To praise the lord with your whole heart is the most selfless act you can expeience in your life. Sometimes our prayers contain a bit of selishness, even if the asking is on behalf of others.
On the other hand, praise is a gift that is freely given in adoration of the awesome God. It demands a reverant attitude of the body, a focused mind, and energetic emotion from the heart, and a submissive spirit. Our songs and words are sent out with no expectation of getting something in returrn. Praise is an expression of uncondition love.
No other words in the Bible capture the sense of abondonment we all feel at some point better than these. They are not an immature complaint of “Why don’t I have more money,” or “Why can’t I be happy?” Instead, they are a cry from the very depth of our being- ” Why have you deserted me?”
Jesus shouted these words at god when he hung on the cross centuries after they were written (Mathew 27.46)
So can we. God doesn’ t mind honest anguish and doubt. What he wants from us when we experience great pain is for us to hand that pain to him – even if we feel like God isn’t there.
Sunday worship continues at 11am each Sunday morning at 346 Main Street – Bellshill Central Parish Church. Our church is Central to Christ, Central to Bellshill and Central to YOU! For 143 years we have shouted out the Good News of Jesus Christ and of His love for one and all. We offer a warm and generous welcome to all, on Sundays or throughout the week at any of our week day activities and groups. Our minister, Rev’d Kevin de Beer, loves being in our Faith Family and reaching outwards into the communities of Bellshill Town Centre, Mossend and Orbiston. As the Church of Scotland Parish for Central Bellshill, including the Town Centre, we want to you be part of what is a wonderful community of fellowship and faith. Please simply #comeasyouare!
This Sunday morning, 15th December, join us at 11.00am at the church at 346 Main Street right at the Centre of our town. We light our Third Advent Candle. Our minister, Rev’d Kevin leads us in worship. Our theme is Getting ready for the impossible. The bible readings are Isaiah 35:1-10 and Matthew 11:2-11, read by a church member. Songs include Hark the Glad Sound, Christmas is Coming, Shout to the Lord and Tell out my soul. The service will be live streamed via our website and YouTube channel for those wishing to take part live or later on catch up. If you would like a tape, CD or DVD of the service these can be made available by speaking to Drew Aitken.
In the evening we have our Candle Light Carols service at 6.30pm. The church is filled with flickering candles. We sing traditional Christmas Carols interspersed with readings, read by four of our young members – Emily, Michael, Lyle and Amirah. Afterwards you are invited into the Church Hall for Mince Pies and Mulled Wine. Carols include: In the Bleak mid-winter, Joy to the world, We three kings and O Holy Night. We have the superb Fiona MacDonald singing for us again. Please make sure you are there to witness a beautiful and warm service.
TONIGHT (Wednesday 11th December) AT 7PM in BELLSHILL CENTRAL PARISH CHURCH WE HAVE OUR ANNUAL SING A SONG FOR CHRISTMAS. This is a charity fund raising night for CHRIS’S HOUSE – a worthy local charity. We look forward to hearing and singing with the kids from Lawmuir and Mossend Primary Schools. The Church choir will sing some songs from our Christmas Musical. We urge the whole community to come along on Wednesday night, to really get into that Christmas spirit, enjoy hearing children sing AWAY IN A MANGER, and having fun. Entry is TOTALLY FREE, but a donation will be taken for CHRIS’S HOUSE if you can contribute. Refreshements in the hall afterwards. Remember your Christmas Jumpers!
COMMUNITY TIME TO REMEMBER SERVICE is on Wednesday 18th December at 7pm here in Bellshill Central Parish Church. This is a community event where you can remember a loved one lost recently, or some time ago. Afterwards you are invited to Foster’s offices (a few doors away) for a tea or coffee.
What’s on this week at Central Church
Wednesday (today) – Music Makers (all morning); 7pm Sing a Song for Christmas – Remember your Christmas Jumpers!
Thursday – Guides 7.45pm; Choir singing at Highgate Care Home
Sunday – Morning Service 11am with Sunday School and Crèche; Candle Light Carols 6.30pm followed by Mince pies and Mulled Wine
Monday – Guild at 1.30pm Mince Pies and Carols.
Wednesday – Music Makes (all morning); 7pm Memorial Service at the Church (in partnership with Fosters Funeral Directors)
Our church buildings are available to hire for the whole community. Whether you’re after a large hall, a small office or the church itself, we have spaces available to suit. Our Church Hall is equally suited to dance classes, coffee mornings or birthday parties. We have a spacious and functional kitchen with ample room to prepare food etc. We have a fully accessible disabled toilet with baby changing facilities. Our halls and church are fitted with WiFi. The church has large screens and sound system suitable for meetings and presentations. Our hall has portable audio visual equipment available upon request.
Welcome and Intimations (session clerk) Choir Introit (Bible is placed in pulpit) We shall not forget…(Sheet) Call to worship Hymn CH4 161 O God our help in ages past (colours are presented) Prayer and Lord’s Prayer Time with the children Hymn CH4 175 Praise, I will praise you God Offering Anthem – Make me a blessing in every age (Sheet) Reading/s Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and James 2:8-17 Hymn CH4 712 What shall we pray? Sermon Faith without works is dead Hymn CH4 528 Make me a channel of your peace Prayers of intercession Hymn The Church of Christ in every age (screen) (colours returned)
Act of Remembrance Invitation to remain standing Last Post – Flags lowered 2 Minutes silence – poppies scattered Reveille – Flags raised Laying of the wreaths with They shall grow not old……… CHOIR – final verse of We shall not forget
Benediction and three-fold amen (Sung) God save the Queen (Flags lowered)
Bellshill Central Church 