Friends,
Our Old Testament lesson this week (Ruth 1: 1-18) tells the story of Ruth and Naomi, homeless refugees suffering as a result of famine. Naomi decided to return to her homeland of Judah and urged her two widowed daughters-in-law, Orpah and Ruth, to find new husbands and security. Ruth, however, refuses, vowing to stay with Naomi and to follow her God.
What does love look like? In the centre of the story of Ruth stands someone who willingly becomes a refugee as she continues to support her beloved mother-in-law rather than return to her own family. So let us explore our understanding of what it means for us to love our neighbours today as we focus on the example of Ruth and on Jesus’ challenge to love God with all our being.
Over 50 people have died this year trying to cross the English Channel in small boats. Some are refugees, some are economic migrants and some the victims of modern slavery. Let us pray for wise and compassionate leadership at home and abroad as governments seek to address a problem which seems likely to get worse as climate change and the increasingly volatile political situation in the Middle East compel men, women and children to seek refuge far from home. Let us remember too the people of the United States as they go to the polls this week, that they may vote prayerfully and that whatever the result of the election, their country may come together in mutual respect and peace in the days that follow.
From all that terror teaches,
From lies of tongue and pen,
From all the easy speeches
That comfort cruel men,
From sale and profanation
Of honour and the sword,
From sleep and from damnation,
Deliver us, good Lord!
(G.K. Chesterton, 1874-1936, CH3 520)
William McLaren.
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 Sunday, 3rd November 2024, Twenty Fourth Sunday after Pentecost
Hymn 742 Rejoice in God’s saints, today and all days! (Laudate Dominum)
Hymn 685 For everyone born a place at the table (A place at the table)
Hymn 465 Be thou my vision (Slane)
Hymn 419 Thine be the glory (Maccabaeus)
Anthem: And I Saw a New Heaven, Bainton (1880–1956)
Musical Interlude: Give Us the Wings of Faith, Bullock (1890–1979)
Old Testament Reading: Ruth 1: 1-18
Gospel Reading: Mark 12: 28-34
Reader: Iain Beveridge
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: Morning Service followed by refreshments in the Upper Hall.
A special welcome to the baptismal family and friends of Otto Max Summer Wolf & Ruaraidh Felix Monro Alexander.
THIS SUNDAY: “100 Days”, Congregational Talk, 1.30pm, Lower Hall.
To launch the publication of “100 Days”, his new collection of daily bible readings, meditations and prayers, Revd Andrew Anderson will offer advice and encouragement in answer to some of the questions often asked about prayer: Why bother to pray? How do we pray? How can I start praying, if I’ve never really tried? How might we use scripture to pray? What are some of the difficulties in prayer?
THIS SUNDAY: Annual Bereavement Evening Service, 5pm.
Each year we write to the families of those whose funerals we have taken, either at St Columba’s or crematoriums around London and beyond, in the past seven years. During the quiet and reflective evening service, we specifically remember, and light a candle for, those who have died in the last twelve months. The service is open to anyone who may wish to remember and give thanks for a loved one. The gathered presence of others at a time of loss, recent or long-passed, can be a source of peace and consolation. (The service is also livestreamed.)
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
LENT APPEAL 2025: Small UK registered charity, providing help within UK
Over the last five years, thanks to your generosity, we have raised a total of £42,990 for small, registered 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 UK registered charity, that provides help within the UK, that could be considered for the St. Columba’s Lent Appeal 2025. For more information, please contact Naomi Donaldson, naomi.60@live.co.uk (or via the Church Office) before Friday 8 November.
NEXT WEEK: Midweek Prayers, Wednesday 6th November, 1pm, London Scottish Chapel
NEXT 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.
NEXT 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.
NEXT 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
NEXT SUNDAY: London Scottish Parade Remembrance Service, 3pm, Church
UPCOMING: 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.
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/f940da96f79e/scots-in-london-october-newsletter
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.
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/.
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.
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!
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