Sunday 28 May 2023

Melrose Music Society – Saturday, 27th May, 19.30, Corn Exchange; Carmina Burana and More! Abbey Consort will open the evening with Schubert’s dramatic, musical re-telling of Miriam and the Israelites’ crossing of the Red Sea (Miriam’s Song of Triumph), followed by 6 lovely part-songs by Elgar – From the Bavarian Highlands. The German theme continues with Carl Orff’s powerful and well-known cantata Carmina Burana. For this exciting piece Abbey Consort will be joined by other singers (including some of our own church choir), plus two pianos and five percussionists, all under the direction of MPC organist, Jim Letham. An exhilarating musical evening in prospect, for which your support would be greatly appreciated.


Communion Sunday worship

We will be Celebrating the Lord’s Supper at 9.30am in Bowden Kirk and 11.00am in Melrose Church. 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.


Messy Church

Messy Church is on Sunday afternoon, 3.00-5.00pm in Melrose Church and Hall, and hopefully outside too. It’s Pentecost Sunday and we’ll be celebrating the birthday of the church with a party! As we’re hoping to be outside much of the time please come prepared – something to sit on, sunscreen etc…. All welcome.


Family Service

Our final Family Service is on Sunday 4 June at 10.00am in Melrose Church Hall. After the summer we’re combining with Messy Church and moving to a regular Sunday afternoon slot on the second Sunday of the month.


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!


Bowden Community Café

This continues to meet on the third Wednesday of each month in Bowden Village Hall at 11am – the next is on 21st June 2023. All are very welcome.


Eco Congregation

An update on more recycling opportunities.

We have been made aware that Superdrug can recycle blister packs. We’ll add a collecting box to our collection in the church.

A new initiative is the reuse of spectacles by sending them out to the Philippines. Rotary Clubs in the Borders are involved and collecting baskets have been placed in Boots Opticians in Channel Street Galashiels and at Bulldog’s Bakes and Reborn Cafe. If you bring them to the Melrose Church Building, they will be uplifted from there too.


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.


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.