Tuesday saw the centenary of the birth of Rev John Stott. He died 10 years ago. Whilst his day job, so to speak, was Rector of All Souls, Langham Place he had a world-wide influence as a preacher, speaker, theologian and author of more than 50 books. Indeed it has been said of him that he impacted evangelical Christianity in the 20th Century more than any other individual. I first encountered John Stott as a teenager. His book Basic Christianity was a great influence in my life, helping me better understand Jesus and the Christian Faith. The Mid-week Reflection on Facebook, Instagram and the website was inspired by him.
Christian Aid Week
Christian Aid Week runs from 10-16 May 2021. Our worship next Sunday will have a Christian Aid theme. As last year our Christian Aid Week activities and fund-raising will be online.
You can take part in the Christian Aid Quiz – https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/key-appeals/christian-aid-week/virtual-events
You can donate to Christian Aid – https://www.christianaid.org.uk/get-involved-locally/scotland
Sunday worship
On Sunday we meet for worship at 9.30am in Bowden Kirk and 11.00am in Melrose Church. We continue our flower theme, looking at roses and the quotation ‘you cannot accept the beauty of the rose without the accompanying thorns.’ Numbers in the buildings are limited and you may still prefer to keep safe at home. Please note – the regulations have changed slightly. There is still the requirement for distancing, face masks, hand sanitising, trace and protect, no singing etc.. We are now able to use the balcony in Bowden Kirk which accommodates 5 people with up to 20 downstairs. In Melrose we have 38 seating areas. (We can accommodate 38 households.) The attendance cap of 50 has been removed. 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 also listen by phoning 01896 808551.
Television and Radio
There are other worship opportunities on Sunday. On BBC 1 at 11.15pm Reflections at the Quay is led by former moderator the Very Rev Dr Lorna Hood. David Strachan talks to Rabbi Moshe Rubin, Scotland’s Senior Rabbi, from Giffnock and Newlands Synagogue, about the experience of Passover. Songs of Praise is at 1.15pm. On BBC Scotland at 12noon Fr Andrew Kingham leads worship from the Parish of Our Lady and St Andrew in Galashiels. 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.
God whose name is Love,
We see your love revealed
In the giving of your Son.
May we embrace the offer of your love
And live in response to your generosity.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God whose name is Love,
We see your love revealed
In the One who shares in our humanity and who suffers on our behalf.
May we live as those who share a common humanity
And in the suffering of the world.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God whose name is Love,
We see your love revealed
In the community of your people and in all who are made in your image.
May we share in the life of your people
And recognise your image in the life of others.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God whose name is Love,
We see your love revealed among us
In the places where love is known and fear is cast out.
May fear be cast out and love be known
In the community we share and in the spaces we shape.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God whose name is Love,
We see your love revealed among us
In the resurrection of your Son and in the promise of your Spirit.
May we live as those who share in the hope of the resurrection
And in the life of your Spirit.
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
