Congregational Profiles 2015
Vision
To create places of belonging
where people discover Jesus
and are equipped to follow him.
Table of Contents
___________________________________________________
General Information and the Vacancy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
Letter from the Search Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Position Profile . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
History of Maybole Parish Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Maybole and Around the Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-6
Worship, Leadership, Groups and Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Church Facilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Crosshill Parish Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
History of Crosshill Parish Church. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Crosshill and Around the Community. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
The Vacancy
Maybole Parish Church is seeking a new Minister of Word and Sacrament who can help
make and nurture disciples of Jesus Christ who seek to reflect His light and share His
love in their daily lives.
To apply, please review the profile and the application material on our website then
direct all inquiries and your application to the Interim Moderator. Should you wish a
printed copy of the Profile please contact Mrs. Liz Woodburn, Convenor of the
nominations committee at lizwoodburn@hotmail.com
Church contact information:
Maybole & Crosshill Parish Churches - www.mayboleparishchurch.org.uk
Interim Moderator contact information:
The Rev Richard G Moffat,
38 The Avenue,
Girvan, KA26 9DS
01465-713203
therevgn@gmail.com
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Letter from the Nominations Committee
Dear Candidate,
On behalf of the Nominations Committee at Maybole & Crosshill Parish Churches in
beautiful South Ayrshire, we are grateful to God that you are discerning a call to use
your ministry gifts and that you are considering Maybole & Crosshill. We are at an
important time in our congregation’s history and our ministry, a time when we are
looking forward with renewed vision.
When we became vacant in 2015 the Kirk Session’s acknowledged that we have a strong
history and a healthy past. We had a vision statements that was generally held to be an
accurate description of our church communities and it would have been easy to keep
going. Yet, the Kirk Sessions were aware that there were indications that we needed
renewal, including leaders’ fatigue as well as conventional measures like slipping
attendance and budget.
Having completed the first part of our vision to create places of belonging in the heart
of the communities, we are now at a turning point, and have begun the process of
working actively and together to seek a renewed and meaningful sense of discipleship
for our church family. In Maybole we have a new more-focussed vision, encapsulated in
a new statement that reflects our desire to be ever-growing as disciples of Jesus,
continually reflecting his light and sharing his love.
Our vision is:
To create places of belonging
where people discover Jesus
and are equipped to follow him.
In seeking a new minister we are asking God to inspire a leader to join us and to lead us
on our journey toward our new Vision to enable our entire congregation to become those
disciples and to live out our faith, always.
If this is consistent with your vision for the Christian life and if you have the gifts to
lead us toward that vision in the heart of Carrick in the twenty-first century, we pray
you will share your interest with us.
Mrs Liz Woodburn,
Convenor
On behalf of Nominations Committee:
Deirdre Cuthbertson, Robert Dalgleish, Jackie Dunlop,
Kate Hamilton, Pammy McIlwraith, Robert De-Mey, Bill Miller,
Margaret Murdoch, Doreen Qua, Jim Stevens, Jim Whiteford.
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We have provided this profile as a guide to
the impossible task of defining the
minister’s role as our leader in order to
achieve Maybole’s and Crosshill’s Visions.
There is much in the role of minister that is
defined and more that is implied. This is a
guide to capture our more specific
expectations to help us to determine how
well aligned we are and will be with each
other.
As a minister ordained (or eligible) in the
Presbyterian Church in Scotland, you are:
• Personally committed to Jesus Christ as
Lord and Saviour and grounded in prayer
• Living as a disciple and influencing others
to live likewise
• One who has good interpersonal and
organizational skills with the willingness to
delegate where appropriate
• Engaging, personable, sincere, perceptive
and responsive, and humble
As the minister called to Maybole, Crosshill
you are especially:
• Committed to enable these congregations
to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ, reflect
his light, and share his love, and live, always,
for our Lord
• Equipped with gifts of preaching God’s
word of salvation, teaching, and leadership
development with clarity, conviction and love
• Able to lead worship which transforms and
uplifts through word and music in both
classical and contemporary forms
• Able to engage with people who have little
or no Church connection
• Drawn to serve in the context in a small
town and rural community setting and
today’s culture
You will lead us to achieve our vision to grow
as disciples of Jesus Christ:
• By fulfilling with diligence your duties in
your pastoral care, offices, administrative
roles and denominational responsibilities,
and in your oversight of staff, volunteers in
your care
• By ensuring our God-given gifts are
identified and encouraging us to serve using
them
• By engaging with the broader community,
including neighbouring churches and the life
of the communities
• By taking time to pray, reflect, study and
develop, and taking time to rejuvenate, and
thus setting an example for us to follow
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Maybole Churches
The last ten years has seen great change in our places of worship in Maybole. The remaining 2
Presbyterian churches were sold and a grant was obtained and funds were raised through
various activities, to build our new ‘Maybole Parish Church and Carrick Centre”.
While awaiting the completion of our new church we worshipped in the Maybole Baptist Church.
In January 2012 a long awaited vision: “The church in the community; the community in the
church,” was finally realized and the doors were opened for worship.
Maybole
(There are many excellent guides and books written which give a detailed history of the town of
Maybole. The following serves to give a very brief insight of its history. )
Carrick, of which Maybole was the ancient capital, is the most southern of the three
historical divisions of Ayrshire. Evidence has been found which shows Maybole has been
inhabited since 5000 BC. The name Maybole may be derived from the Old English maege-botle:
maidens’ hall and the town’s patron saint is St. Cuthbert. The town also boasts a castle, steeped
in historical fact and folklore, an impressive Town Hall, a library, and a railway station.
Its “working” history involved the cottage handloom industry and the shoe and boot factories. A
familiar local saying is “you’ll need your tackety boots to visit Maybole”.
Many famous people have connections with Maybole: John Knox, Covenanters, Robert Burns and
John Loudon McAdam to name a few.
Interesting historical places near to Maybole (see below) include, Culzean Castle, Dunure Castle,
Crossraguel Abbey and Turnberry Golf course (first mentioned in 1892)
Many young men and women from Maybole gave their lives in the two wars and these are
remembered on several memorials in the town.
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Maybole has an active Historical Society, which strives to keep Maybole history “alive and
kicking.”
Crossraguel – 2 miles South of Maybole. Crossraguel was founded in the early 13th century
by the Earl of Carrick.
Although a ruin, the Crossraguel Abbey is still complete with the original monks’ church, their
cloister and even their dovecot (pigeon tower). Fine architectural details from the 15th century
can still be seen within the ruins with the chapter house which is still standing complete with
benches for the monks and an arched seat for the abbot.
The early form of the abbey's name suggests it meant the Cross of Riaghail and referred to a
great standing Cross.
With its quaint surroundings, the Abbey is a very popular choice for hosting wedding
ceremonies.
Dunure – 4.5 miles NW of Maybole. Dunure is a fishing village which dates back to the early
19th century. Places of interest in Dunure include Dunure Castle, where the roasting of Alan
Stewert took place. Today this ruin has a picnic area and car park facilities, and nearby is
Kennedy Park with a skate park, children’s play area and toilets.
The village is also home to Dunure Inn, which offers accommodation and a menu serving a
variety of dishes.
Just to the south of the village is the Electric Brae, an optical illusion where your car looks as if
it is going uphill when actually, it is rolling down hill.
Culzean Castle and Country Park – 5 miles E of Maybole. Culzean Castle is the perfect place
for a day out whether you're a keen walker, enjoy admiring gardens, have an interest in
architecture or just enjoy soaking up some history.
Standing on a dramatic cliff top overlooking the Firth of Clyde, the castle has been associated
with the Kennedy family since the 14-th century and was converted by Robert Adam between
1777 and 1792.
The property is set in nearly 600 acres of stunning countryside and miles of waymarked paths
lead visitors through majestic woodland and past secluded ponds. Head for the Deer Park, the
cliff top walk or explore the beaches. And seek out the park's hidden treasures such as the ice
houses, the Camellia House, the pagoda or the caves.
Ayr City – 8.5 miles N of Maybole. Ayr is a popular seaside resort, complete with charming
sea front, leafy suburbs and range of places to stay.
Ayr has a fantastic esplanade with a long sandy beach which is perfect for walking. There are
also plenty of parking spaces on either side of the main road that runs parallel with the beach.
Scotland's national bard, Robert Burns, was born in Alloway, on the outskirts of the town.
Visitors should make the short trip to visit his birthplace and the new Robert Burns Birthplace
Museum.
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There are also great shopping and dining facilities in Ayr and three public golf courses:
Belleisle, Seafield and Dalmilling.
Heads of Ayr Farm Park - 9 miles NW of Maybole. Whatever the weather, there is fun for
all the family at Heads of Ayr Farm Park.
There are many different animals to meet and learn all about. Visit the animal byre to a variety
of smaller animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs, degus, mice and birds. Venture outside to see
many of the larger residents including Ralph the Camel, Troy the Tapir, llamas, ponies, donkeys
and goats. The Park is also home to various breeds of monkeys, lemurs and meerkats!
Clubs and Organisations
Carrick Colts [Football] – Crosshill Thistle Boys Football [All Maybole Boys]
After School Care Beavers – Mums and Toddler Group – Tiny Tots Playgroup – Carrick Rugby
Club Carrick and District Homing Society – Maybole Bowling Club – Pipe Band
Concert Party – Memorial Park Bowling Club – Town Twinning – Carrick Amateurs [Football]
Business Association – Youth Club – Amateur Swimming Club – Majorette and Dance School
Youth Action Group – Carrick Chess Club – Carrick Homing North – Historical Society Maybole
Sports Club – Maybole Juniors [Football] – Crime Prevention Round Table - Carrick Academy
Rugby Team – Trefoil Guild Indoor Bowling Club – Archery Club – Maybole and District Young
Arts
Traders
Facilities, Trades, Services, Clubs and Activities in and around Maybole
Traders - Ironmonger – Optometrist – Two Pharmacies – Flower Shop – Pet Supplies - Hair
Dressers [Gents and Ladies] – Two Bakers – Butcher – Petrol Station - Several Mechanics –
Delicatessen – Co-operative – Five Convenience/Corner Stores - One Bank with Cash dispenser –
Fish and Chip shop – Chinese Takeaway - Chinese Restaurant – Indian/Pizza/Kebab Takeaway
Schools & Services Post Office – Library – Ambulance Station – Police Station – Retained Fire
Station Two medical practices – Health Centre – Dental Practice – Two veterinary Practices Pet Grooming Service – Gardenrose Primary - www.gardenrose.sayr.sch.uk - Cairn Primary
School - www.cairn.sayr.sch.uk - Carrick Academy - www.carrick.sayr.sch.uk
Leisure - Swimming Pool – 9 hole Golf Course [Local] – Two Bowling Greens - Several Levels of
Football – Maybole Annual Gala – Fishing – Culzean Country Park - Turnberry Golf Course – Local
Beaches [Three Miles] Galloway Hills Countryside Walks
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Maybole currently has one worship service per week on Sunday mornings at 10:30am with
Sunday School. There is a new multifunction organ and a new electronic piano. On occasion the
choir mistress will conduct the choir in the anthem and a member of the choir will play for
them, showing the depth of talent musically within the choir. No hymn books are required as we
currently project on to the wall behind the minister for all to see. A loop system is in operation
for the hearing aid users.
All services are recorded on to DVD and distributed to the housebound parishioners.
The church has a number of active groups for prayer, worship, fellowship and other purposes.
Among the groups active at present are: the choir, the Women’s Guild, Messy Church (twice
yearly), Kings Club, Ecumenical Prayer Group, Creche when required.
There are also a number of activities which are held on an annual basis, including Sunrise
Service, Christmas Eve Crib Service, Christmas Morning Service 10:30am
A good percentage of the congregation offer their time and skills in various ways to support the
church. Yet despite this active involvement in the governance and activities of Maybole, in the
course of discerning what we are looking for in a new minister, it has become clear that there is
a need to create a more vibrant church life. In order to renew and increase the sense of
discipleship among the members of our church family, there is a desire to bring the
congregation together in various groups outside of Sunday morning services; to foster a
Christian life which extends beyond Sunday, facilitating our vision of creating places of
belonging where people discover Jesus and are equipped to follow him.
Maybole has a part-time auxiliary minister and director of music ministry.
Elders
There are currently 30 Elders and 8 Board members.
Presbytery
Presbytery meets within the Church, except the first and last meetings of the year.
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Our new home, is owned by the General
Trustees of the Church of Scotland.
The Carrick Centre, as we have named
our facility, is leased to a not for profit
company limited by guarantee, who
operate the facility on behalf of the
Church and various community groups.
The building houses the Sanctuary, a
quiet room, minister’s study, a multipurpose hall, several smaller rooms, a
Café and soft play area and a day
centre. The café is also an information
centre and bookshop. Integrated within
the complex is a youth centre, which
provides activities for the young people
of the town.
The Carrick Centre operations consist
of maintaining, insuring, heating and
lighting the building, and the church
simply pays an agreed amount for their
usage. Open all day every day to the
entire community, the Carrick Centre
brings together Church and community
activities, under one roof, and welcomes
the disadvantaged and socially excluded.
In 2015 we will see the opening of a
nursery for two to three-year-old
children, many of who will come from
difficult circumstances.
Together, the Church and Centre fulfill
the vision of both the General Trustees
of the Church of Scotland, and the
Maybole Parish Church Congregation to
create places of belonging where people
discover Jesus and are equipped to
follow him.
In the three and a half years since it
opened, our Church has established
itself even more at the heart of the
community and throughout the new
facility, which itself has become the
principle focal point for social activity in
the area for both residents and
visitors.
With the exception of the vestry and
quiet room, all parts of the building,
including the sanctuary, are available
for community use seven days a week,
thereby realizing the vision of the
trustees and Maybole Parish Church for
a
multi-functional,
multi-purpose
building. The Church’s interests and use
of the building are safeguarded by local
agreement between Church and Centre.
In the calendar year to the end of 2014
in excess of 100 different groups used
the Carrick Centre. These groups
ranged from a Food Bank, through Keep
Fit, Crafts, Health, Guides and Cadets,
youth club, to the Breastfeeding
network, Weightwatchers and a whole
range of local authority activities and
exhibitions.
The
Centre
hosts
conferences,
concerts, fashion shows, a cinema club,
school events and elections. In addition,
a wide range of Church and Presbytery
events.
The café offers employment and
training
to
youngsters,
many
disadvantaged and at a distance from
the workplace, and helps to finance the
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outreach of the Church. A large
percentage of Church members are
volunteers in the day to day running of
the
café
and
centre.
Crosshill Parish Church
Our mission as the people of God – is to
understand the Good News of Jesus
Christ and to share it with all who live in
the parish and the wider community.
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History of Crosshill Parish Church
A white-harled T-plan traditonal kirk built in 1838, as a chapel of ease to accommodate
the population of what was then a new village based on domestic weaving. The interior
was altered in the 1970s to form the present multi-purpose building with church, hall,
session house, kitchen and facilities within an unchanged exterior.
In 2010 a successful union took place with Maybole Parish Church which is 3 miles away.
The Church functions on a model constitution and the Kirk Session comprises of 13
individuals, six men and seven women and meets as required. The Board consists of the
elders and seven elected members with the Annual Stated Meeting held in March.
Worship
Sunday service is at 12 noon and of a traditional format with new hymnaries being used.
Communion – is offered twice yearly, the last Sunday’s in April and October
Primary school services may be held in the Church at the end of each term.
Guild - the guild meet fortnightly during winter and is well attended.
Choir - the choir accompanies us at morning worship and provides anthems at special
services like Christmas and Easter
Tea/Coffee is served after worship on the first Sunday of each month
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Crosshill And Around The Community
Crosshill is a small rural village of around 500 inhabitants. The area was first settled by
Irish immigrants who employed themselves in the business of hand-loom weaving. They
constructed many single-storey cottages a few of which may still be found on Dalhowan
Street.
Situated in the picturesque Girvan valley 3 miles south east of Maybole. The village
stands on the left bank of Girvan Water, And chiefly consists of a long regular street
of one-story houses, running at right angles from the river.
The village has a small convenience shop incorporating a post office with money order
and savings' bank departments, a community hall and mobile banking and library visit
once a week.
Primary education is in a modern primary school with an average of 50 pupils. There is a
nursery situated next to the community hall for children of pre-school age. Secondary
education is taken care of at Carrick Academy in Maybole 3 miles away, or in Ayr.
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