Worship
Rev Sara Embleton will be conducting worship on Sunday at 9.30am in Bowden Kirk and 11.00am in Melrose Church. The Melrose service is livestreamed on our church website and Facebook page or you can watch the recording thereafter. I am on holiday from 19-26 November 2021.
Tea and Coffee after the Melrose Service
We are serving tea and coffee after worship in Melrose once again. Thanks to those who have volunteered to help out. If you would like to go on the rota please contact Helen in the office. We need 2 people each week.
Celebration of the Lord’s Supper
We will be Celebrating the Lord’s Supper in both churches on Sunday 28 November 2021, the First Sunday in Advent. All welcome.
Family Service
Our next Family Service ‘Christmas is Coming’ is on Sunday 5 December at 10.00am in the Melrose Church Hall.
The Guild
A lot has been on hold and has changed over the last 18 months, not least the Guild. We had a meeting of the committee last week and agreed to hold a Christmas Afternoon Tea and Carols for Guild members and friends at 2.30pm on Thursday 9 December in Melrose Church Hall. Masks and social distancing are a given but we hope it will be an enjoyable time of fellowship.
Messy Church
We are holding a Christmas Messy Church on Sunday 12 December at 3.00pm in Melrose Church. It will have to be a slightly different way of doing things….but hopefully a busy, fun way of celebrating Christmas. The planning meeting is on Friday 26 November at 4.00pm in Melrose Church Hall if you would like to come along and get involved.
Save The Date
There will be a memorial service “For Those We Have Lost” with Abbey Consort on Sunday 6th February, beginning at 3.00pm in Melrose Parish Church.
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, when we celebrate Christ the King, Christians across the country – and further afield – will once again join together in prayer and reflection at 7pm.
Lord, who reigns on high
And who is robed in majesty,
We see Your Son come amongst us
As a King whose kingdom is not from this world.
May we respond to His presence
With faith and trust as we pray for the kingdom that is to come.
Lord, in Your mercy
Hear our prayer.
Lord, who reigns on high
And who is robed in majesty,
We see Your Son come amongst us
As the One who very life is a sign of the kingdom.
May we recognise the signs of the kingdom in our midst
And live as those who await its coming with expectation.
Lord, in Your mercy
Hear our prayer.
Lord, who reigns on high
And who is robed in majesty,
We see Your Son come amongst us
As a King whose reign resembles not the rulers of this world.
May we follow in His way
And seek to live in the light of His coming kingdom.
Lord, in Your mercy
Hear our prayer.
Lord, who reigns on high
And who is robed in majesty,
We see Your Son come amongst us
As the bearer of truth and as the light of the world.
May Christ the King reign amongst His people
And His way be known to all who seek Him in spirit and in truth.
Lord, in Your mercy
Hear our prayer.
