Welcome

It's been a very busy week in and around the church which is why this is later than usual.
This Sunday it's CrossReach Sunday and there's a piece below that's well worth reading.

There are several important dates in the magazine whether it's the tea/coffee/flower rotas or a half day conference please take a quick look.

Church Family News - Congratulations to Fraser and Lesley on the birth of their Grandson Brodie Fraser Young born last Sunday.

Denise 

Blythswood Boxes

We have started checking boxes that have been delivered to us.
It is interesting noting the areas they come from and sometimes guessing what some of the contents are.

Including the boxes we made up during the year, our total so far is over 700. Accurate figures next week!

If you are able and would like to help us; we are working in the garage area - weekdays only.
Please just pop in whenever you can help, whether it is for an hour, a morning or an afternoon.

Time - 9.30 am - 3.30 pm. Monday to Friday

Full training will be given and refreshments are served.
We check the boxes, add the Christian literature and if there's space other items to fill the box completely.
We then seal the box and move on to the next one.

We have 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.

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

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Crossreach Sunday

Sunday 3rd November is the day that has been chosen for sharing and remembering the work of CrossReach, the social care arm of the Church of Scotland which was first established in 1869 as The Church of Scotland Committee on Christian Life and Work.

CrossReach is an amazing organisation providing care for people of all ages throughout all stages of life, particularly during the various physical, emotional and social challenges which they may encounter.
This work includes counselling support, residential rehabilitation for those affected by substance use, providing homes for the homeless, supporting those with learning disabilities, providing community-based houses and an education campus for young people with support needs and caring for the elderly and those suffering with dementia.

Williamwood House in Netherlee is a local CrossReach specialist residential care home for older people with dementia, offering a range of activities such as creative art therapy through ‘Heart for Art’, a programme of free art classes which runs for people living with dementia in Scotland.

Please remember the work of CrossReach in your prayers and do consider making any financial donations where you can or perhaps volunteering your services.

Please also have a look at the following link which includes a brief talk by the current Church of Scotland Moderator,
The Rt. Revd. Dr Shaw Paterson
www.crossreach.org.uk/crossreach-sunday

 

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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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 

FLOWER DONORS
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 meets next 
Thursday 7 November at 7.30 pm. 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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Castle Cafe 

The next meeting will be held on   

Thursday 7 November 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

Tea and Coffee Rota

3  Nov - Gloria and Sandy L, Mary G
10 Nov - Lorna and Donald McN
17 Nov - Myra S, Margaret C
24 Nov - Lorna McN, Dave McL, Mary G

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. James (Jim) Gemmell
email: jgemmell@churchofscotland.org.uk

May Walker
email: safeguarding@maxwellmearns.org