No. 221 17th January 2025
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Sunday
19th January 2025
10.30am Morning Service with Mr Norman Mackenzie
Scripture Reading: Matt 28: 16-20 Reader - Christine Priestly |
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Welcome
What great news about the ceasefire in Gaza.
The people will be relieved to have a break in hostilities and the process of forgiveness begins. It will take generations before the country is rebuilt and for people to rebuild their lives.
I was recently reading about forgiveness and some quotes have remained with me - "woundedness and devastation in people's hearts and lives saps much of their energy and resources"
"Negative things in our lives can block us from going out in love to serve others. Our thoughts and our words can hinder us from moving freely in the grace of Christ"
In Mark Virkler's book he writes - "Every negative thing and thought is always of the enemy, and every positive, life-giving, up - building thought is always of the Holy Spirit. The enemy is always negative and the Holy Spirit is always positive. The accuser accuses and the Comforter comforts.
In our pride and self- sufficiency we think we have enough understanding and information to make fair and honest judgements in every situation. We instinctively judge much of the time and when we judge , we are usually negative, biased and unfair."
Sanctuary Heating
It should be warmer in church this week. The engineer came out and following that visit the system was serviced.
Apparently the system we have does not do well in sub zero temperatures and we are not the only ones with the same problems. But we work with what we have.
Thankfully we do not have to order knee blankets or heated seats.
Ladies Retreat February 1st
Our friends at Eaglesham Parish Church are hosting an event and have asked us to promote it.
The Ladies Retreat is to be held on Saturday 1st February in The Carswell Centre, from 9.30 until 12.30, followed by lunch.
The cost is £20pp.
The morning retreat is based on the book Sensible Shoes (shown on the poster) by the author, Sharon Garlough Brown.
Anyone who would like to attend, should please register by contacting Anne Carr at the church office
or by emailing office@eagleshamparishchurch.co.uk
Castle Cafe
The next meeting will be held on
Thursday 23 January 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
Flower Rota
January
19th Shona K
26th Yvonne McM
Should something crop up you can always change with someone.
Liz Gillis.
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.
Charity shops really only use clothes that are in season but the recycling bin takes all clothes at all times.
Denise
PRAYER GROUP
The prayer group will start up in the West Room and all will be 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
2025
JANUARY
19 January - Myra S. Craig, Shona L,
26 January - Janette F, Sheona K, Lesley
As we step into this new year, we wish you all joy, peace and blessings.
May this year bring us closer as a community, filled with love and shared moments over a cup of tea or coffee.
Thank you all for your time and helping out with our rota, this is a cherished part of our church experience and it wouldn’t be possible without your contributions.
Also, a gentle reminder, if possible please bring your own cup! As we are really trying to become greener ~ thank you!
Thank you
Shona L and Lorna McN
Maxwell Pray Now Group
Pray Now is a WhatsApp group for Maxwell members |
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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