Today is polling day. This week’s reflection is a reminder of the privilege we have of living in a democracy and an encouragement to shape that democracy with our vote. You can listen to the reflection on Instagram and the church Facebook page. We have a technical problem with the link from Facebook to the website which is being addressed, though from the website you can access the Facebook page…… Technology! www.bowdenandmelrosechurch.org
Christian Aid Week
Christian Aid Week begins on Monday. Our worship on Sunday will have a Christian Aid theme. As last year our Christian Aid Week activities and fund-raising will be online – though donation envelopes will be available in both churches this Sunday for those who prefer to give that way. You can donate to Christian Aid – https://www.christianaid.org.uk/get-involved-locally/scotland
You can take part in the Christian Aid Quiz – https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/key-appeals/christian-aid-week/virtual-events
General Assembly
The Church of Scotland General Assembly for 2021 will be held online for a second year. It will open on Saturday 22 May with commissioners and other attendees joining together remotely from across Scotland and around the world. I am a commissioner this year and will be presenting the Faith Nurture Forum Report from the General Assembly Hall on Tuesday 25 May from 1.00pm. The report and my speech are to be published tomorrow. You will find them on the Church of Scotland website along with the other reports and information about the Assembly. https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about-us/general-assembly
Sunday worship
On Sunday we meet for worship at 9.30am in Bowden Kirk and 11.00am in Melrose Church. 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 will be presented by the Rev Julie Rennick of Larbert West Parish Church and the Rev Dan Harper of Bridge of Allan, who both had Covid-19 in 2020. Music is by Celtic Worship. Songs of Praise is on BBC 2 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.
Living God,
You call us to love because we have first of all been loved.
May we know that love abides in you
And is expressed in your love for the world.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
You call us to love because we have first of all been loved.
May we know the depth of your love
In the contemplation of the life and death and resurrection of your Son.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
You call us to love because we have first of all been loved.
May we hear the call to live by a new commandment
And so bear the mark of a disciple.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
You call us to love because we have first of all been loved.
May we know what it is to be embraced and affirmed
And called a friend of the One who has given his life for us.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
You call us to love because we have first of all been loved.
May we, who have been embraced and affirmed,
Reach out to the lonely that they might know true friendship.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
You call us to love because we have first of all been loved.
May we know the abiding presence of your love
In the life we share in the community of the Risen and Ascended Lord.
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
