SPRED GALLOWAY

GROUPS RECONCILIATION SERVICE – THURSDAY 19 MARCH 

We celebrated a Reconciliation Service with our Chaplain Fr Philip Kitchen in St Margaret’s Church Hall at 7 pm on Thursday 19 March. 

It was attended by 26 people including representatives from all our Groups. We also had a few family members and an ex-member. 

We began with a brief welcome to everyone before we sang Companions on the Journey together. 

Our Symbolic Object was a statue of Praying Hands. Jason brought the statue down and Margaret Rose helped place a white cloth on the table it was placed on. As we reflected on coming together to share a time of Prayer and Forgiveness everyone was invited to come out and place their hands on the praying hands Statue and make their own prayer. It was a poignant moment as people came out as some quiet music was played. This section ended with our lighted SPRED letter candles being placed in front of the Praying Hands. 

We began our Reconciliation Service with the hymn: In Christ Alone My Hope is Found. Then Fr Philip led us through our Introductory Rite. 

The Table of God’s Word was prepared at quiet music was played. We then had a Liturgy of the Word. Our reading was from the letter of St Paul to the Thessalonians. It was read by Billy and Helena did the mime. Everyone joined in making the gestures to the response to the Psalm: Have mercy on us, O Lord, for we have sinned. Fr Philip read the Gospel from St John with Joan doing the mime.  

The message was delivered to us all as follows: Jesus says to you “I want to forgive your sins”. 

As we moved towards celebrating God’s forgiveness Michael led us into an Examination of Conscience were we considered how we have fallen short in our Love of God, Others and ourselves. 

We sang Lay Your Hands Gently Upon Us with the gesture of placing our hands on our heads at various points throughout the hymn. 

For the next part of the service Fr Philip came to the front of the hall and people processed out to him. In another moving moment each individual answered two simple questions: Are you sorry for your sins? and Do you want to live and love as a Friend of God? He then absolved them from their sins. This section finished with Yahweh I know you are near playing quietly in the background as we all thanked God for His forgiveness. 

In our concluding rite we said together an Our Father as our penance. The was followed by everyone sharing the peace of Jesus with each other and ended with the final blessing by Fr Philip.  

Before we moved into our Agape we sang the chorus to the song God is so God with an appropriate gesture of hands raised in praise. 

The evening finished with our usual agape with an abundance of items brought by those who attended. Not forgetting our Shalom my friends finale. 

A big thank you to Fr Philip and to everyone who took part in the Service and provided the Agape. 

“Till we meet again …Shalom.” 

ZIPLINE EXPERIENCE – SATURDAY 14 MARCH 

Scott O’Hare from our Ayr Monday Evening Group took to the skies last Saturday afternoon to complete the Highland Fling Zipline Challenge.  We are still collecting the sponsorship monies for this event, and we will announce a final total next week. 

A few people accompanied Scott up to Killiecrankie including Michael, Margaret Rose and Hugh.  Unfortunately, with only one Car that was everyone who could go along.

Once everyone had been picked up, we made our way up to Killiecrankie.  There were no traffic problems and with only one short stop on the way up at the services near Stirling we arrived before 12 Noon.  Scott paid a visit to Greggs to have an obligatory Sausage Roll or two. It meant that we had time to familiarise ourselves with the layout of the area.

The Zipline event itself took around an hour with a short training session beforehand.

Scot had a ball! He thoroughly enjoyed the experience so much that he is already planning the event for next year.  Here is what Scott thought of the experience: “As myself and Michael watched some other people doing the Zipline experience I thought to myself what am I going to put myself through.  I was given some training beforehand and that eased my mind a little bit.  However, when I started the experience itself, I did feel like George of the Jungle, swinging from Tree to Tree.  It was brilliant. When I finished, I simply wanted to do it all again.” 

Scott wants to say a big thank you to everyone, including many parishioners, for their financial support.  He also now wants to be known as ‘Scott of the Jungle’. I would also like to add my own thanks to everyone who supported him.

Until the same time next year, I will finish this news item as follows:  Scott, Scott, Scott of the Jungle fast as he can be, aaaaaah watch out for that Tree! 

THREE MAJOR NEWSPIECES FOR MARCH

• Our Highland Fling Zipline event is on the 14th of March, this Saturday– keep an eye out on Facebook and the newspage for more details, and pictures!
• The Created To Belong event is coming along well, tickets are still available on Eventbrite, see the article below.
• Easyfundraising is working just great, we’ve already got some money from our wonderful donators! Thank you kindly if you’ve already donated, if you haven’t, or you don’t know what I’m talking about, the link’s down below!

SPRED EASYFUNDRAISING NOW OPEN!

So, we’ve decided to try something a little more experimental.

There’s a website called easyfundraising.org.uk, and it works like this: you sign up, you pledge to the charity of your choice (in a perfect world, SPRED), and then when you go online shopping, you either go through their website, download their app, or download their browser extension.

When you do your online shopping through easyfundraising, if they’ve signed up for it, whoever you’re shopping with donates some money to SPRED at no cost to you! You shop with Tesco? They give us £1.50! You shop with M&S? 0.5% of your purchase! That’s 50p for every £100 you spend!

It’s really easy, it costs you nothing, and it helps SPRED! It’s a win-win-win! Go on, give it a try, buy yourself that nice thing you’ve always wanted, you deserve it- at the very least, sign up now so you can remember it in time for Christmas!

Go ahead and sign up! (It’s link!)

CREATED TO BELONG CONFERENCE – SATURDAY 23 MAY

I am pleased to announce that SPRED Galloway has become involved in hosting a Day Conference entitled Created to Belong. The focus of the day is about Celebrating Disability in the Image of God.

The background to our involvement in the above venture stems from my attendance in virtual catch up meetings with several other Faith based groups and others. Two of these are groups have links to the Church of Scotland namely: Prospects Across Scotland and Reachout Together. The other group is called Through the Roof. If you wish to find out more about any of these groups, then look up their websites. During our discussions the idea of holding a day conference was floated but it was only over time that it has become a reality. The Church of Scotland itself has made a substantial donation to help with the running expenses of the day.

It is now at the stage where final preparations are being made to make this Day Conference a reality.

I will be contacting groups directly about this, but I want to give you a bit of a flavour of what is proposed.

A publicity Poster has been produced which sets out further details of what is involved in the day and how people can buy Tickets.

The event will take place at The Howard Centre, 5 Portland Road, Kilmarnock KA1 2BT. There will be a whole variety of things happening throughout the day including: Worship, Speakers, Makaton, BSL, Craft, Drama, Storytelling, Music and Quiet Spaces. There will be stalls offering resources and information about organisations, including SPRED. Final details are still being worked on.

This day is open to all and celebrates the fact that everyone is made in the Image of God! I am inviting everyone from SPRED Galloway to come along to this day. Many different aspects of disability will be celebrated throughout the day.

Tickets can be purchased for £5 on Eventbrite. This cost includes lunch.

If you want further details about this event, please do not hesitate to contact me on my mobile: 07306138442.

THE KILLIE ZIP – 14 MARCH 2026 

After some deliberation and discussion, it has been decided that Scott O’Hare will now be doing the Killie Zip rather than the Highland Swing. The Killie Zip is a new and exciting adventure of zipping from tree to tree through the stunning valley of Killiecrankie and across the mighty River Garry at heights of up to 30m.  Scott will now be like George of the Jungle in that he will have to ‘watch out for that Tree’. (Please look at You Tube to find out all about George of the Jungle and his theme tune.) An appropriate announcement will also be made through our Facebook Page.   

We will still be looking for Sponsorship for Scott and since the event will take place at roughly the same venue, date and time our planning for the day itself will remain the same. 

CORPORATE FUNDING  

I am looking to see if we can encourage a business to sponsor some of the running costs of this event or an individual with very big pockets.  If you know of anyone who runs a local business who we could approach, then please let us know.  The Zipline experience itself costs £49 and there may be other costs involved. 

CONCLUSION 

If you want any more information or to pass on any thoughts or suggestions in terms of any aspect of this event, then please do not hesitate to contact me.  

There are many thoughts running through my head in terms of this event, but I will stop there for now.  If you want any more information or to pass on any thoughts or suggestions in terms of any aspect of this event, then please do not hesitate to contact me. 

This is the sponsor form you can download, print off, and fill in, or just fill it in digitally!

AYR GROUP MASS – THURSDAY 5 FEBRUARY 

Our Chaplain Fr Philip Kitchen will be saying Mass for all the Ayr Groups on Thursday 5 February in St Margaret’s Church Hall at 7 pm. 

I am also extending an invitation to the following people: 

Members of our other Diocesan Groups in Kilmarnock and St John’s in Stevenson. 

Family and friends of the members of our Ayr Groups. 

Anyone who sees themselves as a friend of SPRED, including past members of groups. 

Everyone will be warmly welcomed! 

GROUP COMMUNITY SESSIONS 

Most Groups resume their Community Sessions this month.  The exact dates will be found in the Friends Group Dates drop down menu for all the Ayr Groups and the St John Stevenson Group. 

However, the Kilmarnock Parishes Group is having a long break before returning. 

We will return with our regular feature focusing on the work of our Groups and highlighting our different Community Sessions beginning next week. 

FUNDRAISING ACTIVITY– DROPPING SCOTT OFF A BRIDGE

Our very own Scott O’Hare of our St Margaret’s Ayr Monday Night Group is desperate to do something to raise funds for SPRED Galloway.  As you will see below, he has certainly chosen an interesting way of fundraising.  

He will be boarding the Highland Bridge Swing run by Highland Fling Bungee Ltd, out in Killiecrankie – a swing that flings you through the Highlands. Pretty self-explanatory, really.  However, it is advertised as follows: experience the thrill of a bridge swing from a platform 40 meters above the River Garry. Enjoy a 15-meter free fall before swinging through the air and being winched back to the platform.  The cost is £79 and we are hoping to get a business or individual to cover this.  Full details can be found on their website. 

Pledge as much as you and anybody else you know can spare, to start SPRED’s fundraising year off with, if not a bang, a sharp drop and lots of screaming, like all fun Saturday nights out! Further details about the plans for this fundraising event will be shared using our Website and Facebook page.  The exact date for this has not yet been decided but it will be around the middle of March.

Happy New Year to everyone from SPRED Galloway!
We hope everyone is having a great 2026 so far and that your festive season was full of joy, family and the love of Christ.

We have an exciting year planned here at SPRED Galloway with the goal of continuing our important work with our Friends, the local Parishes and wider community. We hope for more exciting events and new challenges ahead.

Please check our website and Facebook as we will be back to normal next week.

CAROL SINGING- 17TH DECEMBER 

We will be in the Ayr Central Shopping Centre between 11 am and 1.30 pm. 

It is hoped that just like last year we will be joined by Choirs from St John’s Primary and Queen Margaret Secondary. Come along and join our SPRED Galloway Choir.  Again we welcome all who want to come along and join in the fun.

ADVENT SERVICE- 4TH DECEMBER

This will take place in St Margaret’s Church Hall, beginning at 7 pm.

It is open to everyone in the SPRED Galloway Family. 

This has been a popular and well attended event.  Come along and bring someone with you. 

ADVENT DIOCESAN MASS & CHRISTMAS PARTY- SUNDAY 30TH

On Sunday we have one of the highlights of the SPRED Calendar.  It is of course our Advent Mass and Christmas Party.  I hope you are looking forward to it as much as I am!

TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS 

I am in the process of organising lifts for people who require them.  If for any reason you require a lift and I have not spoken to you, then please get in touch with me using my mobile number: 07306138442.  

ADVENT MASS 

The Advent Mass begins at 11:15, and while nothing is set in stone yet, I have contacted Fr Willie about adding some SPRED flavour to the Mass, allowing our Friends to participate, and, of course, adding one of our favourites, Shine Jesus Shine, to the hymn list, as well as asking for other ways we could get involved! 

CHRISTMAS PARTY 

The Christmas Party will be in the Church Hall after Mass, where there will be food, drink, music and carols, a chance to dance, games, and a special guest appearance…! 

OUR GROUPS 

At the heart of SPRED is the work done in our local groups. In the Diocese of Galloway, we have 3 Groups in Ayr, One in Kilmarnock and One in Stevenston. We want to highlight this work throughout the month of November.  

AYR MONDAY AFTERNOON GROUP 

All our Ayr Groups meet in St Margaret’s Church Hall.  A big thank you to Fr David Borland and the Parishioners for letting us use the Hall free of charge.  

Here are a few pictures that show some of what goes on in our SPRED Community Sessions: 

This is our Ayr Monday Group singing ‘Companions On The Journey,’ with the hand gestures.

This is them doing their quiet activities.

The group gathers in the Celebration Circle, where we share God’s Word.

The group sings their farewell song- ‘Shalom.’

We are also continuing our series highlighting our Community Sessions. This week it is Session 5.  

THEME: Jesus wants us to live with Him in Heaven

OBJECT: Picture of your Favourite Place

SHARING: A time when you were in your Favourite Place

MESSAGE: Jesus says to you, “come and live with me in Heaven.”

SONG: Be Thou My Vision

Please become a Follower of our new Facebook Page Spred Galloway (it’s a link!).  If you are already a Follower then can you try and persuade at least one other person to also Follow us! 

ST MARGARET’S CHRISTMAS FAIR AND CHARITY AUCTION 

The SPRED Galloway Family have been invited to St Margaret’s Christmas Fair and Auction as follows:

“Come and enjoy an evening of community spirit, laughter, and festive cheer. It’s a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the season together, share in the joy of giving, and create happy memories with friends and family.” 

DETAILS 

Where: St Margaret’s Church Hall 

Date: Friday 28 November  

Light Switch On: 5.30 pm 

Christmas Fair: 6–8 pm 

FESTIVE FUN INCLUDES: 

Santa’s Grotto – a magical experience for children 

North Pole Post Office – send a special letter to Santa 

Creative Corner – a hands-on crafting experience 

Artisanal Stalls – browse unique gifts and local crafts 

Performances by Wellington Senior School Choir and St John’s Primary School Choir 

ENTRANCE FEES 

Free entry for children 

£2 Entry for Adults.  

All monies raised on the night will go to UNICEF & Children First charities.  

For more information or inquiries: 

Libby Crabb 

Email: rc.ayr.link@outlook.com 

Phone: 07763 593224 

APPEAL FOR FOLLOWERS

Please try and check out the website and our Facebook page once a fortnight! 

Additionally, I wish to make an appeal for you to try and encourage one other person to become a follower—our target is 100 followers which would allow us to Live Stream our sessions. 

CHOIR APPEAL: UPDATE

Hands up; we leapt before we looked. Unfortunately, when we looked into this further, it is not the fundraising opportunity we thought it was. We didn’t know that those slots were taken back in January of this year. Therefore, we will not be taking up the offer of providing a Choir for the Tesco Extra store in Whitletts Ayr this December.  We are sorry if anyone is disappointed by this decision.

However, we will look at booking a Fundraising Choir event in January next year for the Christmas Season 2026.  Watch this space! 

OSCR REPORT SUBMITTED!

Our OSCR report for 2024 has been submitted, and you can view it on the website by clicking ‘Financial’ up above, or following this link!

Above is a screenshot from OSCR’s website, and seeing how we’ve improved since Hugh took over, in plain black and white (okay blue and orange) is marvelous.

COMMISSIONING MASS 

Everyone present was delighted to welcome Fr Philip Kitchen to celebrate our Commissioning Mass as our newly appointed Chaplain. 

Our anthem Companions on the Journey and our favourite hymn Shine Jesus Shine were sung with our usual SPRED gusto. Gestures were used in both as well as during our Psalm.   

Members of various Groups both Friends and Faith Companions were involved throughout the Mass. 

After Fr Philip read the Gospel, he delivered the simple message of “Follow Me,” then led us in a Rite of Commissioning for our Catechists/Faith Companions. He then gave a Blessing to our Friends and their Family and Carers. 

During our Communion Thanksgiving Hymn we sang The Summons, which helped us to reflect on our own calling within SPRED. 

Our Commissioning Mass was both a holy and joyful celebration. 

AGM

Our AGM was held after our Commissioning Mass. The intention is that this will NOT happen next year and that we will try and hold this much earlier in the year. 

The following Reports for 2024 were considered: 

• Annual Trustee Report  

• Coordinator’s Report 

• Financial Report 

There were no nominees for election to the Board of Trustees. 

It was noted that the Constitution has been amended to allow Teams or Remote Board of Trustee Meetings. 

Questions to be addressed were raised during the Agape. 

The Annual Trustee’s Report and our Independent Examiners Report and our internal Receipts and Payments Account will be posted onto our Website during October after our Annual OSCR Return has been made.   

SPECIAL EVENTS

SCOTTISH LEARNING DISABILITY WEEK 8TH-15TH SEPTEMBER

This week is Scottish Learning Disability Week! Learn more about it by pressing this link here!

COMMISSIONING MASS AND AGM  

ST. MARGARET’S CHURCH HALL, AYR

THURSDAY 11TH SEPTEMBER: 7PM

The Commissioning Mass will be similar to last year. There will be a Rite of Commissioning for our Faith Companions/Catechists, and a blessing for our Friends and their Family/Carers.

This will then be followed by a short AGM with the usual reports.

Session booklets for our Ayr Groups and our Kilmarnock Parishes Group will be available for collection.

Please come along, as I would like as many people as possible to attend, and all Groups to be represented!

This will be Fr Philip’s first duty as our Chaplain!

 SUMMER PARTY AND MASS 

Another successful SPRED Galloway event took place last Saturday 9 August. 

It was so well attended that St Ann’s small Church Hall was bursting at the seams.  There was at least 30 people present which included representatives from all our Ayr/St Margaret’s Groups and a large contingent from the St John’s Stevenson Group.  

A fuller report will be included in a future Newsletter but in summary the afternoon was split into 3 sections: 

• Party 
• Community Singing
• Mass 

Pictures will be up in the gallery and the newsletter, but in the meantime, something to whet curious appetites;

A big SPRED thank you to the following people: 

Everyone for coming and making it such a joyful day – especially Hugh and Marie for their singing contributions. 

Fr Willie and the Parishioners of St Ann’s for being so welcoming to us. 

Denise and Julie for setting up the Hall. 

Scott for performing his DJ duties. 

Everyone who provided anything for our Agape – we could have fed the 5,000! 

NEWS UPDATE 4.08.25 

SUMMER EVENT – SATURDAY 9 AUGUST 

Plans are being finalised to have a Party and Mass event on Saturday 9 August in St Ann’s, Mossblown. The Party will take place between approximately 1.30 – 3.30 pm.  We will then celebrate Mass together at the 4 pm Vigil Mass.

PARTY & AGAPE

If you have any musical requests, please message our resident DJ, Scott. As for the Agape, feel free to bring something along; especially your favourite drink!

SUMMER GRAND RAFFLE

Thank you to everyone who took part in, donated to and helped with our Summer Grand Raffle. It was a huge success for SPRED Galloway and we could not have achieved our goal if it were not for the love and support of our community.

We are currently in the process of making sure all prizes are distributed and we will announce our final total in our upcoming newsletter!