Welcome

“He who is not with me is against me; and he who does not gather with me scatters.” Luke 11:23
Jesus faces opposition in Luke. He is accused of using the devil’s power, when he heals a man who cannot speak. 

Jesus calls for unity. He reminds people that a kingdom or a household which is divided is heading for ruin. He cannot therefore be using the power of evil to heal. 

We are stronger when we stand together to face the difficult times in our lives. When we are united, we can make a real difference in our world. 

There are a number of ways we come together to make Maxwell a better place - by joining a bible study, helping with the Broomburn Steps, tidying the outdoor learning space, helping with the cleaning whilst Nora is away in Hungary meeting her new grandchild, providing the flowers or helping with the tea and coffee for the Sunday services, joining the AV team or the musicians and choir and so much more.

We are a far smaller group than we were last year and many folk have stepped up and have "stepped out of the boat" We are blessed.

Please read the magazine because there are many opportunities and important information about life at Maxwell.
Thanks.

Denise 

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Mike's Word of the Week

 
I know two sisters, both over eighty years old, who often sum up the world around them with the statement “It’s not our world any more”. What they mean is that everything is changed from their youth. Then there was only a radio for entertainment, no TV (not even one channel, let alone hundreds to choose from), fewer cars, kinder people and lower decibels, less hustle and bustle, no internet and emails or requests to ‘sign up on–line.’
 
I can totally understand their feelings, and in a way, I want to say it too. It’s not my world either. It’s not the world of my younger days when there was school assembly, an understanding that God existed and should be revered and what was sinful and wrong was agreed and clear, even if you wanted to risk doing it anyway. It’s definitely not like that today. Sin is a ridiculed idea, principles are now called bigotry, and God’s authority has been rubbished.
 
So, for me, verses like our verse today seem so reassuring and comforting. In my daily reading, I make a special note of such verses. I’ve found more than ten so far, but I’m sure there are many more to add to my list. They help me to keep perspective, to avoid the grip of the concern I feel for my grandchildren who are growing up in this world. These verses state the truth. God is in charge. Even when the world seems to have ‘lost the plot’, when ‘good is called evil and evil is called good’ (Isaiah 5:20). God plan’s will not be frustrated. His will is still to be done, even if the world resists it, His will cannot be thwarted.
 
So today, as we read the latest news and see how the idea of sin is being daily eroded in the delusion that personal freedom and rights are paramount, remember that God is on His throne and ‘The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of His to hear to all generations.’ (Psalm 33:11).
 
Prayer: Dear Father God, thank You that, amid this ever-changing and seemingly ever more sinful world, You are still on Your throne, and we can still rest in Your embrace and be at peace. Help us to keep our focus on You and to be confident that Your plans will never be thwarted. Amen  

50th Anniversary Service and Celebration

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 Maxwell Hall.

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?

Also would everyone look for any photographs you have that show Maxwell and the Maxwell family over the past 50 years? If anyone has any interesting artefacts that could be used it would be most appreciated. 

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

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Easter Services

Sunday, 24th March - Palm Sunday: 50th Anniversary Service at 10.30am

Tuesday, 26th March at 10.30am - Playgroup Service in the Sanctuary: All are welcome!

Maundy Thursday, 28th March at 7.00pm - Maundy Thursday Communion Service (Joint service with Newton Mearns Churches)

Good Friday, 29th March - Walk of Witness starting at Mearnskirk going to Newton Mearns Parish Church followed by a short service of worship. Meet at Mearnskirk car park at 11.15am to leave at 11.30am.

Good Friday, 29th March at 7.00pm - Good Friday service hosted by Newton Mearns Parish Church.

Easter Sunday, 31st March at 10.30am - Easter Morning all age service. Please bring your children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and any other children you know. There will be an Easter egg hunt at the end of the service for children of all ages.

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Broomburn Steps

Please Help !                                                      

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

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Session and Board Meeting

The next Session and Board meeting will take place on:
Wednesday 17 April at 7.30pm in the West Room.

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Tea / Coffee Rota

10 March- Gloria and Sandy Leonard, Ruth Bull, Sheona Kyle.
17 March - Sheila and Alan Reid, Lorna McNicol, Alison Barkley.

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.

We are really trying to become greener and it really helps if people bring their own cups/mugs.

Thank you
Jackie and Norman

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Castle Cafe

The next meeting of the Castle Cafe will take place on:
Thursday 14 March at 2pm, in the West Room. 

We are having a quiz with prizes and everyone is welcome.


 

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