Fullarton ConneXions as a ‘going concern’, caring community, creative crossroads, social enterprise, growing band of willing volunteers, and crucible for life-celebration, has been a long pregnancy for some of us. No more so than for Dorothy Urquhart who, in the absence of funding to employ a ‘ConneXions Development Coordinator’ (CDC), has worked tirelessly, as a CDC volunteer since February 2016, to help us reach this happy week of delivery and handover to Ashley & Esther Vaughan, our new ‘job-share’ coordinators.

With their wealth of experience, skills and passion for sharing God’s Love with the battered and bruised of society, the Vaughans will help us: invest in and grow our community of 100+ volunteers; coordinate & market ConneXions as a venue for caring relationships, celebration, healing, friendly hospitality & quality conferencing; grow income streams to help develop & sustain our outreach (e.g. Job Club, Youth and Community project, Sports Development) work; compliment, network and dovetail with other community-building & caring work going on in Fullarton, Harbourside & Irvine.

We’re grateful to The Robertson Trust & Church of Scotland’s ‘Go For It’ Fund for 3 years’ funding, which allows Dorothy, on Fullarton Church’s behalf, to hand ‘the baby’ over to Ash & Esther. Actually, it’s more of a ‘toddler’ Dorothy is handing over to Ash & Esther, who are well exercised in parenting, with 4 children under 8. The Fullarton Church Family has had the thrill of sending many people into mission & ministry beyond Irvine & Ayrshire over the years. Sending & sowing ‘gospel carrying friends’ for harvests further afield involves a real wrench and sacrifice for both leavers & senders.

It’s a principle of God’s Kingdom fruitfulness, but I confess to sometimes feeling a little ‘robbed’ when people get called from the Fullarton Flock. I feel for the Vaughan’s friends, family & fellowship as they see them sell-house and head north of the border to follow a long-time sense of calling to Scotland, but also humbled and delighted that God has called them to serve in Fullarton! “Forgive me Lord for doubting your ‘Boomerang Blessing’!”

“The world of the generous gets larger and larger; the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller.

The one who blesses others is abundantly blessed; those who help others are helped.” (Proverbs 11:24-25 / MSG)