Friends,
This week I received a poem, with the invitation to share it. Its author is Peter Millar. Starting from his time working with the Church of South India, he began to compose a Christmas poem each year.
From the start, the poem went to people of different faiths and to many who were exploring the human journey in general. The poems continued first when Peter returned to Scotland, later when he was part of the ecumenical and visionary Wellspring Community in Australia, during his years working with the Iona Community on Iona, and after his wife Dorothy’s very sudden death early in 2001. Over the years the poems have linked him to many people, near his home and far from it.
In January of 2016 Peter was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer – an incurable but treatable cancer. He says he has been blessed to have lived six years “with this companion in his body, but 2021 has been the toughest year so far – not least because of his encounter with serious Covid 19.” He is acutely conscious of the global turbulence which has accompanied the pandemic. “Many of the old markers have disappeared for ever, and all our lives have been challenged by global events. We have all been disturbed in our minds and hearts one way or another, and today many around the world find it difficult to live with hope deep within.”
Of his Christmas poem for 2021 he reflects: “Perhaps I have written the poem for myself as I face my own health problems, but I have tried to place the thoughts and words within a global context. We share so much together on this small planet which needs heaps of hope, justice and of compassion everywhere.”
The Candle in the Heart
We all experience it –
may be for days, for months,
that inner feeling that all is tumbling.
That the precious candle in the heart is not lit:
its glow gone, and the guiding
flame no longer there.
Within us, these defiant siblings –
fear and confusion play havoc with the mind.
Anchorless and scared,
are we drifting or drowning
as we witness one global sorrow after another?
Yet from time to time something stirs the heart,
the longing for Light;
to know again that we share a common heart-beat;
to accept that our fears may be shot through with hope;
that this precious planet actually teems
with life, compassion and beauty.
And then in our drifting we see the candle is not out, but lit,
inviting us back to an ever-present Truth;
a Truth that understands drowning
and brings the wounded healing.
Stumbling we may be,
but our shaky hands reach for that candle
and once more feel its energies of life –
as Love fills our soul.
(Peter Millar, Edinburgh, December 2021.)
On Sunday, at the 11am service we will light the 3rd Advent candle, sign of continued waiting and prayer; and at the 5pm Carols by Candlelight, we will light the Christingles, symbol of the Light of Christ coming into the world. The Jewish teenage diarist Anne Frank wrote, “Look at how a single candle can both defy and define the darkness.” From our Advent study book, The Whole Christmas Story, by Jo Swinney, the prayer:
Jesus you are the light of the world – the source of life and bringer of hope and clarity. On this dark December day, I turn my face towards you. I thank you for coming into this world and scattering the darkness. Amen.
Angus
Worshipping at St Columba’s & COVID Precautions.
While there is new Government guidance issued this week, the current arrangements at St Columba’s for Sunday remain unaltered but reinforced. We continue to recommend that those attending worship wear face masks in the building if they are able to do so and maintain social distancing in the pews. You may wish to complete a negative lateral flow test no more than 24 hours prior to Sunday service. We suggest dressing warmly as we try to keep the sanctuary well ventilated. In all our arrangements we recognise that people are at various stages on the pandemic journey – we ask for sensitivity around social distancing and keeping everyone confident and safe. (Our arrangements are under constant review and we will publicise any changes as promptly as possible, should the need arise.)
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.
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.
Reminder: If you do not wish to appear on the live-stream please choose a seat in the rear half of the sanctuary.
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 10.50 am.
Hymns, Music & Readings, 12th December 2021 – 11am
Hymn 279 Make Way, Make Way, for Christ the King (Make Way) Hymn 274 Comfort, Comfort Now My People (Genevan 42)
Hymn 334 On Jordan’s Bank the Baptist Cries
(Winchester New)
Hymn 474 Hail to the Lord’s Anointed (Es Ist Ein Ros’
Entsprungen)
Anthem: O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion (Handel)
Musical Interlude: Virgam virtutis tuae (Handel)
Organ Postlude: Fugue in B Flat Major (Handel)
Old Testament Reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20
New Testament Reading: Philippians 4:4-7
Gospel Reading: Luke 3:7-18
Short Service of Weekly Holy Communion
Following Morning Service there is a short service of Holy Communion, combined with prayers for those in need, at 12.15pm in the London Scottish Chapel. Worshippers can receive bread and wine; wine is distributed via small individual “thimble” glasses. The names gathered from the prayer cards, at the back of the sanctuary, are prayed for during the communion service. This is a very welcome return for a small but precious part of St Columba’s life.
Sunday School Christingles and Carols by Candlelight
Please join us on Sunday 12th December at 3pm for Christingle-making, followed by a family tea, before we join the service of Carols by Candlelight (Lessons & Carols) at 5pm. All ages welcome. Please RSVP to gary@thewallis.com by 5th December for catering purposes.
Carols by Candlelight with Christingles & Reception for Borderline
At our evening service of Carols by Candlelight we will hear the Christmas story told in words and music. We are also delighted to welcome friends and supporters of Borderline who will join us at the Carols and the Reception for the charity that follows.
Hymns, Music & Readings, 12th December 2021 – 5pm
Hymn 315 Once in royal David’s city (Irby) (Verses 1 & 2, choir only) Hymn 285 The Angel Gabriel from heaven came (Gabriel’s message) Hymn 296 While humble shepherds watched their flocks (Winchester Old) Hymn 309 Still the night, holy the night! (Stille Nacht)
Hymn 301 Hark the herald angels sing (Mendelssohn,
Bethlehem)
Anthems: Tomorrow shall be my dancing day (Gardner)
The Star Carol (Rutter)
First Lesson: Isaiah 9: 2-7
Second Lesson: Luke 1: 26 – 38
Third Lesson: Matthew 2: 1 – 12
Fourth Lesson: Luke 2: 1 – 20
Fifth Lesson: John 1: 1 – 14
About Borderline: Supporting Homeless Scots in London.
Borderline services provide a personalised support package that strives to meaningfully engage clients to address their respective support needs and addresses the root causes of their homelessness. Borderline support their clients to make sure they get the right help. Services include: Helpline and walk-in service; an outreach service working pan London; referral paths to specialist support services; support securing appropriate accommodation; advocacy support; counselling; financial grants and budgeting support; facilitating reconnections to Scotland or elsewhere. Borderline also provides household starter grants for tenants who have previously been homeless and may not have basic necessities to set up home; clothing grants of up to £150 and birth certificates for identification purposes; and help for clients to access employment, training, and volunteering opportunities.
Parking Restrictions in December
During all Sundays in December there is NO PARKING in residents’ parking bays. On Sundays parking is permitted on single yellow lines and in Pay & Display bays (free).
Church Office – Christmas Closure
From 1pm on the 22nd December until 9am on Tuesday 4th January 2022 the Church Office will be closed. If you have a pastoral emergency in that time please call 07591926271.
St Columba’s Soup and Carols
On Tuesday 21st of December please join us for Christmas Carols and Soup in the Upper Hall at 12.00pm. The event is open to all and a chance to have some fellowship at the start of the Christmas Season. Please email or call the office to let them know if you plan on coming.
Advent Appeal 2021
Glass Door – Sox and Boxers.
We will be collecting the following items during Advent for the Glass Door charity. Items are: boxer shorts, thermal hats, thermal socks (for both men and women), thermal tights, thermal gloves (or very thick ones). Collection point will be the Upper Vestibule, starting Sunday 28 November and each Sunday up to Christmas.
As an alternative for anyone not able to come to church, you may wish to consider Borderline for a financial donation. Details are:
Borderline
22 City Road
London EC1Y 2AJ
Tel. 0845 456 2190
Cheques payable to ‘New Borderline’ and post to above address. https://www.borderline-uk.org/
Please see the below link to the Borderline donation portal:
New Borderline – Donate now (cafonline.org)
Thank you in advance. Mission Committee.
The Annual Office Hours
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
Carol Singing for Christian Aid
After an enforced absence last year, we are once again invited to sing carols under the Christmas Tree in Trafalgar Square and raise money for Christian Aid. This year the singing will be on Friday 17th December from 8-9pm. Please meet by 7.50pm at the Café on the Square (bottom of the steps by the National Gallery). All are welcome; carol sheets will be provided for singers and collecting buckets for collectors.
Sunday Lunch Dates
A reminder that due to the reduced number of available lunch teams (9
down to 5), lunches will only be served on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month,
and on the 5th Sunday where there are 5 Sundays in any month.
The next lunch date is the 19th December 2021 in the Lower Hall unless
circumstances change. Coffee will continue to be served every Sunday as usual in
the Upper Hall. These Hospitality Services are much valued in supporting
Fellowship.
Maintaining Community and Supporting Each Other
Everybody can play a part in maintaining contact with others via telephone, e-mail or letter, especially those who are particularly vulnerable. Our Elders are encouraged to make contact with those in their districts, and church members are welcome to contact the church office to request a contact from their elder or the Minister.
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.
St Columba’s Coffee Mornings
The last Coffee Morning of 2021 will be on the 15th December (10.30am). Revd Dr John McCulloch, Minister St Andrews, Jerusalem & Tiberias will discuss Christmas in the Holy Land.
If you missed October or Novembers Coffee Mornings here
https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/community-life/coffee-mornings
St Columba’s Book Club
The next online meeting of the St Columba’s Book Club is the 24th January at 7pm. The book this month will be The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis. The joy of the St Columba’s book club is that is all on Zoom so you can join from anywhere in the world in the comfort of your own home.
In your newly purchased/gifted diaries do put the forward date of Monday February 28 2022 as well.
Sounds of St Columba’s
The ‘Sounds of St Columba’s’ concert series will restart on Sunday 16th January 2022 at 1:15pm. Recitals will continue throughout the year on the third Sunday of the month (excluding April, August & December). Full details of the performers and repertoire will follow a little later this year. These recitals are free to attend, with a retiring offering. For more information contact Ben Lewis-Smith music@stcolumbas.org.uk
Stamps
If you would like to leave stamps for Crossreach, please pop them into the Church Office on Sundays.
SCRIPTURE & SILENT PRAYER
WAITING & WATCHING
ST COLUMBA’S, PONT STREET
12th December 2021, ADVENT III
CONSIDER BEFORE WE PRAY
- Silence – “a meeting place where I am looking for God’s love
and God is looking for mine.” - If we really want to pray we must first learn to listen,
for in the silence of the heart God speaks. (Mother Teresa of Calcutta) - Silence nourishes and feeds silence: the concentrated periods spill over into, and feed, the short times we manage to salvage from our day. But to create times of silent prayer and reflection each day calls for a sense of its importance and for a discipline. (Kenneth Leech, Spirituality & Pastoral Care)
OPENING PRAYER
As we gather in the harbour of your safety
We thank you for faith and friendship.
Still us and strengthen us,
restore and inspire.
Fill us with your peace.
Let our souls catch the wind of your spirit
that we might take your promises to the ends of the earth. Amen.
SCRIPTURE – Philippians 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always;
Again, I will say, Rejoice.
Let your gentleness be known to everyone.
The Lord is near.
Do not worry about anything,
but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving
let your requests be made known to God.
And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds
in Christ Jesus.
TIME OF QUIET
COLLECT FOR THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
God of power and mercy, you call us once again to celebrate the coming of your Son. Remove those things which hinder love of you, that when he comes, he may find us waiting in awe and wonder for him; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.