At the end of a lovely, sunny week the words of the Psalmist seem appropriate….
Psalm 19
1 The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they reveal knowledge.
3 They have no speech, they use no words;
no sound is heard from them.
4 Yet their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens God has pitched a tent for the sun.
5 It is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber,
like a champion rejoicing to run his course.
6 It rises at one end of the heavens
and makes its circuit to the other;
nothing is deprived of its warmth.
Worship
In the Scottish Borders we move into Level One tomorrow and for the church that means we are now permitted to sing, though still wearing our masks. So, on Sunday we’ll ease ourselves back gently with a couple of hymns during worship. We’re not permitted to use hymn books so there will be hymn sheets placed at each seating area.
We meet for worship at 9.30am in Bowden Kirk and 11.00am in Melrose Church. Numbers in the buildings are still limited and there is still the requirement for distancing, face masks, hand sanitising and trace and protect. 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.
The Mid-week Reflection ‘The Parable of the Donkey’ is on our church Instagram and Facebook pages.
Television and Radio
There are other worship opportunities on Sunday. On BBC 1 Reflections at the Quay is at 10.30am with Songs of Praise at 1.15pm. The Service on BBC Scotland at 12noon comes from Uddingston Park UF Church. 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.
General Assembly
The recording of the Faith Nurture Forum report to the General Assembly is now available to watch on the Church of Scotland website. 8 hours of viewing….. in 2 parts. My colleagues have been joking about it coming out as a box set… https://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about-us/general-assembly/general-assembly-2021/video-highlights
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,
Who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead,
Be with us on the journey before us.
Be with us when the path is smooth
And the horizon is clear.
Lead us on to the place of Your presence.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
Who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead,
Be with us on the journey before us.
Be with us when the path is broken
And the way obscured.
Still lead us on to the place of Your presence.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
Who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead,
Be with us on the journey before us.
Be with us as we face the challenges seen
And those as yet unseen.
In all we face, may Your abiding presence remain.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
Who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead,
Be with us on the journey.
Be with those who grow frustrated
And who feel disheartened.
Renew us that we may discover Your presence once more.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
Who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead,
Be with us on the journey.
Be with us that we might share
In the life of the Risen Lord
And the life everlasting in Your presence.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Stay safe, take care, God bless
Rosie
