Friends
November invites consideration of mortality. In the calendar of many congregations the month commences with the Festival of All Saints (November 1st) and on the Sunday nearest the November 11th, we mark Remembrance Sunday. At St Columba’s this Sunday (6th November) we also hold our annual Bereavement Service (5pm.)
Each year we write to the next of kin of those who have experienced the death of a loved one, and whose funeral was conducted by one of the St Columba’s ministers, in the last seven years. During the service we remember by name and the lighting of candles, those whose funeral or memorial services we have conducted in the past year (between 1st October 2021 – 30 September 2022). The service is designed to be quiet and reflective and lasts about fifty minutes. As a congregation we pray for the family and friends of all whose funerals are called to mind. Relatives and friends who have attended in previous years have found the service to be helpful.
Across the years the funerals of non-members far exceed those with formal church connections. More often than not we are responding to the request for a “Scottish minister” for a family who may have moved south decades earlier, but at a loved one’s end wants to connect in some way with homeland. Our connections with such families are often short-lived, but it has always seemed an important part of what St Columba’s offers, as a church in exile. Whether you have a specific or recent bereavement or would like to hold in mind an older grief or memory, you would be most welcome to join us on Sunday evening, either in person, or via the livestream. The presence of others can be a great encouragement for those seeking comfort and strength.
Angus
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.
Welcome
This Sunday we welcome Violet Emma Hammill Mikkelsen and her family as she comes for baptism. Her brother Fred was also baptised at St Columba’s in January 2020.
St Columba’s Elder
The funeral service for Henry Sherriff will be held at St Columba’s on Friday 4th November at 2pm. All welcome to attend.
Hymns, Music & Readings,
22nd Sunday after Trinity Sunday, Sunday 6th November
Hymn 100 O Lord, thou art my God and King (Duke Street)
Hymn 632 Our children, Lord, in faith and prayer (Belmont)
Hymn 562 Through the love of God the saviour (Ar Hyd Y Nos)
Hymn 458 At the name of Jesus (Camberwell)
Anthem: Jesu, the very thought of there, Bairstow
Musical Interlude: Like as the hart, Howells
Organ Postlude: Offertoire sur les Grand Jeux, F Couperin
New Testament Reading: II Thessalonians 2:1-5,13-17
Gospel Reading: Luke 20:27-38
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: Congregational Sunday Lunches, Future Dates
There will be a fine Sunday lunch served in the Lower Hall after the service today. Future lunch dates are 20th November & 27th November 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.
THIS SUNDAY- 5pm Annual Bereavement Service
NEXT SUNDAY- REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY, 13th NOVEMBER
Congregational Prayer Group, Sunday, 13th November 10.00am in the London Scottish Chapel “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart’
Remembrance Sunday- 13th November 2022
10.45am Morning Worship (Note: Not 11am start.) 3pm London Scottish Regiment’s Remembrance Service. All welcome. Come and enjoy the sight of the Pipes & Drums marching along Pont Street on their way to service.
Sounds of St Columba’s Recital, Sunday 20th November
The final Sounds of St Columba’s recital of the year will take place on Sunday 20th November at 1:30pm. Sam Corkin (saxophone) will be joined by Benedict Lewis-Smith (organ), and they will perform an eclectic programme of duets. The recital is free to attend with a retiring offering.
Christian Aid Annual Lecture – Tuesday 22nd November
The lecture – A Force for Good: Co-operating Across Borders in an Age of Authoritarians – will be given by Rt Hon David Lammy MP, the Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, followed by a conversation with Christian Aid’s chair, Dr John Sentamu. Entry is free. If you would like to reserve yourself a ticket by registering with Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/christian-aid-annual-lecture-2022-tickets-388501086207
By registering for a free ticket, it will help Christian Aid know the numbers planning to attend.
Tuesday 22nd November
Doors Open at 6.30pm – Starts at 7pm, finish 9pm.
Venue: St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 4JJ
Parliamentary Service, St Margaret’s, Westminster – Wednesday 23rd November
The Moderator of the general Assembly of the Church of Scotland will be preaching at the Parliamentary Service on Wednesday 23rd November at 10.30 am. Dr Greenshields would be delighted to welcome representatives of St Columba’s at the service.
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.
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
The ScotsCare podcast
Charity for Scots in London launches podcast with well- known Scots and supporters London charity ScotsCare launches a podcast series today (28th October) featuring famous Scots and supporters of the charity from all backgrounds, that have forged a life for themselves south of the border. Scots from all walks of life, such as household name Isla St Clair, comedian Eleanor Morton and Star Wars actor Duncan Pow, to name a few, are interviewed by host Marcus Railton, about life’s twists and turns and what it’s like to be a Scot away from home. The charity, that supports disadvantaged Scots in London through a range of financial, practical, and emotional support to help break the cycle of poverty, will release an episode each week, with the first 3 episodes released on Friday 28th October and one a week thereafter. ScotsCare Chief Executive Shona Fleming said: “The podcast aims to raise awareness of ScotsCare and the services we provide to first- and second-generation disadvantaged Scots in London. Through entertaining interviews with well-known Scots that have also built a life away from Scotland, the series shows that even high achieving Scots can face surprisingly difficult challenges along the way, something that our low-income clients know all too well. We hope that the podcast will raise awareness of our services, such as mental health, advocacy, befriending and financial support, so that we can make a difference in more people’s lives.” All episodes are available on the ScotsCare website www.scotscare.com and all other podcast platforms including Apple, Google, Spotify, and YouTube.
Sunday 27th November – Communion Sunday, Moderator of the general Assembly, Crown Court & GKexperience visit.
Sunday 27th November promises to be a special day. In addition to celebrating holy communion at morning worship we will welcome the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Rt Revd Dr Greenshields as our preacher,as well as beingjoined by the congregation of Crown Court for a joint service. And into the mix will also be the visit of the young people and staff of the GKexperience. Some twenty-five young people will be staying at St Columba’s that weekendas part of their trip from Glasgow. This will be the third time St Columba’s has hosted their visit.
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.
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.
Families Pantomime Outing
All families are invited to join us for a trip to the New Wimbledon Theatre to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on Saturday 17 December at 14:00 for some pre Christmas merriment! The trip has been part funded by the Sunday School and two generous donations so we’re asking for a contribution of £20 per person to help cover the costs. Please let the office know if you would like to attend -Seats are limited so please reserve early to avoid disappointment!
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.