Friends
Writing at the end of the 8th century BC the prophet Micah summed up the teaching of all the Old Testament prophets in just a few words:
“And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
In other words, our worship may be liturgically correct, we may observe all the holy days and say we believe all the right things, but unless we are fair in our treatment of others, considerate and humble can we really say we are doing God’s work?
In the New Testament the author of the letter of James put it this way “What good is it…if you say you have faith but do not have works?” Crossreach (The Church of Scotland Social Care Council) is one of the largest care providers in Scotland, working in a huge variety of settings all over Scotland, including care homes, children’s homes, prison visitor centres, educational facilities, counselling services and so on.
As a congregation we at St Columba’s work with organisations such as Restart, Glass Door and Borderline and others to support some of the most vulnerable people in our community. Situated in the heart of one of the world’s great capital cities there is doubtless more we could be doing in the future.
But if that is the story of the Church of Scotland nationally and St Columba’s here in London, how do we as individuals “do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God”?
How do we live our lives showing justice, kindness and humility to colleagues, neighbours and friends?
That is a challenge to all of us.
William.
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 and readings 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 are not live streamed as they are held 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 for Holy Communion, 29th January 2023,
4th Sunday after Epiphany
Hymn 120 God, we praise you (Ode to joy)
Hymn 680 You are called to tell the story (Regent Square)
Hymn 19 Ye gates, lift up your heads on high (St. George’s (Edinburgh))
Hymn 818 Praise ye the Lord (Old 124th)
Anthem: O Almighty God (Barcrofte)
Anthem: O radiant dawn (Macmillian)
Organ Postlude: Fugue in d minor (J S Bach) BWV 539
Old Testament Reading: Micah 6: 1- 8
Gospel Reading: Matthew 5: 1-12
The Minister leads worship at St Andrew’s, Newcastle on Sunday 29th January.
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.
Sunday School & future dates:
Between January and March, we offer Sunday School on the first and third Sundays of the month.
Sunday 5th February
Sunday 19th February
Sunday 5th March
Sunday 19th March (Mothering Sunday)
Arrangements and activities for Easter to be confirmed.
Advent Appeal – Thank you!
A big thank you to everyone who donated to the Advent Appeal. We have handed over the lovely selection of donated thermal items to Glass Door which will be particularly useful for their homeless clients during this cold weather. There were also Christmas gifts wrapped for the Glass Door homeless guests who stayed overnight at church on Christmas night. Many thanks as well to those who made a financial donation direct to Borderline, in response to our Advent Appeal. Both charities send their grateful thanks for your continuing support. Mission Committee.
THIS SUNDAY: Congregational Sunday Lunch & Future Dates
There will be a fine Sunday lunch served in the Lower Hall this Sunday. Future dates for lunches are 5th February,19th February, 5th March 2023 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.
Happy Hour
The next Happy Hour session will take place at The Carpenters Arms 12 Seymour Place W1H 7 NE (upstairs room) on Wednesday 1 February from 6.30 -8.30pm for the usual mix of themed discussion and socialising. All welcome – just turn up on the evening.
Sounds of St Columba’s 2023
The fantastic Sounds of St Columba’s series is back for 2023. Please note the dates in your diary, bring your friends and enjoy the marvellous music in the Upper Hall. 1.30pm start.
19th February 2023 – Friend of St Columba’s, Jonathan Radford will play a programme of music on his classical saxophone
19th March 2023 – Axel Krogness, classical guitarist will play a programme of music to include Dowland, Bach and Goroto.
21st May 2023 – Fredrick Seines, classical guitarist will play a programme of music to include Bach, Poulenc and Dowland.
This Week – Kirk Session
The Kirk Session of St Columba’s will meet on Friday 27th January 2023 at 6.35pm. Non elders are always welcome to attend as observers.
St Columba’s Book Group
Our next meeting will be on 20th February 2023, 6.30pm. The book choice for February is The Wonder by Emma Donoghue. Set in 1860s Ireland when an English nurse is commissioned to go to an Irish village to investigate the case of a 10-year-old girl who, apparently, has not eaten for four months. It has recently been adapted into a film with Florence Pugh in the role of the nurse. The film had a limited cinema release and is now available on Netflix. The novel examines lots of issues – faith, miracles, rural life, Irish History…
The choice after the Wonder (for those who like to get ahead) is Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire.
The St Columba’s Book Group meet by Zoom, just contact the Church Office for the joining details. Newcomers are welcome.
St Columba’s Quiz The St. Columba’s Quiz
The St. Columba’s Quiz returns on Saturday returns on Saturday, 22nd April. 6.30 for 7 pm start. Tickets will be on sale in March. Please save the date, gather your teams and watch for further details re ticket sales etc.
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.
If you require this information in a different format please contact the Church Office.