No.41 11th April 2025
Hi,
Hope you have had a good week.
This week I was thinking how Scotland has been affected by the Bible being taught and it's principles shaping laws and culture and communities -when we looked at the Lord's Prayer last Sunday I was thinking back to school days when we said that prayer in class. In fact, there was a prayer each morning and it was taken seriously. I still remember a classmate getting their head in their hands for coming into the class when the prayer had started and not waiting at the door but just heading for their desk! A real no-no! And of course back in the 70s getting your head in your hands wasn't necessarily a euphemism...and the way Mrs McLeod belted it was always a consideration as to which might be less devastating. But I digress... this month Pauline and many other school workers have had an open door to share the Easter story appropriately and clearly with each class. For all that there is a lot which has been ditched or twisted in our Christian heritage there is still much to be thankful for and much which we still live in the good of.
(Sometimes of course, the kids are not quite listening as closely to the Bible account as they should - this is an alternative, slightly embellished account of the Upper Room story I was sent from a P4 teacher...)
Enjoy the mag.
MB
Saturday 12th April - 9am
Martin & Elizabeth Smith’s home - contact office or see church directory for address
Sunday 13th April
Palm Sunday
Morning service - 10.30am
Rev Scott Kirkland
(nb. Services are not being live streamed but will be recorded and on YouTube shortly after the service.)
Evening Service
at NMBC - 6.30pm for 7pm
Studies in Galatians
PULSE PRAYER MEETING
Wednesday - 7.15pm
@M&M McNicol's
Ian white
Ian White joins us on Sunday morning to share news of the Inspiration Orchestra. (see more details below.)
Ian has been part of the Christian music scene for many years now - best known for his Psalms albums which have stood the test of time.
Here is a clip from Mission Scotland 1991 - Celtic Park, Glasgow with Evangelist Billy Graham. Ian sings "The Cross Is Still There", written especially for the mission.
Letter from the Manse
Dear Congregation,
It was great to worship with another Free Church congregation last Sunday evening (Covenant Free Church, Newmilns). It was especially good to worship with them and see their context as they also rent space in a hall. There is no easy way to do this it would appear. Those of us who travelled were warmly welcomed.
As you will realise from the full description in the magazine of all the events over Easter, we have a full April.
However, attaching so much importance to one period of time in the “Christian Calendar” does create a risk. We can begin to see Easter as simply a series of events that we plan to attend. Palm Sunday, Easter Sunday, outreach “events” which we attend and then leave behind.
In attending “events” we maybe also risk a mentality of coming to be entertained. This is not a criticism. I think for all of us if we are honest this is a real risk.
I think we really do need to seek God in prayer that he would bring us to all our gatherings through April with a head and heart committed to worshipping Him and serving others. I mean, I think we literally need to pray through not only what happens in the gatherings, but how we ourselves approach each.
Jesus’s entry to Jerusalem, the gifting of the Lord’s Supper, the trial before Pilate, the death of Jesus on the cross and resurrection on the third day must never be put behind us because the calendar changes to a new month, or seen simply as an annual celebration. We will read of real occurrences at real times and in real places. We are reading history, but vitally, “redemptive history”. “Redemptive history” not because the events are in any way mythical or unreal but because in these specific moments of world history, God was acting in peculiarly significant and vital ways to secure the redemption of a people and of His world.
It is quite breath-taking to realise afresh that the passages of the bible we shall read at Easter are the working out in history of that which God planned in eternity.
It is such a significant week in history that of the twenty-one chapters in John’s gospel, the apostle John begins the story of the last week (Easter) at chapter twelve!
The Apostle Paul reminds the Christians in Ephesians 1.4 that it was before the world was even created that God chose a people to be redeemed and restored to Himself. The events of Easter, anchored in the dusty history of Israel, tell how that eternal plan unfolded – no wonder John pays so much attention to that week (and so should we).
Planned in eternity, promised by the prophets in history, accomplished by Christ through the cross and resurrection and then applied by the Holy Spirit to individuals, Easter is breath-taking.
This is why these events have been preached for 2000 years and why the wise Christian ponders their enormity daily.
In “The Easter story”, though we shall no doubt see and hear of many human actors, we must never be misled into thinking they are controlling the events. Rather, behind each chapter and character is the direction of the sovereign, providential and eternal hand of God.
I know I call us to pray about a lot of things. But would you agree with me, we really should dedicate ourselves to prayer for this Easter time?
Pray that as the Word of God is read and preached we would be rightly saddened by the sin which necessitated the coming of Christ to His cross, but also praying that as we approach that tomb again on the Sunday we would be filled with joy and hope at the gospel of grace in the resurrection of our Living Saviour, Jesus!
What a God we will worship this Easter, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
With Warmest Regards
Scott
Easter Week Events
PASSION PLAY - Monday 14th May. 7.30pm
We have invited “LAMPS” a Christian organisation, to perform a version of the Easter Story at Belmont.
Told from the perspectives of Peter, Mary Magdalene and a Roman centurion named Marcus, this powerful contemporary drama leads us up to and through the events of Holy Week, to the cross and beyond.
This is a great opportunity to invite friends and family to an Easter event at Mearns Free Church and to hear the Gospel message as dramatized by these actors.
If you get the Passion advert on your phone think about who you could send this on to.
So often, Easter provides an easy way to invite friends and family to a church event. Please do make use of this opportunity.
Good Friday: 7pm -18th April in NMBC: We shall have a joint service where we have been invited to share in leading the Communion part of the Service.
Easter Sunday 6:30am, Rouken Glen Park:
Easter Walk and Breakfast. Please wear sturdy shoes as our route is a muddy track that a has a slight incline. We will walk together for about 15 to 20minutes ( 1 km) until we reach a clearing in the woods where we will have a short act of worship celebrating the resurrection and Jesus victory over death. After returning by the same route to the carpark everyone is welcome back to Sandra and John's house for a tasty Easter breakfast 🐣 ( address given at event). Hope to see everyone bright and early ☀️ If you wish to attend the sunrise service but not able to take part in the walk please speak to Margo.
Easter Sunday Services
-
10.30am Easter Morning Worship: Belmont School.
-
7pm “A Very Different Easter”. Belmont School
Martin's preaching last week took us to phrases we know, even use (casually?)...but need to consider...and act on.
Here are 3 reflections on the phrase:
“Your Kingdom come. . .”
1. This image is part of the
2 Ways to Live Gospel outline...it sums up so well what happens when we trust in Jesus and follow Him and He becomes Lord of our lives.
2. From Ray Pritchard‘s book, And When You Pray:
Consider the matter this way. Every time you pray you must say one of two things. Either you pray, “Your kingdom come,” or you pray, “My kingdom come.” Those are the only two possibilities. But note carefully: When you pray, “Your kingdom come,” you must of necessity also pray: “My kingdom go.” God’s kingdom cannot “come” unless your kingdom is going to “go” They both can’t coexist at the same time and place.
3. From Don Carson...
“Your kingdom come.” Christians ought not to pray this prayer lightly or thoughtlessly. Throughout the centuries, followers of Jesus suffering savage persecution have prayed this prayer with meaning and fervour. But I suspect that our comfortable pews often mock our sincerity when we repeat the phrase today. We would have no objection to the Lord’s return, we think, provided he holds off a bit and lets us finish a degree first, or lets us taste marriage, or give us time to succeed in a business or profession, or grants us the joy of seeing grandchildren. Do we really hunger for the kingdom to come in all it’s surpassing righteousness?...
If then we see God as he has revealed himself, we should see his right to rule in all things. The term "kingdom" refers to the rule or reign of God. For that reason it is easy to say that "thy kingdom come is essentially to say, "let your will be done on earth as it is in heaven!" Without doubt, He is the undisputed and great King of the universe. But is He king of your life! Only if His will is considered in every relationship; in every decision. Only if obeying him is your number one priority! Only if you seek first to lead others to obey him! I know you can say it, but can you really pray it!
Ian white will be singing and raising awareness of the work of the Inspiration orchestra at the Sunday morning service this week. Some of us from MFC have attended the inspiration Orchestra Annual Festival in Dunning over the past couple of years and have had a really enjoyable day out.
This year the festival lands on the first Anniversary weekend of MFC so we were hoping we could get a bigger crowd together to attend the festival and maybe combine this with a walk in Perthshire. More details of the MFC away day on Saturday 24th May coming soon
Why go along to the Festival...?
"You are sure to be amazed by the orchestra. Between performances, visitors could grab a bit of great food, get up close to a variety of farm animals, or chat to the classic car owners...cars all displayed in a lovely courtyard and much admired.” Paul Forrest. Forfar.
"Pure joy… changes your perspective on what really matters in life.”
Julian and Dani Slatter….Edinburgh
"Beautiful setting… Wonderful day out for all the family...not to be missed!”
Kathryn Darling, Maryland, USA.
Go to theinspirationorchestra.com for more info.
The Wonder of Easter Event
Thanks!
A quick gallery of photos shows that there is lots to PLAN, and lots to DO and lots of ways to TIDY UP when running an event to tell the Easter story to all ages.
Thanks to all who gave up their time and energy last weekend....demonstrates that there are a number of ways to risk a sore back!
Sunday Evenings
AFTER EASTER
The joint evening services with Newton Mearns Baptist Church continue through until the summer.
As do the Home Groups. The dates below show the weeks when they are happening..
27th April - NMBC 1
4th May - Home Group 1
11th May - NMBC 2
18th May - Home Group 2
25th May - NMBC 3
1st June - Home Group 3
8th June - NMBC 4
15th June - Home Group 4
22nd June - NMBC 5
29th June - Home Group 5
If you are not involved in a Home Group speak to Scott if you would like to be:
Govan Free Church Food Bank and Recovery Group
We had this note from David McPherson, Minister at Govan Free Church. Click on the link to read more of his plans.
Hello! I’m raising £2500 to Help the Govan Free Church Food Bank and Recovery Group carry on doing their fantastic work.
Here’s my JustGiving page, if you’d like to donate click
here.
Ladybird Book of Mearns Free Church
Directory
There is a paper version of the Directory available - speak to Tom to get a copy.
Date for Diary!
Easter film!
The King of Kings is a film animation of the Easter story which is in cinemas over the Easter holidays. Click the link HERE to find out more about the film, get a list of dates, times and cinema locations and book!
Great opportunity to take the kids or grandkids for an outing over the holidays.
Watch the Trailer
HERE
Keith Forster introduced us to some of the work that the Message Trust is involved in, with a display at the back of the hall a couple of weeks ago.
The Message Trust is a worldwide movement passionately sharing the love of Jesus Christ in words and actions with the hardest-to-reach young people and communities. From building up evangelists all over the world in our Advance Groups, equipping and training young people on our Message School Of Evangelism, serving communities through Eden and Community Groceries, reaching those in prison with the hope of God, supporting those with barriers to employment through Christ-centred enterprise, and declaring the love of Jesus in our schools work, we are seeing lives transformed as people discover their true identity in Christ. Find out more about what we are up to in your local area
here.
Eden:
Eden sends and supports teams of urban missionaries to live sacrificially, share the gospel and build authentic community. Eden teams locate themselves for the long-term in low-income communities, building relationships with their neighbours, sharing the good news of Jesus in word and deed, and prayerfully and proactively working to bless their communities. Find out more here.
Videos:
30 years of the message
Krista and Niki’s story
Lauren’s story
If you want to support Keith in this work go to this link: Sponsor - The Message
DATE FOR DIARY
Being Human taster event with Peter Lynas
– navigating culture through a Christian lens .
Newton Mearns Baptist Church
| Thursday 15 May | 7 p.m.
A recent survey we did with our members showed that Christians in Scotland are seeking guidance on how to engage with today’s major cultural issues.
With that in mind, we invite you to stay for the Being Human taster event, where Peter Lynas, UK Director at the Evangelical Alliance and co-lead of the Being Human project, will introduce a framework to help us understand and respond to these issues from God's perspective. On the night, we’ll explore examples such as assisted dying and gender/sexuality, with space for discussion and a Q&A session.
This event is open to your wider church community – leaders, students, professionals, creatives – everyone is welcome. If you’re unable to attend, we’d really appreciate you sharing this event with your church and other leaders you know. This is open to all churches who are interested.
To help with sharing, I have attached a promotional poster for you to share. The QR code on the poster links to the registration page, but I’ve also included the direct link here for convenience. https://forms.office.com/e/YbhWcLCpMu
We at newgrowth are hosting a conference on 'Mental Health and the Church' with Steve Midgely (BCUK) and Corey Brock (St Columba's) on Saturday 3rd May at St Columba's Free Church in Edinburgh.
Full details here.
Some Ministry Opportunities at MFC
We have some opportunities you may want to consider serving in.
i.
We transport sound equipment from a local garage to Belmont (usually pick up on Fridays at 5.15, deliver at 5.30). You may have help to load and unload the car.
We currently transport 11 items which fit in a Octavia estate or a Karoq when both have their back seats down. The idea might be to create a rota. The planning of that we can work out with you.
ii.
We have joint services with Newton Mearns Baptist Church fortnightly. We will continue these from 27th April – end of June. We could do with extra assistance in ministering to one another. On these evenings could you...
a. Assist with the AV? (Simply moving slides forward on the computer or on the sound desk.)
b. Help make and serve teas and coffees?
c. Welcome people at the door and general stewarding (especially if the need of emergency exit arose)?
iii. Baking Rota
On a Sunday morning alongside a hot beverage and a smile from Sarah McNicol we also like to have something sweet - can you help by being on the baking rota...we need 4 or 5 others to make sure it's not a burden at all. Speak to Margaret Boyd about this.
LARGE PRINT -
SONG WORDS
If you find viewing the song-words on the screen in Sunday worship a problem, we currently print a limited number of large-print song sheets for specific people.
We don't want to print unnecessary copies so please speak with the door team and we will begin to make these available for you each week.
Mearns Free Church has a What's App Group for Prayer -The "PRAY NOW" Group
Purpose: A platform to share information regarding a sudden and crucial need for prayer.
How to connect: Speak to Margaret Boyd if you would like to be added to this group or email Margaret at: mandmboyd@hotmail.co.uk
What tech do I need?: You need to have a Smart Phone with WhatsApp to get set up.
Emailing The Minister
Please be careful when emailing Scott that you are using the correct current email address minister@mearnsfree.org. A number of emails continue to be sent to accounts no longer in use. Please be doubly careful when sending from a device that is not your normal communication device (like a phone) or if you use “reply to all”.
Email Addresses For Mearns Free Church
Please make sure you change your email address list now we are part of the Free Church.
Tom Brown (Office): office@mearnsfree.org
Scott Kirkland (Minister): minister@mearnsfree.org
Sandy McDougall (Treasurer): finance@mearnsfree.org
Pauline Forster (Children and families worker): children@mearnsfree.org