Welcome

I have been reading Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life and it has been speaking to me in  many ways. It is almost as if it were written for us here at Maxwell.
Blessed are those who trust in the Lord..... 
They are like trees planted along a river bank, with roots that reach deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green and they go right on producing delicious fruit. Jeremiah 17:7 -8

It's not about you.
The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfilment, your peace of mind or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose.
We typically begin at the wrong starting point - ourselves. What do I want to happen? What are my dreams? Of course we should be asking - What does God want?
We have to pray about our situation here at Maxwell and there are a number of ways we can do this. We can come along to the fortnightly prayer meeting on Thursday evenings. We can pray in the sanctuary twice a week from 11 until noon during the month of June and we can make a decision to pray daily that God would guide us through these uncertain times.

In other news, this Sunday afternoon there are a number of gatherings I have been asked to intimate.
Pamela is singing with The Phoenix Choir in Springburn Parish Church from 2 pm.
Eaglesham Parish Church have  an event - showcasing local talent - called Musical Lollipops! at 2.30pm.
Broom Parish Church are having a family fun day from 3pm until 5pm - further details were intimated last week.
An individual Alex McGarrity contacted the office telling us of a march he is organising "For the Glory of God". He is worried about the growing number of people who do not know God and he is encouraging all Christians to join with him on Saturday 15 June "all for the glorification of God" Details below.

We are still looking for volunteers for the Food Safety course and if you would like to join any of the groups of folk who read on a Sunday, pray upfront, make the tea and coffee, provide flowers, serve communion, sing/play with the worship group, help out with the audio visual team or any other things we do here at Maxwell you will be welcomed with open arms. You can either approach them directly or speak to me.
The magazine will be rather basic for the next couple of weeks as the format checker is busy and on holiday.
Denise

Mike's Word for the Week

Session and Board Meeting

Please note that the next Session and Congregational Board meeting due to be held on
Monday 10 June at 7.30 pm. in the West Room has been postponed.

The Session and Board will meet on Monday 17 June at 7.30 pm. in the West Room

Prayer  for Maxwell

Hello everyone

During the month of June the Sanctuary will be open twice a week from 11.00 until 12.00 for us to pray. Every Tuesday and Thursday beginning Tuesday the 4th of June.

We can pray in groups or alone; spoken or in silence and come and go as you please for the full hour or 20 minutes. Come as often as you like.
We each can have aspirations as to our future in Maxwell and beyond but we above all else seek God’s will  in all things.
The prayer group continues every second Thursday evening 7.30 in West Room please come.

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.

Norman

A great way  to spend a Sunday afternoon. Pamela is one of the chorus.

News from the Assembly 2024

The Church of Scotland Assembly took place from the 18th to 23rd of May 2024 in Edinburgh including the service at St Giles Cathedral on the Sunday morning. The Assembly theme is “Building Together” that looks forward to God and His Church working for a brighter future.

This year the Lord High Commissioner was His Royal Highness Edward Duke of Edinburgh. On the final day the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby addressed the Assembly. However behind historical ceremony there is something very real and of value going on.

I was delighted to be a Commissionaire representing Maxwell Mearns Castle Parish Church. I would recommend that you watch the recording of the full Assembly on U tube especially the reports and debates on the current issues facing the Church.

It is made clear to the Commissioners that anyone is allowed to speak with either a question or a comment before an electronic vote is taken. This allows anyone regardless of background or theological position to have the freedom to give their view openly in an atmosphere of love and respect.

One of the topics this year was the decline in membership, not enough Ministers and too many buildings. Although there are presently a good number of candidates training and a number who were introduced to the Assembly having completed their courses.

We are all very aware of this situation having heard of the Cluster meetings (Local Church Groupings) taking place as they together make difficult decisions regarding Ministry and what is best in the future for a number of our buildings.

Many Clusters countrywide have come to their conclusions and are now reaping rewards. Being given new opportunities for growth. “Building Together” a new future. I came away from the Assembly encouraged and looking forward to taking the gospel of Jesus Christ in the area that we are called to serve.

Norman Mackenzie

For the Glory of God March. Saturday 15th June. Alex McGarrity  has contacted all Christiaan churches about an exciting event called 'For the glory of God march', that will be taking place on Saturday 15th June in Glasgow city centre at 2.00 pm.
He says "as the purpose of our lives is to glorify God, and to spread the Gospel, I am urging as many Christians as possible to join with us in a public proclamation of faith, with the will and intention to gain more worshippers for God." We shall march together from Glasgow Green, through the city centre, and then end at Kelvingrove Park. There will then be guest speakers and hymn singing, all for the glorification of God. 




Meeting at Glasgow Green at 2.00pm (At the Nelson monument).
If unable to walk, meet inside the main gated entrance to Kelvingrove Park at 3.00pm. Guest speakers and hymns. Please bring a cross with you.

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Planters

The planters are now full of geraniums that should last through the summer, giving us bright beautiful colours as we approach the church. Thank you to the folk who donated plants and their time.

Isobel and Billy
 

Tea / Coffee Rota

2 June - Sheona K, Mary G. Ruth B
9th June Jeanette F. Gloria, Sandy L.

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

Castle Cafe will be back next session.
Looking forward to seeing everyone then.
Watch this space.



 

Bible Study

Maxwell Pray Now Group Pray Now is a WhatsApp group for Maxwell members

This group sends out occasional requests for prayer. In particular those which might be regarding things more acute or immediate. At present there are 17 of us who, when we receive a request for prayer, stop what we are doing and pray for whatever has been asked.

Are you on the Pray Now WhatsApp Group? If you want to be added to the group to receive prayer news then simply ask Denise 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 Denise Lowson and she will organise for news to be sent out.

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Getting To Church

Should anyone require a lift to Maxwell Mearns Castle Church or to the Castle Cafe, then please do let us know. If you are willing and able to offer a lift please speak to Norman or Denise or
Please email: office@maxwellmearns.org

Safeguarding At Maxwell Mearns

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
email: dsutherland@churchofscotland.org.uk  

May Taggart