Welcome

VOLUNTEERS are needed in various areas of church life. Please consider if you are able to help.

Reading the scriptures on a Sunday. Can you join the rota?
Audio/Visual - help is needed at the sound desk and with the computer . Just pop up to the balcony and sit alongside for a wee taster.
Refurbishment - we are trying to update our halls complex. Could you clean an area; paint a wall; manage an area? Speak to Sandy L and he will help.
Flowers, Tea and Coffee, Welcome Team, all have spaces . Please offer help if you are able.

Please note the rotas are correct to date but life means sometimes changes occur.

Denise

Minister's Message

 
If 2025 taught me anything, it would be to trust in the LORD’s timing. The story of learning this lesson is long, and one many of you know (even if just in part), so I will not be rehashing it here; but as we move from the end of one year into the beginning of the next, I share some of the lessons I learned, which I hope will be helpful for you too.
 
I have often said that, while it may be frustrating waiting on the LORD’s timing, we must trust that He knows what is best, and is conforming all things to achieve His good plans and purposes. While I absolutely still do believe this, and would continue to say this to any who ask; I have a renewed appreciation for just how difficult the waiting can be. It can take real focus in prayer to believe that God is still present and is at work; He has not abandoned nor forsaken us.
 
I also have a deeper appreciation of some of the tensions we can feel in the waiting – especially when part of that waiting/trusting is rooted in a sincere understanding of and belief in God’s call and command; yet the surrounding circumstances would strongly imply that God’s vision is impossible, and will not come to pass. In that situation, what do we do? Hold on to the promises of the LORD, or give in to the “wisdom of the world”.
 
It is with great thanks to God that I am able to write something of a conclusion to these events, as the LORD’s promises have been proved true, and my holding fast to Him, believing in His timing, has been vindicated. Indeed, even as other challenges have presented themselves, I have felt the LORD saying to me, “Have you not learned? In what do you place your security? I have not brought you this far to abandon you now. Your security is in Me”!
 
My lived experience of 2025 seems to reflect that which David records in Psalm 37. We are not always privy to the circumstances which moved David to write each of his Psalms; nor do we need to. We simply acknowledge that David led a life littered with challenging circumstances (granted, some also by his own making…); and in those challenges, he fought hard to hold fast to his faith in God and God’s promises. And many times, David’s prayer was answered, the LORD came to his rescue, and all things were well (though, we must again admit there were times when God, quite rightly, allowed David to feel the consequences of his wrongful actions).
 
If there is an even greater example of God answering the prayers of those who follow Him, we need only look to Christ. Our deepest need is salvation (a need we likely, and somewhat ironically, overlook…); and God has answered that need through the death and resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Whatever circumstances lie ahead for you in 2026, may the sure knowledge of your salvation in Christ act as an anchor, which helps you to persevere.
 
I am glad to be able to share with you my experience of God fulfilling His promises; and point to other examples of God doing just that, not least in Christ. This makes the call of Psalm 37 far easier to hear and follow: when I step out in faith to trust the LORD, no matter my circumstances, I do so based on the evidence of Him keeping His promises and answering prayers of those in the Bible and those around me.
 
As we step into 2026, may we do so by “committing our way to the Lord and trusting in Him” (v. 5, paraphrased).
 
With every blessing,
Stuart
Email: slove@churchofscotland.org.uk
Tel.: 07916 176 873

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Scripture Reading Rota 

18 January - Martin McG
25 January - Pamela

1 February - Sheila McG
8 February - Christine P
15 February - Andy S
22 February - Ken W
 

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Refurbishment 

There are several areas of the halls that need a little TLC.
It would be really great if someone / family adopted a room or small project.
There is also a need for a larger work party to tackle larger projects like the toilet in the
sanctuary and surrounding areas etc. 


First come... as the saying goes. So speak to Sandy if you wish to work on a particular room / area. please.

TOOLS

We are collecting the tools that are dotted around the halls. Eventually Sandy will place them in a central place so we all know where they are. 
There will be a box in the vestibule of the halls for folk to place any tools they find around the halls.

Sandy H.

Mission Maxwell

Yvonne asks:
If any member of the congregation has any ideas/suggestions as to how we build Maxwell, attract young people , children etc please email their thoughts to Yvonne at yvonnedmacmillan@gmail.com
 

Maxwell Pastoral Care Team

The pastoral care team is now established to offer help and support to anyone within the fellowship who may need this from time to time. If you or if you know of someone in our church family who could benefit from this, please speak to a member of the team listed below or alternatively contact Denise in the church office. All information will be kept strictly confidential. 

Margaret Campbell
Mike Gargrave
Craig Govan (Leader)
Lynnette Hilditch
Mary MacLennan
Russell McMillan
Ann Mair
Karen Mowat
Myra Scott
 

Door Rota 

18 January - Karen + Lorna
25 January - Alison + Janette

1 February - Ann  + Martin M 
8 February - Myra + Margaret
15 February - Sheona + Craig
22 February - May + Ken


 

Castle Cafe 

The next meeting will be held on   

Thursday 15 January at 2.00 pm. in the Dorothy Lloyd Room.

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 

January
11 January
18 January
25 January - Yvonne 

FEBRUARY
1 February - Lynnette 
8 February - Karen 
15 February - Denise
22 February - Yvonne


There are plenty of spaces. Please sign up asap


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 pairs of shoes etc they can benefit
church finances.

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.

NO duvets or pillows please.

Charity shops really only use clothes that are in season but the recycling bin takes all clothes,shoes and linens at all times.

Denise

PRAYER GROUP  

The prayer group meets in the Dorothy Lloyd Room every Thursday at 7.30 pm.
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

"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

2026
JANUARY
18 January - Dave McL.  Lorna McN. Sheona K.
25 January - Gloria and Sandy, Ann M

FEBRUARY
1 February - May and Ken. Margaret C.
8 February - Karen M. Lynnette H
15 February - Christine L. Marlene S. Janette F
22 February - Shona L. Alison and Raymond



Thank you all for your time and helping out with our rota, this is a cherished part of our church experience and it wouldn’t be possible without your contributions.

Also, a gentle reminder, if possible please bring your own cup! As we are really trying to become greener ~ thank you!

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 number to the list.

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