Sing This Christmas

Transformations

Work continues on renovating our John Street premises. We have received these photographs showing some of the progress.
You will note from the dust, even on the camera's lens, that it's appropriate for us to have alternative venues in which to meet during this time!
View the other photographs here.

Making Progress

Ayr Citadel Renovation
Project Update 2, September 2012

Whilst work continues, Sunday worship will be held at 10.45 in the Castlehill Church, North Hall. Please do tell us if you know anyone who needs transport.

The renovation project is focussed on making The Salvation Army’s John Street buildings watertight. Features include new electrical cabling, upgraded central heating and installation of a new commercial kitchen (for which we have just approved the layout). In due course, the walls and ceilings will also be redecorated. All this work should be completed by Easter 2013.

To date, the key progress points are:-

• Following a tendering process, Waterside Developments Ltd. of Kilmarnock were appointed as the primary construction contractor supported by SMS Ltd. for electrical and central heating work.
• Scaffolding is already in place, external work has started e.g. repairing and waterproofing the roof, and the ground floor pews have been removed.
• We are in discussion with various contractors about audio-visual, security and IT requirements and initially seek to ensure the necessary cabling infrastructure is in place.
• We are also liaising with various voluntary and public sector bodies to identify mission outreach opportunities and will keep you updated on progress.
• Fundraising is required for the project including:

1. establishment of a cry room
2. purchase of audio-visual / IT / security equipment
3. installing partitioning and new / additional doors (internal and external)
4. planning permission for removal of the pulpit and “change of use” for the halls.

Please let the Project Steering Group (PSG) know if you have any ideas for fundraising or if you would like any further information.

The PSG comprises: Douglas Johnson (chair), Robin Black, Bobby Irvine, Ruth Irvine, Leonard McIlloney, Mel Dunnachie, John Smith, Tim Stone, David Tomlinson, John Wood and Marjorie Wood.

Sing it louder, sing it stronger...

Calling all singers who would like to sing in The Salvation Army’s

AYR COMMUNITY GOSPEL CHOIR.


As the summer draws to a close the Ayr Community Gospel Choir is calling all singers from 14yrs upwards (no limit!) to begin rehearsals for our Christmas Concert. Under the guidance and care of Bobby Irvine and the Salvation Army Ayr we are a non-denominational choir and extend a warm invitation to all members of the community, of whatever faith (or none), who enjoy singing. So come along and be part of something really uplifting and inspiring.

Now in our fourth season, Castlehill Church has become our home for our Christmas Concert which this year will be held on Sunday 9th December (time to be confirmed).
Rehearsals will be held in
Riverside Evangelical Church Hall
John Street, Ayr KA8 0BS

Thursday 27th September Rehearsal from 7.30 to 9.30pm.
Thursday 11th October Rehearsal 7.30 till 9.30pm.
Thursday 25th October Rehearsal 7.30 till 9.30pm.
Thursday 8th November Rehearsal 7.30 till 9.30pm.
Thursday 22nd November Rehearsal 7.30 till 9.30pm.
Saturday morning 24th November (to be confirmed)
Thursday 6th December Rehearsal 7.30 till 9.30pm.
Sunday 9th December Carol Concert in Castlehill Parish Church (time to be confirmed).


To join our choir please come along to our first rehearsal on 27th September at Riverside Evangelical Church Hall or to register online go to www.salvationarmyayrcitadel.info

There is a registration fee of £5 to cover the cost of music and refreshments and for those 14-16 years of age we will also require parents’ consent.

On the road again!

While the renovations on our building take place we have to move to temporary accommodations for many of our activities.

Starting on Sunday 23rd September until the end of 2012, we will hold our Sunday Worship in the Castlehill Parish Church Hall at 1 Old Hillfoot Road, Ayr, KA7 3LW.


The church and hall is located on the corner of Old Hillfoot Road and Castlehill Road in Ayr.


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From the roundabout at Ayr Railway Station, take the A713 towards Dalmellington and Castle Douglas. The church is about a mile along this road, on the left at the next roundabout.

A limited amount of transportation will be available on Sunday morning from John Street to the Castlehill Church - please contact Lieut. Tim or Cheryl at 01292 265813 if you need this service.

And so it begins

Work has begun on the renovation of our Wallacetown base of operations!

We hope to provide updates on a regular basis, but here are some photographs courtesy of Mr. Alex Mackenzie who is a student architect assisting the developer. Click on the photographs to see more of Alex's work at his own website.

Day Two.


Day Three

Sharing the Vision

Dear friends:

The 2012 Olympics came to a close with last evening’s celebration. The whole world was engaged for 16 days. No doubt its impact was felt all around the world with national pride at its best when the gold medallists stood on the podium, the relevant country’s flag raised and its anthem played.

In an effort to capitalise on the enthusiastic momentum within the United Kingdom, Prime Minister David Cameron has already launched a ‘go-forward scheme’ for young athletes. How far this nation came since London won the bid to stage the Olympics seven years ago! The vision was outlined in the bid but reality was a long way off. Naysayers struck a note of fear because of transportation nightmares, impact on the tourist industry and potential terrorist attacks. But today, only rejoicing and compliments are heard.

There are many stories in the Scriptures that recount similar negative reactions. It was not uncommon for people to see the giants and not the fruit (Numbers 13), the enemy forces and not God’s chariots of fire (2 Kings 6), the dry bones and not an army on the move (Ezekiel 37). It is not wrong to look at the ‘what if’s’ when mapping the future. Some of us are wired that way. We want to count the cost, plan for unsettling eventualities. However, when God paints the picture of the future with his ambitious promises and clear purposes, he asks us to step out in faith and take hold of the future with courage and confidence.

My travels in May to July involved five congresses (Denmark, The Netherlands and Czech Republic, United Kingdom with the Republic of Ireland, USA Western, Mexico), the international Conference of Leaders in Canada and a weekend at Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings in USA Eastern. Participating in these events introduced me to visionaries and strategists. Each gathering took months, even years of planning after the initial concept was conceived. No doubt there were unique challenges. Yet the leaders pressed on believing that these series of meetings would be instrumental in bringing the territory together in worship, fellowship and mission. Even more significant was their belief that the Lord would come with blessing beyond what could be anticipated. Prayer undergirded every facet, every dream. And God did not disappoint! Mercy seat responses were unforgettable and new direction was established. Only the future will tell how significant these events were in the life of the Army. Please continue to pray in thanksgiving and in faith for a Spirit-filled Army.

As I write to you, I am aware that what I have shared is on the macro (large scale) level: Olympics, Old Testament accounts of the nation of Israel and Salvation Army territorial or international events. Yes, our God is the big picture God who plans in love for nations and churches. But he also has you in mind when he casts a vision of hope. There can appear to be many hurdles for you to overcome as you face the future, but be assured your God is gracious and mighty. Move forward today with courage and confidence.

God bless you richly and rest in the knowledge that he is with you.


Sincerely,

Linda Bond

General