Welcome

I plan on putting out a magazine for the first weekend of each month.
If you have an article or a piece of something suitable please email the office in plenty of time.
The magazine will only be as good as the articles sent in/ suggested by you.

We now have a weekly Castle Connect with a resume of the Sunday sermon, suggested bible readings and church news . This should improve our communication with everyone.

Already January has passed so quickly. New things have started up such as the Knit and Natter group - pictures below. 
Several of our church family have responded to Sandy's request for help in decorating/tidying the halls - pictures below

Our new minister Stuart has expressed a wish to use the previous youth minister's office which overlooks the castle and sanctuary as his own office. If possible he would also like the desk that is currently in our previous minister's office to be exchanged for the one in the YM's office - if that makes sense. It means some strong men would be required to exchange the desks and possible move some of the furniture. Any offers accepted.

If you are able to help tidy up the halls, paint a little, anything really to help improve the look of our buildings that would be great . Just speak to Donald, Sandy or me. 

Denise

Minister's Message for the month

10 This is what the Lord says: ‘When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.’
(Jeremiah 29 NIVUK)
 
I am writing this pastoral letter not long after our service of linkage; and not long after having preached on Nehemiah 2, when I referenced this prophecy of Jeremiah.
 
In both services, we were reminded that we believe in a God who has a plan: for us as individuals; for communities of His People; indeed for the whole world and all of creation. Since God has a plan, He will also ensure that it is fulfilled; even in the face of adversity and opposition.
 
As I have reflected on other occasions, this certainly matches our recent experience: of discerning God’s plan, committing to follow it, experiencing the opposition which inevitably comes when God’s People seek to follow His ways, and finally arriving at the point where God’s promises and plans are fulfilled. To arrive at that point of conclusion is both a joy and a relief for God’s People.
 
In light of this, I felt drawn to the prophecy of Jeremiah. As I have previously pointed out, verse 11 is usually misunderstood, and used to imply that, for those who have faith in God, His plan is that you will never face challenge or adversity, and that you will lead an easy life. When we read verse 11 in the broader context of the prophecy, however (and even just in the few verses around it!) we see that this is clearly not the case.
 
God promises good things to His People, but only after they have completed their years in exile: an exile they brought upon themselves because of their continual rejection of God! What most catches my attention as I write this is not so much God’s actions here (in His enacting judgment in the exile; then grace by gathering the people together post-exile), but the way God’s People respond to the things He has done.
 
Verse 12 suggests that, once the People have experienced exile, and then God’s returning grace, they will turn back to Him: calling on Him and praying to Him. And crucially, God promises to listen! When His people seek Him, God promises that He will be found. What Jeremiah is prophesying here is something we who follow Jesus know well: we could do nothing to put right our rejection of God, so God, in His grace, came and put things right on our behalf – through the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Now, when we seek after God and His ways, we do so not because we have to (to earn His favour), but because we want to (having been granted that favour through the perfect and complete work of Christ). Our seeking after God and His ways is, therefore, a response to what God has already done.
 
Having arrived at a point where we feel God has fulfilled His promises to us (at least, in terms of Presbytery Planning); I wonder what we feel moved to do now? There is a risk, I think, that, having come to the end of this journey we think, “good, we can now rest and have a breather”. And in one sense, yes we absolutely can! But in another… this is when the real work begins! Because, having experienced the fulfilment of one aspect of God’s plans and purposes, we are now to turn toward Him once more, calling on Him and praying to Him, seeking Him and His way with all our hearts, that He may be found and we might discover His plans and purposes for what is to come next.
 
This, then, is the encouragement of Jeremiah 29 to us all – to continue seeking after the LORD as one aspect of His plans are fulfilled; and the next part begins.
 
With every blessing,
Stuart
Email: slove@churchofscotland.org.uk
Tel.: 07916 176 873

Knit and Natter Group

	These are some of the participants of the first meeting of the Knit and Natter group. Everyone is welcome. Help will be given to those less experienced if they wish to learn to knit  or crochet.
The group meet in the Dorothy Lloyd room on Wednesdays from 10 am to Noon. Tea and coffee are served and a charge of £1 covers the cost.

We are delighted to announce that LAMPS Collective (theatre company) are coming to Clincarthill Church on Wednesday 18th March to perform a moving and memorable retelling of the Easter story –  “The Passion”.  This is the only Scottish date, so please put the date in your diary and let your friends and family know.   It would be wonderful to see the church filled that night. Tickets are £5 each and can be obtained by emailing: office@clincarthill.org.uk

Broomburn Steps Rota

 

8th February	Shona and Janette
15th February	Donald and Iain
22nd February	Karen, Lynnette and Graeme
1st March	Fraser
8th March	Shona and Janette
15th March	Donald and Iain
22nd March	Karen, Lynnette and Graeme
29th March	Fraser

Thank you so much to everyone who has helped to clear the church steps. Your efforts make the area safer for everyone who uses it – not just our congregation, but the many walkers who pass through by as well.

We are a small team and would really love a few more people to join us ~ many hands make light work! It’s a lovely way to get some fresh air, enjoy a little light gentle exercise, and spend time with others in our community.

If you’re interested in helping, please let me know ~ even if you can only manage once or twice a year, it would be very much appreciated.

Should anyone need to change their date, we can arrange swaps, and we have a fantastic team who are always glad to step in if needed.

Shona L

The West Room

 

This is what the West Room looks like at the moment. A group of folk have stripped it bare in preparation for painting and refreshing what will be used as a Sunday School room.

Tidying the Halls

Many of you will not be aware of all of the rooms in the old Manse flat. One such room was used by our last church officer and it had become a dumping ground. Thanks to Ian and Liz for sorting what they were able.

Many of the filing cabinets are filled with old church financial records but one set was filled with light bulbs and new toilet brushes and parts for mop buckets.
 

	Old maps, drawings etc littered the top of these cabinets. Now we can see the carpet and can access the drawers etc. It has been a big help and the more folk that get involved the quicker we can get the hall rooms looking better.
	This is one of the wardrobes filled with ancient computer equipment. I haven't climbed to the top parts and the right part of the wardrobe is also full. Are you the person who could go through this and dispose of useless pieces of equipment? We really need someone who could take on this task. Please speak to Sandy or contact me at the office: office@maxwellmearns.org

Book Table in the Sanctuary 

I am hoping to move the books from the table on to a bookcase or display unit that would stand against the wall.
If anyone has a spare bookcase or suggestions for this venture please speak to me. I have looked through the halls but there is nothing suitable.

Denise

---

One Ordinary Day

I read this recently and I think it is worth passing it on . We never know what impact we have on others.

One ordinary day, a teacher decided to try something simple with her class. She handed out two blank sheets of paper and asked her students to write down the name of every person in the room, leaving space between each one. There were no instructions yet, no explanation for what would come next. The room buzzed softly as pencils scratched names onto paper.
Then she gave them the real assignment.
“I want you to write the nicest thing you can think of about each person,” she said. “Something kind. Something true.”
The class went quiet.
At first, a few students hesitated. Compliments did not come easily to middle schoolers. But slowly, heads bent down. Pens moved. Thoughts formed. One sentence at a time, kindness began to take shape. The entire period passed without distraction. No one rushed. No one asked to leave early. When the bell finally rang, the students handed in their papers and walked out, unaware that they had just created something that would outlive the classroom itself.
That weekend, the teacher sat at her kitchen table and read every word. For each student, she carefully compiled a single list made up of all the kind things their classmates had written about them. She typed each list neatly, making sure nothing was left out.
On Monday morning, she handed each student their own page.
At first, there was silence. Then smiles appeared. Some students stared at the paper as if they didn’t quite believe it was meant for them. A few whispered to their neighbours, “I didn’t know anyone noticed me.” Others said softly, “I didn’t know people liked me that much.”
The lists were never discussed again in class. The teacher didn’t turn it into a lesson or ask for reflections. She simply let the moment be what it was.
But something had shifted.
Students walked a little taller. They spoke more gently to one another. For a brief, precious time, everyone felt visible. Valued. Safe.
Years passed.
One day, the teacher received news that stopped her cold. One of her former students, Mark, had been killed while serving in Vietnam. She attended the funeral, standing quietly among rows of uniforms and grieving faces. When she approached the coffin, she barely recognized the boy she had once taught. He looked older. Stronger. Too young to be gone.
A soldier stepped beside her and asked softly, “Were you Mark’s  teacher?”
She nodded.
“He talked about you all the time,” the soldier said. “You really mattered to him.”
After the service, Mark’s parents approached her. His father reached into his wallet and pulled out two worn pieces of paper, taped together, edges frayed from years of handling.
“They found this on Mark when he died,” he said. “We thought you might recognize it.”
It was the list.
The same list of kind words written by his classmates all those years ago.
Mark’s mother held back tears. “Thank you,” she whispered. “As you can see, he treasured it.”
As they stood together, more former students gathered around. One by one, they shared their own quiet confessions.
“I still have mine,” Charlie said. “It’s in my desk drawer.”
“My husband keeps his in our wedding album,” Chuck’s wife added.
“Mine is in my diary,” Marilyn said with a gentle smile.
Then Vicki reached into her purse and unfolded a faded piece of paper. “I carry mine with me,” she said. “Everywhere.”
The teacher could no longer stand. She sat down and cried — for Mark, for the students who carried those words through their lives, and for the ones who never got the chance to grow old together.
That was when she understood.
A single sheet of paper. A few honest sentences. A moment of kindness given without knowing how deeply it would be needed.
We spend so much time waiting. Waiting for the right moment. Waiting for courage. Waiting for someday.
But someday is not promised.
Kindness is not small. Words are not temporary. You never know which sentence will become someone’s anchor, which gesture will be folded and carried through war, marriage, grief, and time.
Say the kind thing.
Write the note.
Let people know they matter — now.
 

Door Rota 

 

8th February	Myra and Margaret
15th February	Sheona and Craig
22nd February	May and Ken
1st March	Joyce and Alistair
8th March	Alison and Martin
15th March	Karen and Ann
22nd March	Janette and Craig
29th March	Sheona and Lorna

---

East Renfrewshire Good Causes

A few folk may not know about E.R.G.C.

East Renfrewshire Good Causes (ERGC) is a local charity founded by Russell Macmillan, a blind man who received a life-saving double transplant in 2007.
Out of gratitude to God and in honour of his organ donor, Russell began this work to put “love your neighbour" into practical action.
What makes ERGC especially meaningful is its rootedness in Christian gratitude. Russell’s work is not simply charitable-it is an ongoing expression of thanksgiving for the gift of life he received. Every act of kindness is offered in honour of his donor and as a reflection of God’s love for every person. In this way, ERGC becomes not just a charity, but a living testimony to grace. Working alongside churches, schools, health professionals and community groups, ERGC supports individuals and families facing hardship. Help is offered through both purchased items and donated goods or services, ranging from essential household items and mobility aids to educational support and emergency assistance.
Since its beginning, ERGC has provided more than £2.7 million worth of help to over 9,600 people, sharing compassion and hope throughout East Renfrewshire and beyond.
The charity continues to invite supporters to join in this mission of kindness, ensuring that those in need receive practical care at the right time.
East Renfrewshire Good Causes is based in East Renfrewshire but operates all over Scotland including our own parish of Maxwell Mearns Castle church. As we look around our own community, may we be inspired by the work of East Renfrewshire Good Causes and encouraged to play our part in building a place where no one is left struggling alone.
 

Castle Cafe 

The next meeting will be held on   

Thursday 12th February at 2.00 pm. in the Dorothy Lloyd Room.

Ian will be playing a mixture of different types of music for us.

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 

 

8th February	Lynnette
15th February	Denise
22nd February	Yvonne
1st March	Alison
8th March	Lorna
15th March	Lynnette
22nd March	Karen
29th March	Isobel

Should something crop up you can always change with someone.

Liz Gillis. 

Clothes Recycling Bin 

Please remember the clothes bin in the church car park.  

If you have unwanted/worn out clothes, linens, towels etc they can benefit
church finances. Pairs of shoes are also accepted. Please tie them together or make sure they are kept together in a bag.

Place the clothes / shoes 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.

If the items 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 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

We meet every Thursday at 7.30 pm

"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

 

8th  February	Karen and Lynnette
15th February	Christine L, Marlene S, Janette F
22nd February	Shona L, Raymond and Alison
1st March	Lesley, Myra, Craig
8th March	Sheila, Lorna, Ann M
15th March	May and Ken, Karen
22nd March	Lynnette, Margaret C. Shona L
29th March	Gloria and Sandy, Sheona K

I hope you’ve all had a lovely start to 2026. A big thank you to everyone who’s helped with tea, coffee and biscuits after the services ~ it’s such a lovely way to catch up with one another, and your help really makes it happen each week.

If you’d like to join the rota and lend a hand now and again, I’d love to hear from you — the more, the merrier!

Should anyone need to change their date, we can arrange swaps, and we have a fantastic team who are always glad to step in if needed.

A gentle reminder ~ if you can, please bring your own cup along. It’s a small way we can all do our bit for the environment. Thanks so much for your support and for making our church community such a welcoming place.

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 mobile telephone number to the list.
Please contact me by WhatsApp as it's easier and faster to pass on prayer requests.

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