OLD GOUROCK AND ASHTON PARISH CHURCH PARISH PROFILE Our Vision. Who we are!

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Phoebe Lynch
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1 THE CHURCH OF SCOTLAND OLD GOUROCK AND ASHTON PARISH CHURCH Our Vision Who we are! The people of Old Gourock and Ashton are:- A strong and active congregation who endeavour to practise a Christian witness and mission within the community locally, nationally and world wide. Committed, talented and active volunteers who take part in the many organisations, outreach endeavours and fund rais- ing projects for those in need. Proud of our history it is to the future we look to ensure the growth of commitment to Christian life and witness based in this Church. PARISH PROFILE 2013 Communion Sunday April 2013

Our Mission Our aim is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ by means of: Ac ve public witness in worship involving all ages Being a welcoming, family church Providing ac vi es for all age groups

2 Our Mission Our aim is to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ by means of: Ac ve public witness in worship involving all ages Being a welcoming, family church Providing ac vi es for all age groups to experience Chris an fellowship Pastoral support and concern, in mes of both joy and sorrow WELCOME TO OLD GOUROCK AND ASHTON PARISH CHURCH A place to believe A place to belong A place to grow A place to serve A LITTLE BIT OF GOUROCK The parish of Old Gourock and Ashton lies in the town of Gourock, part of Inverclyde. The current parish boundaries were approved by the Presbytery of Greenock and Paisley in 2008 and the es - mated popula on within these boundaries is Included with- in the parish are several residen al homes for the elderly and both a primary and a secondary school. In December 2012 the current Presbytery Plan was approved allo- ca ng Old Gourock and Ashton one ministry on unrestricted ten- ure. The plan for the congrega on includes the possibility of changes to the parish boundaries at an appropriate me. The Congrega onal Roll as at 31st December 2012 showed 727 members. The number of bap sms, weddings and funerals varies from year to year. Records show that over three years the minis- ter conducted 30 bap sms, 13 weddings and 88 funerals.

Our pulpit needs a minister! Pulpit designed by Charles Rennie Macintosh. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU WE ARE SEEKING A MINISTER who will work with us to put this church at the centre of our community.

The minister at Old Gourock and Ashton Parish Church will be able to preach the Word in ways which challenge and encourage.

3 Our pulpit needs a minister! Pulpit designed by Charles Rennie Macintosh. WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU WE ARE SEEKING A MINISTER who will work with us to put this church at the centre of our community. We are looking for someone who can lead us to deeper discipleship and mission. The minister at Old Gourock and Ashton Parish Church will be able to preach the Word in ways which challenge and encourage. S/ he will be able to communicate with clarity, be an enthusias c enabler who is able to work with diverse teams, helping each individual devel- op their God-given talents. Our fu- ture is both exci ng and challeng- ing. We look forward to welcoming our new minister and are eager to embrace the changes that are ahead of us. It is our desire that we con nue to deepen our faith and remain a place of acceptance, healing and growth. If you feel called by God to guide us in this new and exci ng phase of our Chris an journey, we would love to hear from you. Applica ons should be made to the clerk to the Nomina ng Commi ee in the form of a CV and covering le er. Informal enquiries can be made to the Interim Moderator. Clerk to the Nomina ng Commi ee: Diane Gillan, 4 Laverock Avenue, Maple Park, GREENOCK PA15 4NF Tel: diane.m.gillan@hotmail.com Interim Moderator Rev Ian Bell L. Th., 40 Brueacre Drive, WEMYSS BAY PA18 6HA Tel: revianbell@gmail.com WORSHIP Sunday Worship takes place at 10am. We come together to worship as one family to praise and glorify God. Usually young people a end the first part of the service before depar ng to the Halls to con nue their own programme as the Young Church. A crèche is available for the very young. Members of the congrega on regularly take part in helping to lead worship by singing in the choir, reading from Scripture, speaking to the young in heart or giving short talks. Several mes a year family services are held when the young folk remain in church throughout the service and so can play a full part. Tea and coffee is served in the Halls a er worship. Many members of the congre- ga on take the opportunity of coming together and con nue fellowship. Dona- ons at this me are used to offset the transport which brings some of the con- grega on to worship. Worship in the sanctuary is enhanced by the important part played by music. The Allen MDS 75 Computer Organ was installed in 1991 and is ably played by our talented organist. A Yamaha Clavinova was added to the music facili es in Last year the sound system, which had served us well for many years, was totally replaced and a visual system consis ng of a fully retractable screen and back projector added. These mul - media facili es have also enhanced worship and provided an addi onal resource to the church community. Biannual main communion services, monthly short communion opportuni es, special ser- vices in accord with the church year, occasional evening services, midweek short medita ve services in the summer all add to the range of worship provision.

WORSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The Worship and Development Commi ee are remi ed by the Kirk Session to, along with the minister, support the variety of forms of worship which have been adopted.

The commi ee also support the leader team of the Young Church and the various organisa ons with faith related ma ers.

4 WORSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE The Worship and Development Commi ee are remi ed by the Kirk Session to, along with the minister, support the variety of forms of worship which have been adopted. This includes arrangements for communion services, the bible study programme, evening services, visits to places of interest and pilgrimage centres. The commi ee also support the leader team of the Young Church and the various organisa ons with faith related ma ers. This year s pilgrimage trip is currently being arranged to Dunfermline Abbey and St Andrew s. LOCAL ECUMENICAL RELATIONS There are good working rela onships between both the clergy and congrega ons amongst the various denomina ons of the Chris an church represented in Gourock OG&A, St John s Church of Scot- land, St Ninian s RC Church, St Bartholomew s Sco sh Episcopalian Church,and Gourock Bap st. The clergy meet together on occasions to plan occasional joint or united services, including an Advent ser- vice for all the local schools. The clergy also meet regularly with the Headteachers of all Gourock Schools. Visit to Whithorn and Carlisle 2012 Craft Fair 2012 GOUROCK PRIMARY SCHOOL For many years now it has been customary for the Headteacher of Gourock Primary School to invite the minister to be the Chaplain to pupils and staff. Ministers have paid frequent and regular visits to the school; Classes have come to explore the church. Regular end of term services are held in the sanctuary. CHURCH ACTIVITIES During the week Church organisa ons and other groups offer ac vi- es in the halls including: badminton, indoor bowling, Fitness League, country dancing, The Guild, Gateway, Kra Da, Keep Fit, Parish Players and Parents and Toddlers.

Some 300 young people take part in the range of organisa ons connected to Old Gourock and Ashton Church.

Like many churches we struggle to help them in their faith journey and are anxious to encourage the development of this.

They then leave for the halls and take part in age related ac vi es in 3 groups.

on to the Church and also Young Church operate a regu- the Sunbeams.

understanding of their difficul- some financial support and es and makes some cash for a safeguarding arrangements. charity of choice.

5 Some 300 young people take part in the range of organisa ons connected to Old Gourock and Ashton Church. We are very grate- ful to the many gi ed, skilled and dedicated leaders who so readily give of their me and talents to our young folk. Like many churches we struggle to help them in their faith journey and are anxious to encourage the development of this. YOUNG CHURCH YOUTH ORGANISATIONS Members of Young Church usu- ally take part in Sunday Wor- ship for the first 15 minutes which includes an address for the young in heart. They then leave for the halls and take part in age related ac vi es in 3 groups. At Family Services There are especially in Advent the Young age related sec ons of these Church play a part in planning movements ac ve in connec- and leading worship. on to the Church and also Young Church operate a regu- the Sunbeams. Each group is larly available Fairtrade stall as supported by chaplaincy by a project which benefits those the minister, visi ng elders in developing countries, our and, if needed, access to halls, understanding of their difficul- some financial support and es and makes some cash for a safeguarding arrangements. charity of choice. The Young Church leader team decided to trial four Messy Church events in session The first with a welcome theme was a ended by 53 children and a good group of parents and grandpar- ents, the second held during Advent was a ended by 56 children and the Easter themed event a racted 60 children and a fourth s ll to happen. Each event consisted of a number of cra based ac vi es and relevant Biblical messages aimed at the young par ci- pants. Highly enjoyed and valued by all who a ended, the leader team are enthusias cally planning how to develop this popular venture for next session. SAFEGUARDING A Safeguarding Panel is in place to advise and support those who work with our youth groups and those whose work is with vulnera- ble adults. Addi onally the panel endeavours to ensure compli- ance with Safeguarding Procedures in accord with Church of Scot- land guidance.

THE KIRK SESSION In 2008 the unitary cons tu on was adopted so that the Kirk Ses- sion is responsible for the spiritual and fiscal ma ers of the congre- ga on.

6 THE KIRK SESSION In 2008 the unitary cons tu on was adopted so that the Kirk Ses- sion is responsible for the spiritual and fiscal ma ers of the congre- ga on. The members of the Kirk Session are the Minister (as Mod- erator) and (currently) 63 Elders who are also the charitable trus- tees in terms of the OSCR requirements. The Kirk Session meets for ordinary business normally 6 mes per year. Much of the work is handled by the 9 standing commi ees each of which have an agreed remit and powers subject to repor ng to the KS. The commi ees are Business, Communica ons, Communiity Interests, Finance and Stewardship, Pastoral, Property and Works, Social, World Mission and Worship and Development. The com- mi ees consist of Elders and other members of the congrega on, the minister and session clerk (who are ex-officio members of all commi ees). A convenor is appointed for a period of three years and may be appointed for a further three year term. Most elders have district du es, welcome du es and serve on one but no more than two commi ees. The choice of commi ee being in terms of the individual s interests and talents. When occasionally there are special support or development needs the KS appoints a task group of elders and others who have the necessary background to handle the ma er. A recent incidence of this has happened in rela on to looking a recruitment of members and leaders in sec ons of the BB Company with some posi ve out- comes. 3rd Gourock Company BB visit Hampden Many pages could be filled outlining the work of the commi ees of the Kirk Session. As an illustra on of this part of the core mission of this congrega on here follows some informa on of work co-ordinated by the World Mission and the Pastoral Commi ees. WORLD MISSION Two members of the Bible Class are going on a visit to Rwanda this summer on a trip organised through their school under the auspi- ces of Aid for Educa on. They and representa ves of Aid for Edu- ca on have talked during a service to help spread the message. Their trip has been supported by a dona on from the KS and the proceeds of a soup and sandwich lunch organised by the Young Church. We are partnered with Malavi Church, Malawi. Some members from that church have visited us here at OG&A. Two members of our church have visited Malavi. There are many lessons for us in awareness of the different needs that they have for spreading the Good News.

CHURCH BUILDINGS The Rwanda Lunch Team! The sanctuary was dedicated in May 1932. The interior is enhanced with several stained glass windows and some beau fully carved woodwork.

Ashton Church all contrib- u ng to a fine worship space. The col- ours of our uniformed youth organisa- ons are kept in the sanctuary.

Sharing the joys and sorrows of people is one of our greatest privi- leges as it mirrors the love of Jesus for all those whom He met.

7 CHURCH BUILDINGS The Rwanda Lunch Team! The sanctuary was dedicated in May The interior is enhanced with several stained glass windows and some beau fully carved woodwork. Over the years there have been many addi ons to the sanctuary, banners by the cra group, a sculpture by George Wylie (local ar st), new double glazed entry doors, some furnishings from the former Ashton Church all contrib- u ng to a fine worship space. The col- ours of our uniformed youth organisa- ons are kept in the sanctuary. Malavi, The Guild PASTORAL COMMITTEE The provision of pastoral care is shared by the minister, members of the commi ee and Elders. Sharing the joys and sorrows of people is one of our greatest privi- leges as it mirrors the love of Jesus for all those whom He met. The care of members and people who live in our parish is an important act in the life of OG&A and one that we take very seriously. Sunday by Sunday flowers enhance the sanctuary during worship and a flower ministry team takes those flowers to those who have been bereaved, are ill or are having a special anniversary. There are two sets of halls, one to the rear of the church (Arran Halls complex) which was modernised in 2011, and one to the north side which was opened in The upgrading of the Ar- ran Halls complex included installing a disabled toilet, improving ramp access, refurbishing the kitchen, adding a fire alarm sys- tem. The halls are well used by church groups and groups from the local community. The varying nature of the halls mean that they can accommodate the needs of the youth organisa ons, the bowlers, the badminton players, the Parish Players annual panto and review, various fund raising ac vi es including the Christmas Fayre, mee ngs of different numbers of par cipants, office space and, yes, a vestry for the minister!

FINANCES Our Church ﬁnances are in a very healthy state, showing a high level of ﬁnancial commitment by the congrega on and signiﬁcant fund raising by our members.

Finance Summary for 2012 General Fund Total Ordinary General Income 128,013 Total Ordinary General Expenditure 128,725 Unrealised gain on investments 802 General Fund Surplus 90 Summary of Funds at

Restricted Funds 33,675 Total Church Funds 486,893 FINANCE COMMITTEE The Finance Commi ee monitor the Church ﬁnances and makes recommenda- ons to the Session.

8 FINANCES Our Church ﬁnances are in a very healthy state, showing a high level of ﬁnancial commitment by the congrega on and signiﬁcant fund raising by our members. The Church is fully self-suppor ng and pays its Mission and Ministries contribu- ons in full. Finance Summary for 2012 General Fund Total Ordinary General Income 128,013 Total Ordinary General Expenditure 128,725 Unrealised gain on investments 802 General Fund Surplus 90 Summary of Funds at 31 December 2012 General Fund 22,300 Fabric Fund 85,705 Bequest Fund 266,098 Benevolence Fund 39,738 Organisa on Support Fund 28,694 Other Funds 10,683 Total Unrestricted Funds 453,218 Total Restricted Funds 33,675 Total Church Funds 486,893 FINANCE COMMITTEE The Finance Commi ee monitor the Church ﬁnances and makes recommenda- ons to the Session. They are responsible, with the Church Treasurer, for pre- paring the annual accounts, for the freewill oﬀerings and for Gi Aid. The Com- mi ee also have a remit to oversee our regular Stewardship campaigns. GOUROCK THE MANSE The manse is a modern, energy eﬃcient home built in It has a great view across the River Clyde. There are 4 bedrooms, a study, lounge, dining room, kitchen and bathrooms, easily maintained gardens, oﬀ street parking, gas central hea ng and ample storage. OGA ONLINE The church website, is currently undergoing a major overhaul Informa on is also available on the Facebook Page Friends-at-Old-Gourock-and-Ashton-Parish-Church TRAVEL LINKS The manse is situated on a bus route, rail and ferry links are nearby. Also the manse is within 40 minutes drive to Glasgow Interna- onal Airport. LEISURE ACTIVITIES Inverclyde oﬀers a wide range of leisure ac vi es. Gourock has its own golf course, outdoor heated swimming pool and refur- bished gym. Boat clubs, sailing opportuni es, ﬁne parks and good walks are readily accessible. SCHOOLS The manse is within the catchment of a number of excellent schools, including Gourock Primary School and Clydeview Academy. OLD GOUROCK AND ASHTON PARISH CHURCH 41 Royal Street, GOUROCK PA19 1PW Telephone www,ogachurch.org.uk Church of Scotland No: Sco sh Registered Charity No: SC007324

PRESBYTERY OF GREENOCK AND PAISLEY GREENOCK:WESTBURN PARISH PROFILE

PRESBYTERY OF GREENOCK AND PAISLEY GREENOCK:WESTBURN PARISH PROFILE UNRESTRICTED CALL http://www.greenockwestburn.org.uk/ Greenock:Westburn (Church of Scotland) Registered Scottish Charity No SCO05106