Welcome

The Church's Faith Action Programme Leadership Team (FAPLT) has launched a ‘Vivid Vision' video to encourage people to think about what the future of the Church might look like.

Rev. Tommy McNeil writes:
"A worldwide pandemic, presbytery reform, and mission planning have left their mark, and in the most instances, it is not a good mark," he adds.
Mr McNeil urges us to become "not glass half empty people, or glass half full people, but a glass overflowing people. Overflowing with hope in Christ and the future He has for us".

It really is worth a look and only takes a few minutes.
Follow the link below to view the video.

https://youtu.be/IBkhgo5QDkw

It is Communion this Sunday. See you there.
Denise

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Thoughts for Lent.

“Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.” Joel 2:13

Lent is a time for us to turn back to God. It is a time to reflect on the choices we make and the way we live our lives, to seek forgiveness for where we have gone wrong, and to draw closer to God. It is a time to pray, to fast, and to share what we have with others.

So, let us commit to not putting off until tomorrow what we can do today. In the knowledge of God’s love and mercy, we open our hearts this Lent to be transformed in prayer and inspired to take action. 

We know that a better world needs all of us, and we seek to play our part. 

Taken from an article I recently read and I felt it was worth sharing.
Denise

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Session Meetings

There is a Session Meeting this Wednesday 19th March at 7.30 pm. in the West Room.

There is also a joint Session Meeting with Clincarthill Hill Session. It will be held here at Maxwell
on Tuesday 25 March. Time and place confirmed by email next week.
 

Castle Cafe 

The next meeting will be held on   

Thursday 20 March at 2.00 pm. in the West Room.

Ken Walker will be entertaining us.

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 

MARCH
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.

Place the clothes in a carrier bag, tie it securely and place in the recycling bin.

It will next be emptied 20 March 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 next meets  26th March at 7.30 pm.

It is held 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
MARCH
16 March- Janette F. Sheona K. Shona L.
23 March - Gloria and Sandy L. Lesley Y.
30 March - Karen M. Lynnette H. Sheila R.

May we continue to grow 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!

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