It is hard to believe that it is almost twenty years since the publication of the Church Hymnary, Fourth Edition (CH4) in July 2005. Although I was not directly involved in the project, several friends of mine were, and I know how much thought and care went into the preparation of the book over 11 years. It is in the nature of such publications that we will miss old favourites from earlier hymn books but the vast majority of church members would agree that CH4 has enriched the worship of the church with songs old and new from around the world and many different denominations as well as the traditional psalms, paraphrases and spiritual songs with which we are familiar.
The singing of metrical psalms has always played a large part in worship of the Church of Scotland. The Scottish Psalter was published in 1564, just 4 years after the Scottish Reformation of 1560. It was based on the Psalter used in the worship of John Knox’s congregation in Geneva. This psalter went through a number of revisions leading to the Scottish Metrical Psalter of 1650, still in use in some places today. Initially it was only psalms which were sung in Reformed worship but gradually paraphrases were added to the repertoire of congregations, partly as a teaching device – as I’ve often said congregations remember the words of hymns long after they’ve forgotten sermons! In 1781 the General Assembly approved the publication of 67 “Paraphrases … of Sacred Scripture” to be sung in worship and these were often appended to the Psalter of 1650. By the end of the 19th century a number of congregations were following the example of Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh which was not only the first church since the Reformation to use a pipe organ in worship, but had also produced their own hymn book. The first Church of Scotland Hymnary was published in 1898 when it was assumed that it would be used in conjunction with the Psalter. A revision of the psalter was published in 1929. Further editions of the hymnary followed in 1927 and 1973 and most recently 2005. In addition to the psalms, CH4 contains 18 of the original 67 paraphrases of 1781 such as “O God of Bethel!” (CH4 268) and “Blest be the everlasting God” (CH4 242) and these continue to enrich our worship today.
Our worship this Sunday opens with the singing of Psalm 1, “How blest are those who do not stray”. The Psalmist draws a contrast between the “blest” who resist temptation to be drawn from God’s ways and the “wicked”. The former are compared to well-watered trees, while the latter will be blown away like straw in the wind. So, this week we explore how we might grow deep roots that will enable us to withstand the storms of life.
William
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, 16th February 2025, Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
Hymn 1 How blest are those who do not stray (Psalm 1) (St. Botolph (Slater))
Hymn 510 Jesus calls us here to meet him (v.1-3) (Lewis Folk Melody)
Hymn 200 Christ is made the sure foundation (Westminster Abbey)
Hymn 577 Christ be beside me (Bunessan)
Anthem: Blessed be the God and Father – S.S. Wesley (1810-1876)
Musical Interlude: Beati quorum via – C.V.Stanford (1852-1924)
Old Testament Reading: Jeremiah 17: 5 -10~
New Testament Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 12-20
Gospel Reading: Luke 6: 17-26
Reader: Isobel Carter
Details on the many ways you can support St Columba’s can be found here https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/giving/supporting-st-columb 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.
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St Columba’s Elder
The memorial of St Columba’s elder, Liz Maliphant will be held on Friday 7th March at 2pm at St Columba’s Church. Rest eternal grant unto her and let light perpetual shine upon her.
THIS SUNDAY: Sunday 16th February, Morning Service & Sunday School followed by Congregational Lunch in the Lower Hall
THIS SUNDAY: Sunday 16th February Sounds of St Columba’s, Sunday 16th February, 1.30pm, Church
Imperial College Chamber Choir will give a recital “Let My Love Be Heard?” with music by James MacMillan, Gustav Holst, Stephen Paulus. Come for morning service, stay for lunch and enjoy wonderful music.
CHURCH MAGAZINE:
The new issue of the Church Magazine is available at the Bookstall for £1.50. Why not pick up copies for yourself and one for a friend/neighbour?
NEXT SUNDAY: Sunday 23rd February 2025, Morning Service followed by Coffee and Tea in Upper Hall
Following service, “Reflections” in the Library, (12.30pm): the Nurture Committee offer an opportunity to read and discuss a bible passage with others, over a cup of coffee, following morning service. No sign up required, just come on the day.
Ash Wednesday & Guided Prayer for Lent 2025 Wednesday 5th March, Holy Communion for Ash Wednesday, 1pm, London Scottish Chapel
An intentional launch to the forty-day journey of Lent towards Holy Week and Easter. Sundays in Lent (9th March – 20th April) 10.15 – 10.30am, Kirk Session Room, a time of quiet prayer, in the company of others, following meditations for the season, led by the Minister.
Diary Date: New Members’ Conference & Service, Wednesday 30th April 2025 & & Sunday 8th June
If you would like to learn more about what becoming a member of St Columba’s involves, you are warmly invited to an evening of food and discussion on Wednesday 30th April 2025, 7.00pm. For those who would then like to become members there will be a Service of Welcome on Sunday 8th June – which appropriately is the day we celebrate St Columba himself! For more information speak to either of the ministers and please sign up via the Church Office.
Scots in London February newsletter.
For a variety of events and activities of interest see https://mailchi.mp/456933e5f5ea/february-newsletter
Scots in London is an umbrella organisation for Scottish cultural societies, sports clubs, alumni groups, charities, churches and the Scottish military in London. Its mission is to promote Scottish culture and heritage, co-ordinate and communicate events, support Scottish charities in the capital, and contribute to the life of the city where we live. While proud of our shared nationality, we endeavour to be international in outlook.
Diary Date: Scots in London 80th Anniversary VE Day Service, St Columba’s, Pont Street, 11am, Sunday 11th May 2025.
Morning service with invited guests from European and Commonwealth embassies, followed by an afternoon talk by author Damien Lewis (SAS Daggers Drawn) and actor David Robb, on the wartime ministry of the Very Revd Dr Fraser McCluskey – the Parachute Padre – minister of St Columba’s, 1960 – 1986.
Columba’s Travels: The Seven Sands of Iona
The Seven Sands of Iona by Andrew Symon tells the story of Columba and his missionary companions as they spread the gospel across the 6th century kingdoms of Dalriada and Alba. Mainly aimed at 9 to 14 year-olds (but of interest to anyone wanting to know more about on of Scotland’s founders), Columba’s Travels follows the experiences of a 14-year-old boy named Galam, who witnesses the monks and lay brothers as they share stories of Columba’s life during a three-night wake. Andrew Symon is the author of the young adult series The Shian Quest Trilogy, which draws on theology and Scottish mythology. He is a member of the Iona Community. Royalties will go to the Macleod Centre fundraising effort on Iona.
LUNCH CLUB FOR LADIES EDUCATED IN SCOTLAND, Informal Dinner, Wednesday 19th February, 6.30pm, University Women’s Club, 2 Audley Square, London W1K 1DB
After the success of our event in September, the LCLES committee is delighted to invite you to our second informal dinner at the University Women’s Club. The cost of the dinner is £45 for a two-course buffet, with starters, main courses and coffee. Drinks and desserts can also be purchased. Please contact Marjorie Bremner for any further information by email marjorie.bremner@gmail.com
Glasshouse Contemporary: Glisk | Ethereal Landscapes of Shetland by Peter Davis RSW, 91 Lower Clapton Road, E5 0NP.
Rarely exhibited in London, these contemporary watercolours from Scottish artist and member of the Royal Scottish Society of Painters in Watercolour (RSW) Peter Davis have travelled to us from Shetland and we are excited to exhibit them in Hackney, East London. Transporting us to the wild, remote landscape of Shetland, Peter harnesses the translucent, free-flowing properties of watercolour to evoke a dreamlike, gauzy sense of light and place. Join us for a glass of wine at the Launch Party, Friday 28th February from 6pm to 9pm. We would also like to offer you all a discount of £20 off (any purchases over £80) on the launch night, or on our website using the code SCOTSINLONDON20.
The exhibition runs from 1st March to 31st March 2025.
UPCOMING: World Gaelic Week Concert & Ceilidh, Saturday 1st March 2025
Còisir Lunnainn (the London Gaelic Choir) and Comunn Gàidhlig Lunnainn (the Gaelic Society of London) invite you to celebrate Seachdain na Gàidlig (World Gaelic Week)! Starting at 6.30pm at London Scottish House (SW1), Còisir Lunnainn will perform a short selection of Gaelic songs, including ones where audience participation is strongly encouraged! Then it’s time for ceilidh dancing, with the amazing Lochnagar ceilidh band accompanying us. Don’t worry if you don’t know your Dashing White Sergeant from your Gay Gordons; there will be a caller to talk you through the dances and help everyone take part. And – of course – it wouldn’t be a ceilidh without a raffle. Entry £20.Visit www.coisirlunnainn.org for more details and to buy your ticket.
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: @stcolumbaschurchpontstreet.
Twitter: @LondonKirk
Pastoral Emergency Number (out of office hours): 07591926271