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.
This Sunday (18 April), as restrictions ease across Scotland, Christians across the country – and further afield – will join together in prayer and reflection at 7pm in response to the pandemic.
As with previous weeks during lockdown, 15 Christian churches and organisations across the country, including the Church of Scotland, have co-signed the letter calling for prayer.
Scottish Christians have been continuing to answer the call to pray at the same time each week, and Rt Rev Dr Martin Fair, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, has been taking part alongside them.
“There are some things which make sense for a certain period of time but which come to a natural conclusion – such as clapping for carers during the spring lockdown. Prayer isn’t one of them,” Dr Fair said.
“The Apostle Paul encourages us to ‘pray without ceasing’ and Jesus himself offers parables where persistence in prayer is lauded.
“It can be hard to keep going when there’s no end in sight; much easier when the finishing line comes into view. In the case of the pandemic, it still feels as if there’s no light at the end of the tunnel.
“All the more reason then for God’s people to continue faithfully in prayer. And even better when we can pray across the whole of the Church, unrestricted by denominational divides.
“If Sunday at 7pm is in your diary, keep it there. Thank you. If it hadn’t been, it would be great to have you involved. It matters that we pray.”
“During these past months, we have been disturbed and disturbed profoundly. All that we had taken for granted, up until even a year ago, seems to be placed into question. Things are not as they were and we do not yet know how they will be.
“The disciples of Jesus had been disturbed and disturbed profoundly by all that had happened in the events leading up to His crucifixion. The reports that had come to them since that time had, in a sense, disturbed them even more.
“All that they had taken for granted seemed to be placed into question and they remained afraid. It is to those disciples that Jesus comes and speaks these words: ‘Peace be with you.’ The Risen Lord stands among them and His word is: ‘Peace be with you.’
“So disturbed have they been that they react with fear and doubt. In response, Jesus invites them to reach out as His presence is renewed and revealed. (Luke 24: 36-48)
“In the providence of God, we give thanks for the progress that we have made as a society in addressing the challenges of our times. In the providence of God, we give thanks for the presence of the Risen Lord whose word to us today is: ‘Peace be with you.’”
We pray:
Living God, Your word to us through the Risen Lord is: Peace be with you. Amidst the disturbance of the times, May we hear your word and embrace the peace you offer. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Living God, Your word to us through the Risen Lord is: Peace be with you. When the foundations are shaken and the certainties no longer sure, May you speak to us in the still small voice of calm. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Living God, Your word to us through the Risen Lord is: Peace be with you. When we are fearful and troubled, May you speak to the depths of our fears and still our troubled hearts. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Living God, Your word to us through the Risen Lord is: Peace be with you. As we hear his voice, May we reach out to the One whose presence is renewed and revealed before us. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Living God, Your word to us through the Risen Lord is: Peace be with you. As we experience the renewal of life within our family and community, May we bear witness to your abiding presence among us. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Thank you and bless you, we hope you feel part of the Central Church family by participating in this service of online worship – wherever and whenever you take part.
Attached for your information is this weekends ENEWS. Remember also that the service is available by dialling 01698 533211. It is updated each Sunday morning and is then available for the rest of the week. If you know someone who cant access the service online this is a great way for them to worship.
All songs and hymns are published using our various CCLI licences which are:
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
Please visit our website
www.bellshillcentral.church for all we are doing online to spread the wonderful news of the Gospel in Bellshill and beyond
The organist entertains seeks to help keep you connected with your Church, the building, it’s surroundings and the sounds of the organ.
Tonight at 8pm
Welcome to another Virtual Church with the Organist Entertains.
Tonight’s episode features your requests and suggestions, so we’re back to the usual format full of Hymns and Songs of Praise! We are sure you will enjoy tonight’s episode greatly.
All your words will appear on the screen. We feature some great hymns of praise and some musical interludes too.
All your words will appear on the screen. We feature some great hymns of praise and some musical interludes too.
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 