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.
Lord, defend me. I have lived an innocent life. I trusted the Lord and never doubted. 2 Lord, try me and test me. Look closely into my heart and mind. 3 I see your love. I live by your truth. 4 I do not spend time with liars. I do not make friends with people who hide their sin. 5 I hate the company of evil people. I won’t sit with the wicked. 6 I wash my hands to show I am innocent. I come to your altar, Lord. 7 I raise my voice in praise. I tell of all the miracles you have done. 8 Lord, I love the Temple where you live. It is where your greatness is. 9 Do not kill me with those sinners. Do not take my life with those murderers. 10 Evil is in their hands. They do wrong for money. 11 But I have lived an innocent life. So save me and be kind to me. 12 I stand in a safe place. Lord, I praise you in the great meeting.
JOIN IN AN ACT OF REMEMBRANCE AT 11AM TODAY AS WE REMEMBER. WE WILL NEVER FORGET.
For those who served and died in World War II
O God of truth and justice, we hold before you those men and women who have died in active service, particularly in the Second World War, whose sacrifice brought Victory in Europe. As we honour their courage and cherish their memory, may we put our faith in your future; for you are the source of life and hope, now and for ever. Amen.
For those who serve today
O Lord God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray, your almighty arm to strengthen and protect our service men and women. Support them in times of conflict, and in their rest and training keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
For the peace of the world
O God, who would fold both heaven and earth in a single peace; that the design of your great love lighten upon the waste of our wraths and sorrows and give peace to your church, peace among nations, peace in our dwellings and peace in our hearts; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Sir Francis Drake’s prayer
O Lord, when thou givest to thy servants to endeavour in any great matter, Grant us also to know that it is not the beginning but the continuing of the same until it be thoroughly finished that yieldeth the true glory, through him for the finishing of thy work laid down his life, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
To you, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 2 O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. 3 Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame; they shall be ashamed who are wantonly treacherous.
4 Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. 5 Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.
6 Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love, for they have been from of old. 7 Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions; according to your steadfast love remember me, for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!
8 Good and upright is the Lord; therefore he instructs sinners in the way. 9 He leads the humble in what is right, and teaches the humble his way. 10 All the paths of the Lord are steadfast love and faithfulness, for those who keep his covenant and his testimonies.
11 For your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my guilt, for it is great. 12 Who is the man who fears the Lord? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. 13 His soul shall abide in well-being, and his offspring shall inherit the land. 14 The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant. 15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for he will pluck my feet out of the net.
16 Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. 17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged; bring me out of my distresses. 18 Consider my affliction and my trouble, and forgive all my sins.
19 Consider how many are my foes, and with what violent hatred they hate me. 20 Oh, guard my soul, and deliver me! Let me not be put to shame, for I take refuge in you. 21 May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you.
Here’s a great kids message – love your enemies. Jesus taught us to to just that. Sit & listen as a family. Have a chat about someone we don’t like, but should learn to like.
