Harvest Thanksgiving – On Sunday we will be celebrating Harvest Thanksgiving at 9.30am in Bowden Kirk and 11.00am in Melrose Church. 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.
To show your thanks for the harvest there are various options –
- Make a donation to Christian Aid. There will be envelopes to fill in the church or you can donate online. https://www.christianaid.org.uk
- Give to the local foodbank – the easiest way to do this is as you do your shopping in one of the local supermarkets. You can donate online at https://www.justgiving.com/galashielsfoodbank
- Fill a shoebox or drawstring bag for Blythswood Care. Leaflets available in the church. More information at https://blythswood.org/shoeboxappeal/ Shoeboxes will be collected from Melrose in late October.
Mid-week Reflection – You can listen to the mid-week reflection ‘The Earth is the Lord’s’ on Instagram or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BowdenandMelroseParishChurch/
Family Harvest Thanksgiving Service – Our next Family Service on Sunday 3 October at 10.00am in Melrose Church Hall will have a harvest theme. All welcome.
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.
Prayer – This Sunday Christians across the country – and further afield – will once again join together in prayer and reflection at 7pm.
‘May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.’ (Psalm 19: 14)
O Lord,
You are our Rock and our Redeemer,
Hear us as we call to you
With open lips and open hearts.
Hear us and accept us we are.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
O Lord,
You are our Rock and our Redeemer,
Hear us as we call to you
In the times in which we live.
Hear us in hard times and answer us in your time.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
O Lord,
You are our Rock and our Redeemer,
Hear us as we call to you
With the words that you have given to us.
Hear us with words hewn from the experience of life.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
O Lord,
You are our Rock and our Redeemer,
Hear us as we call to you
Though our words are often frail and our hearts sometimes faint.
Hear our words and accept the offering of our hearts.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
O Lord,
You are our Rock and our Redeemer,
Hear us as we call to you
And may the words we offer and the meditation of our hearts
Be acceptable in your sight.
Lord, in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.
