Author: Bellshill Central

As the Church of Scotland in Bellshill we extend a warm welcome to any of our activities. People have been coming to this building to worship God for over a hundred years. While our town has journeyed through many changes over those years, the constancy of the witness of the “Church at 346 Main Street” has remained uninterrupted. The mission of any Church is to reflect through its presence, its music, its fellowship and its beauty the greatness of God, and we seek to do that here in all that we share. We hope that everyone who enters these doors will find an encouraging, friendly group of people. While we are far from perfect, we are regularly discovering truths that are changing us individually and enriching our lives as a church community. As we worship together, learn from the Bible, and pray for one another, we are strengthened in our commitment to Jesus Christ as well as to each other. If this is your first time here, we welcome you, and invite you to share the joy that we have found.

Virtual prayers 8th June 2026

by Bellshill Central, posted in Prayer items

Call to Worship

Come, let us follow Jesus—
the One who calls us by name,
the One who leads us in love,
the One who walks beside us on every road.
Come with open hearts, ready to listen,
ready to learn,
ready to follow.

 

Hymn 1 – Will You Come and Follow Me (The Summons) A natural opening hymn for the theme of discipleship.

 

 

Prayer of Approach

Loving God,
You call us to follow Your Son,
to walk in His footsteps,
to learn His ways of compassion, courage, and truth.
We come seeking Your presence,
Your guidance,
and Your renewing Spirit.

 

Prayer of Confession

Lord Jesus,
You invite us to follow,
yet we confess the times we choose our own path.
Forgive our hesitations,
our half‑heartedness,
our moments of fear or pride.
Lift us again to our feet
and set us on Your way.

 

Assurance of Pardon

Hear the good news:
Christ came not to condemn but to restore.
In Him we are forgiven, renewed, and set free.
Thanks be to God.

 

Prayer of Praise and Wonder

God of all creation,
Your love stretches wider than the skies,
Your mercy reaches deeper than the seas,
Your grace meets us in every moment.
We marvel at the life of Jesus—
His welcome, His wisdom, His way—
and we praise You for calling us to follow Him.

 

Bible Reading 1 – Matthew 4:18–22

Jesus calls the first disciples.

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.

Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them, and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

 

 

Hymn 2 – Jesus Calls Us O’er the Tumult

A classic hymn of commitment and calling.

 

Short Reflection

Theme: “Following Jesus – A Daily Yes”

Following Jesus is not a one‑time decision but a daily choice.
In Matthew’s Gospel, the disciples leave their nets “at once”—not because they understood everything, but because they trusted the One who called them.

To follow Jesus today means:

Listening for His voice in Scripture and prayer

Learning His way of compassion, justice, and mercy

Living with courage, even when the path is costly

Loving as He loved—especially those who struggle or feel unseen

Discipleship is not about perfection.
It is about direction—turning our lives toward Christ again and again, trusting that He walks with us, strengthens us, and leads us into life.

 

Bible Reading 2 – Luke 9:23–25

“If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

 

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Gracious God,
We thank You for Jesus—
for His teaching, His compassion, His courage,
and His unfailing love.
We thank You for the people who first taught us faith,
for moments when You guided us,
and for the strength You give us each day.

 

Prayer for the Church Family

Lord Jesus,
You gather us as one family in Your name.
Bless our congregation—
the young, the old, the long‑established, and the newly arrived.
Strengthen our fellowship, deepen our care for one another,
and help us follow You together
with joy, generosity, and hope.

 

Prayer of Intercession

God of all people,
We pray for a world longing for peace,
for communities burdened by hardship,
for those who feel lost, lonely, or afraid.
Guide leaders with wisdom,
comfort those who suffer,
and inspire Your church to be a light in dark places.
Make us faithful followers—
ready to serve, ready to love, ready to act.

 

Hymn 3 – “Lord, You Have Come to the Lakeshore (Pescador de Hombres)”
Focuses on Jesus calling ordinary people to follow Him.

 

Blessing

Go now in the footsteps of Jesus—
with hearts open,
with courage renewed,
with love overflowing.

And may the blessing of God Almighty,
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit,
be with you and remain with you
today and always.
Amen.

150 Years Since the Foundation Stone Was Laid

by Bellshill Central, posted in Other News, Weekly Church News

Celebrating a Rich Heritage of Faith and Witness

On Friday 19th June 2026, Bellshill Central Parish Church will mark a significant milestone in our congregation’s story as we celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Laying of the Foundation Stone of our church building.

When that foundation stone was laid in 1876, those gathered could scarcely have imagined the generations of worshippers who would pass through its doors.

Their vision and faith established a place where God’s people could gather in worship, serve the community, and proclaim the Gospel for generations to come.

Over the course of 150 years, the congregation has been known by several names, reflecting both the changing story of the Church in Scotland and the life of our local community. The building first served as Bellshill Free Church, later becoming Bellshill East United Free Church following the Union of 1900. In time it became known as Macdonald Memorial Church, a name remembered fondly by many within the community. Today, as Bellshill Central Parish Church, we continue that same mission of worship, witness and service, standing on the foundations laid by those who came before us.

While the name above the door has changed through the years, the purpose of the church has remained constant: to gather God’s people, share Christ’s love, and serve the community of Bellshill.

Within these walls, countless baptisms, weddings and funerals have marked the significant moments of life. Generations have found friendship, support, comfort and faith through the ministry of this congregation.

This anniversary provides an opportunity not only to celebrate our history but also to give thanks for the faithfulness of God throughout every chapter of that story. We remember with gratitude the ministers, elders, office-bearers, members and friends whose dedication ensured that the congregation continued to flourish through times of change and challenge.

Our commemorative gathering will include a short service of thanksgiving, reflecting on the remarkable journey from Bellshill Free Church to Bellshill Central Parish Church. Together we will celebrate the people, events and moments that have shaped our congregation over a century and a half.

Following the service, refreshments will be served, providing an opportunity to share memories, renew old friendships and enjoy fellowship together.

As we honour the past, we also look forward with hope. The foundation stone laid in 1876 was an expression of faith in the future. Today, 150 years later, we continue that legacy, trusting that God will guide and sustain His Church for generations yet to come.

Anniversary Service

150th Anniversary of the Laying of the Foundation Stone
Friday 19th June 2026
12 noon
Bellshill Central Parish Church
346 Main Street, Bellshill

A short service followed by refreshments.

Whether you have been part of the congregation for many years, have connections to Bellshill Free Church, Bellshill East United Free Church, Macdonald Memorial Church, or simply wish to join us for this historic occasion, you will be made most welcome.

“To the glory of God and for the service of His people, from generation to generation.”

We look forward to celebrating this special anniversary together.

Pews news for Sunday 7th June 2026

by Bellshill Central, posted in Pews sheet

Please see our pews news for Sunday 7th June 2026. ALL ARE WELCOME!

Download

Our Sunday morning service begins at 11am and is led by the Revd Jonathan Lyall

We offer Young Church activities for children of all ages, including Crèche and Sunday School, and warmly welcome everyone to be part of our worship.

Tea and coffee are served in the Hall after the service.

We’d love to see you in person at 346 Main Street, Bellshill, for our 11am service.

On Sunday mornings, we are the Church of Scotland in Bellshill.

Livestream from http://www.youtube.com/bellshillchurch