Mike's Word for the Week 24th March 2024
Our days may come to seventy years or eighty, if our strength endures;
yet the best of them are but trouble and sorrow, for they quickly pass.
If only we knew the power of your anger!
Your wrath is as great as the fear that is your due.
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
(Psalm 90: 10 - 12)
Time
This week, we will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of worshipping in Maxwell’s sanctuary. Anniversaries tend to make me think of time and the older I get, the faster it seems time passes. I know this is something that many people experience. Time is a valuable commodity and it’s too valuable to waste.
All through the Psalms, David and other psalmists write about how fleeting life is. They compare it to smoke, vapour, a passing shadow, a flower or grass. It is here but a moment and then it’s gone. This can seem depressing, but it doesn’t need to be. I think the answer is found at the end of our verses for this week: Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. When we understand that out time is quickly passing, we can learn to make each day count.
We each have many things that we need to do and many things that we want to do. How do we decide where we will spend our time? It is a good idea to pause and ask the Lord what He wants us to do.
In Matthew 7: 22 to 23, Jesus said that at the end of time, people would tell Him all the great things they did for Him, and He will tell them He never knew them. This is a sobering thought! Therefore, our relationship with Jesus has to come first in our love before our work for Him. We need to spend more time being with Jesus rather than just doing for Jesus. I encourage us each and every day, as we start our day to take time with the Lord. Strengthen our relationship with Him and ask God for our agenda for our day.
Time really flies, so let’s use our days wisely doing the will of our Father God.
Prayer: Lord, You know how easy it is for me to get caught up in my ‘to do’ list, but I want to lay that aside for now and look to You. Help me to focus on what is most important and trust that as I get my priorities right, You will enable me to get the things done that are important to You.
Please show me the best use of my time, today and each day remaining in this short span of my life on earth, so I will be prepared for eternity with You. Amen
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 here in the Sanctuary with Newton Mearns Churches)
Good Friday, 29th March - Walk of Witness starting at Mearns Kirk going to Newton Mearns Parish Church followed by a short service of worship. Meet at Mearns Kirk 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.
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 sweet treats in the Maxwell Hall.
It is not too late to contact people, including those with past connections to Maxwell, who may be interested in joining us for this Thanksgiving Service.
If you are able please park up in the school to allow those less mobile space in our carpark.
Looking forward to seeing you all there on such a significant and happy day!
Session and Board Meeting
The next Session and Board meeting will take place on :
Wednesday 17 April at 7.30pm in The West Room.
Church Flowers
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
24 March - This will be served in the Maxwell Hall after the service
31 March - Easter Sunday - Jackie and Norman, May and Ken
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
Castle Cafe
There is no meeting next week as it's Maundy Thursday.
The next meeting of the Castle Cafe will take place on 4th April at 2pm in the West Room.
Norman will be entertaining us and we can catch up with each other after Easter.
Bible Study
A group of us are studying Acts to complement the Minister's preaching schedule.
There is no meeting this week .
We will next meet at the Leonards on Tuesday 9th April, 17 Castlehill Drive from 1.30 to 3.15.
Everyone is welcome. Refreshments provided.
Further information from:
Gloria
Maxwell Pray Now Group
Pray Now is a WhatsApp group for Maxwell members |
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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 Lowson 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 Norman or Denise or
Please email:
maxwellmearns@hotmail.com
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:
Rev. Adam Dillon
Mobile: 07841673642 email:
adillon@churchofscotland.org.uk