No.107     2nd October

Hi, 
There was a short glitch with the magazine this week and it was offline for a bit. Sorry about that.

We are always keen for people in Mearns Free sending in contributions for the magazine - please keep that in mind if you are reading something you want to share, or have heard about an event that others may be interested in. For instance Catherine sent me the link for the new initiative from 10ofthose to help those who can't afford books. Read about that below...and Pauline sent in news of two events which SU Scotland are running - worth taking a look at.

Enjoy the mag.
M

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Sunday 4th October

Sunday Morning - 10.30am
Rev Scott Hamilton
John ch15


...meeting this week on Sunday, Monday and Tuesdays.
Speak with Scott K to get involved in a group.

 
Meets on Sunday Evenings
Games, friendship and studies in Exodus this session.
 

Tuesdays - 2pm - 3.30pm
The Cafe meets in Newton Mearns Baptist Church.
If you want to know more about the Cafe (who it's for, what happens each week, or if you can volunteer too etc) then speak with Margaret Boyd.
If you would like to organise a lift please speak with Sandy H.

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Wednesday, 7th October
Our weekly prayer meeting  on Wednesdays is at 7.15pm
Meeting in the Merrimans' throughout October.

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Service of Profession of Faith

Sunday 25th October
We shall have a service of Profession of Faith and receiving of new members on 25th October.
Is this something you should be praying about and considering for yourself?
Please do pray for others. If you have repentant faith in Jesus or worshipping regularly with us but not a member, speak with Scott H or myself.
Scott K.

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Put this date into your diary as we host a Fundraising Afternoon Cafe Event for the Preshal Trust.
Who could you bring along to support this afternoon, and introduce them to where we enjoy church each Sunday.

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10ofthose's new annual event, happening every 10th October.
It's a day to celebrate making books affordable and accessible so more people are pointed to Jesus, whether that's for the thousandth time, or for the first time.
click here to read more and watch the video about this day

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The Home Groups are running this week - we are in 2 Corinthians ch5. Below is a reflection/prayer from Scotty Smith based around 2 Corinthians 5:13,14 – If it seems we are crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if we are in our right minds, it is for your benefit.  Either way, Christ’s love controls us.

Craving to Be Controlled by the Love of Jesus

Heavenly Father, Paul’s words convict and allure me. What a grand image and possibility—being controlled by the love of Jesus; not merely inspired or encouraged, but controlled, compelled, and constrained by Jesus’ love for us. I can’t imagine a more-to-be-desired way of doing life.
I’d be freer from people’s opinions, my vendettas, and cultural agendas. I’d be more intrigued than irritated with people; quicker to repent and forgive, than judge others and nurse grudges.
My thoughts, words, and choices would be shaped more by your grace than by my impulses, whims, and sin. I’d be more generous, and less selfish, more faith-full and less fear-full, more trusting and less suspicious, more present and less busy.

Through Jesus, I’ve been set free from the old way of life...sin’s dominion is broken, its penalty is exhausted, and its presence will be eradicated one Day. Make this palpable, joy-fuelling, and liberating today, Father.

He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.
May the love of Jesus be so compelling to me, I’ll gladly live for him… in my relationships and vocation, in my sufferings and my rejoicings, in my weaknesses and encouragements, in the face of known disappointments and with an eye toward an unknown future.
So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ beautiful and bounteous name.

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Ladybird Book of Mearns Free

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NEWS  (x 2)

We are excited to launch our very first Online Art Auction, with every piece generously donated by artists who want to support the work of SU Scotland in the Scottish Borders and beyond.
By participating in the online auction, you are not just taking home a beautiful piece of artwork — you are also making a meaningful difference in the lives of the children and young people that we serve.
Every piece auctioned funds real, on the ground work in The Scottish Borders and across Scotland—from Bible engagement groups to pastoral support and volunteer training.
Take a look HERE, place your bid and spread the word! 

SU Scotland are looking for more people to train as cooks for residential weekends and week long events.
There is a one day training course coming up for anyone who may be interested. It provides training in the practical aspects of the role such as planning menus, budgeting, leading a kitchen team, communicating with Team Leaders, sourcing ingredients, and more.
Saturday 14 November | 9.15am – 4.30pm | Glasgow
Sign up HERE - or email volunteers@suscotland.org.uk for more information

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The church's perceived feebleness is just one reason for why the world will hate it. God's ways are different from the world's - this ties in with our passage for this Sunday from John 15.
19 If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.
20 Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master. ’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.

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Govan Free Church

It's always great to be able to take some groceries with us down to the FoodBank - 
Things like sugar, coffee, teabags, pasta can be split into smaller bags for families so don't worry about bringing large bags.
Speak with Sue A, Mary R or Martin B for more info.

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CAN YOU HELP?!

If you are on Facebook or Instagram please engage with the Mearns Free pages.
One of the ways we would like to raise the profile of Mearns Free is by using social media. We have been highlighting our services and the teaching on Ecclesiastes recently on social media, above is an example from Facebook a few weeks ago (we did the same for the Easter day earlier this year and the Community Weekend).
However, we really need YOU (if you use social media) to like, comment or forward etc these posts in order for as many people in the area to notice them. Can you help!?

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COFFEE AND TREATS AFTER CHURCH

BAKING  - it's great that so many people are on the baking rota - this means that it is around every 7-8 weeks that they are called on. Can you join this group - or know someone in your family who is a great baker, who could make something which you can pass off as your own work? Speak with Margaret Boyd
CUPS - already a lot of people bring their own cup along - this does save on costs for paper cups so if you can bring your own along that would be great,  and the team will almost certainly speak about you behind your back less than they currently do!