Author: Alan Mathew

The Good Friday window

by Alan Mathew, posted in The Tour

Bellshill Central Parish Church is extremely fortunate to have many beautiful stained glass windows.

The four central windows were gifted by Matthew Corbett, in memory of his son Sergeant James Brownlie Corbett of the Royal Air Force, who was shot down and killed over Holland on 26 May 1943. These windows were designed and fitted by the Abbey Studio, they are probably designed by JA Crombie. They were dedicated on 7 October 1962.

Good Friday – third window on the west or right side of the Church

This is one of the windows placed in memory of James Brownlie Corbett, who was killed in 1943 while serving with the Royal Air Force. The RAF crest features in the bottom right hand pane of the window. The words on the crest are, “Per Ardua ad Astra” which translates as, “Through Struggles to the Stars.”

Above that, there is a picture of a pelican with two smaller birds under her wings; one on either side. Apparently, in medieval Europe, the pelican was thought to be particularly attentive to her young, to the point of providing her own blood by wounding her own breast when no other food was available. As a result, the pelican became a symbol of the Passion of Jesus.

The story of Good Friday begins in the top left hand pane where, as written in Matthew 26, 49 (page 40) – Judas went straight to Jesus and said, “Peace be with you, Teacher,” and kissed him. The bag of silver coins, which Judas later tried to return, can also be seen.

In the pane below Jesus can be seen carrying his cross before Simon of Cyrene was forced to help.

The right hand side of the window is dedicated to the crucifixion where Jesus can be seen with a criminal on either side. The crown of thorns is visible and some nails are also in the picture.

Some of the Jesus followers are shown, including a woman holding on to the cross.

Two soldiers are at the foot of the cross; Matthew 27, 54 (page 43) – When the army officer and the soldiers with him, who were watching Jesus, saw everything that happened, they were terrified and said, “He really was the Son of God!”

Sunday 21st October 2018 at 11am

by Alan Mathew, posted in Sunday Worship

Welcome and Intimations (Drew Aitken)
Choir Introit (Bible is placed in pulpit) Lord I lift your name on high (CH4)
Call to worship
Hymn O God of Bethel by whose hand (CH4 – 268)
Prayer and Lord’s Prayer
Time with the children
Hymn I am the church (CH4 – 204)
Offering uplifted by duty team
Offering dedicated by minister, then children leave for ‘young church’
Reflection – Eagles wings {Susan Mcgleish)
Reading/s Exodus 19:1-13 and 1 Peter 2:4-10
Hymn Amazing Grace (CH4 – 555)
Sermon Now we see in part…soon all…
Hymn Let us with a gladsome mind (CH4 – 93)
Prayers of intercession
Hymn When we walk with the Lord (MP – 760)
Benediction and three-fold amen (Sung)
The sung blessing – May God’s blessing

St Matthew Window

by Alan Mathew, posted in The Tour

Bellshill Central Parish Church is extremely fortunate to have many beautiful stained glass windows.

The corner windows were gifted in memory of the Blackie Family, benefactors of the Church for many years and were dedicated on 14 October 1973. These were designed by the renowned Gordon Webster with the leadwork being undertaken by Neil Hutchison.

The pictures displayed in the windows help you focus on the stories which lie behind and which, in fact, tell the whole story of the Bible. You are welcome to visit the Church, look at the windows and then read in one of the Pew Bibles the whole story depicted in each window.

ST MATTHEW WINDOW (West Side at vestry)

This window shows two separate stories from the Bible. On the right had frame Jesus can be seen at Lake Galilee, with the town in the background, inviting Andrew and Peter to join Him with the words. ‘Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.’ See Matthew 4, 18 – 22 (page 6 of the Pew Bible). Look at the detail of the houses, water and fish.

The left hand frame depicts the story of the workers in the vineyard, as written in the first 16 verses of Matthew Chapter 20 (page 29 of the Pew Bible). The workers had been hired to do a day’s work for one silver coin. Some had started in the morning, others at lunch time and more later in the day. Some grapes can be seen hanging on the vines and same have already been gathered into a basket. At the end of the working day, everyone received the same wage for their efforts which caused some industrial unrest. Jesus concludes at verse 16, ‘So those who are last will be first and those who are first will be last’

What’s at Central Church this week…..

by Alan Mathew, posted in Weekly Church News

If you’re looking for a church that is Central to Christ, Central to you and Central to Bellshill – then look no further! Here you will find a church and a people with a real heart and soul for worship, who enjoy fellowship and socialising throughout the week. We’re on a journey together, come and join us. #comeasyouare

Worship takes place within Bellshill Central Parish Church on Sunday 14’th October at 11am — The theme is “The future always has hope”
Scripture Readings are taken from Genesis 17:1-16 and Galatians 3:1-14
Hymns this Sunday include The God of Abraham praise, If you believe and I believe, O God our help in ages past, In Christ alone and Look forward in faith all time is in God’s hands
Please do come and take part in our worship our doors are always open and a warm welcome awaits you.

CHURCH CD

Copies of the church CD which includes organ and singing items are available now. This would make an ideal Christmas Present as the music is all Advent and Christmas related. A bargain at £5. See our organist if you want a copy. Special offer, 2 for £8 is available also.

Carpet bowls continues tonight (Wednesday) at 7.00pm in the hall. Captain of the club, the right honourable James Mackie, looks forward to welcoming all aboard!!!! Let the antics commence.

Music makers and shakers classes are every week during term time. Wednesday mornings in the church hall at 10am and 11am. NB: Music makers and shakers have details of their current term available on their own Facebook page.

Next Wednesday afternoon the Bellshil Probus club continues. The meeting is at 1pm and meet in our church hall. Warm welcome awaits you. The secretary is Mr conqueror and will be pleased to see you.

Our BROWNIE pack continues this Thursday at 6.00pm in our church hall. Please contact us via the Brownie page on the website to register or ask any enquiries. Guides have a sleep over this Friday.

The Church Choir continues on Friday night at 7.30pm when our first focus will be Remembrance. We meet in the Church this week. Tea and coffee break at half time. Look forward to seeing our regular members and anyone who would like to come and try.

Friday night club continues this Friday (12th October) in the church hall from 7.00pm. Crafts, games and fun for the whole family. Plentiful tea and coffee on hand to aid the chit chat. Please do come along. It has been known for a pet to make an appearance once or twice too.

Activities this week at Central Church:

  • 10th Wednesday– Music Makers and Shakers meets with classes at 10am and 11am.
  • 10th Wednesday 7.00pm Carpet Bowls
  • 11thThursday brownies at 6.00pm
  • 11th Thursday 7.45pm Guide pack
  • 12th Friday night club 7.00pm
  • 12th Friday 7.30pm Church Choir
  • 14thSunday Young Church, Crèche and Church Service
  • 15th Monday October – 1pm Bring and buy afternoon with Memories. Devotions lead by Cathie Bryden. All welcome. Remember the guild is open to anyone, including men.
  • 16th October Tuesday 6.15pm Rainbows

NEW CHURCH WEBSITE
Our church website has been updated with a new address – http://www.bellshillcentral.church
Please update your bookmarks and browsers – and have a look at all the activities that take place. We will soon be taking a journey online called “The Tour” visiting all of the superb stained glass within our church. Keep an eye out for this!

PRAYER & COMMUNITY
Please visit our Prayer page on our website (look for the prayer button at the top) – there is an online prayer request form which will send your prayer direct to our minister, Rev Kevin. Prayer Requests – Our church has provided a Prayer Book which is situated in the main vestibule for anyone to pop in a note of concern or anxiety they would like prayer for. We are a Parish Church and are here for you in times of joy and sadness. Kevin is available to the local community to offer spiritual support or to simply offer prayer. If there is something that you think your local church could be doing to offer services and/or support to our local community please get in touch via the Minister, Session Clerk, Facebook or website – Our church email address is bellshillcentral@gmail.com

ADVANCE DATES

November

  • Saturday 3rd – Christmas Treats with Cheese & Wine
  • Sunday 4th – All saints Sunday – Tea after Church
  • Monday 5th – Clothes Show
  • Sunday 11th – Remembrance Day and remembrance Sunday (service at 11.30am)
  • Saturday 24th – The McGleish Movie Night
  • Sunday 25th – Guild service and triple baptism

December

  • Saturday 1st – Christmas Afternoon event with Carol Service before
  • Sunday 2nd – first Sunday of advent – teas after Church
  • Sunday 9th – communion service – Retiring offering RNLI
  • Thursday 13th – Sing a Song for Christmas (date confirmed) in aid of women’s aid
  • Sunday 16th 11.00am morning service; and 6.30pm Carols by Candlelight (teas afterwards)
  • Sunday 23rd – choir service 11.00am (no Young Church in church)
  • Monday 24th – Christmas eve (6.30pm) (teas afterwards)
  • Sunday 30th – End of year songs of praise at 11.00am

ONLINE MINISTRY – Check out Kevin’s very own YouTube Channel where he reaches out to our local community sharing insight, thought and reflection, with his current journey called #21words. A link to his channel is available from our website, or simply look up Kevin de Beer. Subscribe and continue to follow his inspirational messages. Kevin’s latest video blogs include themes of Now, Nowhere or is it Now Here, Named, and Affirmed. Some videos have had nearly 300 views – help spread the news of Kevin’s online ministry far and wide – a truly worldwide church.

COMMUNITY BUILDINGS AVAILABLE FOR USE – Our hall and facilities are available at other times during the week and are available to be hired for one-off occasions or longer term lets. Please get in touch with us if you need a space to hire. We have installed Wi-Fi which means we can offer facilities for online events taking place in the church and halls. Visual display screens are fitted in our sanctuary and are ideal for conferences and presentations. Portable visual equipment can be made available for use in the Halls and Vestry. Please ask.

CHECK OUT OUR ONLINE ACTIVITIES – Should you be unable to attend worship but would like to share in the recorded services, you can do so LIVE each Sunday from 11:00am via the Church’s website and also our Facebook and our YouTube channel are updated regularly. You can find out more information on Sunday Services, Weekly activities and catch up with our services from our uploaded videos. We are LIVE on the Internet most Sunday mornings, and occasionally with other events we hold.