“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness;
Come into his presence with singing”.
(Psalm 100:1)
Well, we certainly made a joyful noise on Easter Sunday! The trumpets were thrilling, the augmented choir excelled themselves, the organ was magnificent, and the large congregation sang out. We are very grateful to Ben, Catherine, and the choir for all that they do to enrich our worship. Easter is the highlight of the Christian year, not a single day, nor 12 days like Christmas, or even 40 days like Lent but as Mark Bradford highlights in “Encountering the Risen Christ” a season of 50 days, lasting until Pentecost. Having travelled with Jesus through the desert days of Lent and endured the darkness and despair of Good Friday, we want to celebrate the light, hope, and promise of Easter Day with joy and gladness.
Of course, there is a sense in which every Sunday is a celebration of Easter, an encounter with the Risen Lord. Mary having discovered the empty tomb rushed off to tell the disciples, encounters such as this change us and our Sunday worship should inspire our discipleship. This week we will be privileged to learn more about Christian Aid from Bob Kikuyu. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about their work in sustainable development. The Church of Scotland has supported Christian Aid since its foundation in 1945 and the charity now works with 41 churches in the UK and Ireland and partners in over 20 countries around the world. Today and every day our encounter with the risen Christ should strengthen us to work for a better world and Christian Aid is a wonderful example of practical Christian Service.
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 and readings will be on the website.
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 are not live streamed as they are held 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.
THIS SUNDAY: Our Guest Preacher
Bob Kikuyu is the Global Theology Advisor at Christian Aid, guiding the organisation in ensuring that its policies, processes and practices are developed and reviewed through a reflective process using theological input. He is also responsible for global church relations, helping us to build and participate in movements for change. Prior to joining Christian Aid he worked as the Executive Director of EduKenya, a faith NGO that provides transformational education in the slums of Nairobi. He has also served for 11 years as the Senior Pastor of Lifespring Chapel. He continues to live in Nairobi, Kenya with his wife and three children.
Christian Aid East Africa Hunger Crisis Petition
If you would like more information and to sign the online petition, please click on the link below. Christian Aid are organising the petition to try and get the UK Government to provide more financial help and for it to arrive more quickly to help the millions of people across East Africa who are suffering as a result of the worst drought in forty years: East Africa Hunger Crisis petition – Christian Aid
Hymns, Music & Readings for Morning Service, 16th April 2023
Hymn 411 Christ the Lord (St George’s Windsor)
Hymn 459 Crown him with many crowns (Diademata)
Hymn 566 When I receive the peace of Christ (Seven joys of Mary)
Hymn 404 I danced in the morning (Lord of the Dance)
Anthem: This joyful Eastertide (Wood)
Musical Interlude: O quam gloriosum (Victoria)
Organ Postlude: Offertoire sur les Grands Jeux (Couperin)
New Testament Reading: Acts 2:14a, 22-32
Gospel Reading: John 20:19-31
Coronation Prayer Diary
To mark the upcoming Coronation the Church of England has prepared a series of “Daily Prayers for the Coronation of King Charles III.”
Beginning on Sunday 9th April the booklet offers a prayer, a short reading and reflection on a different theme each day.
On Easter Sunday the congregation will be given the booklet. If you are unable to attend on Easter Day, but would like a copy, please contact the Church Office.
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.
Lent appeal 2023 – The Irene Taylor Trust (Sounding Out Programme)
www.irenetaylortrust.com Registered UK Charity No. 1073105
On the first and last Sundays in Lent we heard directly from representatives of the charity. Most movingly we heard music created and performed by former offenders. They provided some very powerful moments in our sanctuary. To hear the two songs go to https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/worship/sermons/ (Darren on the 26th February at 51.35 mins & Luke on the 2nd April at 1 hour 10 mins)
The words of the two songs are shown below:
Right All the Wrongs. Written and performed by Darren.
You captured my heart in a falling star
I moved so fast, I went too far
But can’t you understand how I feel about you
I’m trying to get back, right back, right back, right back
Right back where we began
Everything that I do
The little things in between, they remind me of you
There’s no denying, Lord there ain’t no way
There ain’t no going back, there’s no way I can see
I’ve gotta make it good make it good again
Chorus
I know that God is on my side
To take this heart and make it new
To right all the wrongs I’ve made in my life
Especially the ones that captured the love I have for you
Look around me, Lord I tried
I went to pieces when you knew I lied
I fell down on my knees prayed you’d forgive
So take me back into your arms
I just can’t let go, I can’t let go again
Chorus repeats
A recording of an expanded version featuring a guest appearance from another Sounding Out artist Noble is available to listen to here:
https://soundcloud.com/ittmusic/right-all-the-wrongs
Home Bound. Written and performed by Luke McCarthy
On the outside always looking in,
The walls were within but still he couldn’t win,
Can’t see himself for the fool that he is, so I’m kind of appalled it’s not normally him, On the outside looking for a lifeline,
His entire lifetime couldn’t see the bright side,
Often cried at the night-time,
Had but a dream an it’s all on a whim,
Does he waiver it or could he savour it,
Can’t put the pen down music’s his favourite,
Found a guitar somehow flavoured it,
Wrote a couple songs an now he’s got the taste for it,
But he’s got other commitments,
Family at home with other convictions,
He tried to show some sign of resistance,
But they don’t seem to share the same kind of persistence,
But he sees a shine in the distance,
Like somehow it all came alive in an instant,
Something inside him influenced,
The fire in his heart suddenly became the instrument,
Suddenly became the inference in spite of all the
aching he could make the distance,
And he could make a difference,
Liberate himself or remain imprisoned…
Chorus
I’m home bound, home bound, home bound to you Ma
Talk to our siblings, sort all our misgivings that tore us apart,
Now I’m home bound, home bound, home bound in the car,
Time’s our only measure of love over distance,
Not a moment too far.
This Sunday marks the end of the appeal.
If you would still like to contribute to the Lent Appeal: Gift Aid helps if you are eligible. If you need to complete a Gift Aid declaration form, please contact the Church Office. Various options to donate:
White Lent Appeal envelopes are available in the Upper Vestibule and in the pews.
Alternatively, by electronic bank transfer: Please use “Lent Appeal” as the payment reference.
St Columba’s Church of Scotland
Royal Bank of Scotland
Account Number 00264741
Sort Code 16 00 42
Cheques payable to: “St. Columba’s Church of Scotland” and with a note attached to cheque indicating it is for the Lent Appeal. Send to:
Finance Dept. (Lent Appeal)
St. Columba’s Church
Pont Street
London SW1X 0BD
If you would like to make a card donation, please go into the Church Office between 9am and 3.30pm, Monday to Friday.
With your donations we can help transform futures, thank you. Creating Music. Transforming Futures
Sunday School & future dates:
Between March & June, we offer Sunday School on the first and third Sundays of the month.
- Sunday 16th April
- Sunday 7th May – King’s Coronation Street Party Lunch
- Sunday 21st May
- Sunday 4th June (Second Sunday of half term)
- Sunday 25th June (Families Communion & Congregational Picnic)
Congregational Sunday Lunch & Future Dates
There will be a fine Sunday lunch served in the Lower Hall after the service on Sunday. Future dates for lunches are 7th May (see below), 14th May (extra lunch) & 21st May 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.
There will be a very special “street party” lunch on Sunday the 7th of May to celebrate the Kings Coronation. If you are planning on attending the after service “street party” on the 7th May can you please indicate to the office (office@stcolumbas.org.uk) how many your party will be so we can ensure all are catered for? Lunch that day will be £3.50 as normal.
Easter Study
Revd William McLaren will be holding an Easter Study via Zoom from Wednesday 12th April, 11.30am for 6 weeks. The book will be “Encountering the Risen Christ: From Easter to Pentecost: the message of the resurrection and how it can change us” by Mark Bradford.
Published by the Bible Reading Fellowship it can also be obtained from Church House Bookshop in Westminster. Encountering the Risen Christ is very accessible, and I think people will enjoy reading it. To sign up please contact the Church Office for the log in details.
SAVE THE DATE: Joint Service with Crown Court Church of Scotland, Sunday 30th April 2023
To mark and celebrate the forthcoming coronation of King Charles III, a joint service for Crown Court and St Columba’s will take place at Crown Court (11.15am) on Sunday 30th April 2023. The guest preacher will be Revd Professor David Fergusson, Dean of the Chapel Royal. Worship on that Sunday at St Columba’s will be suspended i.e. No 11am service. However, the service at Crown Court will be available via our own live-stream. Hospitality will be offered after the service. Please save the date for what promises to be a special and festive occasion.
Christian Aid Week 2023
Early warning: Contributions towards our Christian Aid cake sale will be most welcome for Sunday 14th May 2023.
St Columba’s Quiz
LAST CHANCE to buy tickets for the Quiz on 22nd April this Sunday after morning service. £6 per person. Cash or card. Please gather your teams and come and join in. We will find teams for individuals who would like to take part.
Friends of St Columba’s Visits
The Friends of St Columba’s have two exciting trips coming up. Priority is given to those who are already Friends of St Columba’s but please do get in touch if you would like to join the trips but aren’t a “friend”.
- Saturday May 20: Visit to Canterbury Cathedral and City (www.canterbury cathedral.org/visit). This is the mother church of the Anglican faith, and seat of the Archbishop. We shall discover the history of the Cathedral from the re establishment of Christianity in England in 597, to the murder of Thomas Beckett, which made Canterbury one of the most important pilgrimage sites. Rendezvous by ticket booth at the Cathedral entrance, 11 a.m.
- Friday 23rd June: Visit to the Handel and Hendrix Museum. George Frideric Handel lived at 25 Brook Street from 1723 until his death in 1759. It was here that Handel wrote and rehearsed his greatest works, including his Messiah. In 1968, Jimi Hendrix moved into an adjoining flat at number 23. He entertained, inspired and collaborated with other icons of British 60s rock music. Handel & Hendrix in London present these buildings as an evolving celebration of Handel’s and Hendrix’s lives. Tickets must be purchased in advance so please get in touch with Isobel Carter if you would like to attend.
For more detail about all the trips and to book please contact Honorary Secretary of the Friends of St Columba’s, Isobel Carter on isobel@in-carter.com or visit the St Columba’s website here: https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/friends-of-st-columbas.
Sounds of St Columba’s 2023
The fantastic Sounds of St Columba’s series is back for 2023. Please note the dates in your diary, bring your friends and enjoy the marvellous music in the Upper Hall. 1.30pm start.
21st May 2023 – Fredrick Seines, classical guitarist will play a programme of music to include Bach, Poulenc and Dowland.
18th June 2023 – Emily Sun, in demand international violinist will play the Tchaikovsky’ Violin Concerto
16th July 2023- Ashley Fripp, Piano recital
Happy Hour
The next Happy Hour meeting will take place on Wednesday 3 May at The Carpenters Arms, Seymour Place W1H 7NE. Please note there will not be a meeting in April.
Scots in London – Communications and Events Co-ordinator Scots in London is a new group formed of a dozen or so Scottish organisations based in London. It is looking to employ a part-time Communications and Events Co-ordinator 25-35 hours per month, to promote the activities of these organisations and help with charity fund-raising.
This will mainly involve running the www.ScotsinLondon.org Website, and other relevant social/digital media. In addition, Scots in London will be publicising and co promoting events aimed at raising funds for charities supported by the Scots in London Forum and Trust. Under the patronage of the Princess Royal, the Forum first came together in 2016 to co-ordinate members’ WW1 commemorative events. Scots in London is the continuation of that successful project.
Forum members include London-based clubs and societies, churches and charities, and other institutions that promote Scottish culture and heritage, or serve exiled Scots living and working in the London area. The appointee need not have Scottish heritage but will have an interest in Scottish culture and tradition; and will be a skilled communicator, proficient in the use of digital and social media, and able to assist in the staging of the occasional event.
This is a part-time role involving working from home and also occasional meetings and attendance at a wide-range of interesting, professionally run, cultural and sporting events in London. For further information contact Paul McFarland – pmcf@scotsinlondon.org
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
To sign up and receive the weekly newsletter detailing future events, contact the church office or go to www.stcolumbas.org.uk (News Section.) Paper copies of this week’s newsletter are available at the bookstall.
If you require this information in a different format please contact the Church Office.