Category: Weekly Church News

Weekly Church news from the pews and around our organisations and groups.

Looking Ahead with Hope – June 2026

by Bellshill Central, posted in Other News, Weekly Church News

As we begin the month of June, we find ourselves at the halfway point of another year. It is a natural time to reflect on where God has led us and to look ahead with hope and expectation for the months to come.

At Bellshill Central Parish Church, we give thanks for all that has happened during the first part of 2026. We have shared in worship, fellowship, service, learning, outreach, and community events. We have welcomed visitors, celebrated milestones, supported one another through challenges, and sought to be a faithful witness to Christ in Bellshill.

As we look towards the next six months, our prayer is not simply that we will be busy, but that we will be fruitful. We hope to continue growing as a church family, deepening our discipleship, strengthening our connections with the local community, and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with confidence and compassion.

The Bible reminds us:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

While none of us knows exactly what lies ahead, we can trust the One who does. God’s faithfulness in the past gives us confidence for the future.

The writer of Hebrews encourages us:

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)

Over the coming months we look forward to opportunities for worship, fellowship, mission, and service. We pray that our church building will continue to be a place of welcome, that our congregation will continue to grow in faith, and that we will find new ways to share Christ’s love with our neighbours.

As we journey together, may we be guided by the words of the Apostle Paul:

“And let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)

Whatever the next six months bring, we move forward trusting in God’s grace, seeking His guidance, and serving in His strength.

A Prayer for the Months Ahead

Loving God,

As we begin this new month and look towards the rest of the year, we thank You for Your faithfulness and care. Thank You for every blessing we have received and for the ways You have guided us as a congregation.

Grant us wisdom for the decisions we make, courage for the opportunities before us, and compassion for all whom we meet. Help us to grow in faith, hope, and love. Strengthen our witness in Bellshill and enable us to serve our community with joy.

Bless our worship, our fellowship, our outreach, and our ministry. Draw new people into our church family and help us to share the good news of Jesus Christ in all that we do.

May we trust You in every season and follow where You lead.

In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Congratulations to Rev Jonathan Lyall

by Bellshill Central, posted in Other News, Weekly Church News

The congregation of Bellshill Central Parish Church warmly congratulates Rev Jonathan Lyall on his election as Minister-Elect of Carluke and Law Church, where he will serve alongside Rev Dr Elijah Obinna in a Team Ministry.

While we are delighted for Jonathan as he begins this exciting new chapter in his ministry, we are also conscious that his departure will be a significant loss to our own congregation.

Over recent months, Jonathan has served Bellshill Central faithfully as our Locum Minister, providing wise leadership, encouragement and support during an important period in the life of our church. He has led worship with warmth and enthusiasm, shared in pastoral care among our congregation, and offered guidance and reassurance as we have sought to discern God’s direction for the future.

We are particularly grateful for Jonathan’s work in chairing our Mission Action Plan Working Party. Through his leadership, experience and thoughtful facilitation, he has helped us reflect on our strengths, identify opportunities for growth, and develop a vision for the future mission and ministry of Bellshill Central. His contribution has been invaluable in helping us move forward with confidence.

Jonathan has also been a supportive colleague to office-bearers, volunteers and congregation members alike, always willing to listen, encourage and challenge us to deepen our faith and witness within our community.

As Jonathan prepares to take up his new ministry in Carluke and Law, we assure him of our prayers and best wishes. We pray that he will know God’s blessing, guidance and strength as he begins this new role, and that he, Rev Dr Elijah Obinna and the congregation of Carluke and Law Church will enjoy a fruitful and rewarding ministry together.

Thank you, Jonathan, for all you have done for Bellshill Central Parish Church. We give thanks to God for your ministry among us and wish you every blessing for the future.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.” — Numbers 6:24-25

A Weekend of Thanks at Bellshill Central

by Bellshill Central, posted in Weekly Church News

Dear Friends,

As we reflect on the past weekend, we have much to give thanks for at Bellshill Central.

Summer Celebration – Saturday 30th May

Our Summer Celebration was a tremendous success, bringing together members of our church family and the wider community for an enjoyable evening of fellowship and fun.

A heartfelt thank you goes to our Fundraising Team for all their hard work in planning and organising the event. We are also grateful to everyone who attended, supported, donated prizes, helped with preparations, put up bunting, served refreshments, welcomed guests, tidied away afterwards, and assisted in countless ways behind the scenes.

These events only happen because so many people generously give their time and talents. We are delighted to share that over £1,000 was raised for church funds, which is a wonderful achievement.

Thank you to everyone who contributed.

Songs of Praise – Sunday 31st May

Our thanksgiving continued on Sunday morning with a superb all-age Songs of Praise service.

Special thanks go to our organist for organising and leading this uplifting service. It was a joy to hear hymns chosen by members of the congregation and to celebrate the faith and memories connected with them.

We are grateful to all those who participated by leading prayers, reading Scripture, sharing introductions to hymns, and contributing to the worship in so many ways. Thank you also to everyone who submitted their favourite hymns and helped make the service such a meaningful occasion.

A further word of thanks to those who provided and served the extra tea and refreshments after worship, giving us the opportunity to enjoy fellowship together.

Giving Thanks

Both events reminded us of the strength of our church family and the many ways people serve, often quietly and without recognition.

Whether you organised, volunteered, donated, participated, attended, or simply encouraged others, your contribution is greatly appreciated.

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1

With grateful thanks and every blessing,

Bellshill Central Parish Church
346 Main Street, Bellshill
ML4 1BA

Weekly News Blog

by Bellshill Central, posted in Weekly Church News

Bellshill: Central Parish Church – we’re definitely still here and definitely still open, and we’d love to see you. Whether you were here not long ago or haven’t been for a long while, you will be guaranteed a warm welcome. we’re a growing church, and we’d love for you to be a part of it.

Sunday worship on 10th May will be held at BELLSHILL: CENTRAL PARISH CHURCH, 346 Main Street, Bellshill, ML4 1BA. We gather at 11am for our morning service, which is led by Rev Margaret ES Rose, BD. Margaret was our locum for over 2 years and we look forward to seeing her again.

CHRISTIAN AID – envelopes are available in church for your contributions and donations. We are also holding a convert on Friday 15th May at 7:30pm with the Cantabile Ensemble, raising funds for Christian Aid. Tickets are available from the Church priced £10 including wine and refreshments afterwards.

Young Church (Sunday School and Creche) activities for young folks are available during the service for any young folks that come along with you. An interactive all age talk takes place before the activities begin. Children are welcome to gather in the church with their parents.

Step free access is available via the side path, disabled toilet facilities. Baby changing is available.

Our service will be livestreamed via www.youtube.com/bellshillchurch if you’re not able to come along in person.

What’s on at BCPC this week

  • Monday 7:30pm Prayers via Zoom- email hello@bellshillcentral.church for the joining link, 7:15pm Hope for Autism.
  • Tuesday, Thurs and Friday 9am to 5pm NHS Vaccinations.
  • Tuesday 6pm Rainbows
  • Wednesday 10:15am Hope for Autism, 2pm Carpet Bowls Club
  • Thursday 6pm Brownies, 7:30pm The Guides
  • Friday 10:30am Funeral Service for Jessie Middleton, 12pm-1pm Open/Quiet Church (all welcome to come in for some quiet space, perhaps light a candle for a prayer or loved one).
  • Sunday 11am Sunday Morning worship with young church and Crèche.
  • Monday 11th May 12noon Funeral Service for Jim Mathew.

Please visit www.bellshillcentral.church for more information

The Spring issue of the Church magazine is still available to download from the church website. https://bellshillcentral.church

Looking ahead:

Monday 11th May in the evening we will once again host an “Anne Guy Clothes Show” in conjunction with Brian Taylor Fashions. This is always an excellent evening for bargain and fellowship! Tickets and more information available from Anne Guy. Tickets are £3. You can email hello@bellshillcental.church to reserve if you wish.  

Friday 15th May, again in the evening, we host a concert by the Cantabile Ensemble. Tickets will be available in the next few weeks. These are priced at £10. They include refreshments afterwards, including some wine for a Spring evening. You can also pay at the door.

Funeral Service for Jessie Middleton – takes place in Bellshill Central Parish Church on Friday 8th May at 10:30am led by Rev Jonathan Lyall, and thereafter to Bothwellpark Cemetery.

Funeral Service for Jim Mathew – takes place in Bellshill Central Parish Church on Monday 11th May at 12noon led by Rev Margaret ES Rose, and thereafter to Cambusnethan Cemetery. You are invited to Wishaw Masonic Hall, Stewarton St, Wishaw after the internment.

Please direct any Pastoral or other enquiries to our Session Clerk, Mr Stanley Cook via 01698 747144 or by emailing hello@bellshillcentral.church or you can also send a message to the church Facebook page, and it will be forwarded on.  You can contact Jonathan directly via minister@bellshillcentral.church

Each week, we collect non-perishable food items, cleaning products, and toiletries for the Orbiston Neighbourhood Centre’s Community Fridge Initiative. You can drop off items anytime we are open or bring them along on Sunday mornings.

Bellshill Central Parish Church is here for you. We are your church of Scotland presence in the town centre, Orbiston and Mossend, and surrounding area.