Friends
This Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent, and here at St Columba’s it is definitely a Sunday of welcomes. Firstly, to the young people, volunteers, and staff of the GKexperience, making their third London weekend trip, based at St Columba’s. Their action-packed itinerary includes the theatre (“Wicked”), speeding on the river (Thames Rockets), the Tower of London, a meal out and Sunday morning service with us – when we will have a chance to hear how they have got on.
Secondly, we welcome the minister, Reverend Scott Rennie and congregation of Crown Court Church of Scotland, as part of our joint Communion Service. For three years, in pre-pandemic times, we held twice-a-year joint services at St Margaret’s, Lothbury, but it has been a while since we have worshipped together. Since those “Kirk in the City” services, Crown Court has celebrated its 300th Anniversary and welcomed Scott as their new minister. We are delighted that they can join us on Sunday morning, and we look forward to joining them at Crown Court on Sunday evening for the “Audience with the Moderator” & Reception at 6pm.
Thirdly, we welcome the Moderator, as our guest preacher, at the conclusion of the Moderator’s, traditionally busy, London Week.
To find out more about GKe, Crown Court and the Moderator extracts from their websites and biographies are included below. Better still, come and meet them in person – share communion in the sanctuary, then food and chatter in the Lower Hall. And if you are seeking a little calm before the storm, there is a time of Poetry & Silent Prayer for Advent, in the London Scottish Regimental Chapel (10.00 – 10.15am) to start the morning. (See the Newsletter below, for the Prayers & Poetry resources.)
We look forward to welcoming you on what promises to be a special day.
Angus
About the GKexperience
“TheGKexperience is not a programme but a community. We are compassionate, understanding, honest, respectful, determined, motivated and appreciative of each unique member whether young person, young leader, volunteer, staff or board. Everyone is listened to and has their part to play in creating an environment that is safe, encouraging and welcoming. A place where anyone can belong.
Since our inception, we have supported and improved the lives of over 500 young people across Glasgow. We currently support around 175 young people and 80 families. Young people grow in confidence, make friends, learn new skills, improve mental and physical health and have fun when involved with us. We provide what support they need and build long-term relationships to make the biggest differences. We collaborate with schools, social work and other organisations to ensure that young people are listened to and receive the best outcomes. Young people can make their aspirations a reality, when involved with theGKexperience.”
https://www.thegkexperience.org.uk/
About Crown Court
(From the Crown Court website https://www.crowncourtchurch.org.uk/)
We are an inclusive church and a diverse bunch of people: seeking to learn what it means to be people of faith in a modern world. We try to follow Christ as best we can together, whilst acknowledging we are a work in progress. We are people of different generations, backgrounds and cultures; most of whom are rooted in the Reformed tradition of Christianity, but by no means all.
About the Moderator
The Rt Revd Dr Iain Greenshields is Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland for 2022-2023. Born and raised in the Drumchapel area of Glasgow, his first full-time charge was Cranhill, Easterhouse, where he was responsible for the formation of a community support organisation which grew to become the Cranhill Development Trust. Dr Greenshields second charge was St Machan in Larkhall, South Lanarkshire, where he oversaw the establishment of the Machan Trust, which works with children, young people and their families. In 2002 Dr Greenshields became minister of Snizort Church on the Isle of Skye, before moving to his current charge, Dunfermline: St Margaret’s, in 2007. Dr Greenshields served as Presbytery Clerk in Dunfermline for seven years, as a National Assessor for eight years, and as a member of the Children’s Panel for ten years. His ministry has also included work in psychiatric chaplaincy, as well as roles as a prison and hospital chaplain. Married to Linda, a recently retired Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies teacher, the couple have six children and one grandson. In 2004, Dr Greenshields and his wife established the charity Hope4China’s Children, which has raised £1.2 million to provide education, support, medical and foster care for around 800 girls in Guangxi Province.
Live Streaming of Worship
Services can be watched via the church website,
https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/live-stream.
To access the live stream from the homepage (front page) click the Menu button in the top right-hand side of the page and scroll down and click on “Live Stream”. This will bring up the live stream to the church. The act of worship of approximately 60 minutes, includes include prayers, a sermon and music. The words for the hymns will be on the website.
For those without internet, the Dial-In facility continues. Many people comment that they do have a sense of worshipping together, even if invisible to each other.
Reminder: If you do not wish to appear on the live-stream please choose a seat in the rear half of the sanctuary.
Please note that the Evening Services on the 1st of the month will not be live streamed as they will take place in the London Scottish Chapel.
Dial into Sunday Service
If you are aware of church members or friends who do not have access to internet please inform them that they can now phone in to join the Sunday service. No visuals clearly, but at least they can hear the service. Those interested should follow:
Step 1: At 10.40am call phone number 0203 051 2874.
Step 2: You will be prompted to enter a meeting ID. Please type (using your telephone keypad) 266 883 5072#
Step 3: You will then be asked for a participant number – simply press the #.
Step 4: Enjoy the service! You will hear the organ music from 10.50am.
Hymns, Music & Readings,
1st Sunday of Advent, 27th November 2022
Hymn 472 Come, thou long-expected Jesus (Stuttgart)
Hymn 284 Hope is a candle, once lit by the prophets (Galloway Tam)
Hymn 543 Longing for light, we wait in darkness (Christ be our light)
Hymn 477 Lo, he comes with clouds descending (Helmsley)
Anthem: O thou the central orb, Wood
Musical Interlude: How beautiful upon the mountains, Stainer
Organ Postlude: Prelude in C minor (BWV 546) by J.S. Bach
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 2:1-5
Gospel Reading: Matthew 24: 36-44
Retiring Offering to Moderator’s Charity of choice: Borderline
Congregational Offerings
Details on the many ways you can support St Columba’s can be found here https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/giving/supporting-st-columbas
Would anyone wishing to contribute to St Andrew’s, Newcastle please contact the Session Clerk on standrewssessionclerk@gmail.com for bank details or other means of donating.
THIS SUNDAY: Poetry & Silent Prayer for Advent
For the four Sundays of Advent (27th November, 4th, 11th & 18th December) there is the opportunity to join with others for a time of quiet collective prayer. Led by the minister, the time (10.00 – 10.15am) offers an intentional moment to contemplate scripture and poetry, appropriate to the Advent season. All are very welcome in the London Scottish Regimental Chapel.
THIS SUNDAY: Sunday 27th November – 6pm
Crown Court Church of Scotland, An Audience with the Moderator
Following the joint service in the morning we are invited to Crown Court in the evening at 6pm for “An Audience with… the Moderator.” To meet this year’s Moderator, and to hear about his life, faith and experience of his year so far as Moderator. As with the morning service, this is a joint event for Crown Court and St Columba’s. The evening will conclude with cheese and wine. Crown Court Church of Scotland, Russell St, London WC2B 5EZ
Congregational Sunday Lunches, Future Dates
This Sunday there will be a fine Sunday Lunch offered in the Lower Hall. Future lunch dates are 4th December and 18th December in the Lower Hall. Coffee will continue to be served every Sunday as usual in the Upper Hall. These Hospitality Services are much valued in supporting Fellowship.
Parking Restrictions in December
During all Sundays in December there is NO PARKING in residents’ parking bays. On Sundays parking is permitted on single yellow lines and in Pay & Display bays (free).
ADVENT AT ST COLUMBA’S
Advent, Christmas and Epiphany Prayer Books
Following Sunday service please pick up a copy of Advent, Christmas & Epiphany: Readings, meditations & Prayers 27 November – 8 January 2023. This collection has been prepared by the Revd Andrew Anderson and offers a profound spiritual guide to the season. Copies are free and if you wish to take two, in order to pass on to a friend or family member, please do so.
St Columba’s Christmas Card
The 2022 St Columba’s Christmas Card was designed by John Levers of the Langham Artist Society and Sketch Club who meet weekly at St Columba’s. Packs of the wonderful card are available from the bookstall (10 cards for £5 or 5 for £3).
NEXT WEEK- Sunday 4th December – Festive Fellowship Lunch 12-2.30pm
Following the success of the Jubilee Fellowship lunch in June, all are invited to a Christmas Fellowship lunch in the Lower Hall. Do join us for a lunch party, with a glass of prosecco to start the Festive Season.
There will be a Children’s craft table, a fiendish Festive (optional) quiz and plenty of fun. To help with numbers please contact the church office to let them know you will be attending, with any dietary requirements. Vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free guest all catered for. Cost: £3.50.
Advent Book Study
Our Advent Book this year is “Walking Backwards to Christmas: An Advent journey from light to darkness” by Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York. The Lent Study Groups enjoyed his earlier work “The Nail – Being part of the Passion” and had some interesting discussions so suggested we look at this book which takes a similar approach, looking at the story of Advent and Christmas through the eyes of different characters in the story. Following the pattern of previous Lent and Advent studies two groups will meet on Zoom: The Tuesday evening group will meet at 7.30pm, beginning on Tuesday 22nd November and I am delighted to say will be led by the Revd Scott Rennie of Crown Court Church. William McLaren will lead the Wednesday morning group beginning at 10.30 m on Wednesday 23rd November. Whether or not you have attended any of the previous Book Studies, I hope you will think about coming along to this one.
“Walking Backwards to Christmas” is available on Amazon and from Church House Bookshop. Further details from the church office.
Christmas Carols in Trafalgar Square for Christian Aid
Please join congregation members from Crown Court Church and Bloomsbury Baptist Church to sing carols for Christian Aid in Trafalgar Square on Friday 16th December at 6pm to 7pm.
VOLUNTEERING AND GIVING OPPORTUNITIES
Glass Door Night Shelter – Volunteers needed at St Columba’s on Sunday evenings (December 2022 – March 2023)
Can you help provide a warm, friendly welcome and hot meal to homeless guests coming to stay at St Columbus on Sunday nights when we will be hosting the Glass Door night shelter?
- Shelter volunteers are needed to help set up, serve food, chat to guests, and clear up on Sunday evenings
- Cooks and kitchen volunteers are needed to prepare meals for the guests
- An admin volunteer is needed to help manage the rota and organisation of Sunday volunteers
Training and support for roles will be given.
If you would are interested, please get in touch with Heather Farwell (hbfarwell@hotmail.co.uk) and Margaret Goslett (margaret@margaretgoslett.co.uk) as soon as possible.
Advent Appeals
Glass Door – www.glassdoor.org.uk
We will be collecting the following items for the Glass Door charity to help top-up their shelves for their homeless clients. The items are: boxer shorts, thermal hats, ladies’ pants and sanitary products, thermal tights, thermal socks (for both men and women), thermal gloves (or very thick ones), small travel size toiletries . Some of the donated items will be wrapped as Christmas gifts for Glass Door’s homeless guests who will be sleeping at church on Christmas night. The remaining items will be passed to Glass Door in January.
Thank you in advance for your help with the Advent Appeal. Mission Committee.
Borderline – www.borderline-uk.org
As an alternative option for those wishing to contribute to the Advent Appeal but who are unable to come to church, you may like to consider a financial donation to Borderline. The details are:
Donate Online
https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/700#!/DonationDetails#%2FDonationDetails
Alternatively, you can donate by post by making a cheque payable to NEW BORDERLINE and send it to: Borderline, FREEPOST License RSLK-KBRR-AGCK, Ground Floor, 22 City Road, London EC1Y 2AJ.
Potatoes & Peas – The Night Shelter
The 2022/23 Night Shelter at St. Columba’s starts in December, and it is time to think about potatoes and peas! We sleep and feed 25 homeless guests inside St Columba’s from December to March & the budget for food from GLASSDOOR is small and anything we can do as a congregation to help with the cost is greatly appreciated. If you would like to “sponsor” the purchase of potatoes or peas, or both, please pass your contribution to the church office. (Cheques payable to St. Columba’s Hospitality Committee.) Any surplus money contributes towards a “festive” meal on Christmas Day, Hogmanay, and of course a Burns Supper in January 2023 which is much appreciated. Thank you. Ben Gourlay, Convener of Hospitality Committee
2023 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
Happy Hour
The next Happy Hour session will take place on Wednesday 4 January 2023 at The Carpenters Arms, 12 Seymour Place, London W1H 7NE (top floor room) with the usual mix of themed discussion followed by a time of social fellowship. Newcomers welcome, just turn up on the night.
Burns Supper 2023
The 2023 Burns Supper will be held on the 21st January 2023, 7pm. Tickets will be available after Sunday Worship in the entrance vestibule. If you have any queries please contact the Church Office.
We also need people to help serving food on the evening. If you would like to volunteer please contact the Church Office.
St Columba’s Book Group
Our next meeting will be on Monday 9th January at the usual time of 6.30pm. Our next book choice is “The Fortnight in September” by RC Sheriff, who is probably more famous for writing Journey’s End about World War I. This book is set in the early 1930’s and concerns a family of 5 from Dulwich as they embark on their annual summer holiday to Bognor. This is a trip they have been making for years and the reader experiences with them the preparation, the journey and the holiday itself. If you know Dulwich or Bognor or even Clapham Junction you might find this novel of particular interest, but such knowledge is not a requirement!
The St Columba’s Book Group meet by Zoom, just contact the Church Office for the joining details. Newcomers are welcome.
Office Hours
The church office is open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Contact details; Tel: 020 7584 2321
E-mail: office@stcolumbas.org.uk
Website: www.stcolumbas.org.uk
Facebook: @stcolumbaschurchpontstreet. Twitter: @LondonKirk
Pastoral Emergency Number (out of office hours): 07591926271
To sign up and receive the weekly newsletter detailing future events, contact the church office or go to www.stcolumbas.org.uk (News Section.) Paper copies of this week’s newsletter are available at the bookstall.
POETRY & SILENT PRAYER
ST COLUMBA’S, PONT STREET
27th November 2022, ADVENT I
“The meaning is in the waiting.”
“Advent is the hush in the theatre,
between the house lights going down
and the curtain going up.”
“To create times of silent prayer and reflection each day
calls for a sense of its importance and for a discipline.”
BEFORE WE PRAY
This Advent we use a mixture of scripture & poetry to lead us into our silent prayer. The scriptures chosen, reflect those selected by the Revised Common Lectionary which we use at Morning Service. Once the silence begins let yourself be drawn towards/ to savour a particular verse, or even just a single word. Our normal prayer time lasts for fifteen minutes.
OPENING PRAYER
Gathering from our busy city,
we thank you –
for faith and quiet,
place and prayer.
In stillness,
let us abide,
scripture, verse and silence
strengthen, restore and inspire.
So, encompass our Advent wanderings,
to You,
our true North.
SCRIPTURE: Romans 13:11-14
Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armour of light …
POEM: Kneeling, R S Thomas
Moments of great calm,
Kneeling before an altar
Of wood in a stone church
In summer, waiting for the God
To speak; the air a staircase
For silence; the sun’s light
Ringing me, as though I acted
A great role. And the audiences
Still; all that close throng
Of spirits waiting, as I,
For the message.
Prompt me, God;
But not yet. When I speak,
Though it be you who speak
Through me, something is lost.
The meaning is in the waiting.
TIME OF QUIET
COLLECT FOR ADVENT SUNDAY (said together)
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness and put on the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which your Son Jesus Christ came to us in great humility; that on the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
AFTER PRAYER: Matthew 24:42 – 44
Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore, you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.