Welcome

I hope everyone is safe and sound after the ferocity of Storm Eowyn.
Buildings have taken a battering, including our own sanctuary but repairs will be undertaken asap.
The red alert sent by text message was particularly loud but at least the system works.
We are fortunate in having warm, dry accommodation and I always think of those who do not in times of bad weather. LHM, City Mission and other organisations play a vital role helping keep folk warm and dry.
There is more about LHM below.

Please note the Prayer Group is now meeting on a Wednesday starting this week.

Please consider sending in any pieces you think may be of interest to the congregation. I am always delighted when someone fills a space in the magazine.

Again I am still looking for someone to take over the magazine . It really is just filling in the template and keeping the rotas up to date. Please consider if you could do this; it would be such a help.

The AV team still need folk to help. Holidays are booked and it is difficult should someone not manage occasionally. Just pop up to the balcony and watch what's done.

Enjoy reading about life at Maxwell and beyond

Denise

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Jams for Blythswood

All donations from the jam and chutney, available at the back of the sanctuary, goes towards buying items for the shoeboxes for Blythswood Care.

Also if you have any items you are unable to use such as cosmetics, toiletries, socks, small gifts then we can use them in the shoeboxes.
There is a blue box in which donations can be left and a list of suggested items but basically we are able to find good homes for almost anything..

Many thanks for your continued support

Lesley and Denise

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LHM THANKS

At the concert held in December the retiral offering was split between LHM and ERGC.
We received a letter from Lodging House Mission thanking us for the donation of 326.23 GBP

They spent the money on festive bags for their guests. One held a gift and the second was filled with sweet and savoury treats along with juice.

The letter will be available for you to read at the book table in the sanctuary.
 

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As it's Burn's Weekend

O wad some pow'r the giftie gie us
To see oorsels as ithers see us -
It wad frae mony a blunder free us!
And foolish notion:
What airs in dress an' gait wad lea'e us,
And ev'n Devotion!

Burns - To a Louse (on seeing one on a lady's bonnet at Church)
Thanks to Ken W.

Castle Cafe 

The next meeting will be held on   

Thursday 30^th 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
26th       Yvonne McM


February
2nd       Marlene S
9th        Karen M
16th      Liz G
23rd      Yvonne McM

March
2nd        Karen M
9th          Margaret C
16th        Kirsteen G
23rd       Myra  S
30th       Isobel L


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.

The last uplift raised £78

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  RESTARTS THIS WEEK

The prayer group will meet in the West Room and all will be welcome.

WEDNESDAY 29 JANUARY 7.30 PM. - 8.30 PM.
Meetings will be weekly except on days when there is a Session meeting

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
26 January - Janette F, Sheona K, Lesley

FEBRUARY
2  February - Gloria and Sandy L., Shona L
9  February - Karen M, Lynnette H, Sheila R
16 February - Jackie and Norman M, Ann M.
23 February - Lorna McN, May and Ken W


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

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