No.49 6 June 2025
Hi, hope this finds you well.
There are a number of events in June and the Summer which Scott draws attention to in his letter. One of the more significant is the Community Week - there was a team meeting for that last weekend, but you don't need to be on the team each day to contribute and support - the list of how you can take part is in the list from Pauline below - I know it has been in the magazine for a few weeks now but it would be really helpful to take a look and speak with Pauline about what you think you can help with.
Nice to hear from Jacob too this week - you can read what he has been up to in his newsletter.
This week's Tea Break have a couple of suggestions, both of which have something from Sinclair Ferguson - take a moment to look at these.
Enjoy the Mag
M
Sunday 8th June
Morning service - 10.30am
Rev Scott Kirkland
Mark 1:21-45
After the service...
PROPERTY MEETING
Sunday 8th June - after morning service
There will be a short conversation over coffee after the service on Sunday. This will be in the Gym Hall.
Members of the Finance Committee will share thoughts on the potential funding and acquisition of property for Mearns Free Church. Please note, this is an informal conversation and no property purchase is under any active consideration at the moment.
Murray McNicol
6.30pm for 7pm at NMBC
Psalm 98
“Worshipping the King"
Ladybird Book of Maxwell
Letter from the Manse
Dear Congregation,
This Sunday I aim to keep our worship time “sharp” so that we can all remain for “coffee and conversation”.
Our elders have been prayerfully considering our first year of life in the Free Church. Together with our Finance Committee members, it was deemed timely to ask a group of individuals to begin reflecting specifically on our various property needs, both current and future. Murray, Charles, Sandy McDougall, Graham MacKay, and Rosalie Menon kindly agreed to give this matter their thought and prayer. We are deeply grateful for their willingness to dedicate their time and talents to serving the Lord (and us) in this way. They would like to share some initial thoughts with us over coffee this Sunday, so please do stay if at all possible.
Every week, we have a reasonably full calendar of congregational church life taking place. The opportunities we have are fantastic. Presently, we worship every Sunday morning and on alternate Sunday evenings with the Baptists (at their building). On the "alternate" Sundays, our Home Groups meet (also on Mondays and Tuesdays) in various homes. Our Youth meet each Sunday evening at Belmont. We gather for Café Connect on Tuesday afternoons at the premises of NMBC and for prayer at The Pulse every Wednesday evening in homes.
These gatherings are held at Belmont, the Baptist Church, and various people's homes. The Lord has blessed us tremendously in the provision of these venues, and we are so grateful to Him (and to NMBC and those of you who kindly open your homes for the Lord's work). However, we have not been able to pursue a number of ministry opportunities because of our property limitations. All of the above has prompted us to begin turning our attention to future property requirements.
Thinking about our full weekly calendar, we are in the midst of planning several extra events.
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We aim to have a church family outing on 22nd June to Dean Castle, continuing a tradition from previous years. This has always been a wonderful time to picnic, chat, and simply enjoy one another's company. It is an all-age activity, so you do not need to have children or grandchildren to come.
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Later in the summer, we are planning the wedding of Hannah Waugh to Andrew Cunningham (and in the autumn, the wedding of Hannah McNicol to Daniel Dieppe).
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We shall also be running a Community Week from 4th August during which we hope you will not only participate but invite guests. Pauline has given details about how to help and support in various ways that week - see lists below.
We plan two events for September.
The first will be on the evening of Thursday, 4th September. We hope to gather in the private space of a local restaurant to share a meal with one another and with guests we invite who may not have a present church connection. We will also invite a very capable guest speaker who will not only encourage us in our faith but speak about the incredible value we have as human beings. We are not just matter, we matter! With a pleasant meal and a talk, you might call the evening, "Food For Thought”. There will be a Q&A session where we hope difficult questions will be helpfully addressed. More details on this will follow.
The second event in September will be a Saturday church golf day. This will be open to both men and women, seasoned golfers and the less skilled (like me). It might also be a good opportunity to invite those on the fringes of church life into our company for a "fun day" (or will it be a good walk spoiled by the clubs?). Details are in the magazine below.
Please watch out for all the activities mentioned above, plan your participation but as importantly, please use these plans to begin praying for all, even now. We pray that these activities will help us grow together, strengthening the bonds of unity with one another and with our Lord but also becomes stepping stones to faith for others who may come among us.
Let’s unite in bringing all these activities before the Lord in prayer?
The recent 10-day SIM encouragement for prayer we sent by email recently could be used to shape our prayers (use not only singular pronouns but plurals as we ask the Lord to fulfil these requests for MFC congregation also).
Day 8 might be especially helpful:
To this end we always pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling and may fulfil every resolve for good and every work of faith by his power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12
Or, Day 4
Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.
And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Colossians 4:2-4 (NIV)
Pray for me also, that I may be given the right words when I begin to speak —that I may confidently make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may be able to speak boldly as I ought to speak. Ephesians 6:19-20
With Warmest Regards,
Scott
General Assembly Appointments
At the recent General Assembly which Sandy McDougall and our Minister attended. Scott was appointed to two Free Church Denominational roles.
Theology of Marriage, Separation and Divorce in the life of a Minister or Office-bearer Group.
This group of seven is tasked with bringing a report to the 2026 General Assembly. This Group has been formed to complete a report agreed at the General Assembly of 2024. The need for this report arose due to a particular circumstance at that time. “We recommend that a group be appointed to bring a report to the 2025 General Assembly on the Theology of Marriage, Separation and Divorce in the life of a Minister or Office-bearer as a necessary pre-requisite for establishing a policy to assist the Church in managing such sad situations.”
Scott was also appointed onto
The Conduct and Complaints Committee.
Scott will be furnished with a description of his role and then given suitable training. You can see the purpose of this Committee here.
F.I.R.S.T.
Last weekend at the Keswick Ayrshire event, evangelist J John picked up on whether we will allow God to determine our priorities...it dovetailed well with Scott's encouragement in last Sunday's sermon to consider what we have been given in life (whether money, education, roles at work, family life etc) as being under Jesus’ rule as we follow Him and call him Lord.
JJohn used the acronym FIRST to help people evaluate if God is truly first in all aspects of our lives - do we let Him lead or are we like backseat drivers, ie having asked Jesus to 'be in charge' we constantly feel that we need to making the decisions on each turn in the road.
It stands for Finances, Interests, Relationships, Schedule, and Troubles. By reflecting on whether God is prioritized in these areas, individuals can assess their faith and commitment.
Wednesday - 7.15pm - 8.15pm
@ the McDougalls'.
Saturday 14th June
Next weekend we meet at 9am at the Smiths in Eaglesham for prayer.
Ian Dale
We continue to remember Margaret and the family with the news of Ian's passing.
Please note the funeral is in Linn Crematorium on 12th June at 1pm.
Performance or Grace
For the last 2 weeks We have considered this n-shape or U-shape diagram which Christopher Watkin (in his book 'Biblical Critical Theory) use to demonstrate how different the Good News of God's underserved grace is compared with the performance based 'Can I do enough to bring down God's favour on me' religions and attitudes - is that how you think aboug God?
Last week we thought about how it was God's initial favour to Noah that brought about his trust which was then shown clearly in his willingness to obey the command to build a boat (in the middle of the desert!!)
The pattern is of a U-shaped story of God blessing which is the beginning of a relationship of obedience and thankfulness.
The Exodus is a key part of the story of how God saves people and it demonstrates the U shape well.
In bringing Israel out of Egypt their freedom has a particular purpose…not to be free from_____(which is how freedom is often understood) or to serve 'no lord', but in order that they can serve the true Lord.
‘The Israelites were not told to keep the law so that God may save them and they could be his people. He already had and they already were’ (Christopher Wright). Rather ‘he delivered them and made them his people and then called them to keep his law’ so that ‘ethical obedience is a response to God’s grace, not a means of achieving it.’ (See U Shape diagrame above)
The constant refrain throughout the book of Exodus is God's merciful rescue before relationship, call before conduct. You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. Exodus 19:4-5
The law helps the rescued Israel to adopt ways of living and relating that reflect the character of the God who has rescued them.
So the 10 commandments begin this way in Ex 20: And God spoke all these words, saying," I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. "You shall have no other gods before me.
'The Torah is not simply a list of dos and don’ts….the Law created a powerful plausibility structure which predisposes God’s people to relate to Him in particular ways. All of this helped the Hebrew nation to think and live in every day ways that reinforced the centrality of the whole nation's relation to Yahweh: it made obedience to him the most plausible way to live in the world.’(Watkin)
With the truth about God’s grace ringing in their ears daily, whether it was relationships, work, politics or just understanding who they were as individuals, they worked things out within the structure of knowing they were recipients of God’s gracious mercy and blessing.
Invitation
Glasgow City Mission are inviting people to their end of season breakfast to hear about their Winter Project.
There are 2 spaces given to Mearns Free Church - would YOU like to go?
GCM write: "This year the Winter Project went through a radical transformation, supporting over 600 individuals. We want to take the opportunity to reflect on the season and share what we have learned. This year we made new connections with agencies across Glasgow who were also able to provide practical support. This was greatly appreciated by our guests!
We are already looking towards the coming winter and would also love to hear from you about your experience of the past winter. "
Speak with Scott if you are interested in going to the Prayer Breakfast.
Date: Wednesday 25th June
Time: 9am-10:30am
Venue: Glasgow City Mission, 20 Crimea Street, G2 8PW
We are planning a MFC church golf day in September.
This is an invite to everyone, men and women regardless if you have a handicap or not. It is a great way to invite a friend, family member to join us.
The plan is a Saturday on one of the Troon courses which are flat & playable with wide fairways.
The cost will be around £40 to include some refreshments.
Ian or I will be happy to chat to anyone interested.
In order to judge interest and numbers I have created a link to a poll to help with planning.
If you are interested please click the link
HERE
Many thanks
Val Forgie
This week there are a couple of Tea Break suggestions this week.
The first one is Sinclair Ferguson talking about whether a Christian is under God's law, eg do the 10 commandments apply to us? He looks at a few ideas on this subject.Don't be put off by the name of title of the subject. The talk is about 22 mins and you will need to put the dog/kids/husband (delete as applicable) out of the room to concentrate - but well worth it. Watch here.
And/Or if you want something shorter HERE is Sinclair ferguson talking about what his favourite book of the Bible is and why. What would you have said in 3 mins?
Last week our former youth worker Jacob Ingleson was speaking at Cafe Connect.
We've heard a lot in recent weeks about the fantastic opportunities there are to open the Bible and speak about the Christian faith in our local schools, and the same is true across in Airdrie.
Jacob's prayer letter is attached here and he sent this short message.
Hi everyone,
Jacob here! As many of you know, I’m working in Airdrie with the Growing Young Cairnlea Trust, supporting schools and young people through SU groups, assemblies, and other opportunities. I send out a regular prayer letter with updates and ways you can be praying—it’s been going for a wee while now, but if you haven’t signed up yet, you can do so here
Next week I'm off to Arran to help at Basecamp, the Su training event for young leaders. Please be praying for it, for all the young people coming along (including those who are coming from Mearns Free)
Jess is also doing well—she’s working at the Princess Royal Maternity Unit and is really enjoying it. Thanks so much for all your support and prayers,
Jacob
The summer holidays are going to be upon us in the blink of an eye.
We are looking for some people to lead one (or more) of our summer sessions to give our regular Kids leaders a break. You will need to have a PVG with Mearns Free Church (this can be arranged through Alastair MacLellan or Sue Anderson and is a relatively painless procedure) and there will need to be two adults aged 18+ at each session. We will be focusing on Nehemiah this summer and full teaching materials and resources will be provided for each week.
Speak to Pauline if you can help on any of the following dates:
29th June, 6th July, 13th July, 20th July, 27th July, 4th August.
End of School Year Service and Outing
On Sunday 22nd June we will mark the end of another school year for our Mearns Free Kids.
This will be an all age service and an opportunity to hear about what we've been up to over the last year and to support and pray for the youngest members of our church family.
After this we plan to head to Dean Castle Country Park in Kilmarnock for a BYO picnic and fellowship and there will be the opportunity to choose from activities such as games, play park, woodland walk, exploring the castle, going to the cafe or simply sitting and chatting. Everyone is welcome to join us.
Speak to Pauline if you would like to come but need transport or would like to car share. If the weather is horrific then we will bring the fun to Belmont instead!
Concert times:
Saturday 3pm, Sunday 7pm
There are still tickets available especially for the Sunday evening so book soon.
This is always an excellent event and this year again the PG choir is joined by the junior choir.
Use the QR code above or look at the webpage to book.
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