I hope you have had time in this past week to celebrate resurrection. The many signs of new life to be seen and enjoyed in the world around us serve as tangible reminders. Many thanks to all those who brought spring flowers to transform the cross outside Melrose Church. It has been much commented upon.
Mid-week Reflection
A mid-week reflection is posted each week on the website, Facebook and Instagram. This week it continued the theme of the cross as a place of transformation.
Sunday worship
On Sunday we meet for worship at 9.30am in Bowden Kirk and 11.00am in Melrose Church. Our theme is ‘Haven’t you heard that Jesus is risen?’ Numbers in the buildings are limited and you may still prefer to keep safe at home – 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.. You can join us live at 11.00am on Sundays on both Facebook and our website www.bowdenandmelrosechurch.org 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.
Television and Radio
There are other worship opportunities on Sunday. On BBC 1 Rev Liz Henderson, Richmond Craigmillar and Rev Tara Porr Granados, present Reflections at the Quay for the first Sunday after Easter on the theme of dealing with bereavement. Songs of Praise is at 1.15pm. On BBC Scotland at 12noon Reverends Alexander Ritchie, Jim Reid and David Redmayne lead a seaside-themed service from Erskine United Free Church in Burntisland. New Every Sunday is at 7.30am on Radio Scotland and Sunday Worship at 8.10am on Radio 4, this week conducted by Rev Pip Blackledge of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Melrose. 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.
More than 10,000 deaths in Scotland have been linked to COVID-19.
We pray for the families and friends who are hurting over the loss of people who were loved.
Lord God, we give thanks for all who work to bring healing in homes, hospitals, communities and all who deliver the vaccine.
We give thanks for all who offer compassion and healing to the broken hearted today.
Lord God, surround all who are grieving in your love and strength.
May they know your peace when their spirit feels crushed.
May they know your hope in all their days to come.
In Jesus mighty name we pray.
Amen
(Rev Andrea Boyes, Durness and Kinlochbervie Parish Church)
The Lord is close to the broken hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18
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
