No.88    25th April, 2026

Hi, 

Hope this finds you well.

I'm not sure when you will be reading this - The Kiltwalk - the Big Stroll! is on Saturday 25th but you can still support Maggie and Scott H using the details below - many already have...let's give the FoodBank a really great gift.

Thanks to those who having seen the note on the prayer app about me being in hospital sent kind wishes – especial thanks to those who didn’t find it necessary to make the comment that it's not the first time they had seen a text with my name and the word ‘clot’.  I can also publicly thank Margaret...her kindness and medical acumen is well known, but this week has opened up a space for her innovation to shine – I hadn’t realised that the ironing board could be adjusted so I could use it sitting down…or that the floors can be cleaned even quicker when you have crutches and that it was really a simple matter changing ones attitude and 'getting a grip'.

While we are on the topic of every day being a school day, do you have a PVG with the church? This week there is an online training session if you are someone who has a PVG certification - you'll find the details below.

Enjoy the mag.
MB

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Sunday 26th April

Sunday Morning
Rev Scott Kirkland
Mark ch14:12-25

Followed by Communion

Sunday Evening

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TUESDAY  2 - 3.30pm

A great opportunity to meet friends, and enjoy some tea, coffee and home baking.
If you want more information or need a lift to get along to the Cafe speak with Elizabeth Smith.

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We meet again for prayer this Wednesday, 22nd April at the Merrimans'.

Last week at PULSE prayer meeting Martin Smith reminded us what can happen when God's people pray for governments and leaders...and indeed what can be avoided. Under God's sovereignty these leaders have been given power and will make decisions affecting the peace, justice and morality in a country, and also how Christians can live out their faith day by day. In the 'Tea Break' below there is an opportunity to think and pray about our own politicians and their policies as we head into the May election.

And we have left in the article from last week about the situation in Nazareth - you can see that below - that is another area where praying for those negotiating for a peace that will endure is so necessary.  "Christians are called to pray not simply for an end to fighting, but for outcomes from Israeli‑Lebanese talks and Iran‑US negotiations that produce enduring, systemic peace".

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Letter from the Manse

Dear Church Family,

As many of you are aware, the Lord took to Himself our oldest member, David Arthur, this past week. David was a remarkable 100+ years old! We continue to hold Bryson, May, and the entire extended family in our prayers during this time of loss. We shall have a brief service of Committal at Mearns Cemetery then a service of thanksgiving at Mearns Kirk (2pm), Friday 1st May. 

It is very timely that the prayer I have shaped this week from the Westminster Confession of Faith Chapter 32, speaks about what happens to us when we die.  The Apostle Paul reminds us that while we rightly grieve our brothers and sisters in Christ, we do not grieve as those without hope. We stand on the certain promise of the resurrection; because Jesus died and was raised to new life, He is the "firstfruits" of all who die united to Him by faith.

It is a sombre fact of our fallen humanity that upon death, our bodies return to the dust from which we were formed (Genesis 3:19). This reflects the sovereign will of God, as the Psalmist writes:
"You turn people back to dust, saying, 'Return to dust, you mortals.'" (Psalm 90:3)

However, as beings created with both body and soul, God has granted our souls ongoing life. The glorious news of the Gospel is that for all who have turned to Jesus in repentance and faith, our souls pass immediately into the presence of the Lord. As Paul wrote under the Spirit’s inspiration, "To live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21).
While we often think of this "going to heaven" as the final chapter, that disembodied spiritual state, blessed as it is, is not the end of the story. Jesus rose bodily because He came to redeem the whole person. He is the Saviour of both body and soul, and indeed, of a whole new created order.

The souls of believers now await the Last Day, when the Lord will return to reunite our souls and bodies. In that moment, He will forever reverse the curse of Genesis, making us fit for the New Heavens and the New Earth (Revelation 21:1-8).
As the prayer below (adapted from the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 32) indicates, death is a fearful expectation without Christ. But today is the Day of Salvation. If you have never done so, I urge you to turn to Christ in faith and know this certainty in the face of your own death one day.
For all who already know Jesus as Lord, let us walk with great confidence. We follow a Shepherd King who does not merely watch us die, but leads us through death and into eternal life.

…On different and on far more mundane matters (but important mundane matters). We need your help. 

Firstly, this Saturday at 3pm at Belmont, we need help to bring chairs out the cupboard and down from upstairs (about 20). We need to lay them out for Sunday worship. This will take about 30 minutes. Can you text me please if available to help this Saturday please. 

Secondly, for the next eight weeks (till end of June) we need to do the same setting out of chairs (and bringing down from upstairs) for Sunday worship. This will take about 30 minutes. This job can be done on Friday nights after 6pm when the AV team are setting up or on Sunday mornings from 9.30. Can you let me know if you can help and which time you would prefer?

Thirdly, I will be on holiday in May. I normally transport AV equipment each week to and from Belmont. I am delighted that volunteers have agreed to do this on 5 of the 6 movements. However, I still need someone who can pick up the AV kit at a garage near Belmont at about 5.50pm on Friday 8th May and deliver to Belmont. The AV team will be waiting to set it up at 6pm. You need a car with back seats that go down. I can try and get "extra muscle" for the loading and unloading if that is necessary. 

Warmest Regards,
Scott K

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Letter from the 'Other' Manse

“Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places”  (Eph 6)
 
I’ve had a few conversations recently with folk around the church family about what it means to be in the skirmishes of everyday spiritual war. These verses from Ephesians come into my mind again and again in these sorts of chats.

It’s easy to look at people and political parties in this world as the enemy. After all, they’re smeared all over our screens with their comments, actions, or inactions. It’s certainly true that these individuals and groups can stand staunchly against what God’s Word says to be true, whether voluntarily or otherwise. We do see the fingerprints of evil across the political spectrum and across society, as well as in our own hearts, even as those who are fully forgiven by our Father.
Paul would remind us that our battle is not, ultimately, against any particular entity, other than the rulers, cosmic powers and spiritual forces of evil. We are engaged in a war, make no mistake, but it’s a war for the hearts and souls of God’s people in this world.

It’s a war that Jesus has already won. It’s a battle where Jesus has disarmed the spiritual forces that stand against Him, a battle where Satan’s accusations no longer stick to us, a battle where death is the last enemy to be defeated, both at the empty tomb and one day in the future when Christ returns.

We do not belong to a Kingdom under threat. Jesus’ Kingdom will outlast every other, with that wonderful picture in Revelation of everyone gathering around His throne to pay eternal homage to the Son who saves.
However, between now and that day, Christians are to wrestle. We wrestle against the same authorities, cosmic powers and spiritual forces of evil that Jesus fought against. These battles can take place in moments that might seem so pedestrian, so ordinary, or so “every day”.

When you and I face the temptation to do anything other than love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, or to not love our neighbours, the spiritual battle is on. This can be anything from feeling lethargic about church, feeling uncertain that Christ loves us, or feeling the pressure from the world around us to conform to its ways. Make no mistake, these are moments of spiritual battle, sometimes intense, sometimes more fleeting.

In each of these contexts, Paul tells us to suit up. Be ready, be unsurprised, and wear the armour that God provides. This means many things, but ultimately it means bringing the truth of the new self in the gospel, the truth of Christ and His Kingdom, to bear on these situations and moments. Picture your risen, victorious Saviour, He who crushes the head of Satan, and draw on His strength, the strength of His victory, to drive the decisions that we make, not in order to be saved, but because we already are saved. Be strong. Take a stand. Fight evil, wherever you see it, in the strength of your King.
Yours,
Scott H

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The subject of banning conversion therapy has come to the fore again as most of the Scottish political parties have included pledges to ban ‘conversion therapy’ in their manifesto.
Below is a reminder from the Let Us Pray team to bring us up to speed on what that term means. It is important that we know just how much this could affect Biblical preaching, prayer and parenting.

Before reading that you could watch this short video  - it will give you an overview to help understand what 'banning conversion therapy' means. 

With just weeks to go until the Holyrood election on 7 May, political parties in Scotland have begun publishing their manifestos. Several have included pledges to ban ‘conversion therapy’.(ie SNP, Greens, Scottish Labour, Scottish Lib Dems) The issue does not appear in the manifestos of the Scottish Conservatives, Reform UK or the Scottish Family Party.

What can you do?
We are asking for your help to raise the issue of a conversion therapy ban with candidates.

GO TO THE LET US PRAY PAGE HERE TO READ WHAT THE POLITICAL PARTIES ARE SAYING IN THEIR MANIFESTOS AND HOW YOU CAN ENGAGE WITH THEM ON THIS TOPIC.

A brief history
You may recall that when the Scottish Government published its proposals for a conversion therapy law in January 2024, it sparked a storm of criticism. Headlines warned that parents could face seven years in prison for dissuading their children from gender treatment, while lawyers, women’s groups, parents and church leaders condemned the plans as compelling adherence to a single ideological viewpoint. Much of the criticism centred on how broadly the Bill was drafted, since merely refusing to affirm a person’s LGBTQ+ identity in prayer or private conversation could have fallen foul of the Government’s proposed definition.

Amid rumours of a revolt from its own benches, and warnings that it could face yet another judicial review, the Scottish Government announced in September 2024 that it was shelving its own plans and handing responsibility for a Bill to Westminster. However, south of the border, legislation has been repeatedly delayed due to concerns that it could infringe on parental rights and religious freedom.

Leading KC Aidan O’Neill condemned the Scottish Government’s proposals as “fundamentally illiberal in intent and effect”. He confirmed they “would have the undoubted effect of criminalising much mainstream pastoral work of churches, mosques and synagogues and temples”, and warned that parents would face criminalisation for helping their children feel comfortable in their bodies instead of seeking lifelong medicalisation.

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We are hosting the Glasgow Partner Evening at Christ Church (Free Church) Glasgow
on Friday 1st May 7-9pm 

Join us to celebrate 50 years of God's faithfulness in sport, hear the vision for the future, and discover how we can enable the next season together.

Watch the brief video about Christians in Sport here: 
The evening is open to all who might be encouraged by what God is doing in the world of sport, whether they have been involved in the past or not. RSVP here: 
Thank you

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  KEEP THIS DATE!

Details of this event will be in the magazine next week.

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This week the prayer Scott K has written is based around what the Westminster Confession states about Of the State of men After Death and the resurrection of the dead.
I know there is a lot in the magazine that you can skim over as 'it doesn't apply to me'... would be pretty tricky to do it with this topic and this prayer - Scott outlines why in his letter above!
You can 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

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Kiltwalk - the Big Stroll!

Saturday 25 April starting at 10:30am

We want to support the Govan Free Church Food Bank and the Kiltwalk is a great focus to raise more funds.
Maggie Hailstones and Scott Hamilton are taking part along with David MacPherson, the minister at Govan Free Church.
They are doing The Big Stroll which is 14.6 miles long from Clydebank to Balloch.
By the time you read this they may have all ready completed the walk but you can still support the FoodBank (and congratulate Maggie and Scott) by using this JustGiving page for Govan FC funds. click here.

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PVG TRAINING - THIS WEEK

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

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A number of us from Mearns attended the Festival in Perth which the Orchestra invited us to over the last couple of years - this year it can't run and so they are coming to play in Glasgow. We hope a good number of us can head across to St Silas church and support them there.
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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Glasgow City Mission invites you to the “Light in the Darkness” conference — a time to reflect on the challenges facing people in Glasgow today and to hear stories of hope from those working at the heart of our city.

15th-16th MAY
We’ll also look at how movements that began right here in Glasgow have gone on to shape missions across the globe. Scan the QR code on the slide for full programme details and registration information.
Thank you so much for your support.

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All women are warmly invited to the Women for Mission Annual Get Together on Saturday 16th May at 2pm, held at Crow Road Free Church, Glasgow.
As well as launching our 2026/27 project, we’ll be hearing from a number of speakers who will share experiences and updates from work in Scotland, Ecuador, Bolivia, and more. We will also announce the total from our 2025/26 project Flourish. 
The meeting will last for around an hour and a half, after which we’ll enjoy refreshments together with plenty of sandwiches and home‑baked treats. We would love for you to join us.
The Annual Get Together is not ticketed, so please feel free to bring an interested friend!

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Ladybird Book of Mearns Free Church

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A rare opportunity - will you play your part?

All week, colleagues in Nazareth have been expressing optimism about the ceasefire and asking us to pray for a lasting peace in the Middle East. It may be a rare and precious opportunity - will you play your part? 

Ongoing talks between the United States and Iran, alongside the possibility of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, have emerged against the backdrop of war, regional realignment, and deep exhaustion with conflict. For the Nazareth Trust, these moments are not merely geopolitical; they are profoundly spiritual. We yearn to experience the ‘year of the Lord’s favour’ announced in Nazareth two thousand years ago. 

The present conflict has paradoxically produced new regional dynamics. Iran’s actions have driven Arab states into closer cooperation with Israel and the United States, weakening support for militant proxies such as Hamas and Hezbollah across much of the Arab world. This has reshaped alliances and created cautious momentum toward de‑escalation. Even so, there is a real danger that negotiations will settle for expedient ceasefires driven more by economic pressures than meaningful transformation, leaving underlying wounds and injustices unaddressed. 

In the Holy Land, any lasting peace will require more than security arrangements or diplomatic declarations. It must include healing - psychological, social, and spiritual - for communities scarred by over a century of recurring violence. This is where prayer is urgently needed. Christians are called to pray not simply for an end to fighting, but for outcomes from Israeli‑Lebanese talks and Iran‑US negotiations that produce enduring, systemic peace. Only such peace can create space for confession, lament, forgiveness, and restoration to take root. As the Nazareth Trust seeks to embody reconciliation and healing in the Galilee, we need the sustained prayer and support of the global Church. 

This may be the most promising moment in a generation. Faithful, persistent prayer for wise leadership, courageous compromises, and God‑given imagination remains essential if true healing is to begin. 

Murray
For more information around this article and the Nazareth Trust Hospital speak with Murray McM

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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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