Mission - Mearns Kirk

Mission

Mission is at the heart of our life together at Mearns Kirk. Through prayer, service, and generosity, we seek to share God’s love both within our local community and across the wider world.

Christian Aid

Each year we support Christian Aid in several ways. We have a Café Church Service with Big Brekkie beforehand in our halls and our team of volunteers go all out to make it a really special occasion.

On the Saturday of Christian Aid Week we host a Plant Sale and Strawberry Tea which is always busy and well supported. In 2025 we raised over £4,000 for Christian Aid – a fantastic effort.

Lodging House Mission

Mearns Kirk has for many years supported the Lodging House Mission, a charity committed to caring and supporting homeless, vulnerable and socially excluded individuals.

Collections of donated food can be brought to the Church vestibule on the first Sunday of each month or to the Church halls on the Wednesday following. A list of most needed food is posted in advance on the Church’s Facebook page, Order of Service and website.

A small and dedicated team of volunteers sort and deliver the foodstuffs.

East Renfrewshire Foodbank

East Ren Foodbank based in Barrhead provide emergency food and practical support to people in their hardest moments. At Mearns Kirk we ask the congregation to donate to the Foodbank on the first Sunday of each month or to the Church halls on the Wednesday following. A list of most needed food is posted in advance on the Church’s Facebook page, Order of Service and website.

A small and dedicated team of volunteers sort and deliver the foodstuffs.

Ifumbo

We have been twinned with Ifumbo, a small remote village in northern Malawi, for many years. Contact has mostly been via email. Their minister and his wife visited Mearns Kirk in the early days. Over the years, Mearns Kirk has funded the installation of two wells in the village and a new roof for an outreach church. A large container of goods has been sent from Mearns Kirk for the villagers on a few occasions. Members of Mearns Kirk continue to support the elderly in the Ifumbo community by providing money (Agogo funding) for basic necessities e.g.; oil, flour and cleaning materials. This also involves the young people in their church who carry out these tasks.

Jars of Grace

We continue to collect our pennies and small change and hand it in to the church. In 2025 we raised £414 for the Prince & Princess of Wales Hospice.

Retiring Offerings

Each year, the Kirk Session thoughtfully selects charities to support during specific Church Services. These services are Harvest, Communion services in February, June & November, Remembrance Sunday and Watchnight service. In the past we have supported Earl Haig Fund, Lodging House Mission, CHAS, Crossreach and Beatson Cancer Charity to name but a few.

Supporting Young People

At Mearns Kirk, we’re passionate about encouraging and uplifting young people. While it can be challenging to keep younger generations engaged in church life, we’re proud to support their journeys in meaningful ways.

in 2025, we were delighted to contribute to the fundraising efforts of a local Brownie leader preparing for a World Challenge expedition to Nepal. Her trip will include charity work where she will make a real difference.

Christmas Gift Service

Each Christmas, our Outreach Team connects with local charities to identify specific needs we can help meet together as a congregation.

In 2024, we supported Women and Children First, a Renfrewshire-based charity that cares for women and children affected by sexual assault, physical abuse, and harassment. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to provide items for Christmas Eve Boxes, which local social workers distributed to families in need.

In previous years, our Christmas Appeal has also supported organisations such as Quarriers and Refuweegee, helping bring comfort and joy to many during the festive season.

Children & Young People

We are committed to nurturing faith at all stages of life. Our Sunday Club provides teaching and fellowship for children, led by an experienced Elder, with parents actively involved.

Activities

Mearns Kirk offer a wide a varied range of activities for all ages and abilities. These include Brownie and Guide groups, musical classes and amateur theatre groups as well as meditation classes and yoga classes.

Sunday Service

Our Sunday services are live streamed by a team of volunteers, making it possible for those at home to join in worship. Recordings of previous services are also available online – here.