Welcome

I have just returned from a magnificent evening in the church.
Maxwell hosted a musical evening of carols and lessons featuring a choir made up of members of all four Mearns churches. What a wonderful time of fellowship!
It was great to see the church so full - a sign of things to come? Hopefully.

Pamela has so eloquently said we are one year on since the new Maxwell came into being. See below.
We've all been finding our feet; "stepping" or in some cases "jumping" out of the boat.
There is no way we could have done this alone. God has been there alongside us, as well as people who've been sent to help us.
We give thanks for all the blessings we've received this year.

We are racing towards Christmas and often wonder if we'll have time for this or that. As we were reminded recently we should take this time of Advent to reflect and enjoy the run up to Christmas.

Denise 

ONE YEAR ON

On the 11th of November 2023, when our clock in the hall chimed midnight, Bruce and I exhaled, perhaps not realising we’d been holding our breath. It was now the 12th of November and we could move on, continuing at Maxwell Mearns Castle under new circumstances.

None of us had any idea what the Lord’s plan was for us.

Looking back over the last year, by God’s grace, and us stepping out of the boat, Maxwell Mearns continues. We can celebrate our many successes, and we can rejoice in the challenges and difficult moments we have overcome together. 

And now, here we are, one year and one month on, facing another pivotal, challenging time at Maxwell Mearns.

Take a moment to think – why do I worship at Maxwell Mearns? There could be many reasons.

I enjoy the more contemporary style of worship; Our teachings are evangelical (based on the bible); God is at the centre of all we do. And let’s face it, when we’re still chatting an hour after the service, it only serves to highlight what a friendly, welcoming lot we are, always there to help and support one another.

Next week, Glasgow Presbytery meet to decide on our Cluster structure.
A decision that is out of our hands. 

Philippians 4:6

'do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.'

If you would like to continue worshiping as you do, whatever your reasons, and to take MMCC into the future, it is essential that we all pray that Presbytery will honour their original plan for MMCC. And as Mike encourages us – do this with expectation. God hears all our prayers. 

May His will be done.

Pamela

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Christmas Cards and Preserves

Although we have finished checking shoeboxes for this year we continue to fundraise for items for next year's boxes. 

There are a few packs of Christmas cards left at £1.00 per pack and the jam/ chutney are yours for a donation.
This will be the last week  the cards will be available this year

Always handy for a wee minding as the saying goes!     

Many thanks for all the support given this year. 

Denise and Lesley

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Flower Rota

FLOWER DONORS 

DECEMBER
15th         Liz G.
22nd        Liz G.
29th         Dave McL

JANUARY
5th  Lynette 
12th Jackie 
19th Shona K
26th Yvonne McM

May W. would like to say thank you for the church flowers last week. 

Liz G

PRAYER GROUP 2025

"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

15 December - Karen M. Lynette H. Sheila R,
22 December - Jackie and Noman, Ann M.
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.

The more folk help, the less frequently you will be called upon.

Thank you
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 18 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