No.75 -1st October
Hi,
Hope you have had a good week, and have had the time to look out your winter woolies - October is with us and it's suddenly chilly.
There are a few things in the magazine this week which you need to put into your diary - don't forget to do that.
The good news is that the Church is open for services again and we look forward to being together again on Sunday morning - more of that from Scott below.
Just leaves me to give a shout out (as the young people say) to my sub editor Margaret and the new photo editor Lorna for their help this week.
Enjoy the mag!
From the Manse
Dear Congregation,
Worship
The Session find it an intolerable idea that we remain closed while we try to resolve our water leak and therefore those who want to gather for “in-person worship” are deprived of that opportunity.
So, this Sunday 3rd October, although we will not have running water yet, the premises will be open for worship. The elders will make sure toilets are available and that hand washing/sanitizing facilities are also available. The facilities may not be quite normal, but we aim to make adequate provision!
The plan is that even without running water, measures will be taken to keep the premises open for worship, prayer and youth work. As a consequence, this Saturday (2nd October) we shall join on the premises with the Douglas Brown and family for a service of thanksgiving for Elaine.
With understanding and if we work together, we believe we can make it happen!
Please pray!
The Leak
Sandy Halliday has been working hard (he even dug a hole and managed to find a section of pipe! - but not the leaky bit). We will have a digger on site on Monday 4th October. Please pray that we can uncover the problem and have it repaired swiftly!
We do not yet know what level of disruption to the driveway or car park will be necessary. However, we do know that while the digger is in operation, there will be no vehicle access. Pedestrian access will be possible on the driveway during digging – but not cars. We cannot have cars trying to squeeze by the digger!
We will keep you updated on all developments in regard to the fix and also access.
On a different matter…
Service To The Saints
There is an interesting part of the Apostle Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians about the special offering the church in Corinth had decided to give towards the church in Jerusalem. You will find this in 2 Corinthians chapters 8-9.
This section includes the famous words of Paul when speaking about their financial gift, using an agricultural metaphor, he highlights the most obvious relationship between that which is sown and that which is eventually reaped (9.6). This is also the passage where Paul speaks about Christian giving coming from the heart and not by force/cajoling (9.7). And, his comment is striking that their own particular financial gift was “not only supplying the needs of God’s people but (is) overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God” (9.12).
These are two good chapters in the bible for us to meditate on as we consider prayerfully how we might participate in the National Giving Day scheme which the Session and Board are excited to hold before us.
The great thing is that all offerings donated on or before 31st October and marked “National Giving Day” will remain 100% with MMCC.
As many of you know, outside such a scheme, ordinarily, more than 50p in each pound of offerings goes to the central church for their discretionary use. With the “National Giving Scheme” which runs until 31st October, we will keep 100%. (The idea is that these are additional donations to our normal giving.)
Three years ago, those who had financially supported the running of our church outreach at West Mearns, gave permission when it closed, for the residual monies to be used to appoint a Family and Children’s worker at MMCC.
They were delighted when Pauline was appointed to this part-time role and that their funds would be sufficient for three years of salary. That fund has been a great gift to the children of MMCC and those of our local community as Pauline has given herself in ministry to them. The Board and Session believe the money has been well used. However, three years on, these funds are now close to being depleted.
About three years ago, we also decided to employ a full-time youth worker. We decided to finance this role for three years, in part from reserves (legacies) and in part from our general fund.
We were delighted to appoint Daniel. Quite amazingly Daniel has been with us now for over three years also. It has been a joy to watch and pray for his work not only amongst teens but young adults also. We have now begun to pay for this ministry out of the general account and thanks to the constancy of your giving, we look able to do this with a balanced budget.
The Board and Session are delighted that both Daniel and Pauline have indicated they are willing to continue with us in their ministries.
It seems the ideal moment to take full advantage of this “National Giving Day” opportunity and commit all the additional offerings to the roles of Youth worker and Family and Children’s worker. We believe this is the Lord’s timing.
If you are able to, and would like to give to these roles, you may do so easily;
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By cash (please place in an envelope marked “NGD” or “National Giving Day”),
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By cheque (please ensure that you have marked the back “NGD” or “National Giving Day”)
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By bank transfer (with the reference space marked “NGD” or “National Giving Day”)
If you already give with Gift Aid and we can identify your offering, we shall claim Gift Aid back on your behalf. If you are not a regular giver, and want us to reclaim give Gift Aid also, please help us identify you so we can claim this back from the Inland Revenue.
Two key things to remember.
We must receive these additional offerings before 31st October. And secondly, they must be clearly marked “NGD” or “National Giving Day”.
We are excited and encouraged to see how the Lord might use this opportunity to secure these two significant ministries.
Church Bank Details
Account Name: Maxwell Mearns Castle Parish Church
Sort code: 82 68 32
Account Number: 20050219
Scott
Praise Evening
Another Praise event is planned for 21st of October (new date). 7pm-8pm
Put it in the diary!!
It's led by Ian Hailstones - look out for the zoom link which will be sent out soon.
Psalm 24
On Sunday we are continuing in the 3rd part of a series looking at Psalm 22,23 and 24.
Psalm 24 considers in particular the majesty of God.
This is a remarkable speech given by Dr. S.M. Lockridge.
He describes all the incredible characteristics of our Saviour King and then, importantly, adds, 'I wonder if you know Him'.
Watch it here....then watch it again...then send it to others to encourage them.
Castle Coffee Club
We had hoped to restart the Coffee Club on the 5th October. Unfortunately we have had to postpone due to the current issues with the water supply. Hopefully we can start up again once these issues have been resolved.
Our apologies to all the guests who are looking forward to getting together again, and all our volunteers.
From the steering group,
Elizabeth Smith
ERGoodCauses
There is a comprehensive updated list of the remarkable achievements of ERGC found here - '6 months of loving our neighbours in a practical way by ERGoodCauses'
This is really a document to encourage and let you see the breadth and depth of the work achieved; Russell wants to express his thanks "to all friends/supporters who helped us, Love our neighbours."
Anyone wishing to join or help ERGoodCauses, can do so by contacting Russell via the following
www.ergoodcauses.co.uk or info@ergoodcauses.co.uk
T 0141 639 8230 M: 07714293256
Russell sent in the following photo...if ever there were a reason to have a photo caption competition this is it.
Entries to maxwellmearns@hotmail.com or alternatively, just go round and shout it outside Russell's house.
Blythswood Boxes
We are planning on checking Christmas Boxes for Blythswood again this year.
Changes have been made so we comply with distancing and covid regulations but this is so everyone will feel safe.
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We will have to limit volunteers to 8 at any one time.
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Everyone must wear a mask.
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Hand sanitiser, masks and gloves will be provided.
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Perspex screens will be used.
Lesley and I are getting the garage ready for the first delivery of boxes and are hoping the leak is sorted by then.
We plan on checking boxes for the month of November but may be ready to start a couple of days earlier.
Firm dates will be conveyed as soon as we have them.
If you would like to fill a box covered boxes and leaflets are available in the vestibule of the Church.
Denise Lowson
Ladybird Book of Maxwell
Christians Against Poverty
CAP is adapting and growing and this means we have a number of roles available that we would like to fill with top-quality, skilled people who love Jesus. Many of these roles are flexible and could be done remotely or hybrid.
Find out all about CAP here.
And there is an excellent little overview leaflet here.
Request:
Maybe one of these roles is the perfect opportunity for someone in your church! We know that the UK Church is full of talented people who are passionate about helping others. Can you help us reach those people, by sharing the video below with your church? By getting the message out on your church website, social media, and perhaps in the church bulletin, you could be helping someone find their next dream job!
The link for the roles is capuk.org/current jobs. If you would like more details email justinebarnes@capuk.org. We’d love more amazing people like you to join us!
Watch a short video about the work here.
The opportunities available currently are:
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Recruitment Specialist
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Project Managers
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Systems Developers
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Data Selections Analyst
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Philanthropy Engagement Lead
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Fundraising & Engagement Lead
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Senior Finance Business Partner
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Specialist roles in communication & Digital Engagement
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IT Systems Administrator
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Supporter Care roles
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Change Management Specialist
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Financial Accountant
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Senior Finance Business Partner
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Digital Marketing Specialist
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Executive Assistants
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Blessings,Paula and Ellie
Paula Stringer, UK CEO
Christians Against Poverty
01274 761953
We have resumed our in-person prayer meeting on a Wednesday night at 7.15pm.
For this short term we shall meet in the Main Hall. We hope you can make it!
Service of Profession of Faith
We shall have a service of Profession of Faith (and baptism) on the 24th of October. If you have not already spoken to Scott or Daniel and would like to be involved in this service, please do so as soon as possible. If you would like to transfer your membership from another church to MMCC please speak to Scott also as soon as possible, so that we can endeavour to include you in this service also.
Saturday 30th October
WTTB will be coming to Maxwell on 30th October 2021 to walk us through the Old Testament.
Everyone of all age groups are welcome and more information will be provided closer to the time.
For now just get the date in the diary and block it off. This event is invaluable for everyone to understand the OT timeline, it's message and be taught how to communicate that to our friends and family in a really clear and helpful manner.
Daniel
If you have a matter that you would like to be prayed about in this way, you can contact Margaret Boyd or Scott and they will organise for news to be sent out.
If you want to be added to the group to receive prayer news then simply ask Margaret and she will add your number to the list.
BOOK IN A DAY
BOOK IN A DAY is a new initiative for this year.
We are opening up the Cornhill classroom to others who would like to join in for the day as we focus in on one book.
The first of these events is on 21st October, at 25 Bath Street, Glasgow, G2 1HW. William Philip will be helping us get a handle on Matthew.
This would be a great opportunity for people thinking about doing Cornhill, Bible teachers wanting to be sharpened in their understanding or others who would like help understanding God’s Word for themselves. Please do come and join us and do bring others. To book follow the link below.
Prices are £20 per person, £10 for students and there are group discounts available as well. BOOK HERE
maxwellmearns@hotmail.com