A prayer for Ukraine from Christian Aid.
God of all peoples and nations,
Who created all things alive and breathing,
United and whole,
Show us the way of peace that is Your overwhelming presence.
We hold before you the peoples of Ukraine and Russia,
Every child and every adult.
We long for the time
When weapons of war are beaten into ploughshares
When nations no longer lift up sword against nation.
We cry out to you for peace;
Protect those who only desire and deserve to live in security and safety
Comfort those who fear for their lives and the lives of their loved ones
Be with those who are bereaved.
Change the hearts of those set on violence and aggression
And fill leaders with the wisdom that leads to peace.
Kindle again in us a love of our neighbour,
And a passion for justice to prevail and a renewed recognition that we all play a part in peace.
Creator of all hear our prayer
And bring us peace. Make us whole.
Amen
Sunday Worship
We meet for worship at 9.30am in Bowden Kirk and at 11.00am in Melrose Church. Over the Sundays of Lent and Easter we will be focusing on different places in the story of Jesus. This Sunday it’s Bethany, the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Melrose services are livestreamed, and you can join us on our church website or Facebook page or watch the recording thereafter. www.bowdenandmelrosechurch.org The order of service is attached. A worship podcast will be posted on Facebook, Instagram and our website on Saturday evening.You can listen on 01896 808551.
Whilst face coverings will no longer be a legal requirement in places of worship from Monday 4 April the Scottish Government continues to strongly encourage the use of protective measures to reduce risk, including wearing face coverings where appropriate, to help keep each other safe.
We continue to encourage 1 metre distancing, 2 metres for those unmasked.
Lent Study Group
The final Lent study based on the hymn ‘There is a green hill far away’ is on Monday afternoon at 2.00pm in Melrose Church Hall. The theme is, ‘And we must love him too.’ Each study stands alone. Come along if you can!
Easter Celebration
The Guild is hosting an Easter Celebration with music, song and afternoon tea on Thursday 7 April at 2.30pm in Melrose Church Hall. All welcome.
Messy Church
Our next Messy Church is on Sunday 24 April at 3.00pm. The Planning meeting is on Thursday 7 April at 4.00pm in Melrose Church Hall. (Please note the change of date.)
St Cuthbert’s Way
The St Cuthbert’s Way Churches Together have produced a resource for those walking St Cuthbert’s Way – A Border Pilgrimage. Copies are available in both churches. Please take some for any friends or visitors who are coming to walk.
Easter Services
Sunday 10 April – Palm Sunday. Baptism in Bowden Kirk.
Thursday 14 April, 7.00pm – Maundy Thursday Service in Melrose Church. (Live-streamed)
Friday 15 April, 7.00pm – Good Friday Service in Bowden Kirk.
Sunday 17 April, 7.30am – Early morning Easter worship on the saddle of the Eildons.
Sunday 17 April – Easter Day services. Celebration of the Lord’s Supper in Bowden, baptisms in Melrose.
Coffee After Church
Teas and coffees are available after the Melrose service, in the Church Hall.
Choir Rehearsals
Choir rehearsals have resumed on Sunday mornings at 10.00am. New members would be made very welcome.
Church Secretary
Helen, our Church Secretary has intimated that she is stepping down to allow her to spend more time with her family, particularly her grandson! She will be greatly missed, particularly by me… So, we have a ‘situation vacant’…
Vacancy – Church Secretary – Bowden and Melrose Church
We have a vacancy for a part time secretary/administrator. 10-12 hours per week. £12.70 per hour. We would expect the successful candidate to be in sympathy with and supportive of the ethos of a faith-based organisation. The role entails the provision of administrative and communication support to our church community. Duties include bookkeeping, banking and managing the church diary. The ability to maintain confidentiality is essential. For further information please contact RFrew@churchofscotland.org.uk Applications with the names of 2 referees by letter to Rev R Frew by Friday 8th April 2022. (RFrew@churchofscotland.org.uk, The Manse, Tweedmount Road, Melrose, TD6 9ST)
