BLOG
Stories to inspire and inform
We write and release a new blog every week, each offering different insights and perspectives on life at Glasgow City Mission. Team members from our three different projects provide reflections and updates from within their respective services, our chaplain Marion Carson challenges us from a spiritual perspective and our CEO Charles Maasz regularly contributes with his thoughts.
Moving on in 2022
As we unwittingly approach the middle of February after what seems to have been an unnaturally quick start to the year, Bethany outlines our aspirations for the year and highlights some of the reasons we at Glasgow City Mission are excited and looking forward to seeing what 2022 brings.
What kind of life?
Charles Maasz draws on a passage from Micah to wrestle with the concept of what is important in life.
Good News
In a world where it feels increasingly like things go from bad to worse, Elyse MacKinnon reminds us that if we look hard enough, there is still some good left in the world.
Learning To Be Free
This week in our blog, we take a look at one of our regular contributors, Marion Carson, and some of the areas of ministry that she is passionate about.
Trust and Rest
In our first blog of the new year, Clare highlights some of the blessings we're able to bestow upon our guests thanks to the generous donations of our supporters.
John’s Story
John experienced a family breakdown during the height of the pandemic in 2020. He tells the story of how he was forced to sleep in his car, and how he went weeks without a proper cooked dinner. John stumbled across Glasgow City Mission following a Google search, and linked in with our team, who advised and helped guide John towards making positive choices that ultimately lead to a reunion with his partner and son.
We Care
James Hawthorn, adult worker at our Child and Family Centre gives the latest update from Govan and shares some of the latest news on the groups, activities and how we've been supporting those in need within the community.
Whose are we? Identity and Mission
In this week's blog, Charles Maasz tackles the tricky subject of identity, and concedes the notion that before anything, we belong to Christ.
Our Responsibility to Creation
As we enter into the second week of climate negotiations occurring throughout COP 26, Elyse MacKinnon reminds us not to take the beauty of the world for granted, and to pray for wisdom and clarity for those in power as they navigate what is very much a critical moment in the life of our planet.
Learning to Care for Creation
Today marks the start of the UN's annual conference on climate change, and as many are saying, the most significant to date. Glasgow City Mission Chaplain Marion Carson highlights the importance of God's creation, and gives a special mention to the children from our Child and Family Centre who have been learning about the importance of sustainability.
Our staff and volunteers – an appreciation
We recently celebrated with one of our long-serving members of staff who has retired after 23 years! One of our volunteers, Katie, gives an insight into his selfless, loving and compassionate nature.
Our children are the future
James Hawthorne gives the latest update from the Child and Family Centre, where the children have been getting out and about and preparing for autumn.
Ministry of the Table
Clare O'Sullivan talks about the importance of food in our ministry at Glasgow City Mission.
Invitation & Integration
Charles Maasz discusses the word that has stuck with him during this particular season of his life, and relates it to a clear invitation from God; to floss out the distractions in our lives and step towards becoming the people we were created to be.
Winter is Coming
As the summer sun sets increasingly earlier, we are reminded that Winter is on the horizon. At Glasgow City Mission, this means that planning and preparation for the Overnight Welcome Centre must begin as we prepare to welcome hundreds of people over the season, who would otherwise be sleeping on the street. Overnight Welcome Centre Manager Elyse MacKinnon discusses her focus for the next few months, and makes a special plea.
Cultivating Gifts and Talents
During this week's blog, Marion Carson relates an Old Testament story to the situation experienced by many of our guests. Read to find out more.
Summer Holiday Club 2021
James Hawthorne gives account of this year's family holiday club that took place in Elder Park over the course of the summer weeks. The holiday club was a big success with around 300 different parents and children coming to take part in activities.
A Spacious Place
Clare O'Sullivan reflects on a recent invitation she and colleague Susan received from one of our guests, to lunch at a local Persian restaurant.
Drugs, Deaths and Baptism
CEO Charles Maasz reflects on the horrendous impact that addiction has on the lives of many. Hope is not lost however, as Charles shares about a recent spate of baptisms of those formerly leading a life of substance abuse and addiction.
Summer of Love (and searching)
Elyse MacKinnon uses one of television's more questionable shows to explore the concept of 'searching', and that what we're ultimately looking for may be closer than we think.
Restoration
In this week's blog, Marion Carson discusses the transformation of something that is broken into something beautiful and uses the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi to describe God's ability to restore that that is worthless, into something whole.
My Shackles are Gone, My Spirit is Free
As restrictions continue to ease and our services increasingly reopen, Clare O'Sullivan compares the 'menagerie of madness' that is our weekly Gathering service, to the early church, 'living and worshipping' together.
Parent and Toddlers
James Hawthorn sheds light on the latest from the Child & Family Centre, and in particular the significance of the newly restarted parent and toddler groups.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
"This week, as we celebrate the contribution that refugees make to our communities, we also want to celebrate the volunteers who devote their time to planning, preparing and delivering ESOL classes that help our New Glaswegian community navigate their new life in Glasgow. "
Refugee Week 2021
As we mark and celebrate Refugee Week here at Glasgow City Mission, we recognise those members of our community who have journeyed from all over the world to escape what is often a brutal and traumatic past in pursuit of a more stable life. Read to find out more about Glasgow City Mission's approach to walking alongside those currently on this journey.