Welcome              

                                            There have been some improvements to the halls on the
  ground floor and on the first floor.
  The geraniums are now in their winter home.
  Thanks to Jackie, Norman, Isobel and Billy for making the
   halls look so inviting.

 

We cannot just wait and see what happens to us as a congregation. We have to show we are a church that is healthy and growing in all kinds of ways. Just showing that we care, in a practical way, is a way forward.
Norman has been preparing the railings by the entrance to the halls, so they are ready for painting. He is scraping then priming with paint whenever the weather is dry. Please contact Norman if you are able to help.

Things are happening in and around the congregation and only this week the verse that kept coming to me was about not knowing the hour nor the day. We should not put off seeing a friend, and we should not only use things for "best". We should spend time together in fellowship and in prayer. When we meet together we can talk about ideas, problems, obstacles etc.
Communication is the key so don't sit on the fringes and let others get on with it. Join in and lets make Maxwell vibrant , current and growing in faith; making it attractive to those who may be looking in at us.

On another subject - I have moved the book/ leaflet/information table nearer to the tea/coffee area so you may browse after the service whilst drinking your tea/coffee.

Denise

Blythswood Care 

We are getting ready to start checking the shoeboxes in the garage. We had an early delivery as unfortunately there had been a flood at the depot in Hillington. A small group of us have been getting into the swing of things but we still need to organise the area to our satisfaction.

Filled shoeboxes will be delivered to us and we will check the contents of each and every one.
This is in reality a customs check and also to make sure nothing is leaking.
Once we are happy all is right we add a bible story book for children up to the age of 12,
a book suitable for teens or a New Testament and calendar for adults plus a compliments slip all in the native language.
The cartons are then taken to the storage unit in Hillington. They are then loaded on to a big lorry ready to travel to the final destination which this year, for our group, is Ukraine. 
As with most things "Many hands make light work."

If you are able to spend an hour or two helping check the boxes, that would be marvellous.
We have great fun and it's a great way to get to know each other better.
If you would like any more information please speak to Lesley, Ann B, Helen, Lynnette, Karen or me - apologies if I've left anyone out.
All volunteers will be made very welcome.

If anyone would like to fill a box there are covered shoeboxes and leaflets at the back of the church - please help yourself.

There is a selection of jams, marmalade ( thanks Janette)
and chutneys (best left until Christmas for optimum taste) at the back of the church.



Any donations, left in the tub marked Jam, will be used to purchase goods for the boxes.
Denise and Lesley
 

Christmas Cards 

At the back of the Church there is a selection of Christmas cards, raising funds for Blythswood Care, at the bargain price of 1.00GBP per pack. They are designs from previous years.
Some designs are plentiful the others less so. First come first served.

There is a special tub to hold the cash - separate from the jam tub.
Denise

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Clothes Recycling Bin 

Just a reminder about the clothes bin in the church car park. 
If you have unwanted/worn out clothes they can benefit church finances.

Place the clothes in a carrier bag, tie it securely and place in the recycling bin.

It is emptied regularly and the church receives a bank transfer quarterly.

If the clothes can be reused they are passed on but even worn out/ torn items have a value.

The last amount received, after the clothing bin had been emptied, was 76.00GBP

Charity shops really only use clothes that are in season but the recycling bin takes all clothes at all times.

Denise

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Castle Cafe 

The next meeting will be held on   

Thursday 24 October at 2.00 pm. in the West Room.

It's a great way to get to know members of our Church family and to strengthen relationships.

Everyone is welcome so please come along and enjoy the chat and a cuppa

Jackie and Norman

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Elders and Board Members Conference -

9.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday, 16th November 2024. 

The purpose of this morning conference is to discuss Maxwell adopting the Unitary Constitution of the Church of Scotland and to discuss and hopefully form working groups that will report to future Kirk Session meetings. 

Refreshments will be served and we promise to be finished by 12.30pm. 
Mike

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Flower Rota 

Please find the rota for October / November below.

FLOWER DONORS
OCTOBER
20th        Liz Gillis
27th        Heather Russell

NOVEMBER
3rd           Yvonne McMillan
10th        Shona Leishman
17th        Karen Mowat
24th        Margaret Campbell
  
Should something crop up you can always change with someone.
Liz Gillis.

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PRAYER GROUP 

The prayer group next meets
Thursday 24 October at 7.30 in West Room
and all are welcome. You may pray aloud or in silence.
"Where two or three gather in my name there am I with them" Matthew 18:20

"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

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Music in the Mearns 

 

Our friends at Newton Mearns Parish Church at the Cross have asked that we publicise this concert.








 

Tea and Coffee Rota

20 Oct - May and Ken W, Jackie and Norman
27 Oct - Lorna McN, Marlene S, Christine L.

A massive thank you for those who've added their name to the Sunday Service, coffee/tea rotation.
This is very much appreciated, as the more helping out, the less frequent we'll be on the rotation....apologies if I've missed anyone out, please just let us know and we'll be happy to add your name.

Going forward, I've assigned names for December and for 2025.

Please would everyone check the rota and should your name be showing against a date that doesn't suit, if you can either arrange a swap or reach out to myself or Lorna and we'll ensure that day has enough cover.

After our Sunday service we all enjoy a coffee/tea and make the most of this time to catch up with each other. The response has been amazing and as the saying goes - "Many hands make light work"

Thank you all once again

Shona L and Lorna McN

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 and she will organise for news to be sent out.

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. Jim Gemmell
email: jgemmell@churchofscotland.org.uk

May Walker
email: safeguarding@maxwellmearns.org