No.52 27th June 2025
Hi, hope this finds you well.
As Scott mentions in his letter the Magazine will take a break over the summer weeks - However, there is likely to be a
Summer Special in late July...that phrase should trigger some memories of those who bought weekly comics like the Beano, Roy of the Rovers, Victor etc but also looked forward to the Summer special editions... anyway, at that stage we will be looking ahead to the Community Week events and want to make sure we have details to hand so we can support, invite others and encourage young people to go to their activities too. More of that below.
Enjoy the Mag
M
Sunday 29th June
Morning service - 10.30am
Rev Scott Kirkland
Mark Ch2
with Communion
Home Groups are on this Week.
The groups finish for the Summer - if you haven't been involved or need to get reinvolved then speak with Scott.
From The Manse
Dear Congregation,
The magazine will go on holiday for the summer. We are truly indebted to Martin for the amazing work he puts into the magazine every single week. It is not only the content we should be so grateful for, but this constancy.
I frequently recommend Christian books for us to read as a congregation. I trust you find them beneficial. In this summer edition of the magazine I want to do something I have never done with a congregation before! This is a first for me because both books I want to suggest you might read are “fiction”. However, these suggestions are really only to those of you who already read fiction as a habit and especially to those of you who do so when you go on summer holiday. If you are not a reader of fiction, ignore!
Francine Rivers has written several novels (I think it may be thirteen). She sets her novels in a variety of historical and geographical contexts. I believe she researches them well. I point you towards these two novels because they are saturated with biblical themes.
Now, let me confess, I don’t like “Christian novels”. In my limited experience of this genre, it is done badly. The theology is often wrong (I have in mind a best seller which became a “must read” in many evangelical churches and yet the theology was atrocious). The "world" is also frequently presented in an unrealistic and superficial way. I believe Francine Rivers avoids both pitfalls in these two novels. Her characters experience life in the raw!
Apart from finding the books “gripping”, I found the storylines called me to reflect on my own walk with the Lord – my sanctification.
So, here goes…
The first book of the trilogy series “Mark of the Lion”, is called, “A Voice in the Wind”. This book (and then the next two) traces the life of a Christian slave woman called Hadassah. It is set in the Middle-East in the 1st century Roman Empire. Rivers says of her novels:
Almost every story I’ve written since becoming Christian has come from a question relating to a struggle in my own faith walk. With “A Voice in the Wind,” that question was “How do you live out your faith among family members and friends who are not at all interested in the gospel?” I became fascinated by the early martyrs and how they had the courage to die for their faith. So I decided to begin the story in AD 69-70 with the chaos and destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple. Through the character of Hadassah, the answer came: it’s not what you say; it’s how you live that has the impact. Also, you don’t need courage ahead of time. God prepares you and supplies you with the courage you need to face difficulties when you need it.
It may lead you to read the other two books in the trilogy (which I have not yet read). “A Voice in the Wind” can however be an interesting read on its own.
The second book, called “Redeeming Love” I recommend with great hesitancy. This book is set in 19th century California during the gold rush. The story line exposes the worst in humanity -we are sinful in thought, word and deed. However, it exposes this sinfulness to magnify the grace filled love of God and how that grace-filled love can truly transform the behaviour of some (especially the central male character) and begin to heal and restore the brokenness of others (especially the central female character). “Redeeming Love”
does not retell the story of the bible book Hosea in 19th century Californian clothes. However, it does draw heavily on themes from that book. It is a human love story. However, as the title highlights, Rivers’ real aim is to highlight the incredible story of God’s redeeming love. Her book is fiction, but I think it draws us wonderfully into the loving mercy of God.
There are moments in the book which are disturbing and I found myself moved to tears at parts. There are allusions to physical violence and sexual violence. If I was to appoint a censorship rating, it would be at least an “R”. You should not read Redeeming Love if you are particularly sensitive/vulnerable to descriptions of violence and especially sexual violence (the details are not there however to be gratuitous). I will be interested to get your response to either or both these books.
Francine Rivers: A Voice In The Wind (Monarch Books), Redeeming Love (Multnomah Publishers).
On a different but related holiday theme. If heading on holiday, do some homework in advance. Where is there a good church near you for you to worship while you are away? Delight to worship under God’s Word in a extended part of your church family. Take the greetings of the elders and congregation of Mearns Free Church with you.
Hope you have a lovely summer,
Warmest Regards
Scott
Carry Each Others Burdens
Twice in last few days the UK Parliament have made attacks on human life - those just beginning and those at end of life.
The Home Groups are currently looking at Daniel, and in the vision revealed to him it is clear that we live in a world which will rebel against God's truth. We shouldn't be surprised by what we see going on - but we should be grieved and should pray. What is clear is that these are not merely different human philosohies or ways of governing - behind it are Satanic forces.
If we believe we are just here by chance then understanding human life becomes so different - Why value it? Who gives it value? When does an individual stop having value? But God is reigning and watching this world and in the vision Daniel sees a God who will judge the actions of these governments, destroy them, and finally bring in a glorious everlasting Kingdom.
Speak Life has produced this short video to remind us of our responsibility.
"Twice this week our parliament has tried to alleviate burdens — at the beginning and end of life. But we’re not meant to eliminate burdens, we’re meant to carry them"
Facebook version here
Twitter version here
MB
Holiday Club bookings are live!
Children (who will be in P2-P7 after the summer) can now be registered for our Tale of Two Kings holiday club!
Click this LINK to register
Please continue to pray for preparations for this and tell people locally about it. Please share the link above with anyone you know with children of primary school age in our area. If you are a facebook or instagram user then please also share the church posts about holiday club.
There are flyers on the table at the gym hall door - please take some and hand to people you know with primary school age children. It would be great to have to print more rather than be recycling them in August!
Red t-shirts
If you have a Mearns Free Church red t-shirt and you are not involved with the community week this year then could you please hand it in to either Pauline, Scott or Sandra (preferably washed!) over the next few weeks so we don't need to order anymore. Thank you!
Community Week Events for Your Diary
In addition to the Holiday Club keep in mind two evening events that week:
First is the Youth Night - it's not just for our youth group! Any secondary school children you know are really welcome. Please forward them the details and invite them along.
Speak with Margo if you need more info.
To finish the week we have our...
The Usual mix of activities for all the church family and beyond.
A great event to bring family and friends along to.
Speak with Martin B or Pauline for info about this.
Ladybird Book of Mearns Free Church
The Midweek prayer meeting is on a summer break -
look out for details on when and where it returns.
Mearns Free Church also 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 or email Margaret (mandmboyd@hotmail.co.uk) if you would like to be added to this WhatsApp group.
Children/youth provision over the summer holidays
Under 5s
There will be an unsupervised creche with toys, books, colouring etc available in one of the classrooms each week over the summer. If the service livestream is working we hope to have that on the board in the room. Which classroom is TBC due to the school requiring the use of our usual creche room.
P1-P7
There will be sessions for children of Primary age in the ICT room where our group usually meets.
S1-S3
There will be clipboards, pens and sermon notes sheets available on the table next to the gym hall door for those who wish to use these. Please return the clipboards and pens at the end of the service!
For everyone! If you notice someone new with children over the summer weeks then please let them know what is available as Pauline will not be about every week.
Scripture Union Scotland are gearing up for another busy summer of holidays and missions.
Many of our young people will be attending camps as both campers and trainee leaders. Please pray!
SU Scotland run a prayer hotline while events are happening. Click here to sign up and get those updates. You can choose which weeks you would like to pray when you sign up. It is a vital part of all that will happen this summer.
Conversation About Future Property
Dear Congregation,
Following our recent conversation after worship regarding the future ownership of church property, we understand that some of you were unable to attend.
To ensure everyone has the opportunity to hear the same discussion and ask questions, the Property Team will be hosting two smaller meetings at Sandy's house ("Duisdale", Hazelden Road, Mearns Kirk) at 7:30 pm on:
- Tuesday, 22nd July
- Thursday, 24th July
If you were unable to attend the first conversation, please take advantage of one or both of these opportunities. You are also welcome to attend either or both if you would simply like to hear the information previously shared at church again. Questions can be asked at these sessions.
You will find three related documents accessible - click on the links below:
NMNC Property Fund Pledge Form
MFC Property Group (PowerPoint Presentation)
MFC Property Notes for the congregation
In the meantime, please continue to pray diligently that the Lord would open the way to an appropriate property for worship (if that is indeed His will), and pray specifically for the timing of this property.Please read through the documents which are linked and prayerfully consider how each of us might personally contribute to this future. This future seems only possible if the Lord moves us as a whole congregation to embrace it.From The Property Team
DATE FOR DIARY
The church Golf day is on Saturday morning 20th September at Fullerton Golf Course in Troon .
There are still places available for you and any golf friends you would like to invite to join us.
The cost is around £40 .
Please let me know if you are interested or want to know more.
Val Forgie
Mighty Convoy
Help to buy and send an Ambulance to Ukraine
Gordon Stewart is a teacher in Mearns Castle High School and well known to those from local churches who have appreciated his help and support as they have done chaplaincy and SU work over the years. He is currently involved in raising funds for an important cause which we want to highlight to the congregation - Gordon explains more here and on the videos below:
"I am currently raising funds to take an ex-service UK Ambulance filled with one ton of medical aid and drive it to Ukraine.
There is a great humanitarian need in Ukraine currently and the Christian Medical Association of Ukraine have a depo in Lviv where they can receive aid and distribute it across the hospital network.
To raise funds, I am currently running a minimum of 5km per day for 100 consecutive days."
Read more and watch Gordon's video as he explains fully the background and his plans on this Facebook clip.
The backstory to Mighty Convoy's vision of purchasing ambulances and 4x4s to get help to Ukraine is
here.
Making a donation can be done simply at this page.
Last week we had some kids songs in the service -
Both words and music were very good and if you have a moment with children and grandchildren you can encourage them to make these part of their life's soundtrack by letting them see the videos that go with these songs:
The Greatest One - watch and listen
here
Lift up Your Voices - watch and listen
here
All Through History - watch and listen
here
There are some great comments after this last song on the Youtube channel:
"Most best song!!!!!"
"My favourite bit of this song is when it says you are just the same when it comes to me. I was at a camp and we shouted this bit of the song"
"I have been to church twice now this was todays song :) "
"Brilliant and Dynamic song but what about female Bible Heroines for a bit of gender balance?"
That last comment is a challenge - anyone want to write a suitable verse over the Summer hols?!
Free Church of Scotland Central Office Team
The Free Church of Scotland is looking for an enthusiastic and capable person to serve as Finance Manager in the Central Office staff team. The Finance Manager will manage the finances of the denomination, provide financial information to boards, support congregational treasurers and lead a small finance team. This is an exciting opportunity for someone to use their professional skills in a vocational Christian role.
More information, a full job description and an application form can be obtained from the Free Church website or by emailing Fiona Russell (fiona.russell@freechurch.org).
Summer Reading 🌞
Why not make a good Christian book part of your Summer reading?
Scott mentions two books in his letter above.
And if you click back to last week's magazine (no.51)
here there are details of
'Jesus through the eyes of a women' - It walks through the Gospels and takes time to see how Jesus interacted with various women who he met, who hosted him, and who supported the disciples.
Going to The Fringe?
We really enjoyed LAMPS being at MFC for their Easter drama, The Passion.
They are now playing at the Edinburgh FRINGE with
The Passion and another show too..
.Salt and Light
"Lake Galilee, AD 30, and in the little fishing community of Capernaum, rumours of miracles and healings abound. Five members of one family struggle to make sense of the radical new teacher walking their shores. Who is this man? What is he? And what might it mean for them and their lives? Join us around the campfire for shanties, stories and spoken word – the tales of the first disciples."
Both
Salt and Light and The Passion will be performed at Palmerston Place Church, 12 Palmerston Pl, Edinburgh EH12 5BJ
6 – 9 August 2025.
Dates and times of both performances
HERE
Mens Training Weekend in September
Join us this September for a weekend gathering focused on the theme of how we can pursue holiness.
Come and have your mind stimulated and your heart warmed as we seek God together. There will be heart-piercing preaching, laughter and friendship, self-reflection and prayer, good food, and practical seminars on spiritual growth.
A lot of Christian men need their lives refocused on God. Don't miss this opportunity to put first things first. You will benefit; your family will benefit; your church will benefit. Scotland needs nothing more than men whose hearts are on fire for the glory of God. Come and reignite your passion for holiness.
All the details you need are
here
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.
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