Since the unexpected snow of Saturday night we have enjoyed lovely spring sunshine and the good news that lockdown restrictions are beginning to ease. For me that means Christmas dinner (and presents) in the garden with my children tomorrow. I imagine many of you will be enjoying similar long awaited gatherings.
Mid-week Reflection
A mid-week reflection is posted each Tuesday evening on our website, Facebook and Instagram. This week the title is ‘Without a doubt….’
Sunday worship
On Sunday we meet for worship at 9.30am in Bowden Kirk and 11.00am in Melrose Church. We will be looking at sunflowers and the verse from John’s Gospel – ‘Unless a seed falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.’ 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 Reflections at the Quay will be presented by the Rev Louise Purden of Bonnyrigg Parish Church, Midlothian and Father Frank Dougan of St Anthony’s and St Mark’s, Rutherglen. Music by Laura Samuel, leader of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. Songs of Praise is at 2.30pm. On BBC Scotland at 12noon the Rt Rev Andrew Swift leads a service from St Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral in Dundee. 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.
Living God,
Your word to us through the Risen Lord is:
Peace be with you.
Amidst the disturbance of the times,
May we hear your word and embrace the peace you offer.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
Your word to us through the Risen Lord is:
Peace be with you.
When the foundations are shaken and the certainties no longer sure,
May you speak to us in the still small voice of calm.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
Your word to us through the Risen Lord is:
Peace be with you.
When we are fearful and troubled,
May you speak to the depths of our fears and still our troubled hearts.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
Your word to us through the Risen Lord is:
Peace be with you.
As we hear his voice,
May we reach out to the One whose presence is renewed and revealed before us.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
Your word to us through the Risen Lord is:
Peace be with you.
As we experience the renewal of life within our family and community,
May we bear witness to your abiding presence among us.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
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
