Introduction
The Kirk Session (Unitary Constitution) consists of 13 members; 8 female and 5 male. As with so many other churches, the elders are mostly, but not exclusively of retirement age. Each elder has responsibility or a district. We were able to ordain a new elder in 2020, who accepted the role of ICT Coordinator, a very necessary skill these days, particularly during the Covid-19 lock down. Elders are aware of their responsibilities as Trustees, and of obligations to the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. All civil legislation is complied with.
The church employs a church officer. Following our parish link with Old Cumnock, Trinity in 2010, the manse in Muirkirk was sold and the funds held centrally by the Church of Scotland.
Muirkirk Parish Church is fortunate to have an organist, but we can also use technology to provide recorded music, with words and images on large screens. We can offer music both digitally and in person for other occasions too, including funerals and weddings. During the past year we have made full use of technology, and will continue to do so alongside traditional worship from now on.
Members
Muirkirk Parish Church currently has 127 members on the Electoral Roll and 147 on the Communion Roll. This difference acknowledges those who have moved away, some to nursing homes, but have not requested a transfer. In recent years five new communicants were added to the Electoral Roll.
Holy Communion is celebrated 4 times a year, usually on the first Sundays in March, June, September and December.
We’re hoping to reinstate our Sunday School during the summer. The children usually attend the beginning of worship in the church before going to class, where lessons and activities are based on the reading and the sermon of the day. There is a safeguarding coordinator and the church is compliant with the protocol.
Events
Since 1st January 2020 there have been no baptisms, 2 weddings and 7 funerals in the church.
Muirkirk Parish Church has enjoyed a close relationship with St Thomas RC Church, and prior to Covid-19, shared popular lunches for members of both churches four times a year in St Thomas’s Church Hall. Unfortunately this hall is now closed, with uncertainty about its future. We pray that a beneficial solution can still be found, as many people enjoyed fellowship at these lunches, and it gave us opportunities to give generously to various charities, such as the Presbytery of Ayr’s Malawi Project and Christian Aid.
Community
There is a church magazine which goes out to the parish 4 times a year. This is held in very high regard by the whole community, which at the time of the last census in 2011, had a population of 1528 in 716 households.
The village has a sheltered housing complex, and while there is no Guild, some ladies have attended Old Cumnock Trinity Guild meetings, when these were possible prior to current restrictions.
Building Maintenance
While the original church was built in 1631, the present building dates back to 1812. A devastating fire in 1949 necessitated a total refurbishment, after which the church was reopened in 1955.
In recent years the church building was assessed to address certain issues, especially the problem of damp caused by water ingress through, mainly, the west-facing stone wall. The Church of Scotland approved the use of funds from the sale of Muirkirk’s former manse to cover the cost of these essential repairs to this Class B listed building. This work was carried out in late 2018.
Further funds were successfully raised in October 2018 to improve the kitchen facilities for all groups who use the church for activities and meetings throughout the year.
Stewardship
Ongoing uncertainties in the economic climate, together with high unemployment in the area, are challenges we face regarding stewardship.
However, the Kirk Session has appointed a committee to discuss ways in which we might address this situation. Among other incentives, a suggested three-yearly cycle of Time, Talents and Money is currently being employed.
Radical Changes
In October 2022, the Presbytery of Ayr will cease to exist. Instead, the Presbytery of South Western Scotland will be formed. Muirkirk Parish Church will no longer be linked with Trinity Church in Cumnock, but joins a grouping of 7 local congregations in Cumnock, New Cumnock, Auchinleck, Catrine and Lugar. We understand that Catrine Parish Church will close, but it isn’t certain if any other churches in this grouping may also need to close.
The Church of Scotland’s Radical Action Plan is shaping the future of the church, with many changes proposed and, unfortunately, many church buildings may be deemed unsuitable. All Church of Scotland buildings were audited in November 2021, and the decisions that are currently being made are difficult but necessary. Despite being in a Priority Area, Muirkirk Parish Church is not exempt from the threat of closure, so we ask that you pray with us and make use of the services we offer.
