Welcome

The past couple of weeks have been very busy in and around the church. We were without the landline and therefore we had no internet in the office but fortunately BT were able to fix it the day after I reported the fault.
Then as many of you are aware our recycling bins were stolen over last weekend. Stuart checked the CCTV and we found out when they were removed. We searched the grounds but only a single bin lid was found. The council delivered the replacement bins on Thursday. An amazingly fast response.
The bins have been chained up to prevent further inconvenience. 

Thanks go to Allan and Sheila R who spent a day trimming the hedge opposite the sanctuary.
If anyone else would like to trim the area around the clothing bin that would be fantastic and save the church having to pay for an extra session of grounds maintenance. The waste foliage can be deposited in the wooded area next to the access road.

Thank you to the teams of folk who keep the Broomburn steps and surrounding areas clear. I have even been told that the drain by the garage was cleared out - amazing.
The litter on the steps has increased since the new term started.
I have been in contact with the school and this was part of the response I received
"I was down at the back of the church on Monday and have seen similar littering, which is atrocious. We will be addressing this with the pupils.
We will be making it clear to the pupils, that the car park, woods, church grounds are all off limit, even if just “passing through”.

So if you see any groups of MCHS pupils on church grounds please contact the school or the church office.

A further joint session meeting was held moving the linkage forward.

This is a very full newsletter - I asked for notices etc. and you certainly delivered - thank you.
Please read the magazine carefully and look to see where you can make a difference. We are one church family with a number of folk who can help in many ways.

I am very aware about the annoyances that impede on the smooth running of life at Maxwell but I then remember the people in Gaza Ukraine etc. and all they are going through.

What a wonderful world we would have if we could all live in peace alongside each other, sharing with and caring for each other.

May we all do our part to make our world the best it can be.


Denise
 

A Message from Mike

Dear Friends

I have ended my time as your locum (again!) and my last Sunday as locum will be 31st of August. During September, Mary and I will be taking a nice long break. 

May I thank you all for your prayers, encouragement and support. It's been a joy to minister to you and I thank God for His strength and inspiration. I am on holiday for September and then I look forward to playing in the praise group most Sundays. 

I will be part of the preaching team along with Rev. Stuart and others, and I have committed to preaching in Maxwell once a month. I will continue to be part of the pastoral care team and do occasional visits, and with the Kirk Session's approval; I hope to run and Alpha Course that will start in January 2026.    

You are all in my prayers as we work towards our linkage with Clincarthill and may God bless you all. 

Mike

MOSB

The Magic of Showbiz, who use our hall on  Saturdays, is a drama/music group for neuro - divergent youngsters.
They are holding their annual show in Newton Mearns Baptist Church tomorrow - Saturday 30 August .
The doors are open at 2pm. and the show starts promptly at 2.30pm.

As a thank you for our support they are keeping some tickets at the entrance for Maxwell folk.
So if you would like to go along you would be very welcome. A few of us were at the last show and it was inspirational.

Jesus the Evidence 

On Friday 12 September we are hosting an event called "Jesus the Evidence".

Handbills and posters have been printed as a way of publicising this to our neighbours.

We need to spread the word so the event reaches as many folk as possible.

If further information is required please speak to Donald or contact the office.



 

Mearns Churches' Christmas Choir 

Following the successful and enjoyable Christmas concert last year, the Mearns Churches’ Christmas choir will again be meeting to prepare an evening of Lessons and Carols on Friday 12th December. 
Choir practices will be held in Maxwell Church on Monday evenings starting on September 29th at 7.30pm. 

For further information speak to Ian G.

Blythswood Care 

Thank you to all the people who have left donations for the shoeboxes in the Blythswood Box at the back of the Sanctuary. Every single item is used.

Since last year we have met monthly to make up boxes for this year's appeal and your donations are already in boxes that just need the Christian literature before they are sealed.

Before we know it we will be checking boxes from all over Scotland, making sure they comply with customs regulations
Watch this space but it's usually just after the October break.

There is now a wider selection of flavours available. You can choose from Plum, Plum and Apple, Gooseberry, Rhubarb and Ginger, Four Berry and Marmalade.

Kirsteen has made some lovely cards for special occasions, birthday etc

All monies donated are used to buy items for the shoeboxes

Denise

THANKS

Many thanks to the pastoral  team and the congregation for the beautiful flowers, cards and condolences I received on the death of my sister. Very much appreciated.

Liz Burleigh

URGENT HELP REQUIRED 

Several members of the AV team are away on holiday during September and October.
This means that Stuart is the only person available to cover and he will not be able to play in the band.
Isobel says that if you use a tablet or computer then you will be able to work with the AV group.
Please will you consider if this is an area in which you could help out .

Also as Isobel is away for 3 weeks in September please would someone take on the responsibility of looking after the planters. Please speak to Isobel about this.

 

E.R.G.C AND L.Y.N.C.

Just before the summer, we received another 35 referrals for “Love Your Neighbour Club” packs. These came mainly from 3 ERC high schools from both the Barrhead and Eastwood sides of the authority. Pupil Support teachers identified families of pupils whom they knew to be in need of and who would appreciate the gift of household cleaning and personal hygiene items, supplemented with some additional foodstuffs. Others came from other health and care professionals.
These have been delivered over the last few weeks by some of our volunteers from Maxwell as well as the St Andrew’s Church of Scotland in Barrhead and the Thornliebank Church of Scotland.
It is very encouraging to sense the appreciation and gratitude of the recipients.  Russell received a message from one lady “many thanks to the members of your church for the parcel we received. It was very much appreciated and so kind of you to think of us.  We are very grateful and it will help more than you know.” I personally meet a lady at the door who told me at length of previous connections both with Russell and Maxwell.  Again she was most grateful and said she would like to visit us again and I eventually had to tear myself away!
As well as meeting a genuine need for some of our most disadvantaged individuals and families, these brief meetings on the doorsteps offer opportunities to build bridges between our church and our community.

Andy Sinclair

Castle Cafe starts on Thursday

The next meeting will be held on   

Thursday 4 September  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 

September:
7th - Isobel 
14th - Karen
21th - Elizabeth R
28th - Joyce

October:
5th - Dave McL
12th - Margaret C.
19th - Yvonne 
26th - Liz G

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 and paired shoes or any type of footwear, they can benefit church finances.

Place the clothes etc.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.
 

We recently received £45.60 for 228 Kg of goods

This is typically every 10 weeks so it mounts up.

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  

All are welcome.

September 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th

Wednesdays from 7.30pm - 8.30pm. in the  West Room. 

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."

Sandy

Tea and Coffee Rota

September:
7th - Lesley, Sheila, and Craig
14th - Myra
21st - Marlene, Christine L, Ann M
28th - Lorna, Sheona K. Lesley

October:
5th - Shona L. Gloria and Sandy
12th - Margaret C. Alison and Raymond
19th - Myra, Lynnette and Karen
26th - Liz G.

May this time  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 Denise.
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:

Andy Sinclair
Tel:  07834 805 023

May Walker
email: safeguarding@maxwellmearns.org