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.
OUR ONLINE PREMIERE – Episode 7 from Bellshill Central’s resident maestro – Alan Mathew at 8pm tonight. Alan will play a selection of requested hymns on the organ, helping keep folks connected with their church building and surroundings
This episode features a look at some of the “bits” of the organ and the some of the following songs
Ye Gates
As the deer
Be still my soul
Just as I am
The look at the Pedal Division this episode, which concludes the tour of the main parts of the organ
We love that Church at Home means that no matter where you are you can join us from the comfort of your own home. Join us from 10.45am this morning. If you’re not already following us on social media this is the best place to keep up to date with us, so go ahead and give us a like!
We think that is it comforting to have familiar views and sounds while we worship in a different way during the COVID-19 crisis. So, in our online worship we will use the sounds of our organ, choir and congregation singing. We will have members of our congregation reading the lessons, praying and helping Kevin lead our worship.
Please download this weeks E-NEWS by following this link. It provides some items useful for our worship together.
Stained glass windows were commonly used in churches for decorative and informative purposes. Many windows are donated to churches by members of the congregation as memorials of loved ones.
Stained glass windows were used predominantly in churches, but were also found in wealthy domestic settings and public buildings such as town halls, though surviving examples of secular glass are very rare indeed. The purpose of stained glass windows in a church was both to enhance the beauty of their setting and to inform the viewer through narrative or symbolism.
The windows of Bellshill Central can be placed into 4 distinct periods
1920s – the main Macdonald Memorial window behind the organ pipes
1960s – the four central windows by the Abbey Studios
1970s – the four corner windows by Gordon Webster
1990s – vestibule window at the bottom of the stairs by Lesley Jackson (now Marshall)
50 1-3 The God of gods—it’s God!—speaks out, shouts, “Earth!” welcomes the sun in the east, farewells the disappearing sun in the west. From the dazzle of Zion, God blazes into view. Our God makes his entrance, he’s not shy in his coming. Starbursts of fireworks precede him.
4-5 He summons heaven and earth as a jury, he’s taking his people to court: “Round up my saints who swore on the Bible their loyalty to me.”
6 The whole cosmos attests to the fairness of this court, that here God is judge.
7-15 “Are you listening, dear people? I’m getting ready to speak; Israel, I’m about ready to bring you to trial. This is God, your God, speaking to you. I don’t find fault with your acts of worship, the frequent burnt sacrifices you offer. But why should I want your blue-ribbon bull, or more and more goats from your herds? Every creature in the forest is mine, the wild animals on all the mountains. I know every mountain bird by name; the scampering field mice are my friends. If I get hungry, do you think I’d tell you? All creation and its bounty are mine. Do you think I feast on venison? or drink draughts of goats’ blood? Spread for me a banquet of praise, serve High God a feast of kept promises, And call for help when you’re in trouble— I’ll help you, and you’ll honor me.”
16-21 Next, God calls up the wicked:
“What are you up to, quoting my laws, talking like we are good friends? You never answer the door when I call; you treat my words like garbage. If you find a thief, you make him your buddy; adulterers are your friends of choice. Your mouth drools filth; lying is a serious art form with you. You stab your own brother in the back, rip off your little sister. I kept a quiet patience while you did these things; you thought I went along with your game. I’m calling you on the carpet, now, laying your wickedness out in plain sight.
22-23 “Time’s up for playing fast and loose with me. I’m ready to pass sentence, and there’s no help in sight! It’s the praising life that honors me. As soon as you set your foot on the Way, I’ll show you my salvation.”
BELLSHILL: CENTRAL PARISH CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 