No. 230 30th May 2025
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Sunday
1st June 2025
10.30am COMMUNION Service with Rev. Michael Gargrave
Scripture Reading: John 21: 15 - 25 Reader - Christine P
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Welcome
This Sunday we meet to celebrate Communion. We share in the Lord's Supper. 
It can be difficult to celebrate when our hearts are filled with all our worldly problems.
Jesus said "Peace, be still" and that's our job on earth, to spread the peace God has given us.
Every newspaper we read, every television programme we watch, is consumed with conflict.
Wall to wall coverage of war, disaster and scandal - in a word, conflict.
Where are the peacemakers in the midst of it all?
Where are the Christians who know how to live at peace in the storm?
We may feel inadequate or the problems seem too great so we pray for peace and we try and make things right around us first.
Below there are a number of pieces of information and a few requests for help. Could you be the person who can help even in one of the requests?
Denise
Cleaning the Halls
Back in the day, pre Covid, we had a church officer who was responsible for keeping the premises clean amongst other duties.
We don't have that luxury any more and areas of the halls and the sanctuary are looking rather neglected and grubby.
We do employ a cleaner for a few hours each week and she keeps the toilet areas clean with soap and towels regularly topped up. She also vacuums the Sanctuary each week. Last Sunday she mopped up most of the water that had poured into the Sanctuary and put the mats out to dry.
If you would be willing to be part of a cleaning team that would target specific areas once every couple of months that would be a huge help.
I am looking for someone to head up this team so please ask yourself if this is an area where you can gift your expertise or time.
Initially if you speak to me I can pass on names to the person who will come forward to organise this group.
Thank you
Denise
Broomburn Steps
Help Keep Our Church Steps Safe & Welcoming! Volunteers Needed 😊
Hello everyone!
We have a small but dedicated team who lovingly clear our church steps each week, and we’d be so grateful if you’d consider joining us. It’s a simple task that makes a big difference—not only does it keep the steps safe and welcoming for our congregation, walkers, and school children, but it’s also a lovely way to get some fresh air and stay active!
Usually, two volunteers team up each weekend, and the best part is our friendly group is happy to swap weekends or cover for each other if you’re away. No pressure, no interviews 😂 ~ just a chance to help out and be part of a great team.
Why not give it a try? We’re pretty sure you’ll enjoy it more than you expect!
If you’re interested or have any questions, just let us know. We’d love to have you on board!
Thank you so much for considering this ~ every little bit helps!
Shona
Blythswood Care 
Thank you to the folk who leave items for us for filling boxes for Blythswood.
Sometimes we fill boxes from scratch and occasionally we check boxes filled by others and add items that have been missed. This week we had around 50 boxes to check but we needed to put shampoo/shower gel in around half of them.
To help purchase items for the boxes I make jam and chutney/pickle and Janette makes marmalade.
Kirsteen has made some beautiful cards as well.
You can support Blythswood Boxes by making a donation for jam, chutney, marmalade or a card that is then used to buy items.
We are very short on toiletries for men so will be concentrating on these for now.
If you would like any further information please speak to Lesley or me
Thank you
Denise
Thursday Coffee Catch Up 
We next meet on
Thursday 5 June at 2.30 pm. in the Maxwell Hall.
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.
Flower Rota

JUNE
1 June - Jackie (Liz)
8 June - Kirsteen G
15 June - Lynnette H
22 June - Craig G
29 June - Alison M
Should something crop up you can always change with someone.
Liz Gillis.
L.Y.N.C.
Love Your Neighbour Club is an offshoot of ERGC. We deliver packs of household goods to people in need.
It would be great to have some new volunteers join us to continue this vital part of Maxwell’s outreach work in the local area and show God’s love for our neighbours in a very practical way. If you can spare an hour at most, once a month, to deliver packs, please speak to Russell or myself.
Thanks
Andy Sinclair
Clothes Material 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.
You can also recycle old towels, t - towels, sheets, pillowcases - any type of material items really. even pairs of shoes!
Place the items in a carrier bag, tie it securely and place in the recycling bin.
It will next be emptied within the next 10 - 14 days as it is full at the moment 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 needs a new leader.
Please consider if you are willing to do this and contact me . I will then intimate times for others.
It is usually 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."
Denise
Tea and Coffee Rota

2025
JUNE
1 June - Liz G. Ann M
8 June - Alison and Raymond M. Craig G.
15 June - Margaret C. Myra S. Liz G.
22 June - Gloria and Sandy, Janette F.
29 June - Shona L. May and Ken
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 |
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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 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