Thought I'd take a moment to remind you that the 2022 Census needs to be completed this weekend... it's worth pointing that the accounts in the Bible of people taking a census are a mixed bag...not saying that our current parliament is like the Roman Empire - not necessarily making that jump...just saying.
And while we are on the subject of the 'state of the nation' remember that there is the SAM after church on Sunday. Important things to discuss there.
So, the magazine has tons of stuff in it this week - hope you find something of interest.
Enjoy the mag.
MB
Sunday Morning Service - 20th March
New City Catechism -Q.46. What is the Lord’s Supper?
Call To Worship: Romans 15.13
Praise: See what a morning
Praise: My God
Prayer of adoration and confession
Talk with kids -
Reading: 1st Corinthians 11.20-29
Praise: What wonder of grace is this
Sermon
Reflection - Video
Sacrament of Communion
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Praise: How great thou art
Leaving song: Not yet I but through Christ in me
More information about the New City catechism and a link to the free App is here.
Lenten Series
This Lenten series of videos continues as we approach Easter.
It is called "Stepping Stones from Creation to the Cross".
Here is an example of one of them. The ideas, the images are creative and so well joined to the talk from Isaiah.
You will be able to access the daily recordings at this link.
Scott
Read Together
I mentioned last week that I am so keen that we read this book as a congregation.
They will be available at the church this Sunday (£8)
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.
Scott
Here is a little flavour where Ortland gets John Bunyan to help him explain our situation...
Fallen, anxious sinners are limitless in their capacity to perceive reasons for Jesus to cast them out. We are factories of fresh resistances to Christ’s love. Even when we run out of tangible reasons to be cast out, such as specific sins or failures, we tend to retain a vague sense that, given enough time, Jesus will finally grow tired of us and hold us at arm’s length. Bunyan understands us. He knows we tend to deflect Christ’s assurances.
“No, wait”—we say, cautiously approaching Jesus—“you don’t understand. I’ve really messed up, in all kinds of ways.”
I know, he responds.
“You know most of it, sure. Certainly more than what others see. But there’s perversity down inside me that is hidden from everyone.”
I know it all.
“Well—the thing is, it isn’t just my past. It’s my present too.”
I understand.
“But I don’t know if I can break free of this any time soon.”
That’s the only kind of person I’m here to help.
“The burden is heavy—and heavier all the time.”
Then let me carry it.
“It’s too much to bear.”
Not for me.
“You don’t get it. My offenses aren’t directed toward others. They’re against you.”
Then I am the one most suited to forgive them.
“But the more of the ugliness in me you discover, the sooner you’ll get fed up with me.”
Whoever comes to me I will never cast out.
1st Maxwell Mearns Brownies and Guides Pack Holiday
Last weekend 21 Brownies, 9 P6/7 Guides, 2 S1/2 Guide Helpers, 4 S5 Young Leaders, 5 adult leaders and a Colin and an Andrew headed to Gowanbank for the weekend.
Our theme was 'Let's go to the Movies' and we had a weekend filled with activities. Each 'film studio' (dorm) created their own movies and adverts from scratch including writing scripts, making costumes and props, acting, filming and editing and we enjoyed watching their films on Wednesday night.
We also made a hall of fame, did a scavenger hunt, baked biscuits, had our own pre-loved Build a Bear factory, had a movie premiere, campfire and more!
Girls and leaders were all exhausted but had an amazing time.
Pauline Forster
SHOEBOXES FOR BLYTHSWOOD
If anyone has any empty shoeboxes they do not need please may we have them? We are asking folk to hang on to shoeboxes over the course of this year.
We can store them in the church garage.
Lesley or I can take them down to the garage for you.
Thank you
Denise Lowson and Lesley Young
Ladybird Book of Maxwell
Forgiving the Bomber
Some of you may know Ian Watson who heads up Praise Gathering. He was a friend of Harvey Thomas - back in the early seventies Harvey had worked for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and he and Ian had taken part in various events around the country in advance of SPRE-E 73 at Earls Court in London.
Harvey later worked for Margaret Thatcher and was badly injured in the bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton which happened in 1984.
Last Sunday Harvey died. A few years ago though, in 2016, a video was made about Harvey deciding to forgive the man who put the bomb in the hotel. It’s a moving story of forgiveness - his own story, and the Bible's story - really worth watching and allowing it to be a challenge and an encouragement. Watch the 15 min video here.
Pulse is still meeting on Zoom.
Wednesdays 7.15-8.30pm
If you haven't been at all or for a while these words from Alistair Begg picking up on verses from Paul should encourage us to see that there might not be a more important hour in your week.
"I know that through the prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance. - Philippians 1:19
Are there people in your life for whom you don’t pray because you think they don’t need it? With our limited human perspective, it can be easy to overlook those who appear on the outside to have it all together. But the truth is, we all need and benefit from the prayers of others. When the apostle Paul was in prison, he wrote to the Philippian church and said that he knew his deliverance would be the result not only of the Holy Spirit’s help but also of the prayers of God’s people. Whether he meant deliverance from his immediate hardships or the ultimate deliverance that would bring him into Christ’s presence, Paul wanted his Christian friends in Philippi to know that he was dependent on others’ prayers to sustain him during his ministry.
When Paul wrote to Christians at Rome, he said the same thing: “I appeal to you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in your prayers to God on my behalf, that I may be delivered” (Romans 15:30-31). He longed for them to strive together and be refreshed. He desired that his service would be helpful to the saints. He wanted to be delivered. And all of this, he told them, could be accomplished through their prayers!
Paul’s words tell us that as we rally with other saints, we can support them in their weaknesses. We can ask that they be granted courage. We can play a role in their deliverance."
Look out for the email each week with the code to join in - if you don't get that email then drop a note to Sue at maxwellmearns@hotmail.com
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
Easter Egg Appeal for Lodging House Mission
As we look forward and make plans for Easter we want to give you the opportunity to support Lodging House Mission outreach initiative.
To celebrate this ‘resurrection’ of community life at LHM - with the possibility of new life, hope and meaning our service offers - we are inviting you to get involved in this initiative.
As our church supporters, we are asking if you would make a donation of Easter eggs - during Lent - that can be gifted to those who do not yet know, or need to hear afresh, the Easter message of life, hope and a new beginning this year.
Stewart Martin is the contact for Maxwell folk to take part in giving Easter Eggs.
322 Glasgow Road, Waterfoot G76 0EW
Mobile 07766437216
The cut-off date for giving to Stewart is Sunday 3rd April 2022
LHM ask that you add a sticker/ label to the egg box saying….“A gift of hope from Maxwell Mearns Castle Church”
Reminding people that no matter the situation or isolation being faced, our clients are not alone and Gods people care.
If you would prefer to give a financial donation to support this initiative, all contributions will be gratefully received and you can donate in the usual ways:
www.lhm-glasgow.org.uk
Direct transfer: 82-64-31 30060385
Or send a cheque, made payable to:
Lodging House Mission and posted to 35 East Campbell Street, Glasgow G1 5DT.
Thank you for the great support you give throughout the year which allows us to multiply the impact of our efforts.
Deacon Claire Herbert
Chaplain LHM
Life's Big Questions
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
Clear Out!
At first glance you may think this is Scott's most recent attempt at a modern art installation. But in fact it was just the result of the hard work of clearing out the Castle Suite - thanks to those who helped.
The Screwtape Letters
Searchlight Theatre are bringing The Screwtape Letters to life with a performance that has received five star reviews at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Faithful to the very influential book by C S Lewis, the performance is both entertaining and very thought provoking.
A performance will take place on Thursday 24 March at 7.30pm in Claremont Parish Church High, Common Road East Kilbride G74 2AU
Tickets, priced £10, are available or can be reserved from the church office: 01355 238088 office@claremontparishchurch.co.uk
Tickets will also be available on the evening itself.
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.
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.
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)