Welcome

There are a few changes within Maxwell. We have a new interim moderator - Rev. Dave Sutherland who is the minister at Hillington Park Parish Church; a new session clerk who is Chris Dunn from Cumbernauld and Bob Barclay who will be helping John with all things financial. This news was shared in the newsletter which was available last week at the end of the service. If anyone was away last week there will be copies of this newsletter available from the book table at the back of the church.

“The Lord called me before I was born, from my mother’s womb he pronounced my name.” Isaiah 49:1

God knows each one of us by name. Even before we are born, we are loved and cherished. God has a plan for us and like a loving parent wants us to reach our full potential. WE often think - I couldn't do this or I don't have any particular gift but there are many gifts. If we work together as the body of Christ's church we each have an important part to contribute. We may feel out of our comfort zone but we have to step out to reach our full potential.
Hope you enjoy the magazine - There are several requests for help - please consider if you are able to answer the call.

Denise 

Session and Board Meeting

The next Session and Board meeting will take place on:
Wednesday 17 April at 7.30pm in the West Room. 

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Mike's Word of the Week

   
Recently, I was reading about the dramatic conversion Saul had when he was on his way to Damascus. Saul was angry and wanted to threaten and even murder anyone who was preaching salvation and the way of the cross to the Jewish people. Jesus then met with Saul on the road to Damascus revealing Himself to him and pointing out how difficult it is to go against His ways, saying: It is hard for you to kick against the gods. 
 
Saul, fearful and trembling, then asks the questions: Lord, what do You want me to do? Jesus tells him to go into the city and wait and that’s where He would tell him what to do. Saul was blinded and needed help from the others to get there.
This started to make me ponder and think about all those who come into God’s Kingdom. This should really be the first question they should ask: Lord, what do You want me to do? Then they should wait for His answer. But I wonder how many people in the body of Christ have come into God’s kingdom and just continue in their normal way, not really asking the question of what the Lord has for them and for their life.
 
In Jeremiah 29: 11 to 13, we read that God has a plan for His people’s future, to bring peace and not to harm them, but they do need to search for Him with all their heart. We can apply this word to our own lives too. This is what Saul did. Jesus told Saul to go and wait in the city, where He would reveal exactly what it was that he was to do.   
 
Maybe today, as you ponder on this scripture, ask yourself of you’ve ever really asked the question for your own life: Lord, what do You want me to do? Perhaps you could take a few moments to seek Him. Ask Him and then wait upon Him to hear what it is He is saying to you, for today or for your future.  
 
Prayer – Lord, I thank You that You have a plan and purpose for me, a plan to bring me peace and not harm. Today, I want to ask the question: What do You want me to do? I want to hear what You have to say to me. Father forgive me when I have not asked You and have tried to do things on my own instead. I pray that You will lead me and direct me in Your ways. Amen. Volunteers are needed to carry out some minor decoration to the Manse to prepare it for rental.
If you are able to help please contact Sandy L, Billy or Isobel   

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Prayer Of Approach

We are looking for people who would be interested in praying the Prayer of Approach in Sunday Services.

This is an excellent opportunity for people who already have experience and especially those with none. Guidance and training is available.

Anyone that is interested would they please contact Mike, or Norman.

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Audio Visual 

Each Sunday a few of us are up in the balcony making sure you can hear  the Minister and band, operating the computer to show the slides and  recording  the service to upload to our website and YouTube. We really could  do with a few more helpers so we can get some kind of rota organised and  provide   cover when people are ill or on holiday. Thanks go to Isobel, Allan and Bruce who have managed to get to grips with the technology.

Anyone joining is given training and will just watch for a few weeks to see how it is done before being let loose with the equipment, at that point they will be guided by someone and not left on their own until they feel ready.

If you are interested please speak to Stuart

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Blythswood Care

As a church we have supported Blythswood Care through the annual Christmas shoebox appeal.

We are fortunate to have the use of a carpeted room next to the garage where we can store donations and work on filling boxes so they are ready for collection later in the year.

Folk often ask what is needed and we find the best way to help is to work on the idea of adding one item to our shopping bags and we love bargains. The items we mostly use are shampoo / shower gel / toothpaste /  but we can use almost anything. We are making up boxes each month or so and are looking for men's gloves, colouring pencils, felt tips and girl's scarves. If you are having a spring clean we can also use any  items that are not needed but are useful or a wee extra for someone. Some ladies meet in groups, knit hats, gloves and scarves and even make jewellery for the boxes. 
If you have anything we can use we would be very grateful. We do not know where this year's boxes are going but the last few years ended up in Moldova - one of the poorest countries of  Europe.                                        
There is a box at the back of the Church for donations with a list of suggestions for fillers. 
A group of us meet monthly and fill boxes ready for this year's appeal.

If you would like any more information please speak to Lesley or Denise.

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Tea / Coffee Rota

14 April - Shona L, Gloria, Janette F.
21 April - Mary G, Margaret C, Janette F

There are spaces on the rota so please consider putting your name down for the rota as the more folk help, the less frequently you will be called upon.

We are really trying to become greener and it really helps if people bring their own cups/mugs.

Thank you
Jackie and Norman

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Castle Cafe

The next meeting of the Castle Cafe will take place on
THURSDAY 18 April at 2pm. in the West Room. 

Ian G. will be entertaining us.



 

Bible Study

Safeguarding – Ensuring a Safe Church for All 
If you suspect or witness harm or abuse, or it is reported to you, you must immediately report it to one of the Safeguarding Coordinators:

May Walker
office@maxwellmearns.org