Sunday Worship
Rev Donald Scott will be leading worship at 9.30am in Bowden Kirk and 11am in Melrose Church. All welcome. Melrose services are livestreamed, and you can watch on our Facebook page or church website.
Just a reminder that we have induction loops in both buildings. Please switch hearing aids to the T setting, if appropriate.
Sunday Worship on 31 May 2026
There will be no Service in Bowden on 31 May but a combined Service will be held in Melrose for Rev Donald Scott’s last Service and Presentation.
Many thanks to all who have contributed to this Presentation, any further contributions can be passed to William Windram, Colin Armstrong, the Church Office or via the Sunday plates. Thank you.
Christian Aid Week 10 – 16 May 2026
Information is in the Spring Newsletter – and Christian Aid envelopes are available in both Churches.
Bowden Kirk
It has been decided to offer tea/coffee/refreshments after the Bowden Church Service on the First Sunday of the month. The next date is Sunday, 3 May 2026. A rota for volunteers will be displayed in the church.
Messy Church
Messy Church meets from 3.00-5.00pm on the second Sunday of the month. Our next meeting is Sunday 10 May 2026. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All welcome.
Bowden Kirk Flower Rota
The flower rota for 2026 is now on display in Bowden Kirk. It would be helpful if volunteers could add their names to the list. (There are artificial flowers available if desired).
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!
Church Choir
Come and Sing with Us!
Do you enjoy singing – even if it’s just in the car or the kitchen? Our church choir would love to welcome new members.
We’re a small, friendly group who sing to support worship and bring a bit of joy to our Sunday services. There’s no audition, no need to read music, and no pressure to commit every week. Just come along, give it a try, and see what you think. We rehearse on Sundays at 9.45am.
Whether you’ve sung in choirs before or you’re completely new, you’ll be met with encouragement, laughter, and a warm cup of coffee afterwards (plus a chocolate biscuit!). Thank you.
Eco Congregation
We collect and recycle stamps (World Mission project to help establish tree nurseries in Central Africa), and specs (for re-use in the Philippines). We also have collection boxes for batteries and printer cartridges…. PLEASE NOTE The Food Bank no longer needs egg boxes and the collection of plastic milk bottle tops has stopped. Many thanks for your support.
Intimations
Please contact Tracey in the Church Office with any information you would like included in the weekly Intimations by 9.00am Thursday morning. Thanks.
Bowden Community Cafe
The Bowden Community Cafe meets on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 11am in Bowden Village Hall. The next Café is on Wednesday 20 May 2026. All very welcome.
Leprosy Mission
Some of you may have caught Pam Rhode’s R4 Appeal on Sunday morning. It’s on BBC Sounds, very short but effective.
This year’s focus is on children and the many obstacles to be overcome, often just getting a diagnosis delays treatment and causes disability. The recent newsletter and Pam’s Appeal tell of Laya and the Champa Vocational Centre where she is studying IT having had treatment and surgery.
We are also reminded that our donations will be matched to £50,000. So it’s a great opportunity to hand in any of your blue tubs, thankyou as always.
Sheila Millar.
Please note – The Leprosy Mission has now received £235.06 which is the proceeds of the blue tubs so far, many thanks to your generosity. Please continue dropping off the blue tubs at the Church.
Podcast – ‘Talking Faith’
Rev Philip Blackledge, of Holy Trinity Melrose, and Rev Lesley Penny of St Peter’s Galashiels are starting a new podcast, called “Talking Faith”. It centres around the questions they get asked in ministry from those who aren’t regular church goers, and is an attempt to reach out to those who are interested in faith but have not explored it further.
Please consider listening (or watching on Youtube) and sharing with those around you who might be interested.
Lumos Experiences – A Coldplay Candlelight Concert this Friday 1st May 2026
An unforgettable evening of music. 4 sittings 3 – 4pm, 5 – 6pm, 7 – 8pm and 9 – 10pm. Book tickets at www.lumos-experiences.com.
Beer and Hymns
Beer, non-alcoholic drinks, hymns and thoughts on faith, life and anything else that comes up ….3rd Sunday of the month at 6.30pm at Trinity Centre, Holy Trinity Church, Melrose. Contact Sarah Mozumdar on 07807 331150 for more information.
Old Melrose Walks
The dates of the walks for 2026 are – 5th May; 2nd June; 7th July; 4th August; 1st September and 6th October.
Old Melrose has long been known as the ‘probable’ site of one of the most important early monasteries in northern Britain – possibly dating from the 7th century AD – and famously associated with St. Cuthbert as the place where he began his monastic life. Starting from the courtyard of the tearoom the whole circuit of the walk is 1.5 miles or 2.3 Km and involves some gentle climbing. This guided walk takes us through about 2,000 years of history, entering parts of the estate not normally open to the public.
All are welcome. Adults £5. Children free. Dogs on leads at all times.
All donations go to the Old Melrose & Environs Project for the future excavation of the site.
✨ Use it or Lose it ✨
Gentle Movement Class – Melrose Church Hall – Wednesdays | 10:15 – 11:00 £5
Classes start on 20 May 2026.
Warm and welcoming, Move at your own pace, Feel stronger and more balanced
Hi, I’m Dorthe – Pilates teacher supporting people with aches and pains to move more easily and feel better in their bodies.
This relaxed, friendly class focuses on:
• Balance
• Coordination
• Flexibility
• Gentle strength
• Relaxation
No judgment — just encouragement.
🎶 Music from the 50s & 60s
🪑 Seated exercises with option to stand
🚶 Walking aids very welcome
Just joy, movement, and feeling good.
Warm welcome,
Dorthe. Contact details 07969570109
Zumba Classes with Lenore
Ready to sweat, smile and dance? Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or have two left feet, my classes are for everyone. Join me for a fun Zumba class:every Tuesday 10am at Melrose Parish Church Hall
or Monday and Wednesday 6:15pm at the Pavilion Cinema. Book your space on 07826 849115
Leeds Male Voice Choir In Concert
Leeds Male Voice Choir are a dynamic choir of seventy that perform regularly across the North of England and they will be at Melrose Parish Church on 30 May 2026 at 7.30pm. Tickets are £12 and Under 18s and Students Free. leedsmalevoicechoir.co.uk
Worship and Fellowship at St John’s
There will be a service in St John’s Care Home every second Tuesday of the month, followed by afternoon tea. You are warmly invited to come along and share this time with the residents.
Musical Memories
For people living with Dementia and their partners or carers. Fun, lively sessions of singing in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. In the Blue Room at Langlee Community Centre, Galashiels from 10.30 – 12.00 twice a month. For dates, please contact: Prue Pullen -pruepullen@hotmail.com or phone 07806 619989
Drop-in Café at St John’s
The staff at St John’s Care Home, Melrose, invite you to come along and join their residents for refreshments and home baking every Tuesday, 2pm – 4pm. Dementia friendly, accessible and open to all ages.
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 the Co-op store in Melrose. Money to buy perishable items can be donated at:
https://www.justgiving.com/galashielsfoodbank Thank you!
Contact Details
Rev Donald Scott – 07720040081 or Donald.scott@churchofscotland.org.uk
The Church office contact details are 01896 574124 or bowden.melrosepc@btinternet.com
Website – https://bowdenandmelrosechurch.org
Facebook –https://www.facebook.com/BowdenandMelroseParishChurch
