The order of service for the third Sunday of Advent.
ORGAN PRELUDE
WORDS OF WELCOME AND NOTICES
CALL TO WORSHIP
Get ready, people of God the time of joy is at hand
All: We watch and wait for the good news.
Come young, come old, come those with much faith and those who question.
All: We watch and wait for the good news.
God waits to gather us in
All: Let us prepare our hearts to receive the wondrous gifts of God.
HYMN CH4 323 The first Nowell Verses 1 and 6 only
LIGHTING OF 3rd ADVENT CANDLE
Christ our Joy, brighten our homes with your presence.
Clarify our vision so that we might see you in the people we cherish.
Make every activity this Christmas an opportunity to spread your light and love.
All: We await your coming with delight.
HYMN CH4 282 Christmas is coming v1, 2 and 3
PRAYERS OF APPROACH & THE LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever. Amen
BAPTISM Chloe Elizabeth Jenkins
SUNG BLESSING
The Lord bless you and keep you: the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious unto you:
the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace.
BAPTISMAL HYMN MP 167 Give me oil in my lamp
1. Give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning,
give me oil in my lamp, I pray;
give me oil in my lamp, keep me burning,
keep me burning till the break of day.
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
sing hosanna to the King of kings!
Sing hosanna, sing hosanna,
sing hosanna to the King!
3. Give me joy in my heart, keep me singing,
give me joy in my heart, I pray;
give me joy in my heart, keep me singing,
keep me singing till the break of day.
Sing hosanna . . .
4. Give me love in my heart, keep me serving,
give me love in my heart, I pray;
give me love in my heart, keep me serving,
keep me serving till the break of day.
Sing hosanna . . .
FIRST READING Matthew 11: 1-11
ANTHEM
SECOND READING Zephaniah 3:14-20
HYMN CH4 313 See in yonder manger low
SERMON
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION
We pause to pray in silence and spend time with God while we listen to the music.
PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION
We pause to pray to God for the world, our community and one another.
HYMN CH4 301 Hark the Herald Angels sing
SUNG BLESSING Go in peace
Go now in peace never be afraid,
God will go with you each hour of ev’ry day.
Go not in faith, steadfast, strong and true.
Know He will guide you in all you do.
Go now in love, and show you believe.
Reach out to others so all the world can see.
God will be there watching from above.
Go now in peace, in faith and in love.
ORGAN POSTLUDE
CONTACT US
Revd. Iain Majcher
Manse: 01698 600933
Mobile: 07749 899427
minister@bbcofs.org.uk
Church Administrator
Sandra Longmuir
Days: Mon to Friday
9 am to 12noon
Office: 01698 854903
office@bbcofs.org.uk
Joint Session Clerks David and Sally sessionclerk@bbcofs.org.uk
Welcome to worship in Bellshill and Bothwell Parish Church. Whether you join us every week, are worshipping with us for the first time, returning after some time away or never been with us before, in person or online, we are delighted to worship with you.
You’ll find tea, coffee, juice, and biscuits ready for you after the service in the Church Centre. We’d love for you to stick around for a cup of something warm and a good chat.
A very special welcome to the family and friends of Chloe who is being baptised today during the service.
Our readers today are Vhairi K and Ross M.
This service is live-streamed. If you prefer not to appear on camera, please let our Welcome Team know
WHAT’S ON TODAY
The Creche is open from the start of the service and can be used at any point during the service, please ask at the door for more information.
Sunday School is on for any Primary School-aged children. We leave after the all age song and all children are welcome to join in.
Evening Worship – 5pm (West Halls) A contemporary service with tea, coffee, juice & biscuits served beforehand. Join us as we explore the meaning of the Advent candles together.
Travelling Nativity: Mary and Joseph are on the move around the parish!
Thank you to everyone who has already welcomed them. If you would like to host them for a night there are a few spaces left, please speak to Aileen, our Student Ministry Candidate.
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
Hog Roast
Tonight at · 5pm
Tea & coffee provided, please bring any other refreshments you’d like.
Nine Lessons & Carols
Tonight · 7pm · Church
West Blend Café
Tuesday · 10am · West Halls
Pop in for friendship, food, and a warm welcome!
The Guild
Monday 15th December at 7.15pm
In the Chapterhouse for A Messy Guild
Bothwell Memory Café
Tuesday 9th December · 12.30–2.15pm
Bothwell Centre
Supporting those livin with dementia and their carers.
Allovus Christmas Lunch
Thursday 18th December 11:00-13:30 Tickets from Heather Duddy
Featuring guest entertainer Maggie D
Bothwell Philharmonic Choir – “Christmas Joy”
Friday 19th December · 7pm · Church
Tickets £12 or pay at the door.
OTHER NOTICES
Our brand new church website is now up and running at www.bbcofs.org.uk, have a look and exploire whats new. We are looking for a small team of volunteers to help keep it updated with news, events and weekly orders of servies. No experiance needed. Please chat to Revd. Iain.
Flowers
Sponsor a Sunday in memory of a loved one. A new list for 2026 will begin on 1st January. Email office@bbcofs.org.uk to reserve a date.
Handmade Jewellery for Church Funds
Agnes Graham will be selling jewellery after worship today and at West Blend Café on Tuesday.
Church Administrator annual leave.
Sandra is on annual leave until the 5th January. Phone calls and emails will still be monitored remotely, but may take a little longer. For urgent enquiries, don’t hesitate to get in touch with Revd. Iain directly.
GIVING
Thank you for supporting the mission and ministry of Bellshill & Bothwell Parish Church. Offerings may be placed in the basket as you leave, or you can give with contactless giving at the entrance. We also have a QR code for secure online giving.
Gift Aid, Increase Your Impact!
If you are a UK taxpayer, please select Gift Aid when giving electronically. For every £1 you give, the church receives an additional 25p all at no extra cost to you. For Standing order & Gift Aid enquiries, please email office@bbcofs.org.uk
