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.
Kevin starts a new sermon series using his book Let’s Chat beginning with God is Love
We are up to 4 main hymns with some other shorter songs too. Facemasks are still mandatory even whilst singing, but we are singing!!
You require to maintain a 1m distance from people outwith your household, and if you are exempt from wearing a facemask you are required to keep a 2m distance
But now thus says the Lord, he who created you, O Jacob, he who formed you, O Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Saviour. I give Egypt as your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in exchange for you. Because you are precious in my sight, and honoured, and I love you, I give people in return for you, nations in exchange for your life. Do not fear, for I am with you; I will bring your offspring from the east, and from the west I will gather you; I will say to the north, ‘Give them up’, and to the south, ‘Do not withhold; bring my sons from far away and my daughters from the end of the earth— everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.’
On reading this passage from Isaiah we are immediately drawn to the hymn “Do not be afraid” (CH4 191). In many ways these words of scripture create a sense of calm in this soothing passage, given that in the lectionary calendar it comes to us at the beginning of January, after the rush and excitement of Advent, Christmas and after the bringing in of the New Year and all that accompanies it. The words of Isaiah bring for us – all of us, regardless of our background, ethnicity, age and stage in life, ability or disability – assurance and comfort. At the start of this New Year, we are assured that we do not face things alone, we go in the strength and presence of God. So, we can allow ourselves to take a deep breath, exhale and utter, ‘With God, I can do this.’
Intercessory prayers
We pray for all who are bearing heavy burdens: those facing difficulties and problems to which they can see no solutions, wrestling with inner fears and racked by anxiety for themselves or loved ones; troubled about money, health, work or relationships; all who crave rest for their souls but cannot find it.
We pray for the influence of Your Holy Spirit in the troubled places of the world. Fill us with Your passion for justice that we may strive to build bridges of reconciliation.
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We pray for all who are happy and for whom things are going well, that they may know the source of their blessing.
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We pray for all who are distressed. Comfort the sad, be present with the sick and make Your will known to them. Strengthen those who are depressed by failure.
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Our dear God, we ask that You will help us to spread Your love to our friends and neighbours. Let us think of one or two particular friends and ask that God will help us tell them the good news.
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Let us think of the people sitting on either side of us and ask that God will be especially close to them.
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We also remember those people who are not with us today, perhaps through illness or because they are on holiday.
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Lord, thank You that You listen to our prayers – spoken and unspoken – in Jesus name. Amen
The organist entertains seeks to help keep you connected with your Church, the building, it’s surroundings and the sounds of the organ.
JOIN US THIS WEDNESDAY AT 8PM FOR A final foray into carols suitable for epiphany
This is Episode 85 in the organist entertains series which yet again proves to be a super edition of your hymns and requests, and the words appear on the screen.
Please have your CH4 books ready if you would like to follow the music, but don’t worry the words for the hymns and songs will appear on the screen.
the dual screens make a return so you’ll get to see some fancy footwork!
Hymns used with permission and with the following CCLI Licences Church Copyright Licence 876673; Music Reproduction Licence 876680 Church Video Licence 2258718; PPL Church Licence 1593113 CLA Church Licence 1002856; PRS for Music Church Licence 1448921 Streaming Licence 1638311
BELLSHILL: CENTRAL PARISH CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 