St Marnock's Parish Church, Kilmarnock
	"Serving God's People"

A Letter from the Manse
August/ September 2005

Dear Friends,

Summer Holidays

We enjoyed another summer touring France with our caravan. This year we travelled more than 2,500 miles. We crossed from Dover to Calais, and then headed for a site outside Paris. From there we went south and east towards the Swiss border. Next we headed west to the Loire valley and some of the magnificent chateaux there. So there we were in the middle of France enjoying the French way of life, the wonderful scenery, the warm sunny weather, the croissants, the baguettes and the wine, and the first person I spoke to all those miles from home was a chap from Newton Mearns!

We live in a global village where we are neighbours to each other despite the distances and differences between us. Yet there is an inevitable climate of fear and suspicion following the London bombings. Already there are signs that racial abuse is on the increase as a result. Well we follow the Christ who has called us to love our neighbour.

It is when we obey that instruction, when we value our neighbours as individuals and treat them with respect, regardless of their race or their faith, that we can make the greatest impact.

Pastoral Partnership

On the 1st of September the Kilmarnock South and East Pastoral Partnership will begin to operate. It is an experiment with the ministers of St Marnock’s, Howard St Andrew’s, Shortlees & Bellfield, Henderson, the Old High and St Kentigern’s working together in a way that shares our parish responsibilities. Time will tell whether or not it works, but it is an encouraging sign of the growing trust, cooperation and mutual support that exists between the churches in our town.

Director of Music

I am delighted to inform you that we now have a new Director of Music for St. Marnock’s. Mr Gordon Stevenson took up his post at the beginning of August. Gordon who comes from Kilwinning, is a teacher at Kilmarnock Academy. He is a very gifted young man and comes with an impressive track record. We look forward to him leading us forward musically in St Marnock’s.

However in order to secure the right person for this pivotal role, I gave Gordon the assurance that as a congregation we would give him our total support. So I would encourage every one of you to consider singing in the choirs or helping with the Praise Band.

As a new church session begins we can look forward with great anticipation and confidence to the work ahead.

	Your minister,
		
		Jim McNaughtan