A special afternoon tea party was held in Fairlie Parish Church as a farewell celebration to locum minister Reverend John Purves.
More than 60 people attended to say goodbye to the minister, who has also been serving at St Columba's Parish in Largs as part of the joint ministry.
Session clerk Alison McKellar expressed the gratitude of the whole congregation to John for his support and encouragement during this past year and for his involvement in every aspect of church life, including his enthusiastic participation in the Messy Church. Rev Purves and his wife Patricia attended the event.
He was also praised for his 'exceptional pastoral care' to many individual members of the congregation,
Alison also thanked Patricia for her contribution to the life of the church, and in particular, to the choir and the Praise Band, where she will be much missed.
She wished them both every happiness in their well earned retirement and hoped that they would keep in touch in future.
John thanked the congregation and said how much he and Patricia had enjoyed their time serving the Fairlie church community, highlighting the good work of the congregation in the area.
John was presented with a cheque from the congregation, his very own goody bag, which included a Messy Church t-shirt, gifts from the children, and Fairtrade favourites.
Patricia was presented with a bouquet of flowers, and Elsie Rhodes and her team provided a delicious afternoon tea for everyone, which was a very happy occasion.