Welcome

Last weekend we were treated to a magical display in the night skies Seeing something so marvellous it felt as if I was seeing the world through the eyes of a child with all the wonder and excitement that brings. It was a wonderful feeling and it made me remember that we are all God's children and he is always showing us things and sometimes we have to take time to listen and to open our eyes to see the opportunities he's putting before us. As part of our extended church family we wish Lisa and Martin all God's blessings as they start married life together. Stuart and Susan will be having a quiet day hopefully after all the excitement of the wedding.

Thank you to the people who have spoken to me volunteering to help in the various positions recently. However we do still need more people for the Communion Rota, in the Food Hygiene team, Door Duty, Musicians / Singers. Please consider these appeals as everything we do  is a reflection of our love and commitment to our Maxwell family and for the glory of God .
Hope you have a good week.

Denise 

---

Mike's Word of the Week

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
 

God is Faithful

The faithfulness of God is one aspect of His character that I find particularly reassuring. The world today is full of uncertainty and is constantly changing, yet despite it all Jesus Christ remains the same. He is our rock, the firm foundation on which we can build our lives. His plans and His word stand firm forever and while the world that we live in will eventually pass away, His words will never pass away.   
 
His character doesn’t change. His truth doesn’t change. His purposes don’t change. He’s our covenant keeping God, and He keeps ALL His promises! As long as we’re willing to be His people and obey His commands, He commits Himself for ever to be our God. He will always be there for us, never leaving or forsaking us. 
 
When we understand and have faith in God’s faithfulness to us, we’re freed from the devastating effects of thinking that His faithfulness is dependent on us. He’s not faithful to us because of anything we’ve done well, or badly, and He doesn’t determine His faithfulness on any merit of ours. We could never earn or deserve His faithfulness, yet He chooses to give it to us freely.
 
God is faithful to us, even when we are not faithful to Him, because it’s a part of who He is; He can’t deny Himself (2 Tim 2:13). We may be thoroughly unfaithful, but God is faithful to Himself. No matter what circumstances or situations we find ourselves in today, whether we’ve been faithful or not to Him, we can trust that God is faithful in the midst of it all. For we know that God absolutely can’t be anything but faithful….because it’s part of who He is.  
 
 
Prayer – Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that You are completely and utterly faithful – first to Yourself and therefore to me. Thank you that You faithfulness is an unchanging part of who You are, and does not depend on how strong my faith is You is. Today I choose to trust in You faithfulness and ask that You will demonstrate Your faithfulness in my life today. In Jesus name; Amen
 

---

Minister's Absence Cover

Our locum minister, Mike, is on holiday from 6 May - 19 May (incl.)
Rev Alasdair McMillan (from Cathcart Trinity Church) is covering pastoral emergencies
in Mike's absence. Our locum minister, Mike, is on holiday from 6 May - 19 May (incl.)
Rev Alasdair McMillan (from Cathcart Trinity Church) is covering pastoral emergencies
in Mike's absence.

Contact details are 0141 391 9103 or 07745 313778

---

Mike's Holiday

I am on holiday for two weeks and Rev Alister Bull will lead our services on the 12th and 19th of May.
I return on the 20th of May but Rev Dave Sutherland (Interim Moderator) and I are doing a pulpit swap on the 26th of May, Dave will be at Maxwell to meet you and I will be leading the service at Dave's church which is Hillington Park.
I look forward to being back with you for our communion service on the 2nd of June.

---

Planters

Isobel and the gardening group are going to replant the pots at the end of May . If anybody has any spare geranium plants then please speak to Isobel.

---

Food Hygiene Coordinator/s

We are looking for one or two people to be Coordinator/s for Food Hygiene.
There will be a great deal of support from Church of Scotland and Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland.
This will include good practices and training for everyone who handles food.

Isobel has volunteered but would like some company. Please speak to her if you would be willing to be part of this  work in our church.

---

Communion

We are looking for people who are willing to assist in the serving
of communion.
Having a bank of people to call upon would be the ideal.

If you are able to help with this ministry please speak to Norman or Mike
 

---

Heating in the Church and Halls

We have been adjusting the heating to provide an adequate level of warmth on Sundays and at other times when we know the church is in use.
If the settings are over ridden then this can affect the programme start and stop times.
As a result there have been times when the heating has remained on for 2-3 days. This is having an impact on our electricity costs.
It would be appreciated if any changes are required, that you speak to Allan L. or Sandy L.

With the arrival of the warmer weather the heating in the Maxwell Hall has been turned off. Should there be any problems please speak to Alistair K.

---

MUSICAL NOTES

I’m sure I don’t need to tell you that your Sunday music group very           
much enjoys leading the congregation with the songs and hymns.  We love to hear the congregation in full voice – and you don’t let us down.
However – it would be great if we could add to our numbers.
At this time I would love to be able to  welcome another two people to join the singing group. I know you will enjoy it.  This will enable us to set up a wee bit of a rota so that folk can have a holiday now and then.  Please think about it and let me know if you can help us.
Looking further ahead – watch out for some exciting musical news about Christmas –  Ok I know we still have the summer to look forward to but -  yes, we do plan ahead!!
 
Ian G

---

Tea / Coffee Rota

19 May - Sheila + Allan R, Lorna McN
26 May - Jackie, Norman, May + Ken.

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

---

Castle Cafe

The next meeting of the Castle Cafe will take place on
Thursday 23rd May at 2pm in the West Room
It's a great way to get to know members of our Church family and to strengthen relationships.

We will have plenty of chat with tea/coffee and sweet treats.

Heather will be speaking to us this week. It would be lovely to see you.
 

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:

Rev Dave Sutherland; May Taggart