You are warmly invited to join us in Holy Week Worship
7pm Wednesday – Melrose Church Hall for a reflection on hospitality
7pm Thursday – Melrose Church Hall for Maundy Thursday Communion
7pm Friday – Bowden Kirk for Good Friday worship
Easter Sunday worship
For the early risers we will be worshipping on the saddle of the Eildons at 7.30am. Dogs are most welcome! We then celebrate the resurrection at 9.30am in Bowden Kirk and 11.00am in Melrose Church. All these services are suitable for all ages. Melrose services are livestreamed, and you can watch on our Facebook page or church website. A podcast based on the service will be posted on Saturday evening. You can listen to it on 01896 80855.
BBS UK ‘We Carry the Gene’ Challenge
Jemima Billam is part of our church family. She was diagnosed with Bardet-Biedl Syndrome (BBS) in 2018 when she was 12 years old. There are currently around 640 families affected by Bardet-Biedl syndrome in the UK. BBS is a rare, recessively inherited syndrome, affecting approximately 1 in 100,000 babies born. Features include rod-cone dystrophy, a progressive eye disorder that leads to blindness, obesity, renal abnormalities, developmental delay, speech and language difficulties, extra digits, and learning difficulties. Not all the features are always present in those diagnosed as having BBS and each one can vary in severity and appearance.
Jemima along with her brothers and their team of supporters are taking part in the BBS UK ‘We Carry the Gene’ Challenge, specifically supporting the Team Scotland leg, which will be run (walked and cycled) throughout April and May 2023. This Team Scotland, leg, will see around 350 people take part, carrying the baton over the 12 sections of the Caledonian route. Find out all about the route and how to get involved, or simply to support by making a donation and/or sharing the campaign page to your networks, check out their crowdfunding page: carrythegeneteamscotland. Thank you!
New clarinet stop in memory of Jim Marshall
It is felt that a fitting tribute to Jim Marshall’s 56 years as organist would be to install an additional, and much needed, solo stop to the organ. If you would like to sponsor an organ pipe in Jim’s memory, information sheets and donation envelopes are available in both churches.
Bowden Community Café
This continues to meet on the third Wednesday of each month in Bowden Village Hall at 11am – the next is on 19th April 2023. All are very welcome.
Open Door
Come along to our weekly Open Door every Thursday, 10.00am-12noon, when the hall will be open for tea, coffee, company and chat. If you would like to join the rota of helpers there’s a sign-up sheet in the church kitchen. Thank you!
Eco congregation – You’re invited to help make a difference and join a local Clean Up in Melrose, Darnick, Newstead, Gattonside and surrounding areas. April 15-23. Contact Val Miller for more information – 822758. All tools, gloves, bags etc will be provided.
Galashiels Foodbank
With the cost of living crisis many are seeking help from the local Foodbank. Donations of food can be left at the pickup points in Galashiels at ASDA, M&S, Poundland, and Iceland, as well as Co-op stores in Melrose and Earlston. Money to buy perishable items can be donated at https://www.justgiving.com/galashielsfoodbank Thank you!
Church Choir
The choir rehearses on Sundays at 09.45am. Any additional members will be made very welcome. Thank you.
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.
