Kilwinning Evangelical Church

Kilwinning Evangelical Church KEC@11 is open on Sunday's communal worship, so please do join us in person.

As our nation mourns the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and gives thanks for her  servant spirit and godly examp...
10/09/2022

As our nation mourns the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and gives thanks for her servant spirit and godly example to us all, it is noteworthy that the Princes William and Harry, together with their wives, walked from Windsor Castle to greet well-wishers at the Castle gate. It is thought to be the first time the young royals had been seen in public together since March 2020. News media proclaim it as a result of the Queen’s death. While rejoicing in this, I recall that the death of another Sovereign has resulted in millions of reconciliations across the globe. St Paul writing to the young church in Ephesus, Turkey reflects that many of them were once enemies. Jews and gentile relationships were too often marked by hatred. But there they were worshipping and living happily together and all because of the power released by the death and rising again of Jesus. That story continues today and the evidence is found in marriages restored; family divisions healed and in lives at peace because of Jesus. Want to find our more?
Rev John Carrick

Did you know there is a fatality on our railways almost daily.  Sadly, it’s often young people who jump in front of a tr...
16/08/2022

Did you know there is a fatality on our railways almost daily. Sadly, it’s often young people who jump in front of a train. But more and more people are discovering that Railway Mission Chaplains operate across the rail industry, offering help to troubled souls. They also work with British Transport Police to support rail staff and relatives affected by those incidents. As a board member of RM I was often called to help in such traumas and although now retired I receive amazing stories each week of people finding support. RM’s strapline is “SUPPORT ON LIFE’S JOURNEY” and it’s the support Jesus came to bring to our world. It’s also the church’s message and why we open the doors weekly to welcome people and offer them real support. Come and hear.
Rev John Carrick

It’s been a great summer of sport: tennis, golf, women’s football, cricket and now the Commonwealth Games.  In many ways...
29/07/2022

It’s been a great summer of sport: tennis, golf, women’s football, cricket and now the Commonwealth Games. In many ways sport is like being a Christian. There are essentially three groups of people: professionals, amateurs and spectators. People always admire sports professionals. But being a “professional” or committed Christian can attract ridicule rather than praise. Yet living for Jesus is the most fulfilling and rewarding life ever and many athletes at the Commonwealth Games say that being a Christian is actually more important that their chosen sport.
Then the amateurs. Amateur sport is always worthwhile. But I know several amateurs who acknowledge they aren’t as committed as they want to be. It’s the same following Jesus. The Christian life can just get fitted in when it’s convenient. But that’s a sure way to miss the best God has for us.
And of course, the spectators. They are important too. I recall playing football for the Boys Brigade and missing a couple of chances to score. A man standing on the side lines kept yelling how useless I was. I wanted to run up to him and say, “Why don’t you get onto the pitch and show us how it should be done.” It’s easy to see the faults in Christians and churches. Maybe someone reading this needs to hear this challenge: “Why not come off the fence and show the world how the Christian life should be lived?
Rev John Carrick

I was arrested by the fact that last week Sajid Javid, Health Secretary, having just attended a prayer breakfast in Parl...
12/07/2022

I was arrested by the fact that last week Sajid Javid, Health Secretary, having just attended a prayer breakfast in Parliament, organised by Christians in Parliament, went straight to his office and wrote his letter of resignation to the Prime Minister. He did so because of the impact of the preacher, or rather, the preacher’s subject: truth and integrity. It reminded me that years ago I was invited to address the same group in Parliament about the amazing growth of the church in the Middle East, despite persecution. More importantly, it reminded me of two other things.
First, most people want to hear about truth and secondly, the Bible’s message is all about truth: truth about the meaning and purpose of life. How it can be found and experienced. That’s why for over 50 years I have dedicated myself to sharing this message. It’s surely worth sharing and certainly worth discovering.
Rev John Carrick

Did you know God has a plan for your life?  That’s what the Bible says.  So how do you discover it?  Well, if we offer o...
27/06/2022

Did you know God has a plan for your life? That’s what the Bible says. So how do you discover it? Well, if we offer our lives to God we can discover “his good, pleasing and perfect will” for us. (Romans 12:1-2) The word used for “offer” was the key word in the Greek marriage ceremony. Husbands and wives would surrender their independence for a relationship that would enrich them both. It’s the same being a follower of Jesus: entering into a relationship with him. Sadly many feel this is a price too much to pay. This is unfortunate, because putting the Bible’s words into modern lingo it says, “You just wouldn’t believe what God has planned for those who follow Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 2:9) It’s a mistake to think this verse refers to life in Heaven. Believe me, it’s for those who make that commitment to Jesus here and now!
Rev John Carrick

Have you contacted a retail or utility Customer Services Department recently?  Was the response: “We are currently exper...
20/06/2022

Have you contacted a retail or utility Customer Services Department recently? Was the response: “We are currently experiencing an unusual number of calls etc, etc” followed by a lengthy delay before someone answered? Prayer can sometimes feel like this. You ask God for something and keep asking, but nothing seems to happen. It’s easy just to give up. Several of King David’s Psalms echo this feeling and the Bible records it honestly. Why are there delays in answers to prayer? The Bible doesn’t give all the answers, but often God is helping us grow in faith by asking us to wait. Psalm 40 is a good example, where King David waits and waits and eventually the answer comes. It proves God really does care for him and that God’s timing is perfect. Interestingly, David adds that he waited patiently for God. Like David, I can feel frustrated when my prayers aren’t answered. Being patient and trusting God can pay dividends. In My family home a Bible text was framed in our kitchen. It read, “He does not fail.”
Rev John Carrick

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations have been gripping the nation with more than three thousand beacons lit across...
04/06/2022

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations have been gripping the nation with more than three thousand beacons lit across UK beginning the celebration of Her Majesty’s life of service to our nation. Over the celebration weekend another beacon is lit across the world as Christians celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. As the queen has been an inspiration to many, the Holy Spirit has inspired and equipped Christians across the globe for over 2,000 years. It’s such a pity this celebration is largely ignored in UK. But maybe things are changing. Certainly when people become aware of the power of the Holy Spirit and begin to experience it in daily life, there’s great cause for joy and thanksgiving.
Rev John Carrick

“To be or not to be.  That is the question.” So spoke Shakespeare’s Prince Hamlet as he contemplated his future.  The sa...
20/05/2022

“To be or not to be. That is the question.” So spoke Shakespeare’s Prince Hamlet as he contemplated his future. The same question is asked by many churches today, as for many (not all!) numbers decline. During the pandemic services were live-streamed or posted on YouTube. Interest shot up and preachers discovered they could preach to hundreds across the world. I recently preached in a live-streamed service and was surprised to receive a response from Canada. People feel they can do church at home or even in bed. So Hamlet’s question: to be or not to be the future for the church? I found part of the answer in a recent Kilwinning service. Someone voiced the feeling of others: “You can think twice about making the effort to attend a service, but you come home uplifted, encouraged by meeting and sharing.” Right! That’s what church is really about. And Jesus said, “When even a few gather, I’ll be there.” Sunday, midweek, whenever: it’s worth a try.
Rev John Carrick

The Cairo Book Fair is one of the world’s biggest book fairs with two million visitors each year.  One of the largest di...
10/05/2022

The Cairo Book Fair is one of the world’s biggest book fairs with two million visitors each year. One of the largest distributers is the Egypt Bible Society. Many save for months and travel for miles to obtain a Bible. But despite their eagerness, some still can’t afford a copy. So churches around the world provide funds to enable eager souls to read God’s word. Having witnessed this enthusiasm in Egypt I ask why the Bible is a neglected book in Scotland. After all, the Bible answers questions about life and meaning; about God and his relationship with our world. In 50 years of church ministry my greatest privilege has been to share the Bible’s message and see the results in people’s lives. It’s what we still do each Sunday at KEC.
Rev John Carrick

Easter draws to an end.  But its importance continues.  JESUS IS ALIVE!  If only people would taker time to consider wha...
23/04/2022

Easter draws to an end. But its importance continues. JESUS IS ALIVE! If only people would taker time to consider what this means. When Charles Colson was imprisoned for his part in the Watergate scandal that involved President Nixon he did just that. He wrote “I know the resurrection is a fact and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead. Then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren't true. Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world - and they couldn't keep a lie for three weeks. You're telling me 12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years? Absolutely impossible.”
Jesus is alive and has overcome death. He invites people everywhere to trust their lives to him. So what is there to lose?
Rev John Carrick

Current news is full of pictures of darkness and suffering, from Ukraine’s misery to economic despair at home.  Holy Wee...
11/04/2022

Current news is full of pictures of darkness and suffering, from Ukraine’s misery to economic despair at home. Holy Week reminds us that the Bible describes Jesus as The Light of The world. Referring to his amazing life it says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” Jesus faced the deepest darkness in his suffering and death and yet he over came it all. So no matter how much darkness we see or experience, Jesus can give us hope. He offers hope when it seems there is none. He gives encouragement in times of despair. He assures us of his love, when we’re surrounded by disappointment. He fills life with compassion and courage when life is demanding. Best of all, he promises his presence daily to all who trust him. Join us on Easter Sunday at Kilwinning Evangelical Church to hear how he made all this possible by his actual, physically resurrection from death.
Rev John Carrick

01/04/2022

British Summer Time has come and I think most people will agree the benefit of an extra hour of daylight. Jesus once said to his disciples “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? If anyone walks by day he will not stumble.” He wasn’t stating the obvious: walking in ancient Palestine in daylight, where there were no street lights, made more sense than travelling by night, when you could easily stumble. He was saying God had a plan for his life and if he pleased his Heavenly Father, nothing would happen unless it was part of this divine purpose. As Easter approaches, the church celebrates that amazing plan, which was to bring hope and salvation to mankind.
Incredibly, God also has a plan for those who follow Jesus, explained by St Paul in Romans 12:1-2. It gives life purpose, meaning and value to life. It doesn’t mean we won’t ever get sick or we’ll always find a parking place when shopping. But if our aim is to please and honour Jesus, our lives will be secure in his love and we shall have peace and joy fulfilling his perfect plan for us.
Why not joins us in church on Sunday at 11:00?
Rev John Carrick

Address

5 Garden Square Lane
Kilwinning
KA136AD

Opening Hours

Thursday 7:15pm - 8:45pm
Sunday 11am - 12pm

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