 2015 are given below:
19th May
20th May
28th May
18th August
18th November
26th November
2pm
3pm
2pm
2pm
3pm
2pm
Westbank
Suncourt
Belhaven
Westbank
Suncourt
Belhaven
Residents greatly appreciate our company; if you are interested in coming along to a service please
speak with the minister.
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DIRECTOR OF MUSIC’S NOTES
I
t was a privilege to take up the role of Director of Music for the congregation at the
beginning of December. On behalf of Sally, Kathryn and I can I thank those who
have welcomed us and have already made us feel part of the church at Portland. I
hope as time progresses to get to know as many of you as I can, but if you have not
already done so, please come and introduce yourself to me; I’d value the opportunity to
speak with you.
As I mentioned on my first Sunday the task that I have been appointed to undertake involves an element of the familiar and at the same time an element of unexplored territory.
My more conventional roles will involve the accompaniment of worship on the organ, and
the direction of the Church Choir, which comprises the traditional organist and
choirmaster function. However my appointment is on a wider remit than this.
Within the context of public worship as time progresses I shall be looking at how music
might be used as part of our services to enhance our corporate experience. There are
opportunities through choral and other vocal music, the use of instruments, and various
accompaniment styles to enrich our praise and worship. Within a wider context there are
opportunities to develop resources to use within the church buildings and wider afield.
There are a number of initial thoughts and ideas that are currently under discussion and as
these are able to be developed and explored then I hope that you will begin to see a
number of opportunities within which our congregation and beyond can be involved.
For the time being you will see a plea elsewhere in the magazine for singers and
instrumentalists and I very much hope that you will give thought in this year of talents to
involving yourself.
It is my aspiration, with your help, involvement and prayers to continue to upbuild and
develop the fine musical tradition in Portland Church. I will keep you up to date both in
the magazine and through intimations as we move forward. Meantime if you have anything that you want to discuss relating to the music in the church contact can be made at
times of public worship, via the church office or by e-mail: [email protected]
Alastair
The recent bag pack which took place in Morrisons, Troon
on 13th December raised the sum of £904 which will go
towards the work of Christian Aid.
Sincere thanks to the members from Portland who helped
on the day and to all who contributed towards this
excellent total.
Margaret Weir
Saturday drop-in fellowship café 10-12
in the Lesser Hall in Portland. Come
along—All welcome.
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THANK YOU RONNIE
R
onnie Smith has recently retired from his
position as Convenor of the Fellowship
Committee in Portland. The original committee
was formed in 2004 – Ronnie, Elaine, Kenneth
and Glen, joined by others later. All of them have been
supportive, and loyal to their convenor for 10 years or so.
During that time there have been many events: concerts,
Senior Members’ afternoon teas, Burns Suppers, brass
bands, organ recitals, coffee mornings for Save the
Children, BB piping concerts – a variety of events which
many of us have enjoyed.
Ronnie has been a member of various Social Committees, as they were once called, over
many years. There were family Christmas parties with games, ceilidh dancing and a visit
from Santa. I can remember an Olympic Games event – all-age competitive games, and
excellent purvey as ever. There were new members’ socials, inductions of new ministers,
presentations for departing ministers, Elders’ Suppers and lately Centenary celebrations,
when cakes were decorated appropriately and sausage rolls consumed. There was always
a happy atmosphere, beautifully decorated tables and music, the occasion marked with
speeches, a glass of wine and a convivial atmosphere.
My memory of Ronnie’s involvement in the social life of Portland goes back even further –
to Sunday School parties when we were both teachers.
Ronnie always had original ideas, was full of enthusiasm
and fun. There were
Hallowe’en parties with faces smeared with treacle, dooking
for apples, and ghost stories told in semi-darkness. At one
which will be forever etched in my memory, body parts of
the “Ghost of Portland Past” were passed around in total
darkness. The sonorous voice of the “ghost” named his
“fingers” (rubber gloves), “brain” (a damp sponge) and the
ultimate horror – wet grapes for the “eyes of the ghost”.
Screams and laughter rent the air. Health and Safety and
Political Correctness hadn’t yet been invented. It was a
most successful party - one of many, as I remember.
50 Years of Portland Fellowship
The “Peter Pan of Portland” moved into grown-up Social
Committees where he and his faithful and loyal group provided endless cups of coffee and
biscuits and washed and dried thousands of cups and plates. I’m sure there must have
been some disagreements – Ronnie is not one to mince his words – but not a critical word
has ever leaked out.
Committee members, we salute your indefatigability! And Ronnie – thank you for the
music, for giving it to us!
Avril McDonald
BADMINTON
With Christmas and New Year behind us a 2015 Welcome to Badminton - to our existing members, and also to new members. Monday Night - mixed badminton, 7.30 10pm :- contact Hugh McNish 07765000462 Wednesday Morning - ladies
badminton, 10am - 12 noon :- contact Janette Docherty 01292 315453
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PORTLAND CHURCH GUILD
Looking back …………..
National Guild Week com m enced on Sunday, 16th November 2014. Recognition of National Guild Week was introduced in 2004 – a week in which focus is placed on
The Guild, to raise awareness of The Guild locally and nationally.
Morning worship at Portland on 16th November was conducted by the Rev Stewart Birse,
during which he talked about the work of the Guild and included the Guild in his prayers.
Members of Portland Guild participated in the service – welcoming worshippers on entering the church and also uplifted the offering.
The evening of Tuesday, 9th December 2014 w as, w eather w ise, qu ite u npleasant
– gales and heavy rain – but inside there was a scene of great activity. Marjorie Mitchell,
our Speaker, showed us how to wrap Christmas gifts with simple inexpensive adornments.
She made it look so easy. We were put to work making bows and in no time at all the
Lesser Hall was transformed into a bright and colourful scene – yards and yards of green
and red ribbon. There was no doubt that “Christmas was nigh”!!
On 25th November Alastair Sw an, photogr apher , took u s on a “Magical Mystery
Tour”. We stopped off at – Vietnam, China and Italy, marvelling at his stunning pictures
which were accompanied by his interesting and most amusing commentary. This was indeed a magical tour and for a short time we were transported to faraway lands with magnificent landscapes, architecture, flora and fauna and different nationalities. What a treat!
We welcomed in the New Year on 6th January by having a “fun evening”.
“Old fashioned” games were played – yes – even Pass the Parcel! Crackers, tablet,
marzipan fruits, sausage rolls, trifle were on the menu and the hilarity during the evening
was loud and infectious. A very happy night to begin the new session of the Guild.
Sheona Cameron, Convenor
REMEMBER 2014
O
nce again our “resident photographer” has been at work and Avril has two
boards on display in the main hall with photographs taken during our
Centenary year. Hard to believe that we can already take a trip down memory
lane! Thank you Avril.
Lord:.
In the midst of Winter, when the days are cold and wind can pierce
………..remind us of the warmth of your love.
In the midst of Winter, when the days are short, dawn comes late, and dusk
arrives early
………..remind us that in the darkness your light still shines.
Amen
(Taken from “Winter Prayer” by Cal Wick)
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LET ALL VOICES PRAISE IN HARMONY
P
ortland has for many years been able to speak of a fine choral tradition. At a time when
through falling numbers many church choirs are at best unable to make more than an offering
of a straightforward item within worship at best or at worst to face the prospect of having to
disband, our choir is thankfully able to continue week by week to offer contributions to
worship usually in the form of two independent choral items, and otherwise to lead the congregation in
praise. We are not sheltered however from the threat of falling choir numbers, and I do believe that it
is right at this time to put in a little plea for the choir.
It is often felt that singing in a choir demands a vocal talent equivalent to Callas Pavarotti or Terfel, or
that the music is too highbrow or technical. Another often heard comment is ‘’ have you heard me
sing?” As far as participation is concerned, all that is needed to be a member of a parish church choir is
an enthusiasm to worship God, a simple ability to learn and retain a tune (as all of the parts in a
harmony are essentially tunes in themselves), a reasonable listening ear and a willingness to work as
part of a team. There is no need to be an outstanding musician with a huge charisma to sing in a
church choir. Most choral singers are far from that! With these initial pre-requisites and practical
experience, a novice chorister can learn the further rudiments of choral practice and in time can
develop far.
The choice of choir music is very much in the hands of the choir director. Most church choir directors
should through a combination of knowing in advance the worship theme and texts of each week and
the capabilities of the choir be able to select choral music which is meaningful to the choir singing it
and the congregation listening to it. It is sometimes the case that choral music has text and a “flow”
which fits the worship of the day and is chosen for that reason, and because of that choirs often sing
music which is unfamiliar music in worship which is identified as being “highbrow”. It is for the choir
to sing (or better “present”) this in a way that makes the choral offering relevant meaningful within the
context of the service of the day. Highbrow music is often music which is perceived by the listener as
being beyond his or her understanding. I would therefore hope that in Portland we can avoid anything
that the choir sings which is older in style, technical or otherwise unfamiliar as being thought of as
highbrow or beyond understanding, and is one of the challenges of singing in a choir. Most of us who
sing in a choir are up for the challenge!! I cannot deny that some people have better voices than others.
I count myself within the category of people who have ordinary voices! Ordinary voices of ordinary
people however can make up a glorious sound which can glorify God in extraordinary ways.
There may be some of you who sit in the congregation weekly who enjoy singing and have felt that you
have something to offer to the music of the congregation. It would be really good to speak with you
and establish if you would be willing to consider the choir or in some other way be involved in vocal
offerings within worship.
Our choir at present would welcome singers, both lady and gent, and younger voices can be used as
well! No specific choral experience is necessary, and it is possible to accommodate people who don’t
read music. We will be seeking over the coming months to expand the choral repertoire, introducing
different and (I promise) very varied material. The more people that we have in our choir the more
opportunities to tackle challenging and “big” choral pieces the learning and singing of which within the
context of worship I can promise will bring great satisfaction. As a newcomer to the choir I can
promise their friendliness and a welcome for you at rehearsals.
Please consider joining the choir or at least having a word with me if you’re thinking leads towards
vocal involvement of another kind! Don’t leave your decision for another time. I am available most
Sundays, or can be contacted via the Church Office or at [email protected].
Alastair
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D
FLOWER GROUP
uring Advent I hope you enjoyed our beautifully
decorated Church and I have to thank the whole
Flower Group Team for all their hard work and
skills to provide these floral displays at this time,
and also at Easter and Harvest. Also, thanks to all who
supplied, arranged or distributed flowers during 2014,
together with donations received through the Flower Box,
which are very much appreciated.
Now that Christmas is over, it seems an appropriate time
to invite any members of the Congregation who would be
interested to hear more of the enjoyment to be had by
joining the Group to contact me on 314144, or after Church
most Sundays.
The Flower Group is responsible for ensuring that there are
flowers in the Sanctuary every Sunday throughout the year,
and you may be happy to place flowers in Church, or give a
donation as a way of remembering a personal anniversary
on a particular date. There are a number of uncommitted
Sundays, and we are forever looking for additional help. We would be pleased to speak
to anyone who is interested in assisting in any way.
Every Sunday at the end of the service, the flowers are delivered to the home of a
member, and we pray that they find some comfort from knowing that they are in our
thoughts.
Best wishes for 2015.
Fiona Hay, Flower Convenor
PORTLAND TIDDLERS
Portland Tiddlers is next on Sunday 8th February. Once or twice monthly 3 and 4 year
olds have the chance to enjoy their own Messy Church type activities here in Portland
while the morning service is taking place. We have crafts, music and games galore.
Bible stories, action songs and lots of fun. If you know any pre-schoolers, be it your
neighbours or your grandchildren (they don’t have to be yours) then why not tell them
about it and invite them along? They’ll be glad you did!
You’ll find us in the Millennium Room at 10.30a.m.
Future dates will be posted on the church website or click on the Facebook logo.
Looking forward to welcoming new faces!
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PORTLAND SUNDAY SCHOOL
Well, here we are in 2015 and the new session is well underway. Sunday School had a
brilliant last session, they helped to fill the boxes for the shoe box appeal, gave presents
to CHAS, as well as raising money for both causes. The session completed with the Nativity Play, a fitting end to the year. Since being back we have been having exciting mornings
of fun, games and discussion, while learning all about Jesus’ journey. It is very exciting
for us as leaders to see the children enjoying themselves whilst growing and developing in
their faith. As always we welcome all children who want to come and join us on a Sunday
morning. We meet in the main hall before the service, why not come along and see what
we are up to.
PORTLAND YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
Portland YF is back in full swing after the Christmas holiday. We have been having our
usual nights of fun, games & fellowship, and discussing the year ahead. We love the fun
and games, but sometimes we get a bit ‘set in our ways’ and as this is the year of ‘Time
and Talents’ in Portland anyone who feels they would like to come along and share their
experiences with the young people we would love to hear from you. For anyone who
wants to know more – YF is for anyone from S1 – S6 who want to be with other people
who have the same curiosity as them about the Christian faith. You don’t have to be
attached to Portland Church to come along. We meet in the church halls on Sunday
evening 7-9pm. Most of the evening is spent playing games and enjoying the company
but we try each week to look at some aspect of our faith and how it is relevant in our lives
today.
All are Welcome for Fun, Friendship & Fellowship!
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Centenary Quiz – Seaside Towns and Holiday Islands in Europe
WINNERS – Collin Paterson and Ann Kennedy
Containers for baked beans
What a soldier does but doesn’t finish it
No dull days in this town!!!
Take the beginning of paper fasteners and add N
The little mermaid sits on the beach
Rhymes with the name of the comic family
Sick cooking stove if you mix languages
It’s a rich plain cake
Salt well. I don’t think so
Sounds like a sombre small pond
They have a Grand Prix on the streets
The road of the King
Sounds like the top hotel follows the teddy
Imposing little birds
A lot of it around us
What’s left when the stitches come out before the old royal city
Pretty not quite beautiful
A hill on Exmoor followed by an article used to open a door
A clue in amber generally is expensive
Colin and Winifred named this town
Sounds like wee Alison is able to start playing golf
Alia surrounds the French sea
Have a tour of an unfinished Cathedral
R.A. future event missed up
Gave its name to a hot savoury roll
The Irish donkey is making a noise
Not far from there a beach covered with stones neither black or white
Go very quickly. Mixing up the vocalizing
Big, a seaside town change the e to an s
A small lettuce
Cannes
Salou
Brighton
Naples
Copenhagen
Troon
Malaga
Madeira
Salerno
Blackpool
Monte Carlo
Via Reggio
Biarritz
Gran Canaria
Ayr
Scarborough
Nice
Torquay
Bergen
Colwyn Bay
Alicante
Almeria
Barcelona
Fuerteventura
Hamburg
Bray
Greystones
Hastings
Largs
Kos
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PRAISE THE LORD WITH INSTRUMENTS
In my time working with other congregations I have never failed to be surprised (although
perhaps I shouldn’t have been) by the considerable amount of really talented persons there are in
congregations. We have truly been blessed in abundance! Among these talented people I have
noted that a considerable number play musical instruments but are a little fearful of offering their
talents, perhaps because they feel that there is no one else to play with or that they are not good
enough. Perhaps you are one such person or know someone who is in that situation. For me it has
been rewarding to be able to offer the opportunity within congregations for a group of Christian
musicians to come together and play, and in time to see the musicians working together to
enhance worship. I would like to explore if there are persons at Portland who might be willing to
join together to play. It is literally possible for any instruments to be incorporated into such a
group, and the main requirements for players are a reasonable playing and music-reading ability.
In time a music ensemble could be incorporated into worship services bringing another
dimension to our services. Of course there is always the opportunity to incorporate solo
instruments into services, though some do take a little careful planning!
At this stage I would very much like to establish if there are any players in the congregation or
beyond who might be willing to spend a little time each week to make music in fellowship with a
bit of fun thrown in, or who might be willing to offer to play at some stage in services.
I really hope that if you play an instrument you might let me know by speaking to me on a Sunday
morning, contacting me via the church office, or e-mailing me at
[email protected].
Alastair
Thank you ……………….
Once again we have received a letter of thanks from CHAS (Children’s Hospice Association Scotland) for our donations at Christmas time of money (£30), and presents for the
children. Our gifts go towards helping with the work they do with babies, children,
young people and families from across Scotland during some of their toughest times, as
well as helping to create special memories for them. As one of the mum’s explains “The
staff and volunteers are amazing; they’ll sit and talk to you about anything because they
know our child so well. I trust them 100%, we’re like one big family here. The most important thing about coming here is just to see my kids happy. I’m able to spend quality
time with Kyle but also with his brother and sister”. If you wish to continue with this
help visit www.chas.org.uk.
Jim Smith
After being a member of the audio team for many years, Jim
Smith has decided that it is time for him to step down from this
role. On behalf of the audio team I would like to thank Jim for his
long service in an often unappreciated position.
If you would like to join this team please talk to John McDonald or
email [email protected]. At the moment
the size of the team is such that a service on the sound desk comes
around once every four weeks. With more members on the team
this would be less often.
John McDonald
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Offertory Teams
February
Mrs Patricia Innes
Mrs Susan Brown
Mrs Janette Docherty
Miss Susan Drummond
Ms Rebecca Fanning
Mrs Irene Gott
Mrs Julie Gray
Mrs Lindsey Sharman
Mrs Ainsley Ness
Flower Rota
Arranging
Distributing
01-Feb
08-Feb
15-Feb
22-Feb
01-Feb
08-Feb
15-Feb
22-Feb
Kathryn Gray
Fiona Hay
Maureen Doogan
Maureen Doogan
Communion (F. Hay)
Jean Storer
Margaret Short
Margaret Short
Coffee Rota
Robyn Kennedy
Marion Boyd
Anne Mackenzie
Jessie Nelson
Robin Nelson
Eleanor Dobbie
Grace Kennedy
Morven Lee
Gillian Mckenzie
Sheila Cameron
Marshona Pendrill
Margaret Weir
01-Feb
08-Feb
15-Feb
22-Feb
Creche Rota
Carol Pritchard
Kirstin Gilmartin
Frances Thomson
Jo McNish
Margaret Weir
Paula Lennox
Robyn Kennedy
Julie Gray
Audio Rota
01-Feb
08-Feb
Sandra McCallum
Julie Gray
15-Feb
22-Feb
Ruaridh McKellar
John McDonald
Contact Details
Minister: Jam ie Milliken
[email protected]
Session Clerk: Jo hn
[email protected]
Clerk to the Board: Ian Nico ll
[email protected]
Treasurer: Do u glas Her vey
[email protected]
Church Officer: Ian Pen m an
[email protected]
Church Office:
[email protected]
Director of Music: Alastair McDo nald
[email protected]
Hall’s Convener: Catr ion a McK ellar
[email protected]
The Parishioner: Mar gar et Sho r t
[email protected]
Youth Worker: Gigha Lenn o x
[email protected]
Website:
www.troonportlandchurch.org.uk
The Parishioner is the magazine of the Portland Parish Church of Scotland: Troon
(Charity Number SC003477 CCLI Number 309449)
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