The Fourth Week of Lent
Tuesday
Joyful praise in Lent?
I’m not sure I always feel that.
I ask you to help me prepare to understand
and embrace the paschal mystery in my life.
I don’t always see the beauty and mystery
of this season
and often I run from the pain.
Help me to see how your saving grace
and your loving touch in my life
can fill me with joyful praise of the salvation
you have sent to me.
Work is already underway to make radical changes to the sanctuary area in Bellshill Central Parish Church
As you can see from the pictures the church organ is already being removed from its position at the front of the platform area. This is in response to the high demand in Baptisms that we are being asked to perform in the Church from Bellshill and the wider area.
The organ pit is being converted into a Baptismal Pool (otherwise known as a Baptistry) which will incorporate the existing communion table, shown below.
The organ is already set into a deep well in the floor so makes the ideal location to site the new Baptismal Pool. Our organist and organ are being re-located to the Gallery level. It is also being looked at re-locating the choir to the Gallery also, but this is on hold pending SAGA and Age-Alliance health risk assessments being carried out.
Our existing communion table will be converted. It will be hollowed out and have a rear panel attached, making it a tank. The top will be removed and re-formed into a “Tank Lid” allowing it to be used normally when not in use for Baptism purposes. Artists impressions and a picture of the frame to be sunk into the floor have been made available.
Our Minister, Rev Kevin de Beer, is really excited about this development in our church. Having conducted over 15 baptism’s in the last year, the option of multiple baptisms will be very handy. Families can be baptised not even just at the one service but at the same time! It really is a win-win solution. The church vestry is being converted into a dressing room with shower and changing facilities.
Kevin himself likes a good swim at the Sir Matt Busby centre, so will enjoy this extra time of exercise and fitness.
The supplier of the equipment and also responsible for the re-modelling of our existing communion table are based in the USA. April, their representative has not visited the site in person but through Skype and the internet has had a 3D tour of the premises. The Sub-contractors on site from Loof Ltd expect to be with us for aroud 4 weeks. Minimal disruption to Sunday services has been agreed, although it may take some time for the organ to be back in use, allowing our organ tuner time to elevate the console and organist.
On behalf of the Kirk Session and Congregational Board, Bellshill Cental Parish Church of Scotland.
The Fourth Week of Lent
Monday
God who created me,
You offer me new life through your Son
and through the gift of your sacraments.
While I see new life all around me,
I don’t always recognize the new life you offer me.
Help me to grow this Lent in an awareness
of the gifts you place in my life
and in a greater appreciation for your care.
Give me the courage to ask for help.
The Fourth Week of Lent
Sunday
Loving Creator of mine,
I feel the pace quicken, the time draw near.
I am filled with joy as I move toward Easter
and the promised reconciliation with you.
Teach me to follow the example of your Son,
to be worthy of being called one his people:
a Christ-ian.
Help me to live each day as he did
turning hatred to love and conflict to peace.
I await the new life with eagerness, faith
and a deep gratitude.
BELLSHILL: CENTRAL PARISH CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 