Friends,
Recent days at St Columba’s have seen several gatherings of children in our sanctuary; two class visits (Year 5, Christ Church Primary School & Year 2, Knightsbridge School) and two end of term Graduation Assemblies, (Knightsbridge School & Hill House School.) The place has echoed to the sound of young voices, youthful music makers and tearful and proud parents!
The Year 5 children had an activity sheet that asked the following
- How many stars are on the sounding board, above the pulpit?
- Write down five different objects, in the sanctuary or London Scottish Chapel, which are gold coloured.
- On the pew ends are the baptismal banners with the first names of those who have been baptised at St Columba’s. If possible, write down five names from the banners that begin with the same first letter as your name.
- Around the Church there are shields that represent the old counties of Scotland. How many county shields are there? Can you name three counties (the name under the shield) that show a boat(s) on their shield?
- In Church of Scotland services the congregation sing hymns. In the purple hymn book (at the back of the church) what is the first line of Hymn 81? Why do you think Scottish people might like this hymn?
Hymn 796 is a very short one: Can you complete the last line:
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face to shine upon you,
And be gracious unto you;
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you
And…
I would certainly struggle to give accurate detail to some of those questions. Part of the pleasure of welcoming the school pupils and watching them hurry round the sanctuary, seeking their answers, was the reminder to look more closely at our beautiful building – to appreciate its craft, design and intent. Psalm 92 declares: “Majesty and splendour attend him (the Lord), might and beauty are in his sanctuary.” To which we might say: Amen.
Angus
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,
5th Sunday after Trinity Sunday, Sunday 17th July
Hymn 200 Christ is made the sure foundation
(Westminster Abbey)
Hymn 458 At the name of Jesus (Camberwell)
Hymn 253 Inspired by love and anger (Salley Gardens)
Hymn 453 Christ, of Gof unseen the image (Joel)
Anthem: Lead me Lord (S.S.Wesley)
Musical interlude: If ye love me (Tallis)
Organ postlude: “Fest-Hymnus” by Carl Piutti
Old Testament Reading: Amos 8: 1-12
New Testament Reading: Colossians 1:15-28
Gospel Reading: Luke 10: 38-42
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.
St Columba’s Members
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Duncan Lang, son of St Columba’s elder, Fiona and John Lang. Duncan died peacefully at home on Tuesday 12th July. Duncan’s youth and the extent to which he was part of St Columba’s life in so many ways, make this a particularly deeply felt loss. Please keep John, Fiona, and Duncan’s many friends in your prayers. “Rest eternal grant unto him and let light perpetual shine upon him.”
A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Mr Frank Taylor, St Columba’s elder, will be held at St Columba’s on the 26th July at 2.30pm. All are welcome to attend and a reception will be held afterwards in the Upper Hall.
Music this Sunday
This Sunday Catherine Olver is on tour with her school choir and Ben Lewis Smith gets married to fiancé, Ella, on the 16th July 2022, so we welcome John Evanson as Sunday organist. Meanwhile, we wish Ben and Ella a very happy wedding day.
Sounds of St Columba’s – This Sunday
17th July, 1.15pm
The Sounds at St Columba’s Recital Series continues this Sunday with harpsichord recital by Thomas Allery in the church at 1.15pm. Thomas has been Director of Music and Organist at St Mary-le-Bow since February 2018. He enjoys a varied career spanning work as an organist and choral director, continuo playing, research and teaching. As a harpsichordist and continuo player, Thomas plays regularly with the prize winning period group Ensemble Hesperi, with whom he is undertaking research into late 18th-century Scottish Baroque Music.
Congregational Talk – Mr David McKee, Sunday 31st July, 1.15pm (Upper Hall)
On Sunday 31st July please join David McKee – candidate for ministry, currently on summer placement at St Columba’s. David will reflect on his recent trip to Israel.
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, 17th July there will be a fine lunch served in the Lower Hall after the service. Future lunch dates are the 31st July & 7th August 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.
Songs of Praise
Look out for St Columba’s member, Claire Gourlay on Songs of Praise on the 31st of July. Claire mentions St Columba’s in her interview with the Revd Kate Bottley (hopefully not edited out!). Thanks to Claire for the PR.
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