Lord Jesus Christ,
you taught us to love our neighbour,
and to care for those in need
as if we were caring for you.
In this time of anxiety, give us strength
to comfort the fearful, to tend the sick,
and to assure the isolated
of our love, and your love,
for your name’s sake.
Amen.
Keep us, good Lord, under the shadow of your mercy in this time of uncertainty and distress. Sustain and support the anxious and fearful, and lift up all who are brought low; that we may rejoice in your comfort knowing that nothing can separate us from your love in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
The Church of Scotland is supporting calls for a National Day of Prayer and Action on 22 March, which is also Mothering Sunday.
Rt Rev Colin Sinclair is joining the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and other church leaders to issue a national call to prayer.
The Moderator said:
“There are many different ways the Church can and should offer support and help to their communities at this time, but one way is through prayer. We believe in a God who hears and answers prayer.
“We are encouraged to come honestly in prayer, sharing openly our emotions, questions and concerns in the light of COVID 19.
“We have become aware in a new way of our frailty and need to renew our dependence on God. I welcome this call to prayer across the UK and encourage you to join in it this Sunday wherever you are.”
The call to prayer asks everyone to light a candle at 7pm on Sunday as ‘a visible symbol of the light of life, Jesus Christ, our source and hope in prayer.’
Church leaders are seeking to quell fears and remind us of God’s presence and love. They write:
“At such a time as this, when so many are fearful and there is great uncertainty, we are reminded of our dependence on our loving Heavenly Father and the future that he holds.”
The situation in the UK has accelerated at an alarming rate with the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus Pandemic.
The Church of Scotland, in line with other denominations, have strongly urged that all public services of worship are cancelled until further notice.
While this is something none of us have ever experienced, it is the correct action to take.
The health and well-being of the public, our friends and family is paramount and decisions such as this are made to protect and safeguard as many people as possible.
From today (17/03/2020) all public worship services normally held at Bellshill Central Parish Church are cancelled until further notice.
We are considering what acts of worship, prayer and reflection can be made possible so that some form of worship can take place. We hope that some sort of live stream service will be available via this website.
Details of any developments for Bellshill Central will be shared here and our social media channels.
During this time we ask for prayer. Pray for those in isolation. Pray for those ill with the virus. Pray for those workers still keeping vital services going. Prayer for the medical professionals giving of their gifts and skills as we try tackle the care and treatment of those most severely ill.
The Moderator, the Right Reverend Colin Sinclair, along with the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and other church leaders, has issued a call for a National Day of Prayer and Action on 22 March, which is also Mothering Sunday.
Light a candle
The call to prayer asks everyone to light a candle at 7pm on Sunday as ‘a visible symbol of the light of life, Jesus Christ, our source and hope in prayer.’
Please visit this link for the full details on the Church of Scotland website
BELLSHILL: CENTRAL PARISH CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 