There is lots to catch up with in the magazine this week - make sure you take a look and see what you can and should get involved in.
It's good to see things returning to normality bit by bit and having events like the Walk Thru later in March is a good sign.
Just one thing before we head into the magazine... remember in prayer that the advert for the new Youth Worker is still sitting on the church webpage - let's pray for those in charge of finding the right person to fill this important role.
Enjoy the mag.
MB
Sunday Morning Service - 13th March
New City Catechism -Q.45 Is baptism with water the washing away of sin itself?
Call To Worship: Psalm 111:1-4
Praise: I Stand Amazed in the presence if Jesus
Praise Holy Uncreated One
Prayer of adoration and confession
Talk with kids - Pauline... Kids Praise: Come on, come in, everybody
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Reading: Titus 1:1-8
Praise: Scandal of grace
Sermon
Praise: Amazing grace (my chains gone)
More information about the New City catechism and a link to the free App is here.
From the Manse
Dear Congregation,
The last time I wrote, the situation in Ukraine burdened my soul. It still does as I am sure yours also. This situation is worsening as more cities and towns are destroyed, people are killed and millions displaced.
I suspect with me you share a sense of helplessness. However, if we are able, let us contribute financially to charities that might help alleviate some of the suffering inflicted on the population of Ukraine.
Importantly, let us be constant in prayer. Let us pray for the Church in Ukraine. With death so close, let us pray that some might take refuge in Jesus for the first time and find an eternal peace with God which will help them face life or death!
S.A.M
We shall have our Stated Annual Meeting after worship on 20th March. We would encourage all to attend if possible.
As usual, we shall present last year’s accounts, this year’s budget and appoint new Board members as appropriate. There shall be some brief reports.
However, this year I will give a short presentation on the Presbytery Plan. This will be a short presentation because I hope to give space for your own comments and if I can, answer questions you may have.
The Presbytery Plan
Here are just a few facts:
The Church of Scotland is going through a national process of reducing the number of congregations and paid posts of all kinds.
Glasgow Presbytery has currently about 126 parishes. When certain posts which have been ring-fenced are removed, the number of ministry positions in the plan will be 65. This is a sizable reduction.
Here is what we know so far.
All congregations in Glasgow Presbytery have been allocated to geographical zones. Maxwell is one of 30 congregations in a south-side zone. The aim of the plan will be to reduce this number of congregations significantly.
Each zone will receive a share of the 65 ministry posts. The allocation will be based on the population of each zone.
How that allocation will then be distributed across newly formed congregations and “clusters” is currently unknown.
Our congregation is now half a century old. Through these years each of the four ministers (and ministries) have had an evangelical character.
From the very beginning with Rev Arbuckle, his evangelistic passion had him chapping doors in the Parish and welcoming many into our congregational life.
During the ministry of Rev Sandy Rogers, several of our current congregation came to faith in Jesus. They delighted in his excellent preaching ministry and grew in their biblical/theological understanding of life and faith.
In the sixteen years of Rev David Cameron's ministry, alongside an evangelical theology, the style of praise became increasingly contemporary.
The consequence of the above is that today, our style of worship and our conservative biblical theology/morality stands in sharp contrast to many of the congregations in zone 4. There are nevertheless numerous congregations across Glasgow Presbytery (in different zones) who share similar distinctives to ourselves.
The Kirk Session will endeavour to work with the planning process, as given to us. However, we will do so, committed to retaining the biblical/theological identity that has defined us for so many years. To that end we will endeavour to explore all potential options open to us.
We would like to hear your comments at the SAM.
Please pray for our elders as they seek to navigate us through this crucial time in our congregational life.
With warmest regards and prayers,
Scott
Lenten Series
You may find this Lenten series helpful as we approach Easter.
It is called "Stepping Stones from Creation to the Cross".
The series takes us through different moments in history as God moves ultimately to the Cross of Calvary. The participants in the series are all Church of Scotland ministers I believe.
You will be able to access the daily recordings at this link.
Scott
Read Together
As your minister I am so keen that we read this book as a congregation.
This is a very thoughtful book.
I want us to be thinking Christians. But, I also want us to be "feeling" Christians.
I want us to understand the love of Jesus. But, I also want us to feel the love of Jesus!
I believe this book could be a hugely significant read for us.
I have managed to buy some at £8.
Below are some comments on this book from pastors and people in the pew.
Scott
"This delightful book opens up the sheer immensity of Jesus's tender love for us. As you immerse yourself in Christ's very heart, you'll find your own heart warmed at the fire of the love of God"...
"Dane Orland leads us into the very heart of God incarnate - not only what Jesus did for us, but how he feels towards us. That is right; feels towards us. Anchored in Scripture and drawing from the Puritan Thomas Goodwin, this book is medicine for broken hearts."
"A cracking read – my favourite book of 2020! Gentle and Lowly reminded me again and again that Jesus really does love us. It’s a valuable remedy against our natural drift from a consciousness of God’s favour towards apathy."
How to Pray “Against” an Evil Ruler
BY SCOTTY SMITH
“This is what is decreed for you, King Nebuchadnezzar: Your royal authority has been taken from you. You will be driven away from people and will live with the wild animals; you will eat grass like the ox. Seven times will pass by for you until you acknowledge that the Most High is sovereign over all kingdoms on earth and gives them to anyone he wishes.” Daniel 4:31-32
Heavenly Father, up till now I’ve struggled to pray the imprecatory Psalms—portions of your Word calling down harsh judgment on evil-makers and evil rulers (Psalms like 5, 6, 35, 69, 109). They seemed a bit self-righteous to me.
I now realize that’s not the case at all. To pray “your Kingdom, your will be done on earth, as in heaven,” presupposes a love for righteousness, and a healthy portion of righteous indignation. Father, it’s all about your glory and honor, not our fiefdoms and comfort.
Witnessing the atrocities, barbarism, and savagery in Ukraine—including the Russian bombing of a maternity ward and hospital—here’s my prayer on this March Thursday. Father, as you did with evil King Nebuchadnezzar, take away Putin’s authority and power. Drive him far away. Plant his face so low to the earth he eats grass like an ox and is drenched with dew (Dan. 4:33). Put an end to his evil-making against your image bearers and Jesus’ church, in Ukraine and Russia.
Father, either bring him to yourself, put him down, or take him out. You are “sovereign over all kingdoms.” You alone are God, You alone are worthy of our adoration, affection, and allegiance. For your glory, in Jesus’ name, So Very Amen.
BLYTHSWOOD CARE UKRAINE CRISIS APPEAL
UPDATE
Blythswood Care’s Ukraine appeal has burst through the £98,000 mark. You have generously donated in your droves. We want to thank each and every one of you. We have a target of £250,000. Can you give to the appeal to help the people of Ukraine?
Our appeal is more important now than ever. The scenes we have all seen from Ukraine over the past week have been utterly heart-breaking. Hundreds of thousands of decent, law-abiding citizens have lost everything through no fault of their own.
Help us to help Ukraine. Donate through our website HERE.
Book now for the...
Saturday 26th March 2022 - 10am - 4.30pm
As we journey through the Bible, we recognize that Jesus did not arrive out of nowhere. From start to finish, the Bible is a book about Him. Indeed, even the Old Testament prophets, under the inspiration of the Spirit, wrote about Jesus. If we take our eyes off Christ, then, however well we know Scripture, we will have missed its centre, its key, and its hero.
At Maxwell we hosted the Old Testament Walk Through a few months ago! All are now welcome to come and learn the big picture of the New Testament in one day at Newton Mearns Baptist Church
Paul Keys is presenting the whole day - some of you may remember Paul having led a day a number of years ago - he is first class at taking us on the journey.
Ticket price £14.00
Book online or call the NMBC office. Bring a packed lunch - tea and coffee provided. It will be a memorable day!
Any questions get in touch with coordinator, Andrea Young 0141 616 2362
Retiring Offering for Scripture Union
Sunday 27th March, Retiring Offering at Maxwell Mearns for Scripture Union
2022 Holidays Sponsorship Appeal
There are over 50 events planned for 2022, each one made possible by teams of volunteers. Many children and young people have missed so much because of lockdown, including their first experience of SU holidays, and donations to this year's appeal will remove financial barriers for many young people.
Our gifts will mean that:
• SU holidays are available to everyone – families who need help for their children, refugees, asylum seekers, and others who depend on sponsorship.
• Holidays for young people from disadvantaged communities.
• Committed teams of volunteers can run the holidays.
SU holidays are places of great fun and connection and are places where young people can meet Jesus.
As a student I spent several summers volunteering at SU Camps and Missions - made possible by the Sponsorship fund. When I came to Maxwell Sandra McNicol reminded me that she had been one of the campers! Several of our young folk are just back from a weekend camp after having fun and learning about Jesus, along with Pauline and some parents supporting as volunteers.
“The good thing about being back at camp is seeing all your friends and learning about God. It's really nice to be back!”
P7 Camper, Scoughall
If you would like to contribute directly financially to SU's camps appeal this can be done through the link on SU Scotland's website www.suscotland.org.uk/donate/holidays-sponsorship-appeal
(Please write “Maxwell Mearns” in the “What prompted you to give” section) and Gift Aid envelopes are available in the Sanctuary vestibule as well.
There is also an email-based Prayer hotline run during the holiday season where news and urgent needs are shared as they arise. If you would like to join this hotline please visit here.
TO WATCH A VIDEO FROM SU SCOTLAND FOR THE APPEAL CLICK
HERE
Hide and Seek
Where Are You? “The man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God … But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, ‘Where are you?’” Genesis 3:8-9
Across ethnic, linguistic, and geographical boundaries, children everywhere enjoy the fun of playing hide-and-seek.
It is a universal and innocent game. But the first game of hide-and-seek in this world was neither fun nor innocent. It was something deadly serious.
After Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the garden, they hid from each other behind fig leaves and from their Creator behind the trees of the garden. They attempted a cover-up—and God came seeking them with a simple question: “Where are you?” This question turns on its head the common assumption that man is looking for God, who is hiding somewhere in or beyond the universe. Instead, we discover the opposite: we are the ones who are hiding, and God is the one who comes seeking.
God came to draw them out more than to drive them out.
A. Begg
Ladybird Book of Maxwell
Praise Gathering - register today!
Many people in Maxwell have been involved in Praise Gathering over the years, and lots more have enjoyed attending the concerts.
Registration for the Praise Gathering 2022 Choir is now OPEN,
Secretary, Dave McLaren writes... We are already hearing of people who have invited friends to sing with them, so we are opening registration to everyone from today. We would therefore encourage you to secure your place as soon as possible.
Full details, including the rehearsal schedule for Glasgow, Edinburgh, Perth and via live stream are given on the registration pages, which can be accessed by clicking here.
No longer will we take singing together for granted and we look forward to being back together again very soon.
Getting involved is easy - follow the link to book in.
Bible NT Quiz
Since we are heading towards the Walk Thru the New Testament event later in March let's see how our knowledge is. Answers at the bottom of page
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How many books are there in the New Testament?
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Whose Gospel starts with Jesus' genealogy to show his royal credentials?
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When Jesus asked the disciples who the crowds thought he was, which two people did they say Jesus might be?
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Which garden was Jesus in when he was arrested?
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Who did Jesus ask three times 'Do you love me?'
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Paul wrote letters to three individuals (as opposed to church groups) - name them.
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Luke records three 'Lost' parables of Jesus in ch15. What was lost?
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Which disciples were at the 'transfiguration' with Jesus?
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And which two Old Testament characters did they see with Jesus when he was transfigured?
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Who said, 'Do not be afraid, I bring good news that will cause great joy for all the people.'
For the next few weeks the Pulse prayer meeting on Wednesdays are on Zoom.
Usual time - 7.15 - 8.30pm.
Look out for the email from the church office with the Zoom code.
'Nothing tends more to cement the hearts of Christians than praying together. Never do they love one another so well as when they witness the outpouring of each other's hearts in prayer.' — Charles Finney
Are you on the Pray Now WhatsApp Group? Perhaps the start of the year is a good time to join in.
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.
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.
Hizkidz - crèche
On Sunday the West Room on the mid floor will be available for parents/grandparents and younger children to use.
The livestream of the service will (hopefully!) be playing on the TV and there are toys available too.
Speak to Pauline on Sunday who can show you which room to go into when the children leave for Hizkidz.
Bible Quiz answers:
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How many books are there in the New Testament? 27
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Whose Gospel starts with Jesus' genealogy to show his royal credentials? Matthew
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When Jesus asked the disciples who the crowds thought he was, which two people did they say Jesus might be? John the Baptist or Elijah (Luke 9:18)
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Which garden was Jesus in when he was arrested? Gethsemane
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Who did Jesus ask three times 'Do you love me?' Simon Peter
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Paul wrote letters to three individuals (as opposed to church groups) - name them. Timothy, Titus, Philemon
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Luke records three 'Lost' parables of Jesus in ch15. What was lost? Coin, Sheep, Son
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Which disciples were at the 'transfiguration' with Jesus? Peter, James & John
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And which two Old Testament characters did they see with Jesus when he was transfigured? . Elijah and Moses
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Who said, 'Do not be afraid, I bring good news that will cause great joy for all the people.' Angel of the Lord, to the shepherds at Jesus' birth
Please note our Sunday morning services* are live streamed and subsequently available on YouTube.
Filming is only from the rear in the balcony. If attending in person you may wish to select your seats bearing in mind that rows at the rear in the Sanctuary are not in view of the camera.
(* occasionally other services)