Following our Sunday morning worship, those present are invited to go through to the hall to enjoy a chat along with tea/coffee and biscuits.   This is a very popular and most people take that chance to meet with others there.  Fairtrade products are on sale at this point on the first Sunday of each month.

Our Mid-week service of worship takes place on the fourth Wednesday of each month (although the December date is usually on a different Wednesday).  This is a short service held in the small chapel and has a more intimate feel to it than worship in the main sanctuary.  It is well supported, especially by those for whom an hour long service becomes too long to sit.  A simple soup and sandwich lunch follows immediately after that service.  This is open to all, whether they have been at the service or not.  The lunch is provided and serviced by a team of willing volunteers.

Easter Sunday starts with a short service on the saddle of the Eildons, which is probably about the halfway mark between Bowden Kirk and Melrose Parish Church.  This is a very popular event, despite the fact that it starts at 8.00a.m.!  Adults, children and dogs all appreciate the venue, along with the piece of Simnel cake provided.  The timing allows the minister to have a quick change before heading for Bowden Kirk to hold the service there at 9.30 a.m. which includes the Celebration of the Lord’s Supper followed by the service in Melrose at 11.00 a.m.  The coffee there that day has the added option of Hot Cross buns.  The services are all very much family orientated.  

Harvest Thanksgiving is celebrated in September.  Bowden Kirk is decorated to show the produce from fields and gardens alike and gives a stunning display.  The service at Melrose is followed by a very simple lunch of bread and cheese.  Those who participate are encouraged to give a donation towards the work of Christian Aid in return for the food. 

As our building at Melrose can accommodate large numbers, it is the venue for the town’s ecumenical services.  There are three which take place annually – Remembrance Sunday, the Christingle and the Kirkin’ of the Melrosian.

The War memorial is situated on the Weirhill beside the Parish Church and the Remembrance parade leaves the Market Square and takes the direct route along the High Street into St Mary’s Road and up to the memorial where a short service is held.  Representatives from the Royal British Legion, Scottish Borders Council, Community Council, Melrose Festival Executive, the Ex-Melrosians’ Association, local schools and youth organisations make up the parade and wreaths are laid by their chosen representatives.  The parade is dismissed and the ecumenical service begins in the church.  The collection is taken in aid of Poppy Scotland.

The Christingle service is a very popular service.  It is held at 6.00 p.m. so is an ideal time for the younger members of the family and those perhaps further along the age range for whom the Watchnight service is a little too late.  Everyone is encouraged to bring along their Christingle and the candle is lit from the candles burning at the ends of the pews.  The retiring offering from all our Christmas services is for two chosen charities which are nominated in advance by the Kirk Session.  One charity is a local one and the other is overseas.

Melrose Festival is held in June each year and its inauguration and the Kirkin’ of the Melrosian takes place within the Sunday morning service.   This is a family orientated service.