Hi, 

Reaching the milestone of Magazine No.20 doesn't quite match some of the impressive occasions at church recently...best wishes to those who have had Birthdays involving significantly large numbers, and those celebrating longevity in their marriages too - these are good things to note and recognise our Heavenly Father's goodness and grace.

The magazine has the usual range of articles and news this week - some details of this weekend's services and events - it's been a busy Easter for Pauline in particular, and you can read of some of the great opportunities she has had to share the Easter story in her 'diary' below. There are notices of events coming up too as we look forward to April and May. 

Glen Scrivener has written one of his trademark poems for Easter  - great to see someone using the creative gifts to encourage the church and bring the challenge of the Gospel to those who are not yet believers. Watch it on YouTube here...who could you forward it onto this weekend?

Enjoy the mag and have a very Happy Easter.
M

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REMEMBER THE CLOCKS!

Sunday 31st March, 10.30am

EASTER SUNDAY
Rev Scott Kirkland
Reading  - Luke ch23 and ch24
with Sacrament of Communion

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Getting to Church:  Should anyone require a lift to Belmont House School, then please do let us know. Please email office@nmnewchurch.org

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Letter from the Manse 

Dear Congregation,

This magazine will come out on what we tend to call, “Good Friday”. We have been invited to lead worship tonight at Newton Mearns Baptist Church, 8 pm for a Good Friday service. I will lead and preach and it will be our congregation who will assist. Refreshments will be served from 7.30 pm.

Let’s mark together this incredible love of God for us in Jesus Christ.

You will see below details for our own Easter Day Dawn Service, worship at 10.30 am and our evening at the Usher Hall. If you would like to come, we shall meet at Belmont School carpark and leave about 5.30 pm. Let Jacob know if you would like transport to Edinburgh. There will be enough of us with cars to accommodate everyone. We shall drive to Edinburgh and share in celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus with Christians from all over the central belt.

Trust you will enjoy this Easter magazine!

On a different matter…I am delighted to report that our application to join the Free Church was passed at the Free Church Glasgow and Argyll Presbytery this week. Our application was also received this week by the Mission Board and passed. It will now move in a short while to the Free Church Board of Trustees and from there to a final presentation at the General Assembly in May. My own application to become a Free Church minister will also be part of the General Assembly business. The name of our congregation, Newton Mearns New Church, was always meant to be temporary. We are now planning to change the name for entry to the Free Church and we would like the congregation to be involved in this. See below in the magazine how you can participate in this process to select the new name. We welcome all suggestions. 
With warm regards,
Scott

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Thanks to all who helped at the Easter Family Drop-In!
Full report next week.

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10 Results of the Resurrection

If Christ has not been raised, your hope is futile and you are still in your sins. (1 Corinthians 15:17)

Here are ten amazing things we owe to Jesus’s resurrection:

How many can you commit to memory?

1) A Saviour who can never die again. “We know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again” (Romans 6:9).

2) Repentance. “The God of our fathers raised Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree. God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel” (Acts 5:31).

3) New birth. “By his great mercy we have been born anew to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

4) Forgiveness of sin. “If Christ has not been raised, your hope is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17).

5) The Holy Spirit. “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we are all witnesses. Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this which you see and hear” (Acts 2:32–33).

6) No condemnation for the elect. “Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus who died, yes, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God” (Romans 8:34).

7) Jesus’s personal fellowship and protection. “I am with you always, to the close of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

8) Proof of coming judgment. “God has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed, and of this he has given assurance to all men by raising him from the dead” (Acts 17:31).

9) Salvation from the future wrath of God. “We wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10; Romans 5:10).

10) Our own resurrection from the dead. “We know that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence” (2 Corinthians 4:14; Romans 6:4; 8:11; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 15:20).

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It is great to see a Christian Bookshop opening in Glasgow -
and in the southside!!

Galilee Books is a small independent Christian bookshop in 36 Battlefield Road.
Just opened this week - 10am - 5pm
See them on facebook here
info@galileebooks.co.uk

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Ladybird Book of New Church

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Two early birds arriving for the Easter Cafe Connect!

We had a lovely afternoon of good food, discussion, quiz and an opportunity to look at the Last Supper and what that means for us.
We meet again on 16th April and look forward to welcoming many guests then
Elizabeth.

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The Ship Is Made for the Ocean

We gather round the Word in our meetings on Sunday and other times, and we hold to it as the revealed Word of God for us today.
This is the 6th in the series of looks at God's Word from different 'angles'  as we serialise Andrew Wilson's short book 'Unbreakable'
This week we consider again how Jesus is the focus of the Bible and how he fulfils it too.

 THE FULFILMENT OF SCRIPTURE

‘Don’t get the impression that I’ve come to get rid of the Law and the Prophets,’ Jesus said. ‘In fact, anyone who dumbs them down, or tells other people they’re irrelevant, will be at the bottom of the pile when the kingdom comes. I haven’t come to get rid of them. I’ve come to fulfil them.’
That’s a huge claim. Imagine hearing it for the first time. ‘This massive, sweeping story all points to me. This multi-volume collection of laws, wise sayings, songs, stories, visions and poems finds its climax in yours truly. I’ve come to fulfil it all. I’m what it was all about in the first place.

• I’m the turning point in the movie.
• The headline act.
• The show-stopper.
• I’m the World Cup final.
• I’m Frodo and Sam casting the ring into the fiery lake.
• I’m the Sistine Chapel.
• I’m the moment you’ve all been waiting for, whether you know it or not.’

If it wasn’t Jesus speaking, it would sound ridiculous.

Fulfilment is about bringing a story to its appointed goal. When a couple say their wedding vows, they are ‘fulfilling’ their engagement. When a ship leaves the dock on its maiden voyage, it is ‘fulfilling’ its design and construction.
Fulfilment doesn’t mean the end of the story – the couple remain together; the ship remains at sea – but it means that the story continues in a different phase, because the whole point of the first part of the story has been achieved. When this happens, it doesn’t mean that the first part of the story is undermined, disrespected or abolished. Far from it. The whole reason for building the ship was so that people could take her to sea. The engagement ring was always intended to sit next to a wedding ring.

This helps us make sense of something which has often puzzled readers of the Gospels. How can Jesus say things like, ‘You’ve heard this, but I tell you this,’ and yet still claim that he’s not abolishing the Law? How can he move beyond what Moses said about divorce? How can he pick grain and heal people on the Sabbath, even though the Law says Jews shouldn’t do any work then?

When you get your head round the nature of fulfilment, though, you realise that the purpose of the law is being beautifully achieved in each of these examples. Moses gave commands about murder, oaths, adultery, divorce and retaliation because he was dealing with a hard-hearted nation who needed laws to protect themselves. But he also looked forward to a day when they would receive new hearts, and would obey the law in a far more radical way: no anger, lust, broken marriages or violence. The Old Testament gave instructions about the Sabbath to ensure that people rested, and trusted, in God – and it also pointed forward to a day when humans would experience the full Sabbath blessing of God, with all their needs provided for and all their sicknesses healed.

So when Jesus says he has come to fulfil the Law and the Prophets, he isn’t being clever-clever. He’s saying that the ship was always meant for the ocean, and the engagement was always pointing towards a wedding, and the Law and the Prophets were always going to climax in a new King, a new people, and a new heart. Paul, writing a quarter of a century later, summed it up beautifully: ‘Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.’ Indeed he is.

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Conversion Therapy Consultation 

Christian Institute has provided lots of information about this important topic.
If you want to take part the deadline for submitting a response on the Conversion Therapy Bill is 2 April 2024.
Please see Magazine No.18 for all the details and link to the pages with information from Christian Institute etc.

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You can watch a live stream our services on YouTube each week.

You can find the service here and don't forget to click SUBSCRIBE
If you have friends/relatives who can't manage out they can simply search on YouTube for Newton Mearns New Church.

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Wednesdays 7.15-8.15pm.

3rd April we meet at the McDougall's
Look out for details this week on email/whatsapp

If you need a lift please email office@nmnewchurch.org.

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Faith in Kids

Easter Explained Podcast

The amazing team at Faith in Kids have produced a 4 part Easter podcast bringing to life four of Jesus' statements from the book of John. Each episode is around 20 minutes. Perfect for listening to over a meal, in the car or whenever! The first 3 episodes are available now with the final one coming over Easter weekend. Listen HERE

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Good Friday Service at NMBC at 8pm

We shall join with Newton Mearns Baptist Church on their premises for a Good Friday service.
NOTE - TEA AND COFFEE SERVED BEFORE THE SERVICE FROM 7.30pm

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Dawn Walk
Join us on Sunday Morning a time of fellowship as we remember that first Resurrection morning.
(Don't forget the clocks go forward though - Yikes!!)
See the map for the route we will be walking. Please wear sturdy shoes and since it's Scotland a rain jacket may be required. Total distance will be about 1 mile.

6.30 am:  Meet at Rouken Glen Garden Centre Carpark: Brief Worship
6.40 am: Walk along forest paths together (sturdy shoes required) 
7 am:  Arrive at rocky outcrop for short service of worship 
7.10 am: Walk back to cars 
7.20 am:  Drive to Eaglesham for breakfast at John and Sandra McNicol's
7.30 am-8.15 am:  Breakfast! (house address given on the day ) 

Followed by...
Easter Sunday morning service
Belmont House School at 10:30 am.
Followed by...
Evening ...

On the evening of Easter Sunday a group from church are planning on heading to the Origin Scotland Resurrection event at the Usher hall.
If you would like to join us but you need transport contact Jacob (youth@nmnewchurch.org).
Pre booking is required (HERE) which we would ask you organise yourself and while they do ask for a recommended donation that is only voluntary. We will be leaving Belmont at 17:30 for the event.
Any questions get in touch with Jacob or head to this link for more info

ALL THE SERVICES ON ONE IMAGE CAN BE DOWNLOADED HERE

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What's in a name...?

As the congregation know, we are hoping that our application to join the Free Church of Scotland will be ratified at their General Assembly in May. With that in mind, the Session are keen to have a permanent name for our church.
 
The Comms Team, which is Jack Geddes, Jacob Ingleson, Tom Brown, Eilidh Hamilton, Martin Boyd and Daniel Clark has been asked by the Session to plan with regards to this name.
Members will be welcome to give their suggestions for the name to the Comms Team for them to consider. To do that there will be a suggestion box provided on three Sunday mornings after Easter - 7th, 14th and 21st April.
The Comms Team will then create a shortlist of names that will go to the Session for a decision.

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The last week of Jesus life changed the course of history and even now, over 2000 years later, is still changing people's lives. 
This year holy week as been a busy week for me however it has been a week which has given me the opportunity to share this life changing week with hundreds of children (and a few adults!). Here is a brief overview of what I've been up to:

Sunday: Our Palm Sunday worship, including the Baptism and profession of faith of Grace and welcoming new members to our church family, was the perfect way to begin this week and has served as a reminder throughout the week of why I do what I do! 


In Hizkidz we had a go at (soft) archery as we thought about how what Jesus was aiming for when he entered Jerusalem was worth far more than what the crowds thought he was aiming for! 

Monday: Today I spent the morning in Mearns Primary. First of all I visited the three Primary 3 classes and we watched a video from the Scottish Bible Society telling the Easter story from the Garden of Gethsemane through to the resurrection. The silence and faces of shock and awe as the story unfolded were amazing to witness but also a sad reminder that so few of the children know about Jesus death and resurrection. We then did an activity about all the different emotions of everyone who witnessed these events and finished with a quick quiz. After morning break I visited the four Primary 2 classes. This time we were spotting different objects in a cartoon retelling of the last week of Jesus life such as donkey ears, a purple robe, a palm leaf, a soldiers helmet and a cross. The final object in my bag was an Easter egg and the children worked out that it was like the stone rolling away from Jesus tomb. One teacher decided to follow up our lesson with a written task for her class instead of what she had originally planned! In one morning I got to tell almost 200 children and 10 members of staff that Christians believe Jesus died for us and is alive today! 

Tuesday: Today at playgroup we invited parents/grandparents to join us as we went over to the sanctuary at Maxwell. I shared the Easter story and a very simple gospel message with the children and family members through story and songs and an Easter Eggstravaganza episode of Cheeky Pandas. You can watch it here! https://youtu.be/YzFQlvzXMHs?feature=shared
Then it was up to Mearns Primary for our P5-P7 SU group. We've spent the last few weeks unpacking the last week of Jesus life and today we celebrated Jesus being alive with a game, hot cross buns, chocolate eggs and party rings and made shiny cross shaped bookmarks with the word HOPE written across them. 



Wednesday: Back to Mearns Primary today. First up was back to back assemblies where Dave (Baptist church), Lynne (SU), Stuart (Newton Mearns Parish) and myself led the children through some interactive games and thoughts around Easter. This year we focused on how although it might seem as though Jesus was in the wrong place on a cross beside criminals that actually he was on the right place. 
After that I then visited each of the five Primary 6 classes and we explored the meaning of Easter using hot cross buns, x shapes and Easter eggs. 
X marks the spot on a pirate treasure map reminds us how we are precious to God like treasure. 
An x for a kiss in a text message or card shows how God loves us.
An x when you get something marked wrong tells us of how we sin and get things wrong
A cross on a gravestone tells of how Jesus defeated death.
And an empty chocolate egg gives us hope for now and eternal life because the stone was rolled away, the tomb was empty and Jesus is alive.


Thursday: After a playgroup trip to Kittochside farm in the morning it was home to finish preparations for our Easter family outreach event. 

Friday: Time to boil 36 eggs before heading to Belmont for our Easter Family event! The team gathered at 11.30am to prepare and pray and eat lunch together (thanks Sandra!). More about how it went will follow in next weeks magazine! 

Saturday: I plan to have a long lie, do some overdue housework, and must remember that the clocks go forward!

Sunday: My kids are really looking forward to being dragged out of their beds for the dawn walk and service however we are hoping the lure of throwing eggs down a hill, eating chocolate before 8am and getting breakfast at John and Sandra's will win them over! 
A lot can happen in 7 days! 

Pauline

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Glasgow City Mission 

On Sunday 14 April at 18:30, Glasgow City Mission are hosting a service of reflection, prayer and petition

at Adelaide Place Baptist Church in Glasgow City Centre.

Their Overnight Welcome Centre provides routes out of rough sleeping in the winter and has been running for the past 14 years. This season has been the busiest yet, bringing many challenges to the service.

An opportunity to gather with Christians in Glasgow to reflect on the challenges Glasgow has faced – high numbers of homeless, a declared housing emergency, too few beds in the city, and a real feeling of hopelessness amongst many of the people we welcomed in.

An opportunity to hear from staff members as they share ministry stories, interspersed with interactive sessions of prayer, and finishing with a short time of worship together. A chance  to pray for GCM guests and ask God for a breakthrough in Glasgow this year. Please register here 

The APRIL PRAYER LETTER for Glasgow City Mission is here. 

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UFM Scottish Day Conference in April.

- one of the confirmed speakers in Jayne Dumbuya. 
She and her husband Lamin serve in Sierra Leone and will be inspiring to listen to.

Speak with Catherine A if you want more info about this event. 

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Terry and his team would be delighted if you would join us on the afternoon of, 

Saturday 18th May 2024, 2pm
at Greenview Church, 

1439 Pollokshaws Rd, Shawlands, Glasgow G41 3RQ

Now in our 8th year of addiction ministry in Glasgow and beyond, we would love to share with you God’s faithfulness to us and what He has been doing through this work.

 
Come and be inspired as we:

• Hear first-hand accounts of people becoming clean from all substances and connected to the Lord Jesus Christ; 

• Hear from our team as they share insights into our day-to-day work with both men and women; 

• Hear about our future direction and the challenges we face.

We look forward to welcoming you, our Hope Partners and Church Leaders to this event.

To help us accommodate you best, please register your attendance (no cost, 2 tickets max) using this link which will take you to our Eventbrite page. 
Thank you for your partnership in The Gospel and we greatly look forward to hearing from you and seeing you on Saturday 18th May. 

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B.Y.O.C. please

 

CAN YOU HELP?
it makes such a difference if people bring their own cups rather than using the disposable ones each week - can you help?

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Safeguarding at Newton Mearns New Church

Safeguarding – Ensuring a Safe Church for All 
If you suspect or witness harm or abuse, or it is reported to you, you must immediately report it to one of the Safeguarding Coordinators:
Sue Anderson – 07970 261429 

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Giving at NM New Church

 

There are a number of ways to support the church financially.  The giving page  gives details - click here
A number of people have been asking if cash or cheques can now be given. From this Sunday you will have the opportunity to leave offerings in the plate or basket on the table at the back of the church.
If you have any questions please speak to our Treasurer Sandy or email him on finance@nmnewchurch.org

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The New Church has a What's App Group for Prayer 

See magazine no.4 for an outline of how this Pray Now group operates.
Speak to Margaret Boyd if you would like to be added to this group or email your details to mandmboyd@hotmail.co.uk
You need WhatsApp on your phone to get set up