No.31 31st January 2025
Hi,
At the Prayer meeting this week we thought about the armour of Christ we are invited to put on each day - so many different contexts where there are decisions to be made to follow the way of Jesus or the way of self. What will you put on? To choose an angry word or to hold the tongue? Or to be generous or mean spirited? Serving or being served? Choices we make to put on the armour and battle for the right things and God glorifying things. It's especially difficult sometimes when physically you are weak and under pressure with worries. So it's good to stop and pray for each other at Mearns Free and be thankful for each other, and ask the Lord to strengthen the weak and encourage the sad.
I hadn't realised that there was so much about prayer in the magazine this week or links to prayer topics and lists too.
It's a position of weakness and neediness we take up when we realise we need the Lord at every turn so we stop and pray.. and as we do that we acknowledge both God's greatness (because He can help) and his compassion (because He is ready to listen and act.)
Enjoy the Mag.
MB
Sunday 2nd February
Morning service- 10.30am
Rev Duncan Peters - Matthew ch28
HOME GROUPS session 2
Wednesday - PULSE Prayer Meeting
7.15pm -
Letter From The Manse
Dear Congregation,
John McNicol was appointed by our elders to represent us at Presbytery. One of the fundamentals of Presbyterianism is that all elders are equal in status whether they are called ministers (“teaching elders”) or simply elders (“ruling elders”). Decision making “courts” like Presbytery aim to have a balance of elders and ministers present. John is therefore our “Presbytery Elder” and we both attend Presbytery each month.
Presbytery meetings tend to be on the last Tuesday of each month and last from 6.30pm- when they finish! This finishing time has thus far been between 9.30pm-10.30pm. The meetings have worship, prayer and so far the business has seemed good and necessary. This is a public meeting (unless something has to be heard in private). If you would like to attend one month, let me know and we will be happy to take you along.
John and I also serve on subcommittees. I am on the Personnel Committee and John on the Finance Committee.
Want a role at Presbytery?: The Presbytery “minute clerk”, Fiona Cameron has recently retired from this role. Would you like to serve Presbytery in this capacity? Many of you are more than capable for the role. You do not need to be an elder or currently at Presbytery and this role is open to men and women. You would have to fulfil at least two criteria: One you would have to be comfortable taking notes on a laptop and secondly, be able to attend most of the main Presbytery meetings. (When unable to be attend a temporary minute clerk would be appointed on the night.)
This week Presbytery appointed me as Interim Moderator at Bishopbriggs Free Church. I will “preach the congregation vacant” this coming Sunday.
As Interim Moderator I will function as their minister, but also represent Presbytery in supporting the ongoing congregational life of those remaining at Bishopbriggs. I would appreciate your prayers for this new role – especially as it will be my first within the Free Church. It would be good if we could pray for what is a fragile congregation.
Because I shall be away this Sunday, we look forward to the Rev Duncan Peters leading us in worship at Mearns FC. Duncan is the “Asian Outreach Minister” in Glasgow and Argyll Presbytery.
On a different matter…
Mearns Free Church will be sending a team this week to Glasgow City Mission to help with their evening dinner ministry. We had been asked to supply two helpers each evening, for five nights. I am delighted that we have been able to meet that request. They will simply serve food and a kindly welcome to those who come for a meal. We look forward to hearing about their ministry experience when the week has been completed.
Glasgow City Mission ask that we also surround the evenings with prayer. You will find a resource to pray here.
With Warmest Regards
Scott
Why not make March special?
3 Sunday events to explore where we can find real, lasting hope.
Look out for details and invites to explore with others at Mearns Free Church in an informal setting.
Dates - 2nd, 9th, 16th March
3pm till 4.30pm.
Place - Belmont
Refreshments- afternoon tea.
To register: office@mearnsfree.org
For a quick look at what is involved
here is a short video
Speak with Margo for more information
Emergency Evacuation Training
We want to ensure that our emergency evacuation procedures at Belmont are well known throughout the congregation and are able to be executed as efficiently as possible.
To that end we plan a training for evacuation at the end of worship on 9th February. (Coffee and tea etc. will then be served in the church hall after the training – the training will only take a few minutes. (I am not allowed to call it a drill because we will know it is happening!)
On Sundays look out for the diagram projected on the screen of how to exit the building in the event of an emergency evacuation. Please do take note of the exits on that diagram and make yourselves familiar with the exit routes. (See below)
A Few Specific Comments:
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If you have a child upstairs during worship (including crèche) please do not go upstairs to find them in the event of an emergency evacuation. The leader of each group has responsibility for following the evacuation plan for them.
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I would ask that all crèche, Hizkidz, Primetime leaders/helpers and door team please ensure that you are confident in understanding the evacuation process. If you have any questions please speak with Sandy Halliday (Health and Safety Officer), myself or Alastair McLellan our Session Clerk.
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If you drive someone to worship on a Sunday, please take responsibility for ensuring your passenger(s) evacuate(s) the church in reasonable time with everyone else.
Scott
Ladybird Book of Mearns Free Church
Celebrity Watch
Those sharp eyed watchers of Reporting Scotland would have noticed yet another Mearns FC celebrity (desperately seeking attention and craving some sense of self worth), appearing on their TV screens this week. Asked if he would be competing with others in the 'Least annoying doctor in Mearns Free Church' competition this year Graham said, 'Don't be silly, I'm a professor.'
World Watch List 2025
Discover and pray for the countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution
Over the last couple of weeks we have been highlighting the Open Doors initiative to let churches know about Christians under persecution for their faith.
All the news and information is on
this page.
Nick from Open Doors writes: We hope that you find these resources helpful. You can find out a lot more about the World Watch List on our website and watch the introductory video to the Top Ten.
Thank you, as ever, for your support of our persecuted brothers and sisters.
Where do Christians face the most extreme persecution for following Jesus? Every year, the World Watch List uses extensive, expert research to rank the countries where loving Jesus comes at the highest price - places where you could be ostracised, attacked, imprisoned or even murdered.
This short book from Don Carson helps us see what Paul prioritised in his prayers, and encourages us to shape our prayer lives thoughtfully.
Prayer is a battle for many of us - when?, where?, why can't I concentrate? what to say?, what not to say!? Is this making sense? making a difference?
For the next few weeks we will highlight some of the key areas Don covers for our encouragement and guidance.
MB
Continued from last week...
Anyone who had been a Christian for a while knows there are times when our private prayers run something like this: “ Dear Lord, I thanks you for the opportunity of coming into your presence by the merits of Jesus. It is a wonderful blessing to call you Father .. I wonder where I left my car keys [No, No ! back to business ] Heavenly Father, I begin by asking that you would watch over my family …
mental drift = our mind keeps wandering
but you can do many things to stamp out daydreaming, to stifle reveries:
1.
quietly vocalise your prayers, or even simply articulate by moving your lips
2.
pray over the scriptures – read passage, think about its meaning, respond in prayer
3.
praying through the worship sections of the better hymnals, or Christian worship songs that you have found personally helpful .. in worship, as source of encouragement, or even challenging
4.
pace yourself – for example pray through Lord’s prayer, thinking through the implications of each petition as you do so, then organise your prayers around these implications
5.
use a prayer list to focus the mind & keep you on track
6.
journaling : reflect on the ups & downs of your Christian walk the previous day, then write out some prayers for the day ahead : Carson suggests several advantages of journaling
a. it enforces a change of pace, a slowing down
b. it fosters self examination, in the light of God’s word
c. it ensures quiet articulation of your spiritual direction & of your prayers
if you want to improve your focus while praying - why not try some of these ?
continued next week...
I can be guilty of thinking about how to pray and reading books about praying (instead of just praying) so this article was a good reminder from Tim Challies this week.
MB
The best place to learn prayer is not a classroom, but a closet.
Christians are well-resourced with tremendous books that teach the theology and the practice of prayer. Many churches and ministries offer powerful classes that teach why we must pray and how we must pray. We are truly blessed.
But as E.M. Bounds insists, the best place to learn prayer is not a classroom, but a closet. The best way to learn prayer is not to read books on prayer, but to simply pray. The books and classes can help, to be sure. But at some point, we must simply close our eyes and pray. Even with our lack of confidence, even with our lack of knowledge, even with our lack of theology, we must simply close our eyes, open our mouths, and speak to God.
If you do this you will find what a host of Christians have found: As you commit yourself to the discipline of prayer, as you engage in it day after day and year after year, you will find yourself learning what it means to pray with faith, with power, with humility, with persistence. Christian, if you want to learn to pray, pray!
Tim Challies
Looking for direction...?
Called to Serve | March 22, 10-4pm | UFM, Swindon
If you are considering cross-cultural mission for the first time, praying for God’s leading or making the final preparations before you go - Called to Serve is for you!
More info
here
This is advance notice of a lunch EVERYONE is invited to!
After the morning service on 23rd February.
We want to support the work of Scripture Union Scotland as they work in East Renfrewshire and beyond including their weekends and holiday programmes.
More info about this lunch coming soon.
What to know more about the work of SU Scotland?
The brand-new edition of @SU Magazine is ready for you to enjoy.
This edition celebrates our commitment to putting the Bible at the heart of our work. Featuring...
One Big Story - We explore a new resource that offers young people an overview of the whole Bible.
SU Worldwide - Becky Swamickan shares themes and trends from across SU International.
Reading Every Day - Esther Bailey shares her insights on what happens when you read the Bible regularly.
Delving In - David Clipston highlights the growing impact of SU Scotland's discipleship with young leaders.
You Belong Here - New SU Holiday options and a closer look at what makes these holidays so positive and impactful.
Meet SU Scotland's Fundraising Team - Our team shares
...and much more!
JUST CLICK HERE TO READ THROUGH THESE ARTICLES
Heart Start!
Did you know there is a Defibrillator available in the school hall on a Sunday morning.
Look out for details on explanations on use in coming weeks - this can be used easily by ordinary people in extraordinary moments.
Prayer Points 3rd February - 9th February 2025
Monday 3rd February - Carloway
Our vision for the coming year is that we grow by 25% in 2025...
Tuesday 4th February -Sashko, Poland
Please pray for wisdom in selecting and prioritizing which Reformed titles to translate into Ukrainian...
Wednesday 5th February -Mission Board
Please pray for the Mission Board...
Thursday 6th February -Sashko, Poland
Pray for our translation team as they work to accurately convey complex theological concepts in Ukrainian while maintaining the heart and meaning of each text.
Friday 7th February -Carloway
Please pray for the West Side of Lewis - Between Barvas and Callanish there are four Free Churches and two faithful Church of Scotland congregations. But four out of these six congregations are vacant. Please pray that God would send pastors to these communities.
Saturday 8th February -Sashko, Poland
Pray that God would provide the necessary resources and partnerships to continue this publishing work...
Sunday 9th February -Tearfund, Middle East
Praise God for the recent announcement of a ceasefire in Gaza. Pray for lasting peace, healing and the restoration of communities.
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.
Mearns Free Church 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 to Margaret Boyd if you would like to be added to this group or email Margaret at: mandmboyd@hotmail.co.uk
What tech do I need?: You need to have a Smart Phone with WhatsApp to get set up.
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