A couple of intimations…..
Helen, our Church Secretary, will be on holiday for the next fortnight so I will be covering for her in her absence.
The Melrose in Bloom Garden Party is back! Sunday 29th August, 2.30-4.30pm in Harmony Garden (by kind permission of NTS). Champagne Afternoon Tea, Tickets £8 from MIB members or phone 208512.
Keeping Safe
Whilst most Covid restrictions in Scotland have been lifted the virus is still a threat and care still needs to be taken. Physical distancing is still recommended as is hand sanitising and the wearing of masks at indoor events. Complying with Test and Protect remains in place. The Church of Scotland is advising that we continue to observe 1 metre distancing in the short term. This gives us good capacity in both our buildings – up to 180 in Melrose and 40 in Bowden. Different options for joining in worship are now a part of church life. Please do what is right for you.
The Church of Scotland’s Covid 19 group met Prof Jason Leitch yesterday. The topic of the meeting was the Scottish Government’s regulation which insists that face coverings must be worn at all times when inside a place of worship. Prof Leitch stated that he believed that this was an important public health measure which needs to stay in place at least for the next few weeks. However, given that there are inconsistencies and anomalies in the guidance this is under discussion.
Worship
We meet for worship at 9.30am in Bowden Kirk and 11.00am in Melrose Church when we will continue our journey through the Old Testament, looking at the prophet Elijah and the still small voice of God. You can join us live at 11.00am on Sundays on both Facebook and our website www.bowdenandmelrosechurch.org or watch the recording thereafter. The hymn sheet is attached so you can sing along…. 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. A mid-week reflection will be posted on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/BowdenandMelroseParishChurch/
Television and Radio
There are other worship opportunities on Sunday. Songs of Praise is on BBC 1 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. As we journey from where we have been in past months to where we will be in times to come, we are beginning to recover some of the parts of our shared life that had been lost to us for a time.
We pray:
God our Father,
As we journey from where we have been
To where we will be,
Fill us with Your Spirit
That we might truly worship You
And praise Your holy name.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God our Father,
As we journey from where we have been
To where we will be,
Inspire us within the community of God’s people
To lift up our hearts
And to renew our praise.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God our Father,
As we journey from where we have been
To where we will be,
Renew us as we renew our praise
With Psalms and hymns
And all the songs of God’s people.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God our Father,
As we journey from where we have been
To where we will be,
Help us to recover that which has been lost
And to rediscover all that unites us
As those who are made in Your image.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
God our Father,
As we journey from where we have been
To where we will be,
We give thanks to You
For all your gifts to us
Through Christ and by Your Spirit.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
