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.
Welcome to our 5th day of reflections in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Today’s reader is Alan Mathew. Please watch each video, and reflect when we hear music. There are points to ponder and questions/go and do actions at the end.
Verse for the Day
‘One Lord, one faith, one baptism’ (Ephesians 4:5).
Scripture Passages
· Zechariah 14:6-9
· Psalm 100
· Matthew 28:16-20
Prayer
Spirit of God, and true God,
who descended on the River Jordan and entered into the upper room;
who enlightened us by the baptism of the water of life,
we have sinned against heaven and before You.
Purify us again with Your divine fire,
as You did the Apostles with fiery tongues.
Have mercy on us and all Your creatures.
Amen.
Questions
Personal: What does reflecting on your own baptism or Christian initiation mean for you today?
Local: How does your church community celebrate the unity of all creation within a local context?
Global: Given the diverse understanding of baptism among Christians, how can this sacrament still be an expression of unity?
Personal: Keep a journal for a week (or for seven days spread out over a period of time), reflecting each day on the meaning of your baptism or Christian initiation
Local: Discuss what collaborative initiatives the churches in your community could undertake to celebrate your shared faith in Jesus Christ.
Global: Organise an event celebrating the global unity of the churches with creation.
Welcome to day 4 of our reflections in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Today’s reader is Stanley Cook. Please watch each video, and reflect when we hear music. There are points to ponder and questions/go and do actions at the end.
CALLED TO ONE HOPE
Verse for the Day
‘There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling’ (Ephesians 4:4).
Scripture Passages
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Psalm 24:1-6
John 17:20-26
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ,
You bring us together in all our diversity,
as family and church.
In the face of so many situations on earth,
where hope has given way to despair
and hearts are wounded and emptied by disappointment,
renew our strength and unify us.
Help us to share Your hope wherever we find ourselves.
You are the true Light,
who casts out the darkness of sin,
despair and brokenness,
who shines into our hearts, releasing the joy
and the true hope of Your eternal love for all.
Amen.
Questions
Personal: What must you lay down in order to embrace the unity of all God’s people?
Local: What are the most challenging issues facing your locality that threaten to undermine the unity and well-being of all?
Global: Does your church unity transcend all national and cultural boundaries?
Welcome to our 3rd day of reflections in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Today’s reader is Anne Guy. Please watch each video, and reflect when we hear music. There are points to ponder and questions/go and do actions at the end.
The bond of peace
Verse for the Day
… making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace’ (Ephesians 4:3).
Scripture Passages
Isaiah 11:6-9
Psalm 86:8-13
John 14:27-31
Lord Jesus Christ,
You are the Prince of Peace.
Strengthen the bond of peace among us and in our troubled world.
Disturb the hearts of all who would make war; touch the wounds of all who are afflicted by war.
We pray especially for the people of Armenia and Artsakh,
and their kindred throughout the world.
Let the light of Your love shine in all the dark places of our world,
and hasten the day when all peoples may dwell in peace with justice. Amen.
Questions
Personal: When you feel you are at peace with yourself, how important is it that you are at peace with others as well?
Local: How does the Apostle Paul’s teaching that peace is a fruit of the Spirit impact our daily interactions and relationships within our communities, especially where there is a need for reconciliation or forgiveness?
Global: ‘Peace is a great concept but is not a practicable possibility in the world today.’ How would you challenge that assertion?
Global: The world today faces growing tensions, conflict and actual warfare. What one thing could your church or group of churches commit to doing to challenge that reality?
Personal: Create an image (for example, a picture, photo or work of art) which symbolises peace for you, and share it in whatever way you feel is appropriate.
Local: Identify an area of tension within your local church community, or the community at large, and consider how practically to bring true peace to that situation.
BELLSHILL: CENTRAL PARISH CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 