On Saturday 21st October, we held our Anniversary Open Day. The remnants of Storm Babet could not dampen our enthusiasm!
We welcomed some familiar faces and old friends to browse our displays and exhibitions.
We were thrilled to have Profession Robin Webster give us a fascinating presentation on his father’s work, and on our own fine collection of Arts and Crafts stained glass windows.
It was a delight to have our oldest member come along, Sadie Nisbet, to view our displays and reminisce on many happy memories. Sadie can vaguely recall Rev Esson Gillon, who was our minister prior to 1942!
Tuesday night, the presbytery voted to defer action on the draft plan presented by the Mission Planning Action Group (MPAG).
Among many issues raised, the most significant problem was the decision made by the MPAG to dissolve three congregations in the presbytery, including Quarter Parish Church, just outside Hamilton. These decisions were unexpected and which no justifications or rationales were provided. There were a number of rulings without explanation, a pattern which was repeated throughout the entirety of the 148-page report. Over and again, decisions were made by the MPAG that often bore little resemblance to the planned intentions of the local clusters. In the end, this proved unacceptable to the presbytery.
A countermotion was presented and debated at length which, when finally passed had the effect of deferring the Draft Mission Plan until such time that the MPAG was able to provide justification for their decisions. In effect, the presbytery asked the MPAG to ‘show its workings,’ and the manner by which their decisions were made.
The convener of the MPAG promptly resigned, leaving the committee without leadership and arguably redundant.
What happens next? In the short term, nothing, but the decision of the presbytery will not be well-received by the General Assembly. Presbytery mission plans were to be completed by December 2022, meaning ours was already 9 months late. Tuesday night’s decision will likely put final passage of the Plan well into 2024. Presently, the Presbytery Clerk will be conferring with the Principal Clerk of the Assembly seeking advice as to ways forward.
The Draft plan presented will remain the starting pointfor ongoing discussions until the presbytery either takes it forward or devises a new plan. In the meantime, congregations across the presbytery will not be allowed to seek or call a minister and property work will be limited to keeping buildings wind and watertight. In effect, our ministry will remains paused until the plan is finally passed at some point in the future.
We are encouraged to continue working with cluster partners in local Mission and outreach, as we continue to seek God’s will and direction whilst being Christ filled and centred and a witnessing, worshipping community.
Sunday worship on Sunday 1st October will be held at Bellshill Central Parish Church, 346 Main Street, Bellshill, ML4 1BA. The service begins at 11am and all are most welcome.
This service is led by Mr Ian Douglas, and we look forward to welcoming him back and hear his message.
Activities for young folks are available via our Creche and Young Church
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.
Regular Activities are:
Mondays
7.30pm in the Church Hall XS Taekwon-do Bellshill East (look up their page on Facebook)
Our church Guild resumes on 2nd October with a joint dedication service with Burnhead Guild, at Burnhead Church.
Sunday 8th October is our Harvest Service. Once again we support the more needy in our community please bring along non perishable foods or household and toiletry items, which will be shared afterwards.
Our 150th Anniversary Weekend starts on Saturday 21st October with a doors open day, exhibition and organ demonstration.
The Sunday 22nd October we are inviting our Church Family and Community to worship together for a special service that includes communion.
After that service there will be a congregational lunch in the halls.
Former ministers, locums, friends, and members are invited, along with dignitaries from North Lanarkshire Council and the Lord Lieutenancy team.
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.
We had a good number of people come along to our Open Day. Everyone seemed to be interested in what they saw and heard.
The talk from Gordon Websters son, Robin, was very interesting, and we look forward to his return visit in October.
There were 2 gentlemen came all the way from Bonnyrigg because they were so impressed with our online presence/streamed service. They were from Parish Churches of Cockpen & Carrington linked with Lasswade & Rosewell
Huge thanks to Peggy, Sheena, and Alan for being the welcome team all day! It was also great to see Margaret Matthew, Jimmy Orr, Colin Toal, and all the other lovely people who came along.
BELLSHILL: CENTRAL PARISH CHURCH OF SCOTLAND 