ORGAN PRELUDE
WORDS OF WELCOME AND NOTICES
CALL TO WORSHIP
Get ready, people of God! The time of hope and peace is at hand.
All: We are called to action rather than reaction.
Open your hearts to God’s word and God’s will.
All: Help us to be workers for God rather than observers.
Come, draw near to God in faith.
All: Let us prepare our hearts to receive the wondrous gifts of God.
HYMN CH4 291 When out of poverty is born
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
LIGHTING OF 2ND ADVENT CANDLE
ALL AGE SONG CH4 282 Christmas is coming (verses 1 and 2)
FIRST READING Matthew 11: 1-11
ANTHEM
SECOND READING Malachi 3: 1-4
HYMN CH4 666 Let all mortal flesh keep silence
SERMON
HYMN GWA 101 There is no child so small
1.There is no child so small, 3. There is no child so lost,
no scrap of life so precious, no refugee so nameless
who is not born like Jesus, that God will hold us blameless,
whose cry is like us all, who share no care or cost,
whose cry is like us all. who share no care or cost.
2.There is no child unfed, 4. There is no child so cheap,
left hungry now at Christmas in warfare or destruction,
but God will ask for justice, that love cannot take action
for shelter and for bread, when God is made to weep,
for shelter and for bread. when God is made to weep.
5. There is not one of us
who could not be more giving,
and in the gift more loving,
to light a star for peace,
to light a star for peace.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION Please remain standing if possible
Emmanuel through your Incarnation you have shown us what it is to
live imaginatively, love expansively and act creatively.
We confess that sometimes we have waited without thought and so
have stifled fruitful possibilities
Lord have mercy
All: Lord have mercy
We confess that sometimes we have waited without generosity
and so have constricted fruitful connection
Lord have mercy
All: Lord have mercy
We confess that sometimes we have waited without hope and so have limited fruitful action
Christ have mercy
All: Christ have mercy
We confess that sometimes we have simply been too busy or too distracted to wait and so have missed your moment …
Lord have mercy
All: Lord have mercy
And so as we look once more for you, forgive the poverty of our waiting, touch our dreaming, stretch our living and energise our acting that we
may be ready for your coming.
Our God is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love;
and out of that love God sent Jesus Christ
to die for us that we may be restored to life.
Therefore, as Isaiah proclaimed,
as Mary and Elizabeth proclaimed,
as Simeon and Anna proclaimed,
so too, can we proclaim to one another now:
All: God redeems you and restores you,
God loves you and forgives you,
God sees you and loves you!
Amen.
COMMUNION
…So with the company of heaven and earth we sing your praises…
ALL SING (tune CH4 769)
Holy, holy, holy,
my heart, my heart adores you!
My heart is glad to say the words
‘You are holy, Lord.’
…The gifts of God for us, God’s children.
Everyone is welcome at the Lord’s table. For those worshipping in the building, the bread and non-alcoholic wine will be served to you in the pews. Please take one and pass it along the pew. When you receive the bread and wine, please feel free to eat, drink and pray in your own time.
SHARING THE PEACE
HYMN CH4 283 (Tune of CH4 286) The voice of God
BENEDICTION We remain standing if we are able for the blessing.
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.
Our reader today is
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, please speak to Aileen, our Student Ministry Candidate.
WHAT’S ON THIS WEEK
West Blend Café
Tuesday · 10am · West Halls
Pop in for friendship, food, and a warm welcome!
The Guild Christmas Party,
Monday 8th December at 7.15pm
In the Chapterhouse for all Guild members
Bothwell Memory Café
Tuesday 9th December · 12.30–2.15pm
Bothwell Centre
Supporting those living with dementia and their carers.
COMING SOON
Baptism of Chloe Elizabeth Jenkins will be on Sunday 14th December.
Hog Roast
Sunday 14th December · 5pm
Tea & coffee provided, please bring any other refreshments you’d like.
Nine Lessons & Carols
Sunday 14th December · 7pm · Church
Allovus Christmas Lunch
Thursday 18th December · 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 explore what’s new! We are looking for a small team of volunteers to help keep it updated with news, events, and weekly orders of service. No experience needed, full guidance and support will be provided. Please chat to Revd Iain for more information.
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.
Christmas Treat Parcels
We are collecting fun-size sweets and chocolate for local nurseries and Messy Church children. Please bring your donations to Sunday morning or evening worship. Thank you for your support!
Knitting
Patterns for hats and baby jackets for Christmas can be found in a box at the front door. These will go to the Neonatal wards, Blythswood Care, the homeless and other charities. Please speak to Martha if you need any assistance.
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 will be on leave from 8th December to 5th January (inclusive).
Phone calls and emails will still be monitored remotely but may take a little longer. For urgent enquiries, please contact Revd. Iain directly.
