No.143.   24th February

Hi,

Hope this finds you well. For some reason I found that there were a few things about prayer coming to mind as the mag was being thrown together…I mean thoughtfully crafted. Perhaps it was the 'PRAY NOW’ WhatsApp prayer group pinging regularly through the week - there are often some pressing matters for prayer and this is a good way for us to stop in the middle of a busy day and remember that our church family go through situations where they value our prayer support. Details below on how to be involved.

I'll not say much more as there is lots in this week - including updates and news from the groups Pauline is involved in, but first we start with Scott's letter  -  very much worth taking some time to reflect on. (I mean  they're always good…obviously, but this more than usual perhaps…that was all, you decide…I like them all, really like them!)

Enjoy the Mag....and remember the young people who are away for the weekend!

MB 


Sunday 26th February 2023   
     Rev Scott Kirkland
     Bible passage: 1 Peter 1.3-12
With Communion -  "Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?
Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf."  1 Corinthians 10:16-17

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From the Manse

Dear Congregation,
Let’s pray for our youth who are away this weekend at a residential centre in Inchinnan. I understand that thirteen of the youth have signed-up and about eleven of our adults will assist (especially in the cooking!).

On a different matter…

The Scottish News has been dominated by the resignation of the First Minister and the prospects of a “leadership race”. That general news was quickly superseded by the fall-out from Kate Forbes’s response to a question on gay marriage and how she would have voted in 2014 had she been an MSP. Jesus was masterful at spotting trip-wires!

Answering honestly, she made known that she would have voted against the Bill. This was a secular blaspheme! And, some (normally) balanced reporters began seizing every opportunity to lob questions with the pin-pulled-out hoping for more explosive fall-out and blood (Kate Forbes’s). The Spectator on Tuesday said leadership demands “bomb-disposal skills and on the basis of the first 24 hours of her campaign Forbes does not yet possess these”. The article added, “Forbes is engaging in a live experiment to see if you can become leader of a political party without doing any politics.”

When Tony Blair was asked by reporters if he had prayed with George Bush prior to invading Iraq, Alastair Campbell the spin-doctor for Tony Blair, apparently intervened replying “we don’t do God”. This was a political response, whatever the truth was.

Here at Maxwell Mearns Castle Church we should not be surprised that someone upholding a traditional Christian biblical value should be treated negatively. This is exactly what we have been reflecting on in church (last Sunday and Home Groups over the last few weeks). Christians are strangers in this world – in exile (1Peter 1.1). We are “out of sorts” with this world. While a negative reaction to Christians whose values are so often at odds with that of the culture of their day is documented in history, we are seeing evidence of the same being lived out today, if we needed that evidence.
What I preach here at Maxwell and what I believe our elders uphold is that when Jesus becomes Lord of our lives, He is Lord of all parts of our lives – whatever our jobs in life are. We should therefore live every aspect of life as consistently as we can under His Lordship. All Christians are saved by grace through the redeeming work of Jesus on the cross, so we all know failure and forgiveness in this regard. But the Lordship of Jesus over us, must be our “modus-operandi”.

What is more surprising to me (and more disappointing) than the opposition Kate Forbes has experienced because of her understanding of Jesus’s ways, are the number of negative comments from politicians who also claim a Christian faith. While I can just about imagine Christian opponents seizing political capital in this moment (though they should seek forgiveness for this) most sad are the comments from Christian colleagues in the SNP and quite amazingly from some who, like Kate Forbes, are members of the Free Church of Scotland.  Astonishing!



Furthermore, one MSP in the Green Party who is a member of the Church of Scotland claimed in the Daily Record this week to be a “Christian in politics”. While denouncing Ms Forbes’s views he said, “The issue is whether anyone, a person or faith or not, believes that everyone should be treated equally before the law.”
I had an elder in the Bahamas who would have called this “weasel words” because Kate Forbes had stated publicly that with a law on gay marriage already in place, "I absolutely defend people's right in this country to marry, as they've been able to do for the past nine years."

The so-called “issue” as our Church of Scotland/Green MSP calls it, is no issue for Ms Forbes at all  (as stated above).

Maybe, while Alistair Campbell was eager to shout that he and politician Tony Blair “do not do God”, it would be more refreshing, more honest, if some politicians “did not do politics”! That is, to engage in a new politics in line with what the Spectator Magazine called (above) “a live experiment”. I know, call me naïve.

However, at the heart of the matter, Kate Forbes was simply reflecting a Christian understanding based on the sweep of the Old and New Testament narrative on marriage (see specific texts like Genesis 1.27-31, 2.24 and not least Jesus’s statement about marriage in Matthew 19.4-6).

The Church reformer from the 16th century, Martin Luther, knew that conscience had to be informed by biblical truth and conscience had to submit to biblical truth. Luther held views which in his time other church going officials found intolerable. Luther’s words are apposite.
"Unless I am convinced by Scripture and plain reason my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and I will no recant anything, and to go against conscience is neither right nor safe. Here I stand, I cannot do otherwise."
I suspect Kate Forbes knows these famous words well. Knowing them is one thing, standing by them in our places of work is another. She said in a Times Article; "If anything can be said of me in the past week it is that I am willing to be honest and open, even at the cost of my leadership bid and my career." 

Let’s pray for her as a sister in Christ (whatever our politics) and pray for Scotland as we see a new First Minister appointed in the coming weeks.
Warmest regards
Scott

PS:  The Church of Scotland have a statement which they have not made public but issue to reporters when asked.
“The prospect of Kate Forbes taking on the role of First Minister has engendered much debate about her beliefs as a member of the Free Church of Scotland and the impact of those beliefs on any political decisions she may take.  As fellow Christians, we support Ms Forbes’ right to hold her beliefs, as we would for anyone else.  We deplore comments which suggest that holding views because of religion, faith or belief would impair her suitability as a candidate for First Minister. 
 
Freedom of religion and belief is a human right and a protected characteristic under the Equality Act.  Scotland is a diverse, pluralistic society that includes people of many faiths and beliefs and it is right that we seek to treat one another with fairness and respect, especially when we hold a different opinion.  In a democratic society, it is important for our political leaders to uphold the decisions of the Scottish Parliament, even when they do not personally agree with them.  There is a longstanding tradition of politicians being able to exercise their own conscience on moral issues, where they are given ‘free votes’ rather than have to follow a party line. 
 
We urge those involved in choosing a potential leader to examine what positive qualities they can contribute, such as a commitment to public service, a willingness to work for the benefit of the country as a whole, and those personal qualities of honesty and integrity which we all expect from those in high office.  We also appeal to people to consider their own words and actions as they engage in the debate about Scotland’s next First Minister.  The political arena is all too often an environment that can see highly damaging personal attacks made on those in public office.  Our politicians are human beings first and foremost who volunteer to serve the public and in doing so accept the scrutiny that comes with that role but all too often this sadly falls into a level of abuse that should never be acceptable.”

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Giving at Maxwell

Don't worry the image above isn't reality at Maxwell...yet...

However, there is a new page (here) on our church webpage to highlight how people can give to the work and ministry at Maxwell Mearns Castle.
Less and less people use cash these days and the church needs to move with the times too. The page also highlights the option to use Gift Aid - a great way to add to your contribution. 

All the details are on the page including how to get in touch with Ken Taggart, our treasurer, if you have questions. For instance, If you are already donating but are not sure if you have an active and valid Gift Aid declaration enabling the additional tax amount to be claimed by Maxwell, Ken would love to hear from you.
 

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LENT 

Started this week Wednesday 22nd Feb.

You may still be tucking into chocolate and not 'giving anything up' for Lent...but this image has some great ideas to work on. 
Last week the magazine highlighted that John Piper's daily devotional 'Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came To Die' was available for free. No need to worry about when you are starting it - if you are looking for a good content each day it's worth looking at. The link for the free pdf is here.
 

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Are you on?

Pray Now  is a WhatsApp group for Maxwell members

It sends out occasional requests for prayer. In particular those which might be regarding things more acute or immediate.

Speak with Margaret Boyd is you would like to be added to this important ministry at MMCC, or just to find out more.

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Youth Work

Weekend away (Feb 24th – 26th)

Some of the youth are off for a residential weekend to the Bible centre in Inchinnan. We are going to be looking at the book of Philippians.
If you are a baker and would be willing to make some tasty treats, get in touch with Jacob they would be much appreciated.

Prayer points

· Pray the youth team would effectively communicate the gospel to what is quite a diverse age range of young people.
· Pray for the weekend away, pray for those teaching.
· Pray that the young people are able to grasp the lessons and engage with our material and their faith would both be established and grow.

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7 Calming Night Prayers to Say at Bedtime

Jeannie Myers

Bedtime prayer can be a meaningful way to spend time with God every evening, talking over your day, sharing your concerns with Him, and thanking Him for His love and care. But why should we take time to pray before bed each night?

Praying as you fall asleep gives you the chance to look back over the day and thank God for His help and His blessings. We often miss the hand of God in our lives as we run from one activity to another. We lose sight of the good gifts our heavenly Father is giving us (James 1:17) and focus instead on our troubles and worries. 

Scripture tells us to “fix our eyes on Jesus” so that we do not “grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:2-3). Whether life feels overwhelming or dull, a time of prayer at the end of each day can help you refocus on God’s goodness and reflect on your priorities and purpose (Matthew 28:19-20).

Relationships flourish when they are nurtured. Spending time talking with God before bed is a way of loving Him and deepening your relationship with Him.  The evening is a lonely part of the day for many people. Choosing to pray before bed each night means that you can look forward to enjoying time with One whose love for you is deep (Ephesians 3:18-19) and constant (Romans 8:37-39).

Redeem the time you lie in bed waiting for sleep to come. If your mind is a blank, worries and temptations will creep in to fill it. Pain that was background noise during your busy day can blare like a siren when you are lying in the quiet and the dark. Reaching for your phone to distract you will only keep you awake. Rehashing conversations and running the numbers will only feed your anxiety.

Instead, release your worries and the pressures of the day by taking them to the One who has the power to help you and give you peace. Calm and relaxed, you will likely drift off to sleep long before you have prayed for each of your family members and friends, and that is perfectly okay.
 

Click here to see the 7 different prayers...

1. A Bedtime Prayer for Good Rest (Psalm 4)
2. A Prayer After a Hard Day (Psalm 31)
3. An Evening Prayer for Forgiveness (Psalm 51)
4. A Prayer of Thanksgiving (Psalm 65)
5. A Night-time Prayer to Quiet Anxious Thoughts (Psalm 71)
6. A Prayer for Loved Ones (Psalm 112)
7. A Prayer to Pray with Children Before Bed (Psalm 118)
 

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Prayer Changes Things

Garrett Kell 
Pastor at Del Ray Baptist in Alexandria, VA posted this short account of everyday prayer last week.

Today a man lost his car key on a ski slope. He’d looked for it, but come on…you can’t find a lost key in the snow on the side of a mountain. Because that’s impossible. Then, I sensed a strong certainty that God wanted me to pray w/ him and for us to ask God to help us.
I felt hesitant to pray. I mean, it felt silly. What if I ask God and we don’t find it? But I was certain God wanted us to pray. So we prayed, “God you know where this key is, please help us find it. You say we don’t have because we don’t ask…so we are asking.”
We said “amen” and went looking. No key. I didn’t understand! Why’d He ask us to pray? So, we walked down the last leg of the slope…and saw a black speck. We dug. It was the key. Y’ALL A key. In the snow. On a mountain. Impossible! Except for a God who hears our prayers.

Follow-up to valid questions/comments:

Some have replied to the report of God answering this "small" prayer w/ grievances about Him not answering some "serious" prayers. These are important questions, even if presented w/ snark. Sometimes snark is pain in disguise.

I, too, have prayed for "serious" things. Our church has seen God answer "yes" to cries to heal loved ones while saying "not now" to other similar prayers. Why God answers "yes" in one instance and "no" in another is mysterious and, at times, painful and disorienting.

Seeing a child suffocate from sickness while you pray to God who says "not now" feels torturous. My "key prayer" is not intended to minimize anyone's misery or make light of the pain of unanswered prayers. I too grieve over unanswered prayers.

What I do know, however, is that God is good, even when we can't understand His ways. Jesus's life and love and death and resurrection prove this. Some day, we will meet the One who catches all our tears in a bottle and on that day, all prayers will be perfectly answered.
On the Last Day, when we see things as God sees them, we will only charge God with always being faithful. Between now and then, let us pray about keys and cancer, and horrific earthquakes. Lord, help us to trust You, no matter how You answer.
@pastorjgkell

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Thinking Day

Our Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers celebrated Thinking Day this week. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts around the world celebrate every year on 22nd February and do activities which encourage international friendship and development. This year our theme was Our World: Our Thriving Future linking into the inequality of poorer nations being more adversely affected by the consequences of climate change. We painted, crafted, played games and lit candles!


Our new Ranger unit are having an Italian themed activity afternoon and sleepover tomorrow as part of their celebrations!

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Primary School partnerships

Partnerships between the primary schools and churches are continuing to grow post-covid. I've been working alongside Dave Lazonby (Newton Mearns Baptist Church), Lynne Hamilton (Regional SU worker), Joe Kavanagh (Mearns Kirk) and Stuart Crawford (Newton Mearns Parish) to deliver assemblies at Mearns, Maidenhill and Crookfur Primaries which have all been well received. We will be returning to Mearns and Crookfur for Easter assemblies towards the end of March too. Between us we are also visiting every class, including the nursery, at Mearns Primary to teach the children about Easter as well as other Christian topics. We are so privileged and thankful to have these opportunities and to be deepening relationships with school staff. Please continue to pray for us as we tread carefully sharing aspects of our faith in a secular setting.
Pauline 

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Holiday club for Ukrainian children

SU Scotland are organising events for the Ukrainian children who are living on the cruise ships in the Clyde and on the Forth as part of their new Ministry on the Margins' work. 
We are leading an afternoon 'holiday club' style event at Renfrew North church on 19th March for older primary school children.
We are recruiting a team of people for this one off event. If you can spare a few hours then please do speak to us. You don't need to speak Ukrainian however if you know anyone who does then please let us know!
Pauline and Colin

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Easter Code

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to help at Easter Code with Kirkhill Primary on Friday 24th March. We now have a healthy size of team and I'll be in touch with you all with details of timings and roles in a couple of weeks. 
Pauline 

We are planning to organise another Messy Church to begin our Easter celebrations! This will take place in the afternoon of Sunday 26th March. Further details to follow. If you are able to be involved in any way (serving refreshments, AV, welcoming, manning an activity stations etc) then please speak to me! Thanks 
Pauline 

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Ladybird Book of Maxwell

 

 

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Car Parking

Can you help?
If you are able, please can you to start using the school car park again as we did pre-lockdown?
Numbers attending services are encouragingly high and it would be really helpful if those that are able could leave spaces in the main car park for those who have greater need.