We celebrate Harvest Thanksgiving on Sunday 23 October at 9.30am in Bowden Kirk and 11.00am in Melrose Church. The Melrose service will be livestreamed, and you can watch on our church website or Facebook page or catch the recording thereafter. The order of service is attached. A worship podcast based on the service will be posted on Saturday evening on our website, Facebook page and Instagram. You are invited to show your thanks by filling a shoebox for Blythswood Care and/or by donating to the Christian Aid’s East Africa Hunger Crisis Appeal. Leaflets for the Blythswood Care Shoebox appeal can be picked up in the church or downloaded from https://blythswood.org/shoeboxappeal/
Boxes can be returned during our Harvest Thanksgiving Service or taken to the collection van which will be at the Rugby Club car park the following day, Monday 24 October between 2.20 and 2.50pm. Christian Aid donation envelopes are available in both churches or you can give online at https://www.christianaid.org.uk/appeals/key-appeals/harvest-appeal
Foodbank
If you would like to donate money to the Galashiels Foodbank you can do so online at https://www.justgiving.com/galashielsfoodbank
Messy Church
Our next Messy Church is on Sunday 30 October, 3.00-5.00pm in Melrose Church. We will be exploring the theme of Harvest with music, stories, games, crafts, food and fun! Children must be accompanied by an adult. All welcome!
Open Door
At last week’s meeting about pastoral care it was agreed that we open the church halls one morning a week, 10.00am-12noon, for tea, coffee, company and chat. To do this we will need a team of volunteers, and an indication of the best day – Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. If you are interested in helping please contact either the minister or the church office. Thanks.
Church Choir
The choir rehearses each Sunday from 09.45 – 10.30am and would be delighted to have some additional singers join them on a regular basis, but to prepare for the Remembrance Sunday and Watchnight Services in the first instance. Might you be able to come along and offer vocal support, please? We are a friendly, welcoming group – rehearsals are very light-hearted (no requirement to read music), and are always rounded off with some light refreshments! There’s no need to let anyone know in advance – just turn up at 09.45 on any Sunday, starting on 30thOctober. It would be good to have you join us. Thank you. Jim Letham
Family Service
Our next Family Service is on Sunday 6 November at 10am in Melrose Church Hall. Family Services last 30 minutes and are very informal. All welcome.
Church Newsletter
The deadline for the Advent edition of the church newsletter is Sunday 6 November. All contributions to the church office by that date.
Crossreach Christmas Catalogue
Crossreach is the social care arm of the Church of Scotland. You can support their valuable work by buying from their Christmas catalogue. https://shop.crossreach.org.uk/ There are a few copies available in both church buildings.
Coffee After Church
Teas and coffees are available after the Melrose service in the Church Hall. All are welcome and if you would like to join the rota of helpers, please send a message to the office.
Contact Details
Our minister can be contacted on 01896 822217 or RFrew@churchofScotland.org.uk
The Church office contact details are 01896 823339 or bowden.melrosepc@btinternet.com – Tracey is there on Tuesday and Friday mornings between 9.00am and 12 noon.
