Dear Friends,
It was a pleasure to welcome a lively group of Year 2 pupils from Knightsbridge School to the church this week. They come from a variety of backgrounds and have been studying world religions including Islam, Hinduism, and Christianity. We may think that St. Columba’s is a comparatively plain, presbyterian building but the children were fascinated by the various symbols which adorn our sanctuary – the Agnus Dei or Lamb of God carved on the Communion Table, the eagle on lectern, the dove represented on the rose window above the chancel and of course the cross.
We may take all these for granted but sharp-eyed children noticed it all and asked the minister challenging questions! Symbols are important because they symbolise something and perhaps for Christians the most important symbols of all are the bread and wine which symbolise for us the incarnation – the fact that the Son of God had a body to break and had blood to shed.
It is always a pleasure to welcome visitors to the church – former members of the congregation returning to London, tourists, the curious walking along Pont St. and deciding to pop in and many others. We are also very fortunate to have regular contact with nearby schools and I’m glad that even at an early age the children are learning about different world faiths. I’m convinced that the more we understand one another, and learn how much we have in common, the more likely it is that the world will be a better, more peaceful place for future generations. Of course, there are genuine differences, but just as we should be prepared to offer humbly and respectfully what we have learned of God’s love and truth, we should never be too proud to learn from other people’s experiences on life’s journey. My life has been enriched by my friendships not only with those of different Christian traditions but also members of other world religions.
On a different note, as I write this on Wednesday afternoon Westminster appears to be in turmoil; whatever our politics it is good to remember that most politicians are motivated by the desire to enter public service and cynicism on the part of the public, while sometimes understandable, is corrosive and damaging to democracy. In his first letter to Timothy, St. Paul wrote “I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity” (1 Timothy 2:2).
William McLaren.
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.
Please note that the Evening Services on the 1st of the month will not be live streamed as they will take place in the London Scottish Chapel.
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 10.50am.
Hymns, Music & Readings,
4th Sunday after Trinity Sunday, Sunday 10th July
Hymn 21 Lord, teach me all your ways (Psalm 25) (Garelochside)
Hymn 624 In Christ there is no east or west (McKee)
Hymn 519 Love divine, all loves excelling (Hyfrydol))
Hymn 235 God is working his purpose out (Benson)
Anthem: Ave verum (Elgar)
Musical interlude: Almighty and everlasting God (Gibbons)
Organ postlude: in G Major on a theme by ‘Gibbons’ (Stanford)
New Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 30: 9 – 14
Epistle Reading: Colossians 1: 1 – 14
Gospel Reading: St. Luke 10: 25 – 37
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.
Rising Living Costs: Help at Hand
We are aware that with the cost of living and fuel costs rising that some of our community may be struggling financially. If you, or someone you know, are in need of help, please do get in touch with the Church Office or the Ministers. All conversations will be held in the strictest of confidence.
Congregational Summer Picnic, Sunday 10th July
The St Columba’s All Age/Congregational Picnic returns for 2022. Please join us on Sunday the 10th July in Hyde Park with your picnic for fun, games and a good chance to catch up with friends from church. The venue is only a 15 minute walk away and the main group will set off from church immediately after the morning service. Maps can/will be provided. Transport available if required. Bring your own picnic and we’ll provide the games and competitions. To give an idea on numbers, please let the Church Office know if you plan to come along and if transport would be welcome. (As usual, there’s a wet weather plan B!)
Congregational Sunday Lunches, Future Dates
Future lunch dates are the 17th July & 31st July in the Lower Hall. Coffee will continue to be served every Sunday as usual in the Upper Hall. These Hospitality Services are much valued in supporting Fellowship.
St Columba’s Book Club
The next book club will be on Monday 5 September at 6.30pm (by Zoom) when we will be discussing Fire Road: The Napalm Girl’s Journey Through the Horrors of War to Faith, Forgiveness and Peace. It is as the title suggests a non-fiction book by Kim Phuc Phan Thi and is autobiographical.
Volunteering Opportunity on Iona
Ever thought of joining the team on Iona? There are a few short-term volunteer spaces, for specific roles, at Iona Abbey this summer. You’ll find details on the website www.iona.org.uk/about/vacancies The Abbey team welcomes guests from many countries to Iona each week to explore issues of common concern – including the environment, peace-building, poverty & inequality, racism, refugees, inclusion & diversity, interfaith dialogue. “We work together, we worship together and we share meals as part of our common life. We look forward to hearing from you.” Get in touch via, VolunteerApplications@iona.org.uk if you’d like to find out more.
Friends of St Columba’s Dumfries and Surroundings
There is still time to “sign up” to the Friends of St Columba’s trip to Dumfries and the surroundings in September 2022.
The itinerary includes the original home of the TSB, founded by a Church of Scotland minister, a visit to Ruthwell Church with its 8th century cross, Robert Burns heritage sites and possibly the early Christian settlement at Whithorn.
Booking: the Church Office regarding dates and accommodation. Two options: The Powfoot Inn (£115 double bed and breakfast; £95 single) or The Queensberry Arms Hotel, Annan (starts at £48/night).
Preference is given to Members of the Friends – but it’s very easy to join! Only £10 annual and £50 Life Membership.
Payment by BACS: Sort Code 16-00-42; Account No: 00269670; RBS (Please use your name and subscription as description of the payment), or by cheque made payable to Friends of St Columba’s to the Honorary Treasurer, Alan Lennox c/o The Church Office.
Oscar the Italian Cat. New Publication: Molly Arbuthnot
A regular attender at St Columba’s, when in London, Molly Arbuthnot was a teacher at Hill House School for three years before turning to writing. Molly has now written nine award-winning children’s books. “Each tale is guaranteed to warm the cockles of your heart and put a spring in your step!” Her latest is Oscar the Italian Cat. “A joyous tribute to the beauty and magic of Venetian life and the people lucky enough to call it home.” Congratulations to Molly on her most recent publication. For more details www.mollyarbuthnott.co.uk.
Office Hours
The church office is open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
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