Family Service – Our monthly Family Services resume on Sunday at 10.00am in the Melrose Church Hall with 1 metre distancing between families. Face coverings must be worn unless exempt. The theme for the service is ‘Always Near Me’. The Sunday Worship podcast is based on this service and will be posted on Facebook and Instagram at 6.00pm on Saturday evening. You can also listen by phoning 01896 808551.
Worship – Rev Sara Embleton will be leading worship at 9.30am in Bowden Kirk and 11.00am in Melrose Church. The 11.00am service is livestreamed on both Facebook and our website www.bowdenandmelrosechurch.org or you watch the recording thereafter. The hymn sheet is attached so you can sing along….
Mid-week Reflection – A mid-week reflection is posted on Facebook each week. Wednesday’s reflection was entitled ‘Fragrance evoking memories’. ‘https://www.facebook.com/BowdenandMelroseParishChurch/
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.
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.
Church Magazine – We are putting together the next edition of the church magazine and are looking for short contributions on lockdown opportunities – something you have taken up, gone back to, volunteered for, committed to in the last 18 months. Text or pictures. Please send to the church office – bowden.melrosepc@btinternet.com – Thanks!
Kirk Session – There will be a meeting of the Kirk Session on Thursday 16 September at 7.00pm in the Church Hall. (1 metre distancing will be observed and face coverings must be worn unless exempt.)
Prayer – This Sunday Christians across the country – and further afield – will once again join together in prayer and reflection at 7pm.
The call to love our neighbour is described by James as the ‘royal law’ and is the surest guide we have as to knowing “the right thing to do”. As we face the challenge of renewing our society and, at the same time, continuing to face the ongoing pandemic, the need of a sure guide remains constant. The ‘royal law’ has been gifted to us by our Creator and renewed by the Lord Jesus Christ. We take it as our guide for these times.
We pray:
Living God,
In the times in which we live
You reveal Your way to us through the royal law.
We turn to You as our Creator
And ask for grace and strength
To live according to that law.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
In the times in which we live
You reveal Your way to us through the royal law.
We turn to those beside us as our neighbours
And ask for wisdom that we might do to others
As we would have them do to us.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
In the times in which we live
You reveal Your way to us through the royal law.
We turn to face the challenges of the day
And seek to renew our society
That it might better reflect Your Kingdom which is to come.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
Living God,
In the times in which we live
You reveal Your way to us through the royal law.
We turn to the world before us
And seek to do right in Your eyes
That we might bring glory to You, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Lord, in Your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
