Retirement of Rev. Nancy Jackson, Sunday 29th November. 2015 Photo shows Rev Jim Guthrie, Locum Minister; Rev Nancy Jackson, Auxiliary Minister; Allan Hutchison, Session Clerk, and the two children who presented the bouquet

The congregation of Maybole Parish Church said goodbye to Rev Nancy Jackson on Sunday, November 29th. Allan Hutchison, Session Clerk, told those attending the service that it was both a happy occasion and a sad one. “One person will be ecstatic about the thought of retiring and having more time to do many of the activities that have been put on hold because of the extra duties she has undertaken for the last 10 months since Rev Brian Hendrie left. “On the other hand, many people will be sad because we are losing a very special person who will, without a doubt, leave us with many memories of a unique ministry here in Maybole.

“Nancy, or better known to many as ‘Wee Rev’, commenced her appointment as Auxiliary Minister on Sunday, October 27, 2013, over two years ago. It’s hard to imagine it’s been that length of time, seems like yesterday. “We have been fortunate to have witnessed many different worship methods in our Church as part of Nancy’s Ministry. She is an accomplished singer and guitar player having played for us many times and accompanied Kay for hymns or children’s addresses. Her singing prayers, I’m sure, will have touched many of our congregation as would her children’s addresses where the young ones participated in the topic.

“Nancy has officiated at a considerable number of funerals in her time here and has reached out to many folks in the congregation and the wider parish community, giving comfort and support at difficult times. She has touched many hearts with her caring, compassionate and friendly nature. “She has also left her mark in the Carrick Centre, having spent time here mingling with the staff and customers alike. “The way Nancy and Jim have dovetailed together over the last nine months or so, with their different worship methods, has also been a success story that we will also miss. A great double act.

“On behalf of the congregation of Maybole Parish Church, I would like to wish Nancy good health for a long and happy retirement and I hope she will visit us in the future. “I would like to present you, Nancy, with a small token of the congregation’s appreciation and hope you will purchase something that you really want and that reminds you of your time here. He then invited  two children to go forward and present Rev Jackson with a bouquet of flowers.

Rev Jim Guthrie is Locum Minister and Rev Jackson was Auxiliary Minister; both appointed by Ayr Presbytery. They shared the  pastoral work of two parishes, Maybole and Crosshill Interim Moderator is Rev Richard Moffat from Girvan North, again appointed by Presbytery, and he deals mostly with the administration side of things and also deals with the Nominating Committee that has been set up to find a new minister.