Tag: Rev Kevin de Beer

Online prayers

by Bellshill Central, posted in Prayer items

We didn’t manage to meet online via Zoom his week but an online prayer service I’d prepared below for you to take part in, in your own homes.

Let us pray together

Song…As we are gathered

Opening words

Almighty God,
You sent Your Holy Spirit to be the life and light of your Church.
Open our hearts to the riches of Your grace,
that we may bring forth the fruit of the Spirit
in love, joy, and peace.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and forever.

Prayer of approach

Lord Jesus Christ,
You are the sure foundation of our faith,
and when our faith is weak
it is because we are not resting our hearts upon You,
but trying to go it alone or dependent on flimsy grounds.

Forgive us when we wander from Your paths
and find ourselves lost and troubled or doing foolish things.
Keep us safe in Your love
and so let our faith be sure and steadfast whatever we may have to face in life.
Help us to be more understanding and forgiving of others
as we should if we follow Your ways.

Lord Jesus Christ we thank You for Your faithfulness to us,
for Your willingness to forgive
and to let us try again to be Your people.
Here in our church today,
strengthen our faith that we might go out from here restored
and ready to help others in their needs.

We ask it in Your name,
and further pray now together in Your words,

Our Father, …

Psalm 50

A Psalm of Asaph.
1 The mighty one, God the Lord,
   speaks and summons the earth
   from the rising of the sun to its setting.
2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty,
   God shines forth.


3 Our God comes and does not keep silence,
   before him is a devouring fire,
   and a mighty tempest all around him.
4 He calls to the heavens above
   and to the earth, that he may judge his people:
5 ‘Gather to me my faithful ones,
   who made a covenant with me by sacrifice!’
6 The heavens declare his righteousness,
   for God himself is judge.


7 ‘Hear, O my people, and I will speak,
   O Israel, I will testify against you.
   I am God, your God.
8 Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you;
   your burnt-offerings are continually before me.
22 ‘Mark this, then, you who forget God,
   or I will tear you apart, and there will be no one to deliver.
23 Those who bring thanksgiving as their sacrifice honour me;
   to those who go the right way
   I will show the salvation of God.’

Prayer of thanksgiving and intercession

Loving Lord and Father of all, we bring You now
our thanks and praise for all You have given us
and blessed our lives with.
For the wonderful world in which we live,
for the summer season
and the promise of the harvest.
Give us grace to accept Your gifts
and help us to share them unselfishly, wherever we see need.

Dear Lord and Father of all
we thank You for Your still small voice of calm
that reaches out to us through the strains and stresses of life,
and in that calm now we bring You our prayers for others and for our world.
Heavenly Father teach us to pray with love
and understanding and grace.
Help us to see and to hear the needs
that are all around us.
Teach us, O God, to care.

There are those who are despised or avoided
because they are troublesome or difficult,
or because they are just different.
We could help them if we cared:
so teach us, O God, to care.
There are those we just do not like,
and those we think are somehow not worthy of our time.
We could help them if we cared:
teach us, O God, to care.

There are those we perceive as a threat to our way of life,
and those whose needs are all too visible as they perish from want.
It all seems too much for us alone to deal with.
Yet we could help them if we cared:
teach us, O God, to care.

And there are those for whom we do care,
those we worry about and fear for,
our own families and friends in illness,
or troubles,
or in danger.
Father, our care for them is not in doubt,
but teach us what we might do to help them better
and to bring them comfort and strength.

Lord Jesus,
Your Church is an ever present witness to your love,
a living echo of Your voice of calm,
we are a part of that Church and so too, we are,
each of us,
called to bring Your love into a world which needs it daily.

In all the needs of the world,
Lord, You are there.
We too could help if we cared:
so teach us,
O God, to care.
These things we ask,
in Jesus’ name. Amen

Song ….. Dear Lord and Father

Prayers at 7pm

by Bellshill Central, posted in Weekly Church News
This is a recording of our time together for prayer via Zoom. If you wish you can play this video and follow along with the text below.

For a community, church, nation or world that are going through tough times, Psalm 85 looks with confidence to a God Who continues to encourage and embody incarnation. Some scholars suggest that there is an echo here in the Old Testament of what the angels sing in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased!”

The writer of this psalm comes with the lament of the people but moves the song on to one of hope and blessing and the graciousness of God. This is an unequivocal word of peace spoken in God’s own voice.

Peace-loving and peace-giving God, you bless
us with your unfailing and unconditional love:
We come to worship and praise our loving God,
and rejoice in God’s tender mercy towards us.

Generous God, you pour blessings and grace
upon us, forgiving us for our sin and shame:
We come to worship and honour our merciful God,
and rejoice in the wonder of forgiven and forgotten sin.

Holy God, in the beauty of your shalom, and in
the glory of your presence, all barriers are lowered:
We come to worship and revere our glorious God,
who enriches the lives of God’s own people and
speaks peace into the hearts of all faithful people. Amen. 

Its an anthem for the persecuted church. In around 60 countries Christians are currently persecuted for their faith, and a friend who heads up an organisation dedicated to their support challenged Graham Kendrick to write a song expressing solidarity with them. He drew inspiration from the prayer for he martyrs in the Apostle John’s vision in the book of Revelation. The song was launched at a prayer event sponsored by Release International and Christian Solidarity Worldwide.

Opening Prayer

Lord God,

speak your peace to your people, gathered virtually in Jesus’ name.

We confess that our faithfulness to you,

our obedience to your calling,

our righteousness is not steadfast and true.

In living out our praise, we too easily falter after the first page.

Were it not for the lavish gift of your Son, we would be lost.

Through him, however, we turn to you in our hearts,

knowing your steadfast love and faithfulness,

your righteousness and peace.

In him your salvation is at hand.

We thank you.

May this worship and time of prayer reflect your goodness,

as we respond to you with our heart, soul, and mind.

Make a path through the middle of Your church here in Bellshill today,

and walk among us through your Holy Spirit.

This we pray in the name of the One who is your peace, your salvation—

Jesus Christ. Amen.

Prayer

Beloved, how gracious You are to your people;

You restore their souls time and time again.

You forgive their distractions

when they wander far from You;

You give them new life.

Yes, You bless them and raise up new hope;

You awaken their hearts to love.

Restore us again, O Spirit of Truth;

burn us with the refining Fire of Love!

We cannot live separated from You;

cast out the demons of fear, doubt, and illusion.

Revive us again, we pray; may your people rejoice in You!

Have compassion on your people, O Holy One,

and grant us your forgiveness.

Listen, O People, in the silent Chapel of your heart;

and the Beloved will speak of peace to you,

to the hidden saints, to all who turn their hearts to Love.

Surely new life is at hand for those who reverence Love;

O, that harmony might dwell among the nations.

Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet;

righteousness and peace will embrace one another.

Wisdom will spring up from the ground

and truth will look down from the sky.

Yes, the Eternal Giver will grant what is good,

and the lands will yield abundantly.

Mercy and compassion are Love’s way;

You will guide our footsteps upon the path of peace

as we recognize with open hearts that You are our peace.

Amen

PSALM 85

1 You, Lord, showed favour to your land;
    you restored the fortunes of Jacob.
2 You forgave the iniquity of your people
    and covered all their sins.[b]
3 You set aside all your wrath
    and turned from your fierce anger.

4 Restore us again, God our Saviour,
    and put away your displeasure toward us.
5 Will you be angry with us forever?
    Will you prolong your anger through all generations?
6 Will you not revive us again,
    that your people may rejoice in you?
7 Show us your unfailing love, Lord,
    and grant us your salvation.

8 I will listen to what God the Lord says;
    he promises peace to his people, his faithful servants—
    but let them not turn to folly.
9 Surely his salvation is near those who fear him,
    that his glory may dwell in our land.

10 Love and faithfulness meet together;
    righteousness and peace kiss each other.
11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth,
    and righteousness looks down from heaven.
12 The Lord will indeed give what is good,
    and our land will yield its harvest.
13 Righteousness goes before him
    and prepares the way for his steps.

Responsive Prayer

Lord, you were favourable to your land.

You restored our fortunes.

You forgave the iniquity of your people.

You pardoned all our sin.

Restore us again,

O God of our salvation.

Will you not revive us again,

so we may rejoice in you?

Show us your steadfast love, O Lord.

Grant us your salvation.

Let us hear what God the Lord will speak,

for he will speak peace to his people, to his faithful,

to those who turn to him in their hearts.

Surely his salvation is at hand for those who fear him,

that his glory may dwell in our land.

Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet.

Righteousness and peace will kiss each other.

Faithfulness will spring up from the ground.

Righteousness will look down from the sky.

The Lord will give what is good.

Our land will yield its increase.

Righteousness will go before him

and make a path for his steps.

Prayers of Intercession and Lord’s Prayer

Blessing

Lift up your eyes!  Look around.

Where does our help come from?

Our help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

God will not let you stumble and fall;

the One who watches over you

will never slumber or sleep.

God will keep safe from all of life’s evils;

from your first breath to the last breath you breathe,

from this day forward and forever.

So we go in peace to love and serve God and our neighbours.

AMEN.

Weekly Church News

by Bellshill Central, posted in Weekly Church News

Due to holidays there is no Motherwell Times & Bellshill Speaker news this week, so please see below this week’s church family news.

Sunday worship this weekend (Sunday 24th July) is a joint service with Bellshill Central and Bellshill West Churches beginning at 11am at Bellshill Central Church.

Live stream will be via Bellshill Central Parish Church facebook page.

Rev Kevin leads our service, Cathie Bryden reads the lesson, Alan Mathew leads our Sung praise. There will be a short all Age address, and activities in the hall to keep wee ones amused!

Summer choir meets this Sunday morning at 9.45am. Please remember you Go now in peace sheet music. Practise files are in the choir WhatsApp group.

Sundays service includes the hymns

  • Come people of the risen King
  • I am the Church
  • How sweet the name
  • Lord the Light of your love

TEA AND COFFEE ARE SERVED AFTER THE SERVICE. THIS IS A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY FOR FURTHER FELLOWSHIP TOGETHER.

Things happening in the week from Central Church:

  1. Monday evening prayer group resumes via Zoom on Monday 25th July. Remember you can get in touch with Kevin anytime if you need prayer.
  2. Tuesday our Walking Group “Heart and Sole” meets at the church for some time together walking and talking. Tea is available at the end. Bring comfortable walking footwear and a jacket in case of some rain! We meet at 7pm.
  3. If you are interested in learning some new worship songs please get in touch and we will arrange some singing sessions over the summer.  Singing is good for you! It releases all sorts of good feelings and endorphins.  It’s good for your breathing and a good way to meet new people. Contact organist@bellshillcentral.church if you’re interested.

The final joint summer service in July,  with Bellshill Central and West Churches, is next weel at 11am. We look forward to worshipping together. 

  • 31st July Bellshill West Church (worship conducted by Rev Kevin de Beer)

Grateful thanks to our willing group of property folks, particularly Drew Aitken and Robert Jarvie, for the upgrading of the church vesty. This will make the space more use able and organised space.

Catch up with worship via Facebook or YouTube. Worship with us 24/7 you’re welcome in our midst. 

You can also catch up with our Organist entertains series via YouTube. If you’d like something included contact organist@bellshillcentral.church 

The 97th Epsiode of the Organist Entertains streams this Friday 22nd July at 8pm via the Church’s YouTube page and features many great and well-loved hymns and songs. Please tune in.

Sun shining on the Organ Pipes

If you need to speak with Rev de Beer you can contact him via the Manse 01698 841176 or email kdebeer@churchofscotland.org.uk

Bellshill Central is your Town Centre Church with a warm and welcoming Church Family waiting to say hello. Our Sunday School meets during morning worship so we look forward to welcoming families along to our time of worship

Orbiston Neighbourhood Centre Donations – The box will remain in the vestibule each week if you want to drop off non-perishable food stuffs for the Neighbourhood Centre.

When you shop using “AmazonSmile”, AMAZON will make a donation to Bellshill: Central Parish Church Of Scotland. Use this link to help us out while you shop. https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/SC012556

Christian Aid Week Prayers

by Bellshill Central, posted in Prayer items

If anyone wants to donate online via the Central Church e-envelope please use this link. https://envelope.christianaid.org.uk/envelope/bellshill-central-parish-church

Call to worship

Let us come to the river and be like trees planted by streams of water,

putting our roots down deep into God’s word,

bearing good fruit that will last not withering from fatigue,

stretching out to receive and be a source of healing. Amen.

 

Song All creatures of our God and King

 

A gathering prayer

Creator, Son and Spirit, we gather together, online or in-person to seek Your presence in our time of worship.

WE ARE HUNGRY FOR YOU

Meet us at our point of deepest need. Connect us with the needs of others. Equip us to join in your creative work. Transform us more into your likeness.

WE ARE HUNGRY FOR YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS

We gather with Janet, Jessica and Jerina and their communities in Zimbabwe May their stories make us hungry for justice and even more impatient for change.

WE ARE HUNGRY FOR YOUR JUSTICE

We gather with all of creation; with the mountains and the hills. We shall burst into song, with the trees of the field we will clap our hands.

WE ARE HUNGRY TO PRAISE YOU

AMEN.

 

Psalm 148

New International Version

1 Praise the Lord.[a](A)

Praise the Lord from the heavens;(B)
    praise him in the heights above.
2 Praise him, all his angels;(C)
    praise him, all his heavenly hosts.(D)
3 Praise him, sun(E) and moon;
    praise him, all you shining stars.
4 Praise him, you highest heavens(F)
    and you waters above the skies.(G)

5 Let them praise the name(H) of the Lord,
    for at his command(I) they were created,
6 and he established them for ever and ever—
    he issued a decree(J) that will never pass away.

7 Praise the Lord(K) from the earth,
    you great sea creatures(L) and all ocean depths,(M)
8 lightning and hail,(N) snow and clouds,
    stormy winds that do his bidding,(O)
9 you mountains and all hills,(P)
    fruit trees and all cedars,
10 wild animals(Q) and all cattle,
    small creatures and flying birds,
11 kings(R) of the earth and all nations,
    you princes and all rulers on earth,
12 young men and women,
    old men and children.

13 Let them praise the name of the Lord,(S)
    for his name alone is exalted;
    his splendor(T) is above the earth and the heavens.(U)
14 And he has raised up for his people a horn,[b](V)
    the praise(W) of all his faithful servants,(X)
    of Israel, the people close to his heart.(Y)

Praise the Lord.

 

Prayer of confession

Good God of creation, we sing praise to you. But even as we raise our voices we know we have faltered and failed. Walking on paths that turned our hearts inward, sitting with those who scoffed at the cries of the poor, mocking those on the margins, denying the earth in her distress. Too often our leaves have withered our branches are barren. We have failed to be pruned and the axe is now poised. Poised to cut down the excesses that crucify all creation, the systems that impoverish all people, the privileges that diminish our faith. But even now it is not too late. For in the face of judgment comes the offer of grace and the hope that deadwood can spring to life Where we have failed to bear good fruit and share your abundance for the earth

GOD HAVE MERCY

When our actions and intentions have been as chaff for the winds of heaven

GOD HAVE MERCY

Forgive us. Restore us. Inspire us now to delight in your purposes, to embrace your possibilities, to inhabit your promises, to flourish as fruit for the world you so love and bring healing for all the nations. AMEN.

 

Prayer of lamentation

Establish the work of our hands, O God.

WE CALL TO YOU, GOD OF CREATION

faithful to us by the trees of Eden;

WE CALL TO YOU, GOD OF REDEMPTION

faithful to us on the tree of Calvary;

 WE CALL TO YOU, GOD OF FULFILMENT

faithful to us from the tree of life’s healing. We are your people so answer us, O God, from the streets of your city, from your river of life, from your throne in heaven.

ANSWER US NOW

in words of power and mighty deeds. Speak to our cries of ‘how long.’ How long will the bellies of children lie empty? How long will their mothers pray in vain? How long will temperatures rise beyond record? How long will the clouds fail to give rain? How long will the crop fields turn into dust? How long will the floods cover the plain? How long will so few live with far too much? How long will so many be denied what they need? How long before the healing of nations? How long will injustice and suffering remain? But heaven, we know, this is much of our making; our scapegoats, our alibis, they all know the truth: Our pointing the finger and prayers of ‘how long’ echo back on our piety and demand us to answer

HOW LONG, HOW LONG?

How long will indifference, inequality and injustice deny compassion, healing and fullness of life? Come and come soon Lord. Let the peoples rejoice, from Eden to Calvary, from heaven to earth. Lift every voice to sing, ‘Amen!’ Establish the work of our hands.

AMEN

 

Song When I needed a neighbour

 

Blessing

In the name of God who plants the seed of justice: Be hungry. In the name of Christ who hangs on the tree of love: Be fruitful. And in the name of the Spirit who inspires God’s will in our hearts and our lives: Be celebrated. You are Christ’s people, here and throughout the world now and forever. Amen.