Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
Next Sunday, 30 May, we will be Celebrating the Lord’s Supper in both churches. For those worshipping online or by telephone please be prepared in advance with a piece of bread and a small glass of juice or wine.
General Assembly
The Mid-week Reflection on Facebook and Instagram invites you to pray for the Church of Scotland General Assembly for 2021 which begins on Saturday. Commissioners and other attendees will be 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 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
Sunday is Pentecost when we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit. 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 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 10.30am there is A Celebration for Pentecost. At 11.30am Reflections at the Quay for Assembly Sunday will be presented by the new moderator, Lord Jim Wallace, along with his chaplain the Rev Marjorie MacLean. Music is by Gary Innes. Songs of Praise is at 1.15pm. The Service is on BBC Scotland at 12noon when Rev Yvonne Smith of Bishopton Parish Church will lead worship for Pentecost Sunday. 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
On this Pentecost Sunday, Christians across the country – and further afield – will once again join together in prayer and reflection at 7pm, giving thanks to God for the Spirit outpoured on the people of God. The Spirit – the abiding presence of God in our lives and in the life of the people of God.
Living God
And Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Pour out Your Spirit upon us
And fill the hearts of Your faithful people.
May Your Spirit come as the One who speaks for us
And advocates on our behalf.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God
And Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Pour out Your Spirit upon us
And kindle in us the fire of Your love.
May your Spirit comfort us in our sorrow
And strengthen us in our weakness
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God
And Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Pour out Your Spirit upon us
And create Your people anew.
May Your Spirit come to counsel and direct us
And grant to us wisdom in all we face.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God
And Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Pour out Your Spirit upon us
And renew the face of all the earth.
May Your Spirit help us to care for Creation
And to live as those who cherish the gifts You have given.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God
And Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Pour out Your Spirit upon us
And set us free to worship and glorify Your Name.
Come, Holy Spirit,
And fill our hearts with love for You.
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
