No.86      10th April, 2026

Hi, 

There's been lots of news about humans going through the skies - farther than any others before - in Artemis 2. It's incredible stuff to hear about but it got me pondering about something more spectacular which we read about in Acts ch1 ie. Jesus and the account of his ascension - leaving this earth bodily, in a cloud. Where did Jesus go, and how, and why? Read more about this in the Tea Break below.

As ever, there are a number of events coming up and you need to mark things in your diary - one we haven't mentioned before is the Church's 2nd birthday -we are having a walk to mark this occasion, so any cake involved will include the opportunity to burn off the calories too.

Enjoy the mag.
MB

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Saturday 11th April

nb - this time the monthly prayer meeting is being held in Belmont
Usual time of 9am - 10am

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Sunday 12th April

Sunday Morning
Rev Scott Kirkland
Mark ch13

No Sunday evening programme this week - see below  in Scott's letter for details of April - June programme

  
We meet again this Wednesday, 15th April at the Merrimans'.

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WHAT HAPPENED NEXT?
Last weekend it was great to have  opportunities to consider why we place our hope in Jesus' death and resurrection - and of course, at Christmas we spend weeks reflecting through Advent on the coming of our Saviour and his taking on humanity. But we are often less focussed and less knowledgeable about what happened after the resurrection. However, Jesus teaching the disciples for 40 days and then the Ascension of Jesus should not be marginalised because it says a huge amount about who Jesus is, and it has implications for us as his people, the church.  I know some churches have a specific point in the 'church calendar' for remembering this fact (ie 40 days after Easter Sunday) but let's start our reflections early so we get the importance of the Ascension fixed in our minds.

What happened next? Where is Jesus now? Why didn't Jesus stay with the disciples? These sorts of question need answered especially when we read of the very remarkable (it's meant to be of course) and visually stunning event of Jesus being taken bodily back into Heaven in a cloud. These two links below from Ligonier let you hear (or read) two great insights into this amazing event. 'Dominion Regained' in particular really shows the scope of what Jesus' resurrection has obtained for us. Highly recommended!
He ascended into Heaven
Dominion Regained

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Letter from the Manse

Dear Church Family,
As I look back on our time together over Easter, my heart is truly full. I suspect many of you share my deep sense of gratitude for the way the Lord spoke to us through Scott H's ministry and for his self-giving to our church family.

Currently, Scott H is taking some well-deserved time for holiday. I invite you to join me in praying for a season of significant refreshing for him.
However, let’s also hold one another in prayer regarding rest. While many have found time to pause, I am mindful of those in our midst whose schedules or burdens haven’t allowed for this. Tiredness can be a heavy weight, and we know that the enemy often uses our weariness as a foothold for temptation. May we be a community that watches over one another, praying for strength where there is weariness and peace where there is strain.

Walking Forward Together:




As we look ahead, I am excited about the ways we will continue to gather around God’s Word. We have a few wonderful opportunities on the horizon:

Home Groups:
Women of Faith (Starting April 19th) We are beginning a new series exploring the lives of "Women of Faith" from the Old Testament. I want to emphasize that this study is for everyone,—men and women alike. There is so much wisdom to be gleaned from these lives of courage.

• Sunday Nights (April 19)
• Monday Afternoons (April 20)
• Tuesday Nights (April 21)

and thereafter…If you haven't joined a group yet, please reach out to me. We would love to pull up a chair for you.

Joint Services at NMBC
It is always a joy to partner with our brothers and sisters at NMBC. We will be mostly alternating our Home Group weeks with these joint gatherings, diving deep into the letters of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd John (we meet at NMBC on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month).
A Special Note for April 26th: We are starting our joint services with a guest. The Rev. Dr. Willie Philip (Tron Church) will be joining us to speak on "Christianity in Scotland Today." He will reflect on Scotland presently and how we might engage faithfully in the "public square" as believers in our current culture.
I am so looking forward to seeing how the Lord uses all of this to shape us. Thank you for being a people who love the Word and love one another.

On a different matter but related...What does it truly mean to be the "Church"? Is it merely a place we visit as individuals regularly before retreating back to our private lives? Or is it a covenant community who share a responsibility for one another, walking in holiness as instructed by the Word of God, empowered by the Spirit of God and under the gentle guidance of our elders? For those who know the Scriptures, the answer is clear, it is the latter: we are a body united to Christ, one another and knitted together by the Spirit.

The Heart of Leadership
We often speak of our call to care for one another, but we speak less frequently about the specific role of our church leaders. We are aware of their more public work. However, part of the work of overseeing a congregation involves the difficult but necessary task of "speaking into" the lives of members when they wander from the ways of the Lord (see the role of elder in Acts 20.17-38). This is invarably done behind the scenes and with few being aware of it. I am deeply grateful to God that such moments have been rare in our current church life, yet they remain a vital part of how we love one another.
I mention this particular aspect of the elders role because for the past thirty weeks, I have crafted prayers shaped by the Westminster Confession of Faith and shared in our magazine. This week, we reach Chapter 30: "Of Church Censures." This topic is a challenge to the individualistic worldview of our modern age which we can be tempted to bring into our church life. It is an essential aspect of growing a healthy Gospel Church. 

Discipline as an Act of Love
It is vital to understand that the goal of church "censure" (or "discipline") is always love for the Lord and one another. According to the Westminster Confession of Faith it exists to:

• Deter us from the path of sin.
• Protect the peace and health of the entire Body (even guarding a congregation from the wrath of God).
• Preserve the honour of Jesus Christ and the purity of the Gospel in our midst.

Essentially, it is becuase we care enough for one another (and needless to say the Lord Himself) that we help bring one another back to the Lord when we have wandred. 

Two Kingdoms, One Lord   
Though unstated, Chapter 30 reminds us of a distinction. In the "Kingdom of this World," God has delegated civil/civic authority to leaders and governments to rule the civic sphere. However, in the "Kingdom of Heaven", manifested here on earth as the Visible Church, He has entrusted specific caring authority to Office Bearers (our Elders).
Our Elders are charged with the heavy but holy responsibility of overseeing the Word, the sacraments, and the spiritual health of our church community. They have the joy of declaring the forgiveness of sin and the promise of eternal life to the repentant, but also the duty of addressing clear departures from God’s Word.

Under-Shepherds of the Chief Shepherd
Jesus Christ is our Chief Shepherd, but He has appointed "under-shepherds" to love, feed, and protect His sheep. I can tell you most certainly that none of our Elders relish the "correcting" side of their calling. However, they are all deeply aware of how much it hurts the Church if they are not faithful to the Lord in this regard. We truly believe that a healthy gospel church needs good biblical discipline. It is a blessing to the entire congregation.
I hope the prayer I have crafted and included below helps us articulate these truths to the Lord in prayer. But I also hope it also serves as a call to pray for the purity of Mearns Free Church and for the grace-filled, courageous leadership of our Elders.

With warmest regards in Christ,
Scott K.

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Easter - Dawn Service

It was a privilege to meet on Easter Day for ‘Dawn Worship’ at Rouken Glen.
Gathering initially at 6.30am in the garden centre car park, Scott K led us in a brief reflection.
We then walked around 10 minutes to a clearing where we again read Scripture, sang, prayed and pondered the incredible news that gradually filtered out on the first Easter morning that Jesus had risen from the dead ‘just as he said.’
On returning to Belmont House we enjoyed a breakfast together with ‘lashings of tea and coffee’ 🙂.

Iain McC

In the end the Bacon Rolls just had to make an appearance - there had been a sense from those with responsibility in the kitchen, that just the thought of serving a purely 'Continental' breakfast, meant they might not have been able to look at themselves in the mirror again (albeit, a flattering slimming mirror). 

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Sunday Evenings...

 

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KEEP THIS DATE!

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This week the prayer Scott K has written is based around what the Westminster Confession states about Church Censures.
In his letter above Scott outlines why the topic of this prayer is, while being sensitive and difficult sometimes, a vital part of loving individuals and a part of maintaining a healthy church. "We humbly acknowledge the great privileges and solemn responsibilities of being members of your visible Church."
Read his overview in his letter and read the prayer HERE

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It's great to see people at church supporting Govan Free Church's Food Bank regularly.
Whether, biscuits, tins, rice, cereal, pasta, pasta sauce, these have all been welcomed.
We will have a bag at the door of the gym on Sunday morning, or leave on the table if you don't see it. 
If you have any questions about the Food Bank speak with Sue A or Martin and Margaret B

Last week we had a new visitor - a dog with a pink tutu - what could be more 'Govan' than that!?

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Get involved...

Below are some events to support, attend and take part in:

Saturday 25 April starting at 10:30
David MacPherson, the minister at Govan Free Church is taking part in the Kiltwalk to raise funds for the church's foodbank that we support with food donations and two volunteers
David is taking part in the Big Stroll which is 14.6 miles long from Clydebank to Balloch.
Do you fancy signing up to walk with David and support Govan Free Church? It would be fantastic if Mearns Free Church had a presence. 

Maggie Hailstones and Scott Hamilton are also taking part and there is a JustGiving page for Govan FC funds. It is here.

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Everyone who has PVG certification through Mearns Free Church must undergo safeguarding training (or refresher training) every 3 years. Some have still to undertake this training. The Free Church provides excellent online safeguarding training (places can be booked through the following link: Safeguarding Training Booking – Free Church of Scotland).
The next training sessions are on:
Tuesday 28th April – 19.30
Monday 25th May – 19.30

‘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+


 

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Can you join the audience on 15th May to encourage this ministry for disabled people who love music.
Ian White is leading the Orchestra and you can hear more from Ian in this short clip here.

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Ladybird Book of Mearns Free Church

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Vacancies in the Free Church of Scotland Central Office Team

We are looking for enthusiastic and capable individuals to join our Central Office Staff Team.
Camps Coordinator (full-time) Details HERE
We are looking for an enthusiastic and energetic person to join our team of committed staff in the Free Church offices in Edinburgh to help in the efficient planning and administration of the Camps programme. The Camps Coordinator will have frequent contact with people from across the Church, including ministers, volunteer leaders and parents. The post holder will be highly organised and self-motivated and have a passion for supporting work amongst children and young people.

Finance Administrator (Mat Leave Cover) (full-time)
The Free Church of Scotland is looking for a capable Finance Administrator to join the Central Office staff team. This position is to cover maternity leave from late July 2026. Working as a part of a small finance team, the role will have a particular focus on payroll and payments, and will involve regular contact with other staff, ministers, treasurers and suppliers. The post holder will be highly organised and self-motivated and have a desire to manage Church finances well.  Details HERE
 
Accountant (part-time)
A capable Accountant is sought to join our team in the Central Office to help with specific projects and support the regular financial work to make the Finance Manager role more manageable. This is a new part-time role on an initial one or two-year contract. This is an exciting opportunity for someone to use their professional skills in a vocational Christian role. Details HERE
 
More information, full job descriptions and an application form can be obtained from the Free Church Website.

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At the AGM one of the areas covered by Sandy was how we can support the work of the Free Church and our own Mearns Free Church by arranging our legacies accordingly.
There are details in this FCoS leaflet 'A LASTING LEGACY: IMPACT THE FUTURE' - click here.
And if you want to see how this can be part of YOUR legacy this document is a template to which you can add your own details and that of Mearns Free. Speak with Sandy McD for more details about this.

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TUESDAYS, 2 - 3.30pm
in Newton Mearns Baptist Church
A great opportunity to meet friends, and enjoy some tea, coffee and home baking.

NEXT CAFE IS 21st APRIL
If you want more information or need a lift to get along to the Cafe speak with Elizabeth Smith.

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