We have a Family Service on Sunday 4 June at 10.00am in Melrose Church Hall when we’ll be looking at the story of Buzzle Billy, a book about sharing based on a familiar Bible story. After the summer we’re combining Family Services with Messy Church and moving to a regular Sunday afternoon slot on the second Sunday of the month.
Sunday worship
Worship at 9.30am in Bowden Kirk and 11.00am in Melrose Church will be led by Rev Sara Embleton. Melrose services are livestreamed, and you can watch on our Facebook page or church website. A podcast based on the Family Service will be posted on Saturday evening. You can listen to it on 01896 80855.
A Death in the Parish!
Mainstreet Trading in St Boswell’s have booked Melrose Church for an author event on Tuesday 6 June at 7.30pm. In part because the author is a Vicar and he’ll feel at home! In part because they anticipate it will be very popular. The Rev Richard Coles will be in conversation, talking about his new novel, A Death in the Parish. TICKETS: £24 (1 x ticket + 1 x hardback copy of A Death in the Parish), £30 (2 x tickets + 1 x hardback copy of A Death in the Parish) TO BOOK: 01835 824087 or https://www.mainstreetbooks.co.uk/blog/the-rev-richard-coles-author-event
General Assembly
Life and Work has once again published a FREE four page General Assembly Special Supplement for 2023 summarising some of the key decisions, debates and speeches from the week that can be viewed here.
Kirkin’ of the Melrosian
The annual Kirkin’ of the Melrosian is on Sunday 18 June, 10.45am at Melrose War Memorial, 11.00am in Melrose Parish Church where worship will be conducted by Rev Rosie Frew and Father Philip Blackledge of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. All 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!
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.
