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Written by Jean Benson
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Thursday, 10 July 2008 |
Sadly on Sunday, 13 July 2008 we said farewell to our Minister Liz Crumlish and she will be inducted at Castlehill in Ayr on Tuesday, 5 August. Liz has been minister of Inverkip Church for the last six and a half years and has contributed so much in that time.
Her enthusiasm saw the introduction of many new styles of worship, activities and work groups with the assistance of the congregation and office bearers.
There were Lenten Lunches and CRE:ATE exploring
Lenten Spirituality
Evening prayers on a Thursday with one being a Taizie Service. The first and last Thursday Services were taken by Liz and the mid month ones by the Worship and Welcome Group.
Once a month there was an early Saturday group, "Where God drinks Coffee" led by Liz where the younger men of the community were invited to share bacon rolls and discussion.
Soup and Sandwich lunches after the last Sunday of the month service during winter proved popular.
On the last Sunday of the month a service of wholeness and healing and Communion was held before the morning service.
A very special event was the Holy Fair which brough former ministers back to the Church to take services.
Liz started a Book Club in Cafe Melo with the help of the Pastoral Care Group and it attracted people from as far afield as Largs and Greenock! Inspirational books such as Philip Yancey's "What's so Amazing About Grace" were discussed and the group got great feedback from Church members and the others who attended. Everyone enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere and style Liz brought to the group, friendships were made and it was a huge success. Every blessing to all who attended.
Liz also hosted a bible study course, looking at various aspects of religion, and a Leading Worship Course.
She set up a Bereavement Group for families who had lost children which was a great comfort to all who participated.
Another big part of Liz's ministry was as chaplin to Inverkip Primary, Inverclyde Academy (Greenock High) and Glenburn school and she so enjoyed the contact with all the children.
There were various Retreats organised to Iona, Tiree, Arran, Dunblane and Kilmartin and were thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.
There was also a great deal for the children with the Sunday School and varied activities of the Youth Church.
In 2006 the first of two summer play schemes was held with an Egyptian theme and called Pyramid Rock. Children up to the age of 12 learned the story of Joseph, sang Pyramid Rock songs and took part in craft sessions and other games as well as being warmed up each morning by exercises from Bouncing Benjamin.
Building on the success of Pyramid Rock another week was held in 2007 with the theme of Wastewatchers. Rubbish was strewn about the hall and as the week went on it was cleared away and replaced with flowers and plants, highlighting how much nicer it looked when the litter was binned, the slogan being "Bin it Don't Churck it". Unfortunately there is no activity week this year but then there is always next year.
There were Easter Bunny Hunts, Parish Picnics and even a Village Gala Day in 2004 which was supported by the whole village and culminated in a great balloon race.
Liz is a talented violin player and there were many dances and concerts and her membership of the Clyde Coast Strathspey & Reel Society also led her to play at the Royal Concert Hall.
Liz played a very active part in the 1st Inverkip Guide Group and is a qualified Guide Guider with First Aid, Caterer and Campers licence. Below Liz is seen relaxing after gaining her licence at a South Newton weekend !
There were also the Remembrance Day parades to the Point with members of the uniformed organisations, usually in the wind and rain !
Everyone would like to thank Liz and to wish her every blessing in her new charge. Best wishes also to Idris, Ruaridh and Zara as they settle in to their new life in Ayr. Please keep in touch.
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Last Updated ( Monday, 14 July 2008 )
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