No.76      31st January 2026

Hi, 
Hope this finds you well. If you are looking for January, I've no idea where it went either! So we are now looking at what is happening in church life at Mearns and beyond as we head for Easter - eg, next weekend is the UFM conference in Edinburgh -  we have been encouraged to get along to this event and all the details are below. And in March we are starting a 3-2-1 course which runs through the whole month and our Easter Fun Day...and much more.

But alongside one off events, do you think about making Sundays different? - is just 'Oh I don't do the shopping on a Sunday' At last Sunday evening's service Scott H opened up how remarkable it is that Jesus should be willing to call us his brothers and sisters...this is great news in itself, but it also has implications for how we should relate to one another, how we must consider one another, and so how we think about the local church that God has placed us in. In this week's Tea Break Megan Hill talks through how we view our Sundays and that includes some interesting comments on how these views reveal what we think of being in Mearns Free church...and from that, what we think about each other.

There's also news about SU Scotland and their work in so many different contexts across the country...nearer home for us, Pauline is taking kids to Gowanbank next weekend...and she is still looking for costumes for her Bible Alive events in schools. Sorry for any confusion caused last week as I know some people got mixed up with the photo of the kids dressed up and thought it was actually the first of the proposed CM Fashion column... try not to make same error this week with the Cafe Connect photo.

Enjoy the Mag,
MB

---

Sunday 1st February

Morning service - 10.30am
Rev Scott Hamilton
Mark ch10


...this week the Home Groups are on Sundays, Mondays or Tuesdays.
 

---

  
 The Wednesday mid week prayer meeting
meets in the Robertson's this month, in Beech Avenue.
7.15-8.15pm

---

GET READY FOR MARCH
We are planning to run the 321 evangelistic course - starting on 1st March.
321 is a four-week course that invites you to see life the way Jesus does.
Inspired by Jesus’ vision of reality, 321 is designed to help you think about God, the world and yourself through immersive videos and thoughtful illustrations.
It’s great for someone new to Christian things - no prior knowledge is needed and you’ll be helped to think through some of the big questions of life in a simple and easy to understand way.
Here is a taster VIDEO - more details to follow. 

---

---

Letter from the Manse

Dear Church Family,
Growth Through The Word Of God In Worship: This Sunday morning, I will be travelling to lead worship at Tarbert Free Church at 10:00 am, followed by Lochgilphead Free Church at 11:30 am. I will lead the congregations in the reading of God's Word and then seek God's Spirit to open our understanding of that Word. Our prayers and praise in both services will focus on the Gospel revealed in these Scriptures.

In my absence, Scott Hamilton will be opening God's Word to us at Mearns Free Church as we begin Mark chapter ten. I encourage you to read and pray through this chapter in advance, asking the Lord to speak to you and us as a congregation. The primary means of God's grace comes as the Spirit takes up the Scriptures and illumines their meaning for us. Through the reading and preaching of the Word of God He applies this truth to our individual hearts but also to our communal life as Mearns Free Church. It is by this "means of grace" (the reading and preaching of the Word of God) that we grow in maturity individually and as a congregation. Let us pray for this maturing.

Growing A Congregation Is More Than Numbers: As we pray for Mearns Free Church to grow, it’s easy to focus on the seats being filled on a Sunday. However, we all know I am sure that true maturity is measured not only in those being saved but also in the measure of our sanctification—as individuals and together as a congregation. Sanctification is being set apart as a people of God to serve God, His way. The better we understand God's Word the better we understand what sanctification means in each part of life. Significant to that growth in sanctification is lifting our eyes from our own immediate surroundings as individuals (and as a congregation) to the "ends of the world."

Part of that "ends of the earth" is most certainly the community here in Newton Mearns. We are planning an Easter Family Fun Day on March 28th to help our neighbours in Newton Mearns know that God's people are here in Mearns Free Church holding out the love of Jesus in His Good News. (See the article below.)
However, to help us grow in this outward-looking focus as a congregation, I am encouraging us to attend the UFM Missions Conference in Edinburgh. This lifts our heads to look out further than the G77 postcode. Let’s learn together how we can mature by growing our part in God’s global mission. I would love a good number of us to go along. Anita and I will be there. Our own Mary Robertson will be there as one of the organisers and I know others are making the journey.
How about you? Like to go but want to share transport? Let me know and I will try and partner you with others.
SEE DETAILS BELOW
With Warmest Regards
Scott K

Local Church, Global Mission
– Edinburgh

How can members and leaders of the local church be more effective in serving and reaching the nations?
Join us for Local Church, Global Mission, a half-day conference with inspiring teaching, discussion and prayer.

Saturday, 7 February 2026
Time: 9.15 for 9.30 start (refreshments included).
We will finish at approx. 14.00.
Venue: Chalmers Church
REGISTER HERE
Free
Keynote speaker: John McLernon, Mission Director at Crosslinks – a global mission society with ministries in 35 countries across five continents.
Programme details and booking link is here.
"It’s a conference for everyone because God’s call to all believers is to share the gospel with nations. We’re hoping people involved in children’s and youth work will come along to a seminar tailored to them. We’re praying for church leaders and members to be stimulated to think more about the role God has for them in his global plan. We trust some will be called to go overseas too"

---

We want to support the Govan Free Church Food Bank and one obvious way to do that is dontae things that can be taken down to Govan each week.
There will be a bag at the back of the hall where you can donate foodstuffs for taking to the Food Bank. We will have details of the sort of goods which are looked for most of all. Typically cans of soup, or pasta etc are popular. Bags of rice and dry pasta. Sugar, coffee and tea bags are opened and split into smaller bags so if you see deals on larger quantities that can still be used.
Speak with Sue A or Martin B for more details.

---

Could you explain the Gospel?

Since the start of the year  we have been asking the question 'Would yoube able to explain the Gospel to someone?'  What would you want to include, what would you want to focus on...and where to start? The young people are working through the 2 Ways to Live Gospel outline to see how they can share the Gospel and we are following their progress...
IMAGE 3

Like any good ruler, God cares enough to take our rebellion seriously. SIn is not just spoiling the world and messing up our lives - it is firstly God being offended and His Law being broken. He holds us accountable for our actions because it matters to him that we dishonour him, that we treat other people so poorly, and that we ruin his world.

God won’t let the rebellion go on forever. It would be unjust of him to do so. We experience God’s judgment against our rebellion in the reality of death. Suffering and death are not natural. The corruption, decay and death in our world are part of God’s punishment for humanity’s rejection of him.

But there is a further judgment that we will face. We will all one day stand before God and give account to him for our lives, for the damage we have done, and for our personal rejection of him as our ruler.

• God won’t let us rebel against him forever.
• God’s punishment for rebellion is death and judgment.

 (If you want to read more about this image and the rest of the  2 Ways to Live course  take a look here)

Scott K's prayer below is a good link to think more about this as Christians.

---

Ladybird Book of Mearns Free Church

---

28th March may seem a long way off but this event will be a great way of reaching out into our community and will have something for everyone.
Please put it in the diary.

More details to follow in weeks to come but having donations organised asap helps a lot.

Speak with Fiona or Brian Waugh if you can contribute in any way.

---

From the Other Manse

Hello Church Family, 

God’s Word is like one of those inflatable beachballs held underwater. The world may try to suppress it and silence the Creator’s voice, but His Word will always find a way to reappear, reemerge, and push its way back to the surface of our world.
That’s because God’s truth “at all times firmly stands” and will timelessly endure even when all other earthly kingdoms crumble. Hebrews 4:12 describes God’s Word as “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword”, without any expiry date, nourishing and necessary for every generation. Yet there are certain contexts where we feel a sense of trepidation as we contemplate potential opposition and hostility to the gospel.
One such context is the education sphere for our youngsters and teenagers. We hear stories of God’s Word being mocked or diluted. We hear stories of God’s people being asked to bow the knee to interfaith ideology. We pray, earnestly, for our Christian teachers and young people to be salt and light in these contexts, knowing how hard it can be at such a young age to stand for Christ against peer and professor alike.
However, God’s living Word “at all times firmly stands” inside a classroom and inside a Christian home. God’s living and active Word is just as sharp inside a school as it is inside a church.

Pauline and I had the privilege of going into Crookfur Primary School on Wednesday of this past week to witness this first hand.
I’m impressed by the resource that Scripture Union have created, a resource called Bible Alive, which I saw with my own eyes for the first time this week. It’s an unapologetic overview of God’s salvation story, told to us and for us through His Word. We covered Peter’s reinstatement after his denial of Jesus, Christ’s ascension, Pentecost, the early church, Paul’s missionary journey, his letters to the churches, and then the vision of the new heavens and the new earth in Revelation. We finished by explaining to these P6 kids that Jesus died for them to forgive them, to offer them eternal life at the side of the Father, and that it was up to each individual to respond.

Aside from Pauline leading and teaching so well, I was also impressed by the kids’ engagement and the willingness of the teaching staff to have us. We know that not every school is as open. We must pray on for these institutions. However, I can confidently say that God’s Word surfaced in at least three classrooms this past week as we did Bible Alive. It’s then a huge encouragement to think of all the other Bible Alive lessons and SU groups that are taking place across the country, and we pray on for fruit to be borne, perhaps not immediately, but certainly over the months and years ahead.

Regards, 
Scott H
 

---

The Cafe started again this week - can you get along on a Tuesday?



This week at Cafe Connect Scott gave a short talk reminding each of those there that even as they are getting older they can tell the next generation of God's goodness to them - using his bunnet to good effect as an object lesson!
The cafe is a really popular weekly meeting for lots of older people in the church - why not join us if you haven't been before.
If you need more information (or need transport) speak with Elizabeth S.

---

The newest issue of GCM's Connect magazine is out now - you can read it HERE.
This year, Glasgow City Mission turns 200, and to mark the occasion we have a year of celebrations and events planned. In this edition of Connect, we outline the history of Glasgow City Mission, explore our roots, and reflect on the legacy of Christian care for the broken, the lost, and the needy—both in Glasgow and beyond—as we share these celebrations with the wider network of City and Rescue Missions worldwide.

THANKS to all who have volunteered to be part of a team from Mearns Free covering the GCM's evening sessions from the 2nd February. 

Practical Items

There are a number of ways our congregation can support this ministry further, and GCM have put out this request.
Practical items are always incredibly welcome. Having access to essentials such as socks, boxer shorts, and toiletries is a huge blessing for our guests. We have showers and laundry facilities on-site, and being able to offer someone fresh underwear or toiletries truly makes a difference to their dignity and wellbeing.
Some churches also collect everyday items we use in our food Drop-Ins, such as diluting juice, tea, and sugar, all of which help us serve our guests throughout the year.
I would be happy to collate any donations and Charles can deliver them on the night he is there.
Thank you
Sue Amery-Behr

---

 

5 Reasons You Need Sabbath Rest​

This is a really helpful and practical article from Megan Hill. Do we think about making Sundays different? - or is that thought reduced to just not going to the shops on a Sunday...or feeling bad for going to a shop on a Sunday. There is far wiser thinking which can be done and this short article is a great start...here are the headings with a couple of extracts - click HERE TO read the rest.

Let’s consider five ways Sabbath rest reorients worn-out people toward what matters most.

1. Sabbath rest reorients our time.
2. Sabbath rest reorients our work.
3. Sabbath rest reorients our allegiances.

Throughout the week, we make time in our schedules for people who matter to us, but on the Lord’s Day, God makes time in our schedules for the people who matter to him. When we gather with the church, we gather with those for whom Christ died. They may not be the people we’d choose for ourselves, but they’re the people God has chosen for us. They’re the people Scripture calls us to love (John 13:34), greet (Rom. 16:16), know (3 John 15), pray for (James 5:16), serve (Gal. 5:13), forgive (Col. 3:13), and show hospitality toward (Rom. 12:13). Like me, you probably struggle to do these things in your busy week, but on one whole day, we have the opportunity to live out our commitment to God’s people in the church.

4. Sabbath rest reorients our priorities.

I live in the most secular metropolitan area in America. On Sunday morning, I pass neighbors mowing their lawns or on their morning runs. Some are loading up their cars with chairs and umbrellas for the beach; others are organizing the supplies for a home-improvement project. I’ve never seen my neighbors headed to church. Their Sunday practices testify to what’s important to them: a nice home, a healthy body, time with family. There’s nothing wrong with any of those, but none is the most important thing. Puritan pastor David Clarkson writes, “The most wonderful things that are now done on earth are wrought in the public ordinances, though the commonness and spiritualness of them makes them seem less wonderful.” In other words, what goes on in your church on Sunday may not look like much, but it’s the most significant thing happening anywhere in the world

5. Sabbath rest reorients our pilgrimage.

---

The latest SU Magazine is available here At this week's Prayer Meeting we considered that that the Gospel is to ALLnations, ie to those from ALL people groups. This includes those who are at the margins of society - which is why we want support Glasgow City Mission or the Food Bank at Govan in our own city and Open Doors ministry (see below)... SU's ministry takes this into account in a number of ways too - their Ministry at the Margins work can be read about in this magazine.

Could you give a gift either to a young person you know by sending them on an SU holiday?
OR think about...
Financial Help
"At SU Holidays we don’t want any young person to be unable to go on one of our holidays due to the cost.

Through generous donations we have set up a Holidays Sponsorship Fund which means we are able to help towards the cost of one of our holidays. However, the fund is limited and therefore we need to ensure that grants are awarded to those who are in need of financial aid. This is also limited to one weekend and one holiday per child per academic year.

To apply for a bursary, please fill in the form below and one of our team will be in touch with you, or call our team on 0141 352 7620.
When filling in the form, please be aware that the amount you would be paying towards the holiday can be paid up in as many instalments as you need, up until the month before the holiday begins. Please bear this in mind as you think about how much you would be able to pay towards the holiday."
Read more HERE

NEXT WEEKEND
SU regional primary weekend
There are still spaces remaining for the Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde weekend for P5-P7 pupils. 
6 - 8 Feb, Gowanbank , for P5 - P7 children,  £105.00
Pauline and Lynne Hamilton are leading this weekend and it should be filled with fun activities, good food and exploring the Bible together

---

Costumes for Bible Alive

We are looking for a couple of basic easy to put on Bible times tunic style outfits which will better fit P5/6 pupils. Our current outfits are either far too small or far too giant. We almost lost a pupil inside one last week!
Is anyone handy with a sewing machine and could make something and does anyone have any plain coloured material (preferably not white/cream) that could be used?
Pauline

---

World Watch List 2026 has been launched!
Discover the impossible faith of the persecuted church. The World Watch List Top 50 is your must-have prayer guide to the world of the persecuted church. Features in-depth information and prayer points for all top 50 countries, as well as inspiring stories and helpful background features.

Find out more about their resources here.

---

If you read Scott's letter above you will see the thinking behind his using of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF) as a framework for prayer - helping us to pray through the great truths contained there... This week's focus is Christian Liberty & Liberty of Conscience.
It links well with the Two Way to Live image this week - our faith in Jesus and assurance of forgiveness does not give us a lax attitude to sin and its offence to God.

You can read it here.

---

‘Left to Their Own Devices’
- A Care for the Family Meeting

Parenting support event to Glasgow on the 19 May,
Newton Mearns Baptist Church at 7.30pm.
great event for parents of children aged 8+

---