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 year’s Sponsored Walk didn’t take place as usual due to COVID19. What we encourage you to do this year is to have a Winter Walk during November and December 2020. You can do this on your own remembering to walk somewhere safe, or in your family or support bubble have a walk together. Or with a friend (or friends!) as long as you remember to keep socially distant from them – we want you always to be safe!
You are asked to try and walk 4 miles (that is the circumference of our Parish – give or take) and you can walk it in one go or do it in stages (for example a mile a day for four days)
A 4-mile route leaving the Church is shown below if you want to walk around our Parish of Bellshill Central. The route (below) is a moderate route with a steeper section once you cross Motherwell Road at the Calder Bridge along Community Road.
If you want to take part also let us know and we’ll send you a sponsor form. If you want to sponsor a participant, again please let us know.
This Sunday (15 November), Christians across the country – and further afield – will join together in prayer at 7pm in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
As with previous weeks during lockdown and the phased easing of restrictions, 14 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.”https://www.youtube.com/embed/-LxIfgJMD8Y
“‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’ In the Gospel of Matthew, these words are spoken to the servants who have wisely used the talents entrusted to them.
“In our reading of the Parable of the Talents, we remember that the meaning of the word ‘talent’ has subtly changed. Originally, the reference is to a measure of weight and we learn from this that the weight of money entrusted to the servants is considerable indeed. In our contemporary reading, we are more apt to think of ‘talent’ in terms of gift and ability, and we read and mark this subtle distinction carefully. (Matthew 25: 14-30)
“In these unprecedented times, we are conscious of the very considerable investment that has been made in sustaining the community and society of which we are a part. In facing the challenges that are before us, we are again conscious of the work of those who seek, on a daily basis, to renew the health and well-being of our community and society.
“We act with them and pray for them. Indeed, we are all called to use that which has been entrusted to us to serve and bear witness to the love, grace and mercy of God. We do so trusting that, at the last, we shall hear the words: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’”
We pray:
Faithful God And giver of all good gifts, We thank you for the gift of life entrusted to us And for the knowledge that we are made in your image. In these times, may we bear witness to the gift you have given to us. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Faithful God And giver of all good gifts, We thank you for the gift of family and of friendship And for the companions who join us on the way. In the community in which we share, renew the ties that bind us together. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Faithful God And giver of all good gifts, We thank you for those who serve within our community and society And who, by their work, sustain our common life. In these times, strengthen and renew them in all they do, Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Faithful God And giver of all good gifts, We thank you that you call us to serve and to bear witness To your love, grace and mercy. In the community of the faithful, may we never forget this calling. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Faithful God And giver of all good gifts, We thank you for all those who through their talent, And by their research, give hope to the world. In these times, may we share generously the fruit of that hope. Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer. Faithful God
And giver of all good gifts, We thank you that you reveal your life to us In the community of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. In the life to come, may we hear: ‘Well done, good and faithful servant!’ Lord, in your mercy, Hear our prayer.
Good morning, and welcome to this week’s Sunday Worship service – YOUR CHURCH AT HOME – from Bellshill Central Parish Church, located right in the heart of North Lanarkshire, UK
This week’s worship is led by our pastor and friend, Rev Kevin de Beer. Members of our congregation take part by reading the prayers, readings and introductions.
Join us from 10.45am when we share in some news and some gathering songs – this week Love Divine, Majesty and Be still – then our worship begins at around 11am. Tune in live or anytime thereafter with our catch-up videos.
Historically, a fortress was a place of protection for people during times of trouble. Often, during times of war, soldiers guarded these structures and gave the people inside a strong sense of security.
Psalm 46.1 tells us that God is “our mighty fortress.” In our times of trouble, we can run to him – he is our mightiest protection. God is our strongest security and the safest place to be.
BELLSHILL: CENTRAL PARISH CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 