Today is the World Day of Prayer. You can join Scotland’s World Day of Prayer Zoom service from Edinburgh at 2pm. The link is –
Meeting ID: 8959 398 3883 Passcode: 901656 Or telephone: 0131 460 1196
Sunday worship
Our church buildings are currently closed due to coronavirus restrictions. As you are aware we are transitioning to a new website which is not proving straightforward so our Sunday Service will be posted on both Facebook and Instagram at 6.00pm on Saturday evening. You can watch it anytime thereafter. You can also listen by phoning 01896 808551. In our worship during Lent we are looking at the events of Holy Week through a series of objects. On this third Sunday of Lent our focus is The Praying Hands.
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/RuZxWkEfELs
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 Canon Michael McMahon, St Conval, Linwood and Fr Stephen Reilly, University of Glasgow. Music is by Siskin Green. At 12noon the Rev Kate Bottley introduces a church service for the season of Lent. The service comes from All Saints Church in Hale Barns, led by the Rev Clair Jaquiss. Songs of Praise is at 1.15pm. 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 of Space and Time,
Meet us in the place where we are today.
Meet us in the place where we are
And transform us by the presence of your Son.
In this place, may we encounter the One who embodies your love.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of Space and Time,
Meet us in the place where we are today.
Meet us at the break of day
And be with us in all that lies before us.
In the place in which we live, may we see life renewed.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of Space and Time,
Meet us in the place where we are today.
Meet us in the place of suffering
And bring your healing presence among us.
In the place of suffering, enable us to reach out to those beside us.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of Space and Time,
Meet us in the place where we are today.
Meet us in the place of sorrow
And bring your light into our darkness.
In the place of sorrow, may we become bearers of your light.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of Space and Time,
Meet us in the place where we are today.
Meet us in the rhythm of life
And renew hope within us.
In the community in which we live, may we bear witness to the God of hope.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God of Space and Time,
Meet us in the place where we are today.
Meet us at the close of day
And be with us through the night.
Keep us safe and bring us to the dawn of a new day.
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
