Author: Bellshill Central

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.

Easter Monday Prayers

by Bellshill Central, posted in Prayer items

Opening Sentence
Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

Prayer of Approach
Living God,
we come before you in wonder and praise.
You are the One who meets us in the darkness
and calls us into light.
When hope seems buried and joy feels distant,
you are still at work—bringing life from death,
rolling away stones, and opening new paths before us.
As we gather, draw near to us.
Lift our hearts, awaken our faith,
and help us to rejoice in the risen Christ,
in whose name we pray.
Amen.

Bible Reading
Mark 16:1–6
When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus’ body.
Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb
and they asked each other, “Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?”
But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.
As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.
“Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here.”

Prayer of Easter Thanks
Risen Lord Jesus,
we give you thanks that the grave could not hold you,
and death could not defeat you.
You have broken the power of sin,
you have lifted the weight of fear,
and you have opened the way to new and everlasting life.
For the hope that rises with the dawn,
for the joy that echoes through empty tombs,
for the promise that love is stronger than death—
we thank you.
Help us to live as Easter people,
filled with faith, courage, and joy;
sharing your light in the world.
Amen.

Prayer of Intercession
Risen Christ,
you bring life where there is despair
and hope where there is sorrow.
We pray for all who feel as though they are in the darkness—
those who grieve, those who are anxious,
those who feel alone or forgotten.
Roll away the stones that weigh them down.
We pray for your Church,
that it may boldly proclaim your resurrection
and live as a sign of your renewing love.
We pray for our communities,
for places of conflict and injustice,
for all who long for peace.
Bring healing, restoration, and new beginnings.
And we pray for ourselves—
that we may recognise you in our daily lives,
and follow where you lead.
In the power of your resurrection,
we offer these prayers.
Amen.

Closing Words
“Up from the grave he arose,
with a mighty triumph o’er his foes…”
Go in the joy of the risen Christ.
Alleluia! Amen.

Rev Jonathan Lyall

by Bellshill Central, posted in Weekly Church News

We are delighted to welcome Rev Jonathan Lyall as our new Locum Minister and Facilitator at Bellshill Central Parish Church.

Jonathan and Emma with their children, Nancy and twins Mark and Sarah.

We look forward to worshipping and working with Jonathan over the coming months, after he led worship for the first time on Sunday 5th April.

Jonathan completed his probationary period at Burnside Blairbeth Parish Church, where he served under the supervision of Rev William Wilson. Reflecting on that time, Jonathan spoke warmly of the congregation and the breadth of ministry he experienced there — from work with children to pastoral care — describing it as a place where “so much was going on that the hardest thing was deciding what to say no to.”

He speaks with gratitude for the wise and patient guidance he received during that formative time in ministry.

Throughout his journey, Jonathan has sensed God’s leading at every stage, sharing that he has often felt “God has put me in the right place at the right time.” As he joins us in this new chapter, he does so with excitement and anticipation for what God will continue to do.

We look forward to the gifts, experience, and encouragement Jonathan will bring to our congregation and community.

Please keep Jonathan in your prayers as he begins his ministry among us, and do come along on Sunday 12th April to continue to offer him a warm Bellshill Central welcome.

Holy Saturday prayer

by Bellshill Central, posted in Easter and Holy Week

God of the Cross, 
As we remember Good Friday, such a solemn day, we pause in the shadow of Your love. 
We remember Jesus, who held nothing back, 
who carried our sorrow, our fear, and our brokenness.

In this quiet moment, we hold before You all who are recently bereaved. 
Surround them with Your tenderness. 
Steady them when the days feel long. 
Let them know they are not alone.

As we stand at the foot of the cross, 
give us courage to trust Your goodness, 
even in the darkness, 
and hope to wait for the dawn of Easter light.

Amen.