Chewing the fat…
With his permission, I share reflections made this week by retired Church of Scotland minister, Revd David Donald Scott.
His daily blog is a highly recommended source of wisdom. (http://daviddonaldscott.com/blogonthelearig/) This week he offered thoughts about certain habits and their benefits:
“In a recent article in New Scientist, James Goodwin mapped out seven ways to enhance brain function and avoid degenerative diseases affecting the brain. Some old but important chestnuts were there like getting enough sleep, being sensible about your diet and, of course, exercising. Don’t sit around all day. Stand up some of the time!
The most unusual of the more contemporary findings really surprised me. As a child, I remember my mother spelling out at table the importance of chewing food thoroughly. I always assumed this was good for the digestion. However, more recently, scientists have discovered that chewing improves thinking and memory. As well as this lesson on masticating our food, my mother never allowed us to buy chewing gum. This annoyed us so much that I once stole some from the grocer’s shop! Following the results of nearly two dozen studies worldwide, there is an association between regular gum chewing and improvements in brain function!
At least five of Goodwin’s illuminating recipes for improving the health of our brain have been espoused by the Church for two millennia. The first is fasting. Fridays, Lent, the Sacrament Season all provided opportunities to fast. Researchers are moving towards the conclusion that intermittent fasting slows the pace of ageing.
The second and third are connected – having a sense of purpose and thinking positively. Everyone needs a goal in life and the Gospel provides that in the two great commandments. Reframing the negative things that happen to us in a positive way is inevitable in a Gospel which espouses hope.
The fourth takes us to the heart of the Church, a community consisting of all those who have been baptised into Christ. It is built upon the twin disciplines of friendship and hospitality. Staying connected does our brain good. And lastly, dance. Yes – dance improves the structure of our brain and enhances memory. So, ‘Praise God with the timbrel and dance!’ as the Psalmist says and let Miriam be your second name!”
With David’s thought in mind do remember this Sunday (third of the month) congregational lunch after service is on offer. So, come chew with us and if you feel inspired to have a post-lunch dance, please be our guest!
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.
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 Ben’s organ music from 10.50am.
Hymns, Music & Readings, 17th October 2021
Hymn 184 Sing to the Lord a joyful song (Gonfalon Royal)
Hymn 127 Oh worship the king all glorious above (Hanover)
Hymn 694 Brother, sister, let me serve you (Servant Song)
New Testament Reading: Hebrews 5:1-10
Gospel Reading: Mark 10:35-45
Anthem: O thou the central orb (Wood)
Anthem: Sicut cervus (Palestrina)
Organ Postlude: Choral Song” by S.S. Wesley
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.
October Church Magazine
The new Church Magazine is available both in hard copy and via the website https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/news/. (Scroll down Latest News box to find.)
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
Sunday School & New Youth Group
Future dates:
Sunday 14th November (Remembrance Sunday) 10.45am
Sunday 12th December (3.30pm, Christingle making, pizza family tea & Carols by Candlelight at 5pm)
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.
Harvest – Thank You
Many thanks to everyone who supported the Harvest Appeal. You very kindly supported the Appeal in various ways; either by bringing in items for The Upper Room (UR4 Meals) or by making a financial donation to them or perhaps by supporting a local Foodbank close to where you live. It is all greatly appreciated and it will make a difference to the homeless and those disadvantaged. Thank you very much.
Lent Appeal 2022 (small away/overseas charity)
Over the last five years, thanks to your generosity, we have raised a total of £43,299 for small charities as a direct result of our Lent Appeals; this is a major part of our work on Mission. The Mission Committee would be grateful for any suggestions you may have for a small away/overseas charity that could be considered for the St. Columba’s Lent Appeal 2022. For more information, please contact Naomi Donaldson, naomi.60@live.co.uk (or via the Church Office) by Friday 5th November.
St Columba’s Coffee Mornings – Reschedule Prisons Week
Due to unforeseen technical difficulties Revd Bola Adamolekun couldn’t join us on Wednesday the 13th October. We have rescheduled to Thursday 21st October at 10.30am. If you would like to join us please email office@stcolumbas.org.uk for the Zoom invite
St Columba’s Coffee Mornings – Future Dates
November’s meeting is actually “afternoon tea” on the 17th November (2pm) with Revd Camille Cook, Senior Pastor at Georgetown Presbyterian Church in Washington will discuss Thanksgiving and its role within the Church. Camille will be well known to many at St Columba’s so a nice chance to see her again also!
Looking ahead please put the 15th December (10.30am) in your diary. Revd Dr John McCulloch, Minister St Andrews, Jerusalem & Tiberias will discuss Christmas in the Holy Land.
Divine Dine (for Younger adults 18-40’s)
Come join us in the upper hall on 4th November at 18:30 where we’ll have some dinner and have an informal discussion on the Sermon on the Mount. If you would like to come please let Fraser Stockton know on 07896881965 or Frasersto@gmail.com
Happy Hour
At a previous Happy Hour session, we shared contributions of poems that meant something to us. This led to recollections of much-loved lines from hymns and from there, to the contribution of so many women hymn writers.
Please come and join us for a further discussion on the theme of hymn writers, led by Robin Forrest on Wednesday 3 November in the Library at 6.30 pm. Light refreshments available.
Stamps
If you would like to leave stamps for Crossreach, please pop them into the Church Office on Sundays.
Glassdoor Volunteers
St Columba’s operates a Night Shelter on behalf of a Homeless charity called Glass Door and in co-operation with six other churches in the locality to offer supper and a place to stay to the homeless and street-sleepers. Our evening is Sunday and we would welcome Volunteers, who are needed for approximately two and a half to three hours on Sunday evenings between 6.30pm and 9.30.pm to help prepare and serve supper for 25-30 Guests and then clear-up. No expertise necessary – just people over 18 who have been double-jabbed and have a smiling face and kind words. If you are interested, please make contact via margaret@margaretgoslett.co.uk.
Local Church Review: St Columba’s, Pont Street
A panel of three members of the Presbytery of England will be visiting St Columba’s over the weekend of 6th/7th November 2021 to conduct a Local Church Review. More information will be given nearer the time but please be aware of the likely timings:
Saturday 6th Nov 21: 09.30am – 10.45am LCR Panel meet with Ministers via Zoom
11.00am – 12.30pm LCR Panel meet with Kirk Session of St Columba’s, Pont Street via Zoom.
Sunday 7th Nov 21:11.00am Rev Cameron Langlands (Convenor of the LCR Panel) preaches at morning service.
Congregational Lunch
Sunday 7th Nov 21: 1.15 – 2.15pm LCR Panel meet with Congregation in-person.
Advent Study
This year we are offering an advent study on the book “The Whole Christmas Story: An advent adventure through Genesis, Revelation, and points in between” by Jo Swinney. You can order the book through the Bible Reading Fellowship here https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/new-titles/products/thewholechristmasstory. William will lead the group on Wednesday evenings from 7pm (via Zoom) from the 24th November to the 15th December. Angus will lead the Thursday morning group from 10.30am on the 25th November to the 16th December. If you would like to take part please email the office to book a place (office@stcolumbas.org.uk).
Sounds of St Columba’s
The ‘Sounds of St Columba’s’ concert series will restart on January 16 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
Prayer Resources for Prison Week 2021
The Prisons Week Prayer
Lord, you offer freedom to all people.
We pray for those in prison.
Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist.
Support with your love prisoners and their families and friends, prison staff and all who care.
Heal those who have been wounded by the actions of others,
especially the victims of crime.
Help us to forgive one another,
to act justly, love mercy and walk humbly together with Christ
in his strength and in his Spirit,
now and every day. Amen
Hope. Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the plans I have for you’ declares the Lord ’plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Lord, we think now of the precious women in prison,
some are mothers, daughters, sisters, grandmas;
and each one matters to you.
Thank you, God, that your love remains the same
and they are continuously on your heart.
We pray HOPE will arise from their brokenness.
May they see your light in the darkness
and know you have good planned for them,
your beautiful ones.
Meet with them we pray, Amen
Promise. Luke 12:24 Consider the ravens: they do not sow or reap; they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!
We find peace in a broken place.
God’s grace can give you new strength.
My wounds you heal.
Lord Jesus, how great you are!
They control the locks,
you Lord control the clocks.
Time will pass and we will be free. Amen.