Scott's letter below is a real encouragement to remember our Christian community, the church family and to take the time to be involved in the various ways that are still open to us. Is there anyone you need to get in touch with to support this week? The BBC's HeadRoom ask the question. 'How are you? Maybe we can help?' - well if Auntie Beeb can do it, I'm sure we can.

Doing anything to keep fit these days?  We had a message from Rebecca Dodds (in Kenya - see below) telling us that she is hoping to make some new friends and had joined a fitness group. It starts at 6.30am each morning. Interestingly,  it starts and finishes each session with prayer. I think I would be praying, 'Lord, find me another group'.

There's a range of things in this week's magazine. News from the Congregational Board which includes a link to the financial report and lots of other bits and pieces.

Enjoy the mag,

MB
 

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From the Manse

Dear Congregation,

Those of you who have requested “Devoted to God’s Church” by Sinclair Ferguson will have it delivered to you in the next couple of days or so. 
Some of us will therefore read what we hope will be a helpful book in understanding this thing we call “church” and why we should be passionate about it. Dr. Ferguson will no doubt have us open our bibles and draw his conclusions from there.

In addition to this book, we are currently meeting in various online groups. At varying times during the week, groups are meeting to discuss five important themes of the Christian faith that emerged from “the Reformation” (scripture alone, Christ alone, grace alone, faith alone, to God’s glory alone). However, in addition to this, some are meeting on Sunday nights to explore the rudiments of the Christian faith in an Alpha group. At the same time, another group is wrestling with how to mature our Christian lives in “Discipleship Explored”. On Sunday mornings (and hopefully through the week in memorization) the New City Catechism points us to important scriptures that help shape our understanding of God and the faith He calls us to. On Wednesday nights we meet for prayer, but also brief bible study. And finally, perhaps like me, you are also reading your bible on your own (maybe even every day).

In all these groups and various settings, as “church” we have organized occasions where the bible is read and importantly also wrestled with. Both of these actions are good and desirable. We do want to read our bibles and encourage one another in this. Having easy access to the bible is the privilege of our generation. However, we also want to encourage wrestling with the message. We want to try and understand it. We want to ask hard questions about it and then apply it to our lives. We may not immediately come to understand all we would like to, but growth is the aim.

The bible is a library of 66 books. The bible is not to be read in a flat, literal, wooden way. These books contain prophecy, poetry, parable, history, wise sayings and much more. And, the bible speaks progressively. By the time we get to the end of the New Testament, we understand so much better the early books. When we read the whole story through “the lens” of Jesus, we understand better why the storyline takes some of the odd twists and turns it does and where it will eventually end up! However, together we want to seek God and ask Him to help us make sense of His "book" and how we can live for him more effectively as a result. We want to share in this quest together, as “church”.  

I believe we become a stronger church if our time together in God’s Word is open and honest. Our groups are at their best when they provide a safe space to explore God's Word, even getting it wrong sometimes without being pounced upon or put down.

I recall leading a Christian youth group at age 22 and saying something that a mature leader knew was biblically incorrect. At a suitable moment much later, he shared with me an article on the matter and invited me to read it and chat with him about it. It was a growing moment for me not only in helping my understanding of Christ’s work on the cross but also as he modeled kind and loving leadership.

I believe this is what our groups are actually like in MMCC. However, as individuals, we are not yet the polished articles God wants us to be. In the same way, no surprise, nor are our gatherings, and multiplied up, nor is our Church! But, I believe the Lord wants us to be in this together, continuing to grow into the Church the Lord wants us to be.

I want to encourage all in these groups to see them as a place to share and grow together.

Scott

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Update from the Congregational Board

The last time the Congregational Board met together in person was on 17th February 2020 (almost a whole year ago!).  Despite lockdown, there has still been much to discuss and do, so the Board has been meeting on Zoom, chaired by Jack Geddes.  Here are a few of the areas that have kept the Board members and their many helpers busy:

Use of Buildings and Grounds

At the onset of lockdown in March 2020, our usually very busy buildings were closed to all organisations (Church and non-Church) and unfortunately most have still not been able to return. When the restrictions lifted slightly, Worship in the Sanctuary started again on 30th August 2020.  This required a lot of planning, research, decision-making and organisation in many areas from seating arrangements, cleaning and door duty teams, AV to the attendance booking system.  This was overseen by the Covid Committee and a Building Opening Team was put in place, which was led by Jack Cunningham, with members of the Board, Session and Congregation assisting in the huge amount of work that was required to make this possible.  The work of the Covid Committee is ongoing and is subject to sudden change as and when the Scottish Government restrictions change which was evident just after our Christmas services when the Sanctuary was closed again.

However, a new organisation (Off Grid Kids) did manage to realise their plans and started to operate an outdoor after school club from our grounds in August 2020.  Unfortunately, this has also been severely curtailed with the current restrictions in place.

Employees

Following the closure of the buildings, it was decided that all employees (except for Daniel and Pauline to allow them to continue their work with young people, children and families) were furloughed via the UK-wide Job Retention Scheme.  This was kept under review and flexed when required, with the Playgroup staff continuing to be furloughed now.
The Board are very thankful for the flexibility and resourcefulness of all staff throughout this period of furlough and remote working.
The difficult decision regarding the Church Officer’s position was taken following much consideration by the Session, the Board and the Finance Committee.  The Church Officer left his employment and vacated the Church flat in December, following a thorough handover.

Upkeep of Property and Grounds

Stephen Pryce (assisted by Brian Waugh) took over the role of Fabric Convenor from Brian Bell in June 2020.  During Brian B’s term as Fabric Convenor, he oversaw significant property upgrades including new windows, doors and heating which restored the buildings to a high standard, for which the Board is very grateful.
Essential property repairs and maintenance have continued as well as some specific projects such as an upgrade to the bathroom in the flat to coincide with the use of the grounds by Off Grid Kids.  At the beginning of this year, Brian Waugh has taken over from Stephen and the focus has been on paperwork, processes and careful consideration of the property budget for 2021.
Bruce Adkins leads the work on Grounds and as well as the usual hedge trimming and weeding undertaken by a contractor, work has been done around the area of the caves to try to deter youngsters from gathering in them as this was becoming a regular occurrence during lockdown.

Missionary and Outreach

Our ability to perform much of our outreach work through, for example, the Playgroup, Toddlers, Coffee Club and the Holiday Club in our usual way has obviously been hampered by the restrictions.  Wherever possible, these activities have moved online, and some form of contact has been maintained.  The sad decision not to operate the Blythswood Boxes mission from our premises this year was also taken but a small team were still involved from another site.
The Missionary Fund (which is overseen by a small Committee) continued to provide financial support to our mission partners during 2020 and made one-off donations to various other organisations for specific causes.
The Maxwell Mearns Christian Support Fund also continued to support families in our community throughout the various lockdowns.

Finance

The Treasurer (Ian Forgie) and the Finance Committee (which is a sub-committee of the Board) have also been very busy during the last twelve months. 
Ian has provided a full report - Click here.

Church website/privacy policy

You will hopefully all have noticed that a new Church website has now been up and running for some time.  It contains a wealth of information, including an updated privacy policy which we are required to direct you to - Click here

Finally, as a Congregation, we give thanks to God for the work done by members of the Board, Session and the many helpers who are involved behind the scenes, looking after the financial and property matters here at Maxwell.  At this time, we give especial thanks for our fellow Board member, Stuart Bruce, whose presence and input will be sadly missed by all.

Lorna Hamilton
Secretary to the Board
 

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Congratulations!

A beautiful picture from Angela Sigrist,
Grace Rose Clark, the newest addition to the family

 

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Wonder Walks

The Scottish Bible Society have created a Wonder Walks series for Lent and Easter. We'll include each walk in the magazine (click here for Wonder Walk 1 pdf)
or visit their website to download and print. 

Take time this Lent and Easter to go outside and spend time with God:

Wonder Walks is a walking route map with a big difference – it doesn’t matter where you go! Download one of our eight maps and take it with you when you go out for a walk. On each map you will find something to read from the Gospel of Mark, questions to think about, games to play, and ideas to pray about. You don’t need to prepare anything in advance, just download your map and head off for your weekly Wonder Walk! 

We have created a walk for each Sunday in Lent, concluding with a Good Friday and Easter Walk, but you can go use these walks anytime you go out!

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Rebecca in Kikuyu

Rebecca Dodds has arrived well and settled in Kikuyu, Kenya. 
Both these photos can be used to remember her in prayer... Pray that she really finds her place amongst the staff at the local hospital. Working mainly in the A&E at the moment but helping at other depts too (eg HIV / TB ward) she is still in the planning stage with her workplace plans.
Rebecca has also quickly found a keep fit group (see above, Rebecca is the one in the blue shirt!) so pray that she will make good contacts here and in the other groups she is planning to visit. She is going to a youth group this weekend and church on Sunday for the first time.

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Thanks From The Bruce Family

The family and I would like to thank Scott for his spiritual comfort to us on the passing of Stuart.  Also, to the members of the congregation for all their cards, beautiful flowers, phone calls and especially their prayers during this very difficult time.  These acts of kindness gave us strength and were of a great support to the family.  
We also appreciate all the donations that have been given to the Missionary Fund and thank you all for your generosity.  Stuart will be greatly missed by us and everyone associated with Maxwell Mearns.
Edna, Alan, Emma and Gordon.

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Q26. What else does Christ’s death redeem?
Christ’s death is the beginning of the redemption and renewal of every part of fallen creation, as he powerfully directs all things for his own glory and creation’s good.
 

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The letter below is to me and other local Church ministers/leaders from the Conservative MP Jackson Carlaw.  There are two matters being addressed; i. a vaccination centre,  ii. The ongoing closure of church buildings. - Scott

Letter From Jackson Carlaw

Dear All,
A brief update.
Following comments and offers received last month, I spoke with Lorraine Macmillan, Chief Exec of East Renfrewshire Council a couple of weeks ago. I passed on and discussed the offers of use of various church premises across Eastwood to assist with the national delivery of the vaccination programme. While grateful, Lorraine advised that a number of venues have been considered but that a requirement of 500 sqm is necessary together with clearly separate points of entrance and exit. For these reasons the council has identified The Foundry in Barrhead and the Carmichael Hall in Eastwood Park as their preferred locations at present. These appear to be working well having opened last week.
 As the process unfolds, it may be that additional venues may be required and Lorraine will revert should this be the case.
 I should also advise the Scottish Parliament was recently asked to pass further legal restrictions including one placed on places of worship. In your general notes to me I have found a widespread acknowledgment of the continuing challenge we face and a willingness to do all that is necessary. However, I chose to abstain on this particular legal enforcement as I am uncomfortable at any precedent being set which allows the state to deny access to places of worship by law. My impression has been that there has been widespread indeed universal, observance of regulation by places of worship and without recourse to law. To be wholly transparent I thought I should advise you of my action and the concern motivating it. In any event the measure was passed.
 I remain grateful for your updates.  
 Best wishes,
 Jackson

Jackson Carlaw CBE MSP? 
Member of the Scottish Parliament for Eastwood?? 
F:??@Jackson4Eastwood  T:??@Jackson_Carlaw
W:?www.jacksoncarlaw.org.uk?