Author: Bellshill Central

Today we want to express our heartfelt thanks to Ian Douglas, who has served as our Locum Reader at Bellshill Central Parish Church for over two years. What began as a simple chance meeting at a funeral at Crosshill Church in Motherwell, where Ian had served as Pastoral Assistant — and a kindly offered lift for Alan — has grown into a wonderful relationship that none of us could have predicted.

From that moment, Ian stepped in to help with pulpit supply and pastoral visiting, and very quickly became part of the life, laughter and rhythm of BCPC. His presence has been a gift.
We are grateful for:

• Palm Sunday services filled with meaning and hope, always delivered with Ian’s steady warmth.
• Stories of adventures — trips to the islands, journeys on the Waverley, and all the wee tales that made us smile.
• All‑age addresses that were legendary: toys, sweets, games, props… you name it, Ian produced it.
• Thoughtful, relevant messages that helped us focus on justice, peace, compassion and the everyday call to live out our faith.
• Burns’ lunches that will go down in BCPC history, complete with unforgettable Addresses to the Haggis.
• Friendship, laughter and fun, shared generously and often.
• And of course, the Captain’s hat from June and Stanley, which will forever be part of the story.

Ian, your ministry among us has been marked by kindness, creativity, faithfulness and joy. You have encouraged us, challenged us, and cheered us on. You have become a friend to many, and a blessing to all.

As your time with us comes to a close, we say a huge thank you. For every sermon, every visit, every smile, every story, every Sunday — we are grateful.

We look forward to seeing you when you cover some Sundays for Jonathan in the months that lie ahead.

May God bless you richly in all that lies ahead.
And remember… the door at BCPC is always open.

For two and a half years, the Revd Margaret Rose has served Bellshill Central Parish Church with a diligence, steadiness, and wholehearted commitment that has blessed us more than words can fully express. At a time when we needed stability, Margaret became that steadying presence — guiding us with wisdom, gentleness, and a pastor’s heart.

She has stood with us in the most significant moments of our lives: welcoming new life in Baptism, celebrating love in marriage, and offering comfort and hope at funerals. She has led us through seasons of deep meaning — Easter, Harvest, Advent, and Christmas — always with care, clarity, and a deep sense of God’s presence.

Margaret also walked with us through a milestone in our story: the 150th Anniversary of the founding of our congregation. Her leadership helped us honour our past, celebrate our present, and look with hope to the future.

In all of this, she has become far more than our locum. She has become one of the BCPC family. Her warmth, humour, faith, and compassion have woven her into the life of this congregation in a way that will remain long after her formal role ends.

As Presbytery appoints another locum to lead us into our next steps, we pause to say a most sincere and heartfelt thank you. We pray that Margaret will now enjoy rest, refreshment, and the deep satisfaction of knowing how profoundly she has blessed us. We hope she carries with her the certainty of our love and appreciation, and the knowledge that she will always be a real part of Bellshill Central.

We will miss her immensely from being with us, however we do look forward to having her back to cover Sunday’s when Jonathan isn’t available.

With love and blessings, from your friends and church family at Bellshill Central Parish Church.