Denise
A Message from the Minister
16 This is what the Lord says – he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, 17 who drew out the chariots and horses, the army and reinforcements together, and they lay there, never to rise again, extinguished, snuffed out like a wick: 18 ‘Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. 19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
20 The wild animals honour me, the jackals and the owls, because I provide water in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland, to give drink to my people, my chosen, 21the people I formed for myself that they may proclaim my praise.
(Isaiah 43 NIVUK)
Clearly in this Advent season, I am being drawn to Isaiah, because this is the third time I have been led to the prophet when preparing something for Maxwell Mearns Castle Church!
In this part of his prophecy, Isaiah is inviting the Israelites to discern the work God is doing among them. The references to “mighty waters”, “chariots and horses”, recalls their rescue from Egypt. This salvation from slavery became a foundation of the devotional life of the Israelites, as they annually celebrated the Passover: remembering that the LORD is a God of redemption, Who intercedes for those who call upon Him, freeing them from captivity and oppression.
Despite this, the history of the Israelites shows a disregard of the LORD and His salvation. This reaches a conclusion as Isaiah warns that, due to continual disobedience and breaking of their covenant promises, the Israelites would experience invasion, oppression, and eventually a return to their circumstances of slavery, in the Babylonian exile. Yet, even as this judgement is pronounced, God still promises further redemption and salvation, giving His people hope.
This short section of Scripture points to the reality of God’s further redemption with the instruction to “forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”. That is not to say that the Israelites are to disregard the way God acted in the past; rather, they are to see this as one moment in the unfolding story of God’s redemptive plan. So, the rescue from Egypt is not to be an absolute focus; but something which points, first to the reality of God’s redemptive character; and second to the greatest act of redemption God will complete (hinted at in Isaiah 43 with the images of creation restored in verses 20 and 21).
We, of course, know the greatest act of salvation to be the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ; who took upon Himself the sin of the world, and offers forgiveness and reconciliation with God to all who believe in Him. This act will then be brought to final completion upon Christ’s return, when all creation will be restored, and God will declare, “I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5 NIVUK).
As we look ahead to our time of formal linkage, and in light of the above, a few things occur to me.
First, while we all stand in continuity with what has gone before (as members of our respective congregations and me in ministry), God is clearly beginning a new thing here. He has led us to this point, and we can see His hand in establishing us together (not least in the resounding response from both congregations…!). It is an exciting prospect, to know that the LORD is beginning something new in us; our call is to discern what this is and follow His leading.
Second, while our denomination has its processes, it does rather feel like things are happening “out of order” (e.g. my being asked to take responsibility for Maxwell Mearns Castle Church before my formal introduction on 22nd January!). Yet, as is often the case with God, He confounds the ways of the world, and does things in His way. While things might seem in the “wrong order”, clearly, we are following His way, in His good timing, all for our good and His glory.
Finally, we are reassured that, “he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 NIVUK). Just as God is beginning something new with us; so He promises to continue that work in us until Christ returns. We do not know exactly how this will look, God has not revealed that. Instead, God calls us to trust Him and His Word, and to be obedience to His call to discern His leading, and walk in the way He leads.
Let us, therefore, continue to walk with the LORD, and discern His call together.
With every blessing,
Stuart
Email: slove@churchofscotland.org.uk
Tel.: 07916 176 873
Maxwell Pastoral Care Team
The pastoral care team is now established to offer help and support to anyone within the fellowship who may need this from time to time. If you or if you know of someone in our church family who could benefit from this, please speak to a member of the team listed below or alternatively contact Denise in the church office. All information will be kept strictly confidential.
Margaret Campbell
Mike Gargrave
Craig Govan (Leader)
Lynnette Hilditch
Mary MacLennan
Russell McMillan
Anne Mair
Karen Mowat
Myra Scott
Mission Maxwell
Yvonne asks:
If any member of the congregation has any ideas/suggestions as to how we build Maxwell, attract young people , children etc please email their thoughts to Yvonne at
yvonnedmacmillan@gmail.com
Thank You
To all my friends in the congregation I would like to thank you for all your support and understanding during Robert's illness.
Most of all I wanted to thank you for your prayers. I truly believe your prayers gave us more time than the medics thought.
We were truly blessed to have had you with us on our journey through this horrendous illness.
Bless you all
Christine Priestly
Christmas Events Timetable
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A MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS
An evening of Christmas lessons and carols
Presented by
THE
JOINT CHOIR OF THE
MEARNS KIRK, BROOM,
NEWTON MEARNS PARISH,
MAXWELL MEARNS CASTLE AND CLINCARTHILL
CHURCHES
Followed by Mulled Wine and Treats
In
Maxwell Mearns Castle Church
On Thursday 18th December 2025
At
7.30pm
Free Entry, Tickets not required
Retiral Donations to Local Charities
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Sunday, 21st December at 10.30am Christmas Family Service, led by Mary Gargrave DCS.
Wednesday, 24th December at 7.00pm 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
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.
Our final total is 4534
A huge thank you to everyone who prayed for this outreach and for every person who joined us at the table, checking and filling the boxes.
Thanks also to every person who provided fillers, who bought Kirsten's handmade cards, and the jam and Janettes marmalade resulting in us being able to purchase fillers for the boxes. You are all amazing and we are blessed to be part of this mission.
You can find stories of the recipients of the shoeboxes at this link:
https://blythswood.org/shoe-box-appeal/
Denise and Lesley
Door Rota 
DECEMBER
Sunday 14/12 Donald, Karen
Sunday 21/12 Myra, Margaret
Sunday 28/12 Ann M. Craig