Friends,
The Platinum Jubilee celebrations were a marvellous opportunity for people all over the United Kingdom to come together and socialise in a way that has not been possible for over two years. Here at St. Columba’s, we must thank all those who worked so hard to organise a wonderful “street party” in the Lower Hall. It was a great occasion, and everyone had a lovely afternoon. All of you will have your own favourite memories of the Jubilee not least the wonderful music at the Service of Thanksgiving in St. Paul’s Cathedral – but I suspect that many people will also treasure the image of The Queen having tea with Paddington Bear!
After lunch I went out to buy a Sunday paper, just in time to see The Queen drive down Pont St. on her way to Buckingham Palace, where shortly afterwards she appeared on the balcony. Since I didn’t get down to the Mall over the weekend I’m delighted that I saw Her Majesty on that special day.
Our Songs of Praise last Sunday evening was also a great success with members of the congregation nominating favourite hymns. I have always believed that people remember the words of hymns long after they have forgotten the words of even the most learned sermon, so the theology behind our hymns is vitally important. People suffering from dementia are often able to sing when other forms of communication have become difficult if not impossible. Somehow music and song touch them despite frailty and memory loss. In the Church of Scotland, we have a great tradition of singing Metrical Psalms and also Paraphrases, and it would be very sad if that tradition were to be lost, although we are also blessed by the work of many great contemporary hymn writers. The work of composers, writers, and musicians from other parts of the world as well as groups such as the Taize Community enrich our worship today. It is now 17 years since The Church Hymnary, 4th edition, was published, and although many people, including myself, regret the loss of some old favourites, it has been a gift to the church, and I know how much thought and prayer went into the compilation of the book.
Sing to the Lord a joyful song,
William.
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.
Sunday 12th June, Celebrating St Columba
Rev Prof Ian Bradley, authority on the life of St Columba is our guest preacher at the 11am Service of Holy Communion. At 1.30pm Ian will give a congregational talk, Argyll: The Making of a Spiritual Landscape. He regards Argyll as having a very distinctive spiritual make-up, combining evangelical simplicity and liberal mysticism, which comes from the legacy of Columba and other Celtic saints, the region’s position as the border land between Highlanders and Lowlanders, Gaelic and English speakers, Catholics and Protestants and from the particular influence of both MacDonalds and Campbells. Ian has strong Pont Street ties. His late mother, Mary Campbell Tyre, became a member of St Columba’s in 1927 when she left her native Argyll, to start work in the civil service in London. For several years she lived in the hostel that the church then ran in Bina Gardens for young girls coming down from Scotland to London. On 11 June 1949 she was married to William Ewart Bradley, a fellow civil servant, in the bombed-out ruin of St Columba’s by Dr Robert Scott. She insisted on taking her wedding vows in St Columba’s before moving to a nearby Anglican church for the rest of the service. Thirty-six years later, on 20 July 1985, their son Ian was married to Lucy Blackburn in St Columba’s by the Very Revd Dr Fraser McLuskey. The following year Ian and Lucy headed north for St Andrews where they have lived ever since. Ian reflects that he is coming to St Columba’s 73 years to the day since his parents’ marriage there and he and Lucy are delighted to be returning 37 years after their own wedding.
Sunday School, Friends of St Columba’s AGM & David McKee
As well as celebrating St Columba and Holy Communion, this Sunday is both the monthly meeting of the Sunday School (11am) and the AGM of the Friends of St Columba’s (2.45pm, following the Congregational Talk.) So, a particular welcome to our young people and to members of the Friends who will be with us on a celebratory day. The AGM is followed by tea. We also welcome candidate in training for ministry, David McKee. David begins a ten-week summer placement at St Columba’s as part of his training for the Church of Scotland ministry. Welcome David.
Hymns, Music & Readings, Trinity Sunday, Sunday 12th June 2022
Hymn 260 Eternal Father, strong to save (Melita)
Hymn From Erin’s shores Columba came (Tune, St Columba, CH4 598)
Hymn 639 I bind unto myself today the strong name of the Trinity (St Patrick)
Hymn 535 Who would true valour see (Monk’s Gate)
Choir Anthem: Jesu Joy (J S Bach)
Choir Anthem: Panis Angelicus (Franck)
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 12:1-8
Gospel Reading: Matthew 8:18-22
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 Sunday Lunches, Future Dates
On Sunday, 12th June there will be a fine lunch served in the Lower Hall after the service. Future lunch dates are the 19th June & 3rd 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.
Former St Columba’s Members
James (Jimmy) Nicholson’s funeral will take place on Thursday 16th June, 10.15am at Colchester Crematorium, Mersea Road, Colchester, CO2 8RU. All welcome.
A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of George Potts will take place at St Columba’s, Pont Street on Friday 24th June 2022, at 2pm.
Please keep their family members and friends in your prayers.
Two publications to look out for
The July-August issue of the Church Magazine and The Small Owl Calling. For the former, congratulations to Susan Pym and her team for the first issue under new editorship. The latter is an offering from Peter Millar. Peter and his late wife, Dorothy worked initially in the East End of Glasgow, then in the Church of South India. On their return to the UK, they ran the Columban House in Newtonmore, and later worked with the Iona Community. Peter has very kindly sent copies of his latest publication. It offers a daily meditation, borrowing words from a wide variety of authors and traditions, often accompanied by a prayer or reflection from Peter himself. It is designed to give a daily thought, for a month of 31 days. The books are gifted but if you would like to make a donation to the Dr Dorothy Millar Charitable Trust, please do that via the Office, or contact Peter directly, via ionacottage@hotmail.com
Sounds of St Columba’s
Join our continuing ‘Sounds of St Columba’s recital series on Sunday 19th June, with an organ recital from our very own Catherine Olver. Catherine will perform a varied programme commencing at 1:15pm. A retiring offering will be taken in support of the church’s musical provision.
St Columba’s Book Club
The next choice for the book club is Elizabeth Von Arnim’s novel “The Enchanted April”. For those of you who read along with the book group but don’t join us for a discussion, you may find this a lighter read that some of our recent choices. The book was written in 1922 and like our last choice (O Caledonia by Elspeth Barker) is set in a castle but there the similarities end. The castle in this book is bathed in Italian sunshine and the gardens full of gorgeous scented flowers – a far cry from Auchnasaugh. Our next meeting by Zoom is scheduled for Wednesday 6th July at 6.30pm. New members are welcome but please let the office know so that you can be sent the joining details.
Friends of St Columba’s 2022 Programme
Please do join us for our 5 events planned for the summer and autumn:
1) Sunday June 12 St Columba’s Service, followed by AGM and Celebration Tea.
Please do forward to the Secretary any special items which you would like to see included (isobel@in-carter.com). A chance to mix, mingle, catch up with old friends and make new ones.
2) Friday 23-Sunday 25 September: visit to Dumfries and its surroundings led by Hugh Pym.
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: contact Hugh asap via 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.
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