Welcome

So Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent and the final month of the year. 
I know the saying is "Time flies!" and it certainly seems to be true.
Many folk have tried their hands at new roles and tasks but there will be many opportunities in the  near future. One such opportunity for someone is the weekly Church magazine. Please think about this task. It is great fun and you could add to your skill set! I had never done anything like this before I took on the weekly magazine but Stuart's help and guidance got me to where I am today - I just don't have the time along with everything else.
We are now preparing for Christmas with people we have got to know better over the past twelve months. Hopefully we will grow as a church family and bring more folk into Maxwell to worship along side us.
I pray everyone is looking forward to Advent - I know I am!  

Denise 

Blythswood Christmas Shoeboxes Total = 4268!

We have once again come to the end of a very busy and successful Blythswood Shoe Box Appeal. 
Great fun and fellowship was enjoyed in the Maxwell basement whilst checking, sorting and organising
4268 shoe boxes.
The boxes are now en route to Ukraine and Albania where they will be distributed to the poorest and underprivileged.
Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to this wonderful charity by sorting boxes, supplying fillers and donations, covering boxes, packing cartons, bringing goodies for our tea break, knitting, crafting and praying.
You were a great team! 

See you all next year.
Denise and Lesley



 

FRIDAY 13TH DECEMBER 7.30 pm. 

A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION

Come, join in and enjoy a musical  celebration of Christmas in our church.  This will be led by the new Mearns Church's Christmas Choir, accompanied and directed by Ian Gillis.   All four Mearns churches are represented in the 30 strong choir - Maxwell, Mearns Kirk, Broom and Newton Mearns Parish.
Tickets are not required and entry is free - but a retiring donation for a local charity will be split between Lodging House Mission and ERGC  
At the end of the concert - Christmas refreshments will be served.
Not to be missed.

Planned rehearsal dates between now and the event.
These are:
Monday  2nd December
Monday  9th  December
Wednesday  11th December

Ian

PRAYER GROUP 2025

The prayer group will next meet 
Thursday 9 January 2025 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

Tea and Coffee Rota

 1 December - Sheona K. Janette F.  Lesley Y.
 8 December - Shona L, Gloria and Sandy L.
15 December - Karen M. Lynette H. Sheila R,
22 December - Jackie and Noman, Ann Mair.
We are really trying to become greener and it really helps if people bring their own cups/mugs.

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

---

FLOWER ROTA

FLOWER DONORS 

DECEMBER
1st           Jackie McK.
8th           Craig G.
15th         Liz G.
22nd        Liz G.



 

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