Friends,
In Jo Swinney’s, The Whole Christmas Story (our Advent study book choice) she writes about Christmas carol services: “The familiar readings, melodies and prayers tether me to the heart of the festivities; a baby born to be the saviour of the world.” For many, music is integral to making, or awakening, Christmas – think Salvation Army brass bands on a street corner, “I’m dreaming of a white Christmas” on the radio, or the carols that we sing in this season.
Two seasonal poems that highlight music have caught my attention recently, reminding us that Christmas is not an easy time for many – and this year will be no exception. But, while acknowledging hard realities, both poems offer encouragement, a vision of how and why, to persevere – both poems hold out the possibility of cultivating/renewing faith, kindness and joy.
Firstly, UA Fanthorpe’s observations about the robin:
I am the proper
Bird for this season –
Not blessed St. Turkey,
Born to be eaten.
I’m man’s inedible
Permanent bird.
I dine in his garden,
My spoon is his spade.
I’m the true token
Of Christ the Child-King:
I nest in man’s stable,
I eat at man’s table,
Through all his dark winters
I sing.
The second poem is from American, Jack Gilbert, “A Brief for the Defence” described as “a brave and provocative piece.”
“We must risk delight. We can do without pleasure,
but not delight. Not enjoyment. We must have
the stubbornness to accept our gladness in the ruthless
furnace of this world. To make injustice the only
measure of our attention is to praise the Devil.
If the locomotive of the Lord runs us down,
we should give thanks that the end had magnitude.
We must admit there will be music despite everything.”
“…music despite everything” and “Through all his dark winters, I sing!” May the re-telling/singing of the Christmas story, in word and song, tether our hearts to the heart of our festivities; that Christ is born and dwells among us – for the health, beauty and salvation of the world.
Finally, if you are looking for confirmation of music’s joy-giving capability, check out the music video made by the late Totlyn Jackson, member of St Columba’s in this 2014 collaboration with English electronic duo, Basement Jaxx
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nq3b1Ai0_GY
Wishing deep peace and rich joy when Christmas arrives,
Angus
Worship at St Columba’s, Throughout Christmas
For all the details about the upcoming services at St Columba’s please visit the website https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/.
For those attending on throughout the Christmas period please remember that parking restrictions are in place around the Church throughout December. You cannot park in resident’s bays but you are permitted to park on the single yellow line as normal.
Live Streaming of Worship – Christmas 2021-2022
The live stream service continues this through Christmas.
- Friday 24th December 11.15pm Christmas Eve Watchnight Service with Communion
- Saturday 25th December 10.30am Christmas Day Family Service A short service of Holy Communion to follow.
- Sunday 26th December 11.00am Morning Service
- Sunday 2nd January 11.00am Morning Service
- Sunday 9th January 11.00am Morning Service & Baptisms
5.00pm Service of Music and Readings for Epiphany
The service 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 scripture readings will be on the website.
We believe it is really important to continue to live-stream the Morning Service under its current format i.e. for the benefit of those joining worship from afar or those as yet unable to make the journey to Pont Street. 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. While current regulation forbids singing in the pews, the live stream strongly recommends singing in the sitting room!
Dial into all services
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 Ben & Catherine’s organ music from 10.50am.
Additional Resources for Homelessness
Attached to the email is a list of places that are open for homeless guests over Christmas. Thank you to Olivia at Restart for this excellent resource.
Christmas Appeal
Due to the current restrictions, unfortunately we will not be able to do our usual Sox & Boxers collection. As an alternative way of contributing to the Christmas Appeal, you may like to consider making a financial donation to either Glass Door , Borderline or ReStart. Thank you, from the Mission Committee.
Office Hours
The Church Office will be closed from 4pm on the 21st December and will reopen on the 4th January 2022.
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