Welcome

The weeks are passing so fast towards Christmas. 
Things are happening at Maxwell too. The choir are busy rehearsing. Boxes are being checked for Blythswood. Services over he festive period are being planned.
Unfortunately it is also the season of illness and the AV team really need more help. Please think about helping - full training will be given and you will shadow someone until you feel confident flying solo.
This Sunday an Edict will be read out about formalising the linkage. It will be repeated the following Sunday and at the end of November, Presbytery will conduct a vote of the congregation. We will also vote on Rev. Stuart Love becoming our new minister. It has been a long and often bumpy road but if it is God's will for us I believe it will happen.
Denise

---

Crossreach Sunday

This Sunday (16th) is the day that has been chosen for sharing and remembering the work of CrossReach, the social care arm of the Church of Scotland which was first established in 1869 as The Church of Scotland Committee on Christian Life and Work. CrossReach is an amazing organisation providing care for people of all ages throughout all stages of life, particularly during the various physical, emotional and social challenges which they may encounter. This work includes counselling support, drugs and alcohol rehabilitation, providing a home for the homeless, supporting those with learning disabilities, providing community based houses and education campus for young people with support needs and caring for the elderly and those suffering with dementia.
This year has seen the opening of Nevis House, a new residential rehabilitation centre in Inverness which will support people from the Highlands, Western and Northern Isles. The extension of the work at Beechwood House will give people struggling with substance use issues a chance to rebuild their lives and look forward to a future with hope.
Please remember the work of CrossReach in your prayers and to consider making any financial donations where you can or perhaps to volunteer your services.
Craig G.

Blythswood Boxes

We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of folks in our congregation and beyond throughout the year. 
Blythswood has been supported in so many ways - empty shoe boxes, knitting and craft groups, box covering, numerous donations of toiletries, support by buying jams and cards, financial donations for fillers and many more.

A group of us have been working away checking boxes

This is where we work	Boxes still to be checked	Cartons ready for uplift

 

SO FAR WE HAVE CHECKED 2800 + BOXES

We still need your help!
You can pray for strength for volunteers, for good boxes and for the recipients.
You can donate goods for us to top up boxes. We always have a shortfall of adult gloves and shampoo/shower gel.
You can come along and help check boxes - afternoons are quieter,  usually.

Sheona is part of Eaglesham Ladies group and they have provided handmade bags, scarves, etc.

	The Eaglesham ladies have also been busy contributing to the Blythswood boxes by knitting hats, scarves and jumpers. They have donated toiletries, socks and lots of other items since August this year.  A very welcome new addition to the donations has been lots of lovely little bags of various sizes. So, a big thank you to all ladies who  have been so busy contributing to this very worthy cause. Sheona K.
This is why we do it

Christmas Events Timetable  

Christmas events that I am aware of are: 

Thursday 18th December 2025 at 7.30 pm

 

An evening of Christmas lessons and carols

 
Presented by:  

Sunday, 21st December at 10.30am	Christmas Family Service, led by Mary Gargrave DCS.
Wednesday, 24th December at 6.30pm	Christmas Eve Service, led by Rev. Mike Gargrave
Sunday, 28th December at 10.30am	led by Rev. Mike Gargrave.

Refurbishment

WORK PARTY'S As there are a number of areas requiring a little TLC it would be good if any one / family adopted a room or small project. There is also a need for a larger work party to tackle larger projects like the toilet in the sanctuary and surrounding areas etc.
First come... as the saying goes. So speak to Sandy if you wish to work on a particular room / area. please.

Sandy

Castle Cafe 

The next meeting will be held on   

Thursday 20th November at 2.00 pm. in the Dorothy Lloyd 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

---

Door Rota 

November
Sunday 16th - Ann and Martin
Sunday 23rd - Donald and Craig
Sunday 30th - May and Ken

 

Flower Rota 

November
Sunday 16th - Pamela 
Sunday 23rd - Kirsteen
Sunday 30th - Mary McL  


Should something crop up you can always change with someone.

Liz Gillis. 
 

Clothes Recycling Bin 

The clothing bin in the carpark has recently been emptied.

If you have any clothing, bedding, shoes etc. please tie them in a carrier bag 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  

The prayer group meets in the Dorothy Lloyd Room every Wednesday at 7.30 pm.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."

Sandy L.

Tea and Coffee Rota

November
Sunday 16th - Marlene, Christine L. Myra
Sunday 23rd - Sheona K. May and Ken
Sunday 30th - Dave McL. Craig, Sheila

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 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:

Andy Sinclair
Tel:  07834 805 023

May Walker
email: safeguarding@maxwellmearns.org