Connections, connections! This week’s newsletter offers a whole variety of connections -possibilities for the coming weeks.
Connections to God. As part of our preparations for Christmas join others to read and discuss Rachel Mann’s book, “Do Not Be Afraid”, the Archbishop of York’s Advent book.
Connections to the wider Church. Come and listen to this year’s Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, as he speaks about his year in office and reflects on the wider work of the Church of Scotland.
Connections to others. Get involved with the inaugural St Andrew’s Book Festival, especially those events hosted at St Columba’s. Get your tickets to attend talks by a favourite author and/or volunteer to help steward. We anticipate that many who have never been to St Columba’s before, will come for the book events. It would be great if part of that visit also includes meeting members of the congregation. Who knows what a friendly face and a warm welcome might lead to?
Connections, connections! Finally, think about how sometimes all these connections might come together. Throughout the year many groups and individuals enter St Columba’s: school children, support groups, ReStart’s Friday evening drop-in meal, GlassDoor’s Sunday night shelter for homeless guests, martial arts, congregational meals, concert-givers and ceilidh-goers. Our building witnesses a lot of life. At the same time, throughout the year we gather to worship, our services marking the rhythm of the year and the significant events of life. On Sunday 22nd December, 5pm “Pont Street Carols” will attempt to draw these connections together – an invitation to celebrate the season with all the groups who know and value this special place throughout the year. A diary date for Christmas connections.
Angus
Live Streaming of Worship
Services can be watched via the church website, https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/live-stream. Reminder: If you do not wish to appear on the live-stream please choose a seat in the rear half of the sanctuary. Note that the Evening Services on the 1st of the month are not live streamed as they are held in the London Scottish Chapel. If you experience any issue with livestream on the day, please email livestream@stcolumbas.org.uk (please note that this address will only be monitored on Sundays).
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 phone in to join the Sunday service. Those interested should follow:
Step 1: At 10.40am call phone number 0208 080 6591.
Step 2: You will be prompted to enter a meeting ID. Please type (using your telephone keypad) 884 4746 5645
Step 3: You will then be asked for a participant number – simply press the #.
Step 4: You will be asked to enter the password. Enter 838727
Step 5: Enjoy the service! You will hear the organ music from 10.50am.
THIS SUNDAY: Hymns, Music & Readings for Remembrance Sunday, 10th November 2024, Twenty Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
Hymn 715 Behold! the mountain of the Lord (Glasgow)
Hymn 260 Eternal Father strong to save (Melita)
Hymn 511 Your hand, O God, has guided (Thornbury)
Anthem: Lux Aeterna – Duruflé (1902–1986)
Musical Interlude: In Paradisum – Duruflé (1902–1986)
Old Testament Reading: I Kings 17:8-16
Gospel Reading: Mark 12:38-44
Reader: Rona Black
Details on the many ways you can support St Columba’s can be found here https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/giving/supporting-st-columbas 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: The Congregational Prayers Group
Meets to pray for the continuing life and work of St Columba’s. 10.00 – 10.15am, in the Kirk Session Room. All welcome.
THIS SUNDAY: Remembrance Service, 10.45am followed by refreshments in the Upper Hall
Always a significant and poignant moment to gather with others to remember the contributions and sacrifices made by previous generations and to offer prayers for the peace of the world. The service includes a formal Act of Remembrance, as well as activities for children.
THIS SUNDAY: London Scottish Regiment Church Parade Service, 3pm, Church.
Open to all. See the parade march down Pont Street at approximately 2.30pm.
THIS SUNDAY: Sunday 10th November, 1pm, Lower Hall
We are delighted that RSCDS will bring back Scottish Country Dancing for children. The class will take place once a month on Sunday afternoons (2nd Sunday of the month) taught by Rose Kreloff. Children should be at least primary school aged (typically 4-12) but dancers in their early teens also welcome. Please book into the class by emailing classes@rscdslondon.org.uk
Glass Door’s Night Shelter Volunteers
Glass Door Night shelter at St Columba’s will start on Sunday 10th November in the Upper Hall. We always need volunteers to run the shelters and ensure the best possible experience for guests. Register your interest with Stef at the Church office office@stcolumbas.org.uk
Please keep guests, staff and volunteers in your prayers at the start of the Night Shelter season, for this vital part of St Columba’s life.
St Columba’s members
We are sorry to announce the death of St Columba’s member Eleanor Christer in April 2024. Rest eternal grant unto her and let light perpetual shine upon her.
NEXT WEEK: Midweek Prayers, Wednesday 13th November, 1pm, London Scottish Chapel
NEXT SUNDAY: Sounds of St Columba’s, Sunday 17th November, 1.30pm, Church
The Choir of St Columba’s will sing Duruflé’s Requiem on November 17th 2024 at 1.30pm – featuring Catherine Olver (Organ). This will be the final recital of the year. It is free with a retiring offering and will be performed in the sanctuary. Enjoy a special performance from the singers who enhance our worship every Sunday of the year.
UPCOMING: St Columba’s Craft Group, Wednesday 20th November, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, Kirk Session Room
Many of us are knitters and crocheters of varying levels of experience; others are embroiderers spinners and patchworkers, so whatever your interest is you will find a welcome with us. For more details contact Susan Pym or Fiona Lang via the church office.
Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, London Week
This year’s Moderator, Rt Revd Dr Shaw Paterson will be at St Columba’s on Wednesday 20th November, 7.30pm, for a Q+A event, organised by the Presbytery of England & the Channel Islands. He will be interviewed by St Columba’s elder, Hugh Pym. Supper is provided for attendees after the discussions. The event is also scheduled to be livestreamed. All welcome.
Dr Shaw will also preach at the Houses of Parliament for the annual Parliamentary Service, held in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, Westminster, on Tuesday 19 November, 10am. If you wish to attend take photo ID and allow time to pass through security.
Advent Study
“Waiting can be beautiful and, at least sometimes, it takes us to the heart of the Holy.” As much at home with Strictly Come Dancing as the mystical writings of Julian of Norwich, Rachel Mann writes with disarming verve of something we all experience – waiting. It may seem unlikely when you’re stuck on a train, or nervously anticipating hospital treatment, or simply fearful of an uncertain future, that there is treasure to be found in the waiting. Yet the Psalmist says, ‘I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.’
The Advent groups will meet four times in Advent. Join an in-person Sunday group (first meeting 1.30pm, Sunday 24th November) or the Wednesday online zoom group (first meeting Wednesday 27th November, 10.30am.) Please sign up via the church office.
UPCOMING: Friends of St Columba’s Visit to Benjamin Franklin House, Saturday 23rd November, 11am
Rendezvous just inside main entrance, 39 Craven Street WC2 5NF (Embankment Tube)Scientist, diplomat, inventor, postal pioneer, Founding Father, Franklin lived in this elegant Georgian townhouse between 1757 and 1775. Although his primary reason for being in London was to mediate between Britain and the increasingly fractious American colonies, Franklin still found time to invent bifocal spectacles and the glass armonica, reform the alphabet and hobnob with the leading figures of the day. For more information, please contact Isobel Carter isobel@in-carter.com Cost: Under 12s Free, Adults £12, Concessions (over 65)– £10. Please check the Programme of Events you were sent in September or look at our web page: www.stcolumbas.org.uk/friends-of-st-columbas. We look forward to see you there!
ST ANDREW’S BOOK FESTIVAL: 25th November to 1st December 2024, St Columba’s & other venues.
The box office is now open for the inaugural St Andrew’s Book Festival in London (25th of November – 1st of December 2024). Seven days celebrating all things literary, featuring a star-studded line up of authors, riveting discussions, and exclusive book signings. Whether you’re an avid reader or a budding writer, this festival is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the world of books and creativity. Check out the website for a full author A to Z listing and book tickets from here: https://www.standrewsbookfestival.org/
The St Andrew’s Book Festival is delighted to be able to offer every ticket purchaser the chance to win a two-night luxury getaway for two at Prestonfield Hotel. This weeklong celebration of Scottish authors and themes in central London is showcasing over 40 authors across 36 events!
More details available in their latest newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/e1f54fc0ebcb/news-and-reviews
Scots in London Newsletter
Read the latest Scots in London newsletter here, packed full of our autumn news and events: https://mailchi.mp/a941547662ee/scots-in-london-october-newsletter-6420260
Subscribe to the newsletter directly to hear all the latest news and make the most of our current special offers with The Scotsman newspaper.
News on Past Lent Appeals
Lent Appeal 2024 – Update from Mission Committee
Firefly International (Svitac) Bosnia – Guest Speaker on Sunday 17th November: Jane Salmonson, Director. www.fireflyinternational.org
We are delighted to let you know that the Lent Appeal 2024 donation (£6,540.55) to Firefly International (Bosnia) enabled the very successful residential Summer Camp (Music & Art) to take place in the beautiful setting of Pecka (Bosnia). The group of young people had a fantastic time, enjoying each other’s company, and building lasting friendships between young people of all ethnic and religious groups. Your donations made this happen. Jane Salmonson will giving a brief talk to update everyone during the service on Sunday 17 November. We will look forward to hearing all about it. A super short video clip (2mins).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WH7imOTBoLI
‘Building Brighter Futures’
For children and young people affected by war.
Lent Appeal 2020 (500 Miles charity) Update from Mission Committee.
Samuel Mkomera has graduated to degree level in Prosthetics and Orthotics (Sirindhorn School of Prosthetics and Orthotics, Mahidol University, Cambodia). Congratulations and well done Samuel!
Your very generous Lent Appeal donations in 2020, paid for the majority of Samuel’s training to degree level. Now having graduated and returned to Malawi to continue his work for 500 Miles in Prosthetics and Orthotics. Samuel’s knowledge will improve the lives of many people for years to come. Thank you for supporting the 500 Miles charity and for your donations. Olivia Giles, CEO at 500 Miles sends many thanks to you, as does Samuel.
RESTART LIVES needs you!
Can you spare a coat, shoes, an item that will support someone sleeping rough to keep warm this winter?
Before the usual Friday dinner service, RESTART is having their Winter Resource Fair for homeless guests on Friday 15th November at 3pm.
The Winter can be an especially challenging time for someone rough sleeping, or on the brink of, and the charity will be supporting as many people as possible to access the resources they need and make this season just a little more bearable.
Happy to receive donations of:
- coats – men/women
- waterproofs – whether that be a jacket, trousers or some other form of waterproof
- shoes – think trainers, walking boots or shoes that are comfy for walking in. These are the sort of shoes guests need
- ‘outdoor camping kit’ – sleeping bags (only new/not used and 4 Season for this) or other items which may have been used for camping and could be handy e.g. bivvy bags, ground mat, tent. RESTART where it can is getting hold of essential outdoor kit for guests but we welcome this from supporters too, if they have
- Rucksacks – any useful rucksacks that people can store and carry their belongings in will go down very well
Please bring donations to church office in bag between Sunday 10th November and Friday 15th November midday only so we are able to store them before the fair.
Any questions?
Feel free to reach Olivia on olivia@restartlives.org if you have a question or are not sure about a certain item and want to check etc. We are so grateful for your consideration to donate. We ask that items are in adult sizes (as we only work with adult men and women experiencing homelessness), in good condition (or new and unused is even better!) and, if second hand, then please wash the clothing. RESTART can’t unfortunately cover laundry expenses but would not be able to give an item away which isn’t in clean, washed, fresh condition to a guest. Thank you for your understanding and kindness with donating. We are truly grateful.
RESTART’s Annual Sleep Out, Friday 6th December 2024, outside St Columba’s Church.
Every year the staff, volunteers and supporters of Restart Lives spend one night outside. Although there is much that separates the experience of the controlled environment of the Sleepout from that of a person living life on the streets, we hope the event will help all those who participate to imagine what London’s homeless have to contend with. We can only accommodate 80 sleepers at this event, so if you would like to reserve your spot, don’t delay and sign up now.
UPCOMING: SCOTSCARE CEILIDH, Saturday 16th November 2024, Lower Hall 7pm – 10.30pm
ScotsCare are excited to announce that they will be hosting their first ever Ceilidh on Saturday 16th November at St Columba’s Church, from 7.00 to 10.30pm (doors open from 6.30pm). The ScotsCare St. Andrew’s Festival Ceilidh will have live entertainment provided by the Craigievar Ceilidh Band and London Scottish Pipes and Drums. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun! We will have a caller to guide dancers, step by step so everyone can join in regardless of experience. Tickets include light bites, and a bar will be available to purchase drinks. All profits from the evening will go back into ScotsCare’s services. We look forward to seeing you on what a festive and memorable evening will be. Tickets are £20 each and can be bought via this link www.scotscare.com/project/scotscare-ceilidh/.
Crown Court and St Columba’s Sunday School Families Pantomime trip
It’s that time of the year again. Oh no it isn’t! Oh yes it is! Sunday School families from Crown Court and St Columba’s are invited to join us on Sunday 8th December at 17:30 to see Jack and the Beanstalk at the New Wimbledon Theatre. Please email Gary (gary@thewallis.com) to reserve tickets. Numbers are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so grab your magic beans and don’t delay!
UPCOMING: St Columba’s Book Club, Tuesday 10th December, 6.30pm
The Book Club met to discuss Colm Toibin’s “Brooklyn” and found it to be a very believable depiction both of a small town in Ireland in the 1950’s and the life of an immigrant to the USA, and elicited an interesting discussion of personal experiences of coming to London and the importance of St Columba’s. Our next meeting will be on TUESDAY 10 December when we shall be discussing “The Phone Box at the Edge of the World” by Laura Imai Messina and our choice for the first book of 2025 is “The Outrun” by Amy Liptrot. We meet by Zoom and new members are welcome. For details please contact the Church Office.
Office Hours
The church office is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
E-mail: office@stcolumbas.org.uk
Website: www.stcolumbas.org.uk
Facebook: @stcolumbas churchpontstreet.
Twitter: @LondonKirk
Pastoral Emergency Number (out of office hours): 07591926271