Coronavirus (COVID-19) information

Update 17/03/2020: All public worship services are cancelled until further notice.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) information – We have in place hand sanitizers at the front door of the building (Church main door), the halls and the kitchen. The toilets have ample supply of soap and nail brushes as good hand washing is the most effective way to reduce the spread of the virus, however using hand sanitiser in between can also help reduce the risk of spreading. Our premises is being kept clean and tidy, door handles, light switches, hand rails and all other “common touch” surfaces are being sanitized. We have taken all precautions available, and are being guided by Church of Scotland, NHS and Government advice. PLEASE CHECK WITH US ABOUT ANY CHANGES WHICH MAY HAPPEN QUICKLY.

If you need to cough or sneeze then: Catch it (Tissue), Bin it, Kill it (wash your hands).  PREVENTION IS THE PREFERRED OPTION! Please read the notices throughout the building. Whilst in places of worship, there is no need to avoid other worshipers who are well.

Click here for NHS Guidance

ALL ACTIVITIES THAT TAKE PLACE IN OUR CHURCH ARE NOW CANCELLED, POSTPONED OR SUSPENDED DURING THIS CURRENT CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC.

Simple measures like washing your hands often with soap and water can help stop viruses like coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading.

Do:

  • wash your hands with soap and water often – do this for at least 20 seconds
  • always wash your hands when you get home or into work
  • use hand sanitiser gel if soap and water are not available
  • cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze
  • put used tissues in the bin straight away and wash your hands afterwards
  • try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell

Don’t

  • do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean

Church services online

If you are unable, in self isolation or are wary of coming to church due to the current Coronavirus issues please remember you can join with us online at Bellshill Central Parish Church of Scotland through our website or on our YouTube channel from 11am on Sunday morning.

You’re welcome with us in person or online

Click this link for our live stream https://bellshillcentral.church/watch-live/

Pancake Tuesday

Shrove Tuesday (known in some countries as Pancake Tuesday) is a day in February or March preceding Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent), which is celebrated in some countries by consuming pancakes. In others, especially those (including Louisiana) where it is called Mardi Gras or some translation thereof, this is a carnival day, and also the last day of fat eating or gorging before the fasting period of Lent.

This moveable festival is determined by Easter. The expression Shrove Tuesday comes from the word shrive, meaning absolve.

Shrove Tuesday is observed by many Christians, including Anglicans, Lutherans,Methodists and Roman Catholics,who make a special point of self-examination, of considering what wrongs they need to repent, and what amendments of life or areas of spiritual growth they especially need to ask God’s help in dealing with.

Being the last day before the penitential season of Lent, related popular practices, such as indulging in food that one sacrifices for the upcoming forty days, are associated with Shrove Tuesday celebrations, before commencing the fasting and religious obligations associated with Lent. The term Mardi Gras is French for Fat Tuesday, referring to the practice of the last night of eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of theLenten season, which begins on Ash Wednesday