Welcome

“Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6:8

Jesus tells the disciples today that God already knows what we need. What then is the point of prayer? 

Prayer can too often become a shopping list of desires, or an attempt to bargain with God. If God helps me with the problem I’m currently facing, I’ll be good forever. 

To counteract this, Jesus teaches the disciples to pray, with words which still resonate with us today.

The Lord’s Prayer reminds us to pray for God’s will to be done. Why would we ask for our own desires, when God knows what we really need? God knows what will truly make us happy and fulfilled.

We pray for our daily bread – enough food not just for me, or for you, but for us. All of us together, having our needs met. 

We recognise that we are not perfect, that at times we get it wrong, and we ask God for forgiveness. But we also recognise that no one else is perfect either and that God calls us to forgive them. 

And we pray for protection from evil and the strength to make the right choices in our lives. 

So let us pray this timeless prayer today, putting aside the temptation to focus only on our own needs and wishes, confident that God already knows what is in our hearts, and trusting that our prayers will be answered. 

Our Father, in heaven,                                    
Hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread
and forgive us our debts
as we forgive our debtors
and lead us not into temptation
but deliver us from evil
For yours is the kingdom
the power and the glory 
For ever and ever
Amen
Enjoy the magazine,
Denise 

50th Anniversary Service and Celebration

Sunday 24th March 2024 at 10.30am

All are welcome to our Thanksgiving Service for the 50th year since the opening of the Sanctuary at Maxwell Mearns Castle Parish Church.

The Service will be followed by a Celebratory Buffet Lunch of sandwiches and goodies in the Sanctuary.

Would each member of the congregation please contact people they know, including those with past connections to Maxwell, who may be interested in joining us for this Thanksgiving Service?

Looking forward to seeing you all there on such a significant and happy day!

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Session and Board Meeting

The next Session and Board meeting will take place on :
Tuesday 5th March at 7.30 in the West Room.

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Broomburn Steps

Help Required!

The steps and path behind the
Church leading to Broomburn Drive
need to be cleared weekly.
It is a public right of way.
The area gets into such a mess
mainly down to local school kids.

It takes about an hour for two people to
lift litter and sweep steps.
The more people (in pairs) who can help with this the better as it means your turn would be less frequent, every four to six weeks on a rotation basis.

When doing this we have had many conversations with locals and they all are very appreciative of what we are doing.

If you feel able to help please contact Norman

Flower Rota  

Thank you to everyone who has added their name to the flower rota. 
There are still dates available from June to December if anyone would like
to mark a special occasion.

There are spare vases in the chapel (at the side of the chancel if you
need them) in addition to the vase on the chancel table.   
Remember - you don't have to be a florist !!  Just put the flowers in a vase on the table. 
After the service - take them away to give to a friend or neighbour who may need cheering up.  There is some wrapping paper if required in the chapel.

Liz Gillis

Tea / Coffee Rota

25 February - Gloria Leonard, Alison Barkley, Sheona Kyle
3  March - Alison Mills, Anne Mair, Sheila McGowan

There are spaces on the rota so please consider putting your name down for the rota as the more folk help, the less frequently you will be called upon.

 There has been a noticeable increase in the number of people bringing their own mugs/cups - as well as helping the carbon footprint it also helps church finances.

Thank you
Jackie and Norman

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Castle Cafe

The next meeting of the Castle Cafe will take place on Thursday 29 February at 2pm in the West Room. 

Ken Walker will be speaking to us.
Everyone is welcome and if you need transport please contact the office or speak to Norman or Jackie.



 

Bible Study

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. Adam Dillon
Mobile: 07841673642  email: adillon@churchofscotland.org.uk