Author: Alan Mathew

Summer news (1) from Bellshill Central Parish Church of Scotland

by Alan Mathew, posted in Weekly Church News

Our summer services with Bellshill Central Parish Church, St Andrews UF Church and The West Church take place during the month of July. All the services start at 11am and are followed by refreshments. The service on Sunday 7th July is at The West Church, and will be conducted by Revd Callum Stark. The following week, Sunday 14th July, the service is back at Bellshill Central Parish Church the service is led by Revd Kevin de Beer. There is a joint churches choir at Central Parish Church at 10am sharp.

During the joint services, please note that Revd de Beer is available for any pastoral needs by contacting the manse on 01698 841176 or emailing kdebeer@churchofscotland.org.uk.

Our new summer walking group – Heart and Sole walking group – continues each week. We met for the first time on 1st July leaving from the church. It was an enjoyable jaunt around Bellshill, with tea and coffee afterwards. We next meet on 9th July at 7.00pm. Remember, wear suitable shoes and clothing – it might rain! Bring a bottle of water, and make sure you’ve brought some contact details (for that just in case moment! )

Our parish prayer system is in full operation during the summer period. Our dedicated prayer page on our church website will gather the information needed for to add someone, or a situation, to our parish prayers. https://bellshillcentral.church/prayer-requests/

Throughout the summer our church and halls are suitable, and available most days, for conferences, meetings, dance classes or parties. The church is equipped with large screens and hall has portable facilities. Check out the church website for some pictures of the facilities. We have competitive hourly rates, which can’t be beaten for a town centre location.

For those that can’t manage along in person to church remember that we have our YouTube channel with recordings of our recent church services. Our joint service on 14th July will, as all of Bellshill Central services, be live streamed. Just visit our website for the live link.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable summer break. May God’s Blessings be with you. Normal Sunday services return to the churches in Bellshill on Sunday 4th August. A warm and heartfelt invitation is extended to all to come to Bellshill’s Town Centre Church to join us at the Family Church, where we can journey together in our relationship with God – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Our online addresses are:

Summer holiday postcards…

by Alan Mathew, posted in Other News, Weekly Church News

During the summer holidays, we invite all our members, friends and Bellshill Community so send us pictures and messages from wherever you travel.

  1. Simply take a photo and make sure you have a sign (a simple piece of A4 paper will do) saying “holiday hello to Bellshill Central” 
  2. Download and print the Jesus drawing and hold in your picture. Click here to download the pdf 
  3. Remember to tell us where you are!


Either send your holiday pictures and messages to our email address bellshillcentral@gmail.com or send via messages to Facebook or Twitter


We look forward to seeing just how far Bellshill Central Parish Church folks travel this summer.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY Friday 21st June

by Alan Mathew, posted in Other News, Prayer items

Good morning.

This is the longest day – at least in the northern hemisphere. Call it midsummer if you like – or the summer solstice. It’s well known that our ancient forebears observed this cycle of the seasons and constructed temples of stone, carefully aligned to mark the moment. Stonehenge is one such place and as I speak hundreds will be gathered at dawn today to experience the arrival of the sun. We wish you well, and hope the weather is kind.

For Christians, the arrival of light into darkness is a potent theme in both our Scriptures, and our history. Jesus referred to himself as the light of the world – something which his critics would have branded egotistical, but it was said without a trace of hubris. Through the centuries, religious artists perfected the skill of staining glass and building its different colours into magnificent stories in light. From the darkness of a Cathedral’s nave, a carefully crafted window, telling the good news that the light has come, assaults the senses. There is no need of grammar and syntax for this exposition of Scripture to lodge and transform our spirits.

I wonder if for you on this midsummer day, a shaft of light would be welcome? What the mediaeval mystics referred to as “the dark night of the soul” comes in many contemporary forms. The Light of God truly is a remedy, not quick, not simple, not easy, but a remedy nonetheless. Let me pray for you.

Lord, for those who seek the light today, who live in a dark place and find it not congenial or welcoming, we ask for your light to dawn. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Heart and Sole…. Central’s Summer Walking Group!

by Alan Mathew, posted in Other News, Weekly Church News

Heart and Sole………. is Central Church’s summer walking group. Helping you keep healthy and active during the summer break.

  • You’ve got heart, and you’ve definitely got sole.
  • Improve your health and wellbeing by walking more often.
  • Walking is a great form of exercise as it has so many health benefits.
  • A health walk is a short, safe, low-level walk ranging from 10 minutes to one hour, with a pace to suit the individuals in the group.
  • It’s a great way to have company and meet folks.

Our plan is to meet once per week at the church and walk for around 45 minutes, returning to the church for a tea or coffee before heading home.

No cost. Free of charge.

Things to remember:

  • Wear sensible shoes
  • Have a waterproof coat incase it rains
  • Bring your mobile incase of emergencies
  • Come along to have healthy fun.

Use the contact button above to let us know you’re interested. We’ll arrange the first date to suit those wanting to join.