Author: Lucy Llewellyn

Photo by Susan Pym

Friends,

Last weekend offered a concentrated burst of congregational life. On Friday evening our elders met as your Kirk Session, undertaking their trustee role, to consider the consistently broad agenda of concerns that face them – from how to keep the building safe, warm and accessible, to which initiatives, within or beyond the congregation we support, to how we show care for each other and how we worship together. At the same time ReStart were hosting the regular Friday night drop-in meal in the Lower Hall.

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Friends,

This week marks the 80th anniversary of Pte George Mitchell of the London Scottish Regiment winning the Victoria Cross, the British Army’s highest award for gallantry. His achievement is commemorated in the inscription on the font in the London Scottish Regimental Chapel.

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The Scots Hotel in Tiberias

Friends,

Since the horrific events of 7th October last year, our thoughts have been focussed on the Holy Land, Israel and Palestine, and in the face of continuing violence there we continue to pray that all parties to the conflict might find a way ahead, leading to a just and lasting settlement that will meet the needs and aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians, Christians, Jews and Muslims.

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Friends,

This week Revd David Donald Scott, who preached at St Columba’s in November, having packed away the seasonal decorations, made his annual analysis of Christmas cards received (See https://daviddonaldscott.blogspot.com/)

He writes: “Once again, the balance between sacred and secular was not disturbed but it is narrowing – 54% to 46%. Shepherds and Kings were equally matched this year. The full nativity was top of the pops. Fifteen per cent of the religious cards were doves celebrating our almost universal longing for peace. Removing cards with doves, churches and words of Scripture and carols, there were fewer cards celebrating the Nativity than secular cards.

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Friends,

Tuesday, 2^nd January marked ten years since our resident caretaker, Michael Dempsey, took up post at St Columba’s. Anyone who appreciates what goes on in our building, seven days a week, will understand we should definitely take a moment to acknowledge how much we are indebted to Michael. He contributes immensely, not only to the smooth running of the place, but also to its atmosphere of welcome. That is a real gift.

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Photos illustrate preparations made for the recent Carols by Candlelight

Friends,

This is the last newsletter for 2023, so covers the conclusion of Advent, the celebration of Christmas and gets us to Hogmanay. Rather than attempt a lengthy coverage of those things – let me pick one simple theme. Gratitude. Gratitude – for all that has been contributed to the life of the congregation in the last twelve months. Gratitude, for our permanent staff who maintain the day to day running of a very busy office and complex building. Gratitude, for our Session Clerk and her elders for the meeting of the many responsibilities that modern-day trustees hold towards congregation and all who utilise our buildings. Gratitude, for church members and volunteers who undertake so many different tasks that sustain and support the life and feel of our community. Gratitude, for our musicians, who so enhance our worship throughout the year. One could go on, but you get the idea!

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Picture by Susan Pym

Friends,

Last Sunday our young people and their team of “grown-ups” treated us to a telling of the Nativity, with a musical dramatization entitled, “It’s a Party!” It certainly was. Culminating with the release of balloons during the final song, unleashed youthful energy delivered sacred spontaneity and a little anarchic joy. Memorably, the production earlier included the fainting of a youthful Joseph when told the news of Mary’s pregnancy, as well as a beautiful solo sung by teenager Beth Stokes. In short, we had a bit of everything, scripted and unscripted. Congregationally, we spend a lot of time lamenting the absence of our young people from church life. All the more special therefore to see them up front and involved – at the heart of our worship.

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