Welcome

What amazing weather we've been experiencing this week. All around we see signs of new life as green shoots burst up through the soil. Buds are appearing on the bushes and trees and colour is appearing in the garden.
It certainly helps with the feel good factor and helps us remember what a great Father we have.

The Prayer group meets this Wednesday - the last before Easter.
Please continue to use the clothes recycling bin in the car park. There is now plenty of space.

After the service on Sunday we have been invited to join our friends at Clincarthill for a soup and sandwich lunch. 
To help with the parking we could car share over there. We certainly have room for a couple of folk.
I've read some great articles/pieces this week and I've copied a couple of them here in the magazine. I hope you enjoy them.

Denise

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Small Beginnings

This week I have read the following and it seems pertinent to our situation here at Maxwell. I'd like to share it with you.

In Kings 1 we read Elijah has been waiting, and hoping, for rain. 

Seven times he and his servant have looked to the skies and seen nothing, but on the seventh time, they see a cloud – the thing is, it’s tiny. But, for Elijah, that doesn’t seem to matter, it’s enough for him to expect imminent and heavy rainfall. 

Don’t despise the small beginnings, that’s what the Bible tells us. Don’t disqualify the seemingly tiny developments, don’t assume that God isn’t working in the ordinary or moving in the mundane. 
 

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Noticing in the Present

There’s a quote by the poet, Ingrid Goff-Maidoff, that simply says
‘God spoke today in flowers, and I, who was waiting on words, almost missed the conversation’. 

Creation, the natural world, even the tiniest little pockets of it – that’s one of our best resources for remembering the hugeness, the joy, the creativity and the beauty of the One who made it all. 

If you want to be reminded of the sovereignty of God, look to the skies and remind yourself that every star is there by his command. If you need reminding of his creativity, take a walk and spend five minutes studying the first flower you come across. If you need to trust his ability to provide, go in search of some sparrows.

It’s all there, telling the glory of God. Let’s not overlook it, let’s allow it to fill us with hope. 
Hope can feel tough when we’re continually overlooking the things that God is doing in our everyday experiences. We must learn to see our daily lives – as familiar as we are with them – as the backdrop against which God is doing wonderful things.
 

Castle Cafe 

The next meeting will be held  after Easter in the West Room.

 We are having a two week break before commencing for the summer session.

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 

APRIL
6th       Janette F
13th      Kirsteen G
20th      Elizabeth R
27th      Lesley Y

MAY
4th        Gloria L
11th       Mary McL
18th       Dave McL
25th       Shona 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.

The church account  benefitted in March when the bin was emptied.

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 Wednesday 9th April at 7.30 pm.

It is held in the 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

2025
APRIL
6  April - Jackie and Norman, Ann M.
13 April - Lorna McN, Ken and May
20 April - Alison and Raymond, Liz G
27 April - Marlene S. Christine L. Margaret C.

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