Our church buildings are currently closed due to coronavirus restrictions. As you are aware we are transitioning to a new website which is not quite ready yet so our Sunday Service will be posted on both Facebook and Instagram at 6.00pm on Saturday evening. You can also listen by phoning 01896 808551. In our worship during Lent we will be focusing on the events of Holy Week through a series of objects. On this first Sunday of Lent these are a bottle of perfume and a bag of money.
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Bowden-and-Melrose-Parish-Church-432876940395760
Instagram – bowdenandmelrose
Lent
During Lent you are encouraged to follow our daily reading guide through Mark’s Gospel. A recording of the reading and a short reflection is being posted each day on Facebook and Instagram….and on the website as soon as possible…
Messy Church
Messy Church activities for Lent have been posted on our Facebook page, Please use and share!
Moderator’s Service
As in previous weeks the Moderator, Rt Rev Martin Fair, has curated a service. You may wish to join church folk from around Scotland in worship. The YouTube link goes live at 3am on Sunday morning. https://youtu.be/bs_HHzzfuV4
Television and Radio
There are other worship opportunities on Sunday. On BBC 1 Scotland at 11.30am Reflections from the Quay will be presented by Jo Love and the Rev John Bell of the Iona Community, with music from Siskin Green. At 12noon the Rev Kate Bottley will introduce the first in a series of services for the season of Lent, which comes from St Cuthbert’s Church in Preston, led by the Rev Mark Bradford. Songs of Praise is at 1.15pm. At 12noon on BBC Scotland Father Stephen Baillie will lead a service from St Joseph’s RC Church in Clarkston. New Every Sunday is on at 7.30am on Radio Scotland and Sunday Worship at 8.10am on Radio 4. Both will be available afterwards on BBC Sounds.
Prayer
This Sunday Christians across the country – and further afield – will once again join together in prayer and reflection at 7pm in response to the pandemic.
God whose kingdom is near
And who knows the times in which we live,
May we hear the call of Your Son
And turn once more to embrace the Good News He proclaims.
In the times in which we live,
Grant us grace to do so.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God whose kingdom is near
And who knows the times in which we live,
Your Son has embraced time
And became truly human for us and for our salvation.
As we face the hard challenges of these days
May we know that we are embraced by Your Son.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God whose kingdom is near
And who knows the times in which we live,
Be with those for whom this day is hard
And who long for respite.
Be with those who seek to bring healing and comfort
And grant them wisdom and compassion to do so.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God whose kingdom is near
And who knows the times in which we live,
Be with us as we resolve to journey with Your Son
In the days that lie before us.
Whether in the wilderness, or by the living waters,
May we know Your presence ever renewed.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Offering
Our buildings may be closed but the work of the church continues. Thank you for your ongoing support. Many of our members now make their offering by standing order and we would encourage you to do so! Please contact Helen to set this up – bowden.melrosepc@btinternet.com Alternatively you can send or deliver your offering to the church, or you can make an online offering to Bowden and Melrose Church via the Church of Scotland website. https://cos.churchofscotland.org.uk/donate/?cong=040271
Stay safe, take care, God bless
Rosie
Rev Rosemary Frew
Minister of Bowden and Melrose Church
Convener, Faith Nurture Forum
The Manse
Tweedmount Road
MELROSE
TD6 9ST
01896 822217
07791 158608
