In the words of Psalm 147:1
Praise the Lord.
How good it is to sing praises to our God,
how pleasant and fitting to praise him!
We sang for the first time in a long time in our worship last Sunday and, apart from a mouthful of mask when you took a breath, it was a wonderful experience. For those who join us online the words of the hymns for this Sunday are attached so you can sing along too.
A request for help
The 11.00am service from Melrose is livestreamed and recorded each Sunday using Facebook Live. I’m looking for a volunteer(s) to set this up each Sunday during July when I will be on holiday. It’s very simple to do….You would need to be on Facebook and I would add you as an administrator of the Church Facebook page. Ideally you would use your own phone… If this is something you would be interested in helping with please get in touch. Thank you.
Worship
During the summer months we’re going on a journey through the Old Testament. The Mid-week Reflection on Genesis 1:31 ‘God saw all that he had made, and it was very good’ is on our church Instagram and Facebook pages. On Sunday we will turn our attention to the story of Noah.
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.
Television and Radio
There are other worship opportunities on Sunday. On BBC 1 Reflections at the Quay is at 11.30am. Songs of Praise is on BBC 2 at 1.15pm. The Service is on BBC Scotland at 12noon when Reverend Louise McClements will lead a service from Lenzie Old Parish Church on the theme of ‘the significance of small’. 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.
Everlasting God,
Whose way is known to those who live by faith,
Grant us that we might walk by faith
And so live for you
That our lives reflect the glory of God.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Everlasting God,
Whose way is known to those who live by faith,
Grant us the assurance that, as we walk by faith,
We are not alone
And that we walk in the company of your Son.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Everlasting God,
Whose way is known to those who live by faith,
Grant us the knowledge
That we walk in the company of your people
And in the community of your Spirit.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Everlasting God,
Whose way is known to those who live by faith,
Grant us that we might see
The complexity of this world
Through eyes enlightened by faith.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Everlasting God,
Whose way is known to those who live by faith,
Grant us to see, by faith,
The image of God
In each life shaped by your hand.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Everlasting God,
Whose way is known to those who live by faith,
Grant us that, at the last,
We will come into your presence
And share in the life everlasting.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
