It was good to be back in our buildings on Sunday despite all the restrictions. Just a reminder of these – a maximum of 50 in attendance in Melrose, 20 at Bowden, with the requirement for distancing, face masks, hand sanitising, trace and protect, no singing etc. Looking ahead our future will be as a blended congregation with different options for worshipping in person or from home.
Sunday worship
Numbers in the buildings are limited and you may still prefer to keep safe at home. You can join us live at 11.00am on Sundays on both Facebook and our website or watch the recording thereafter. A Sunday Worship podcast will be posted on the website, Facebook and Instagram at 6.00pm on Saturday evening. You can listen to it anytime thereafter. You can also listen by phoning 01896 808551.
You can watch the livestream and subsequent recording on both our Facebook page and website – www.bowdenandmelrosechurch.org
Services for Holy Week and Easter
Thursday 1 April, 7.00pm – Maundy Thursday Service in Melrose Church. This will be livestreamed and we will be celebrating the Lord’s Supper. In church the bread and wine will be in place at the designated seating areas. At home please have a piece of bread and a small glass of wine or juice ready to take part.
Friday 2 April, 7.00pm – Good Friday Service in Melrose Church. This will be livestreamed.
Over the Sundays of Lent we have been looking at the events of Holy Week in a series of objects. For Easter Sunday our final object is a bunch of spring flowers. On Good Friday we will be erecting a large wooden cross outside Melrose Church. On Easter Sunday you are asked to bring some spring flowers with you when you come to worship or as you walk by to help transform it to a beautiful symbol of resurrection life.
Sunday 4 April, 9.30am – Easter Sunday Service in Bowden Kirk
11.00am – Easter Sunday Service from Melrose Church
We will not be able to have a service on the saddle of the Eildons.
Messy Church
A couple of activity sheets for Palm Sunday and Easter are available online. Please share!
Television and Radio
There are other worship opportunities on Sunday. On BBC 1 Scotland there are a number of Easter programmes. At 11.30am on Reflections from the Quaythe Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Rev Martin Fair, is joined by the Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, Most Rev Leo Cushley. Songs of Praise is at 1.15pm. New Every Sunday is 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.
Offering
Despite the restrictions of these days the work of the church goes on. 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
May you know God’s blessing this Holy Week and Easter
