The following reflection appeared on Revd David Donald Scott’s Blog on the Learig https://daviddonaldscott.blogspot.com/ and is reproduced with his kind permission. David, who preached at St Columba’s at the time of our Festival of Silence a year ago, offers a daily reflection on a wide range of topics – cultural, church, world events and the natural world. Today he writes:
“The Archbishop of Canterbury has resigned. Apparently, this is unprecedented in 1,427 years. His actions were described as ‘honourable’ by his colleague, the Archbishop of York. His resignation was accompanied by a deep sense of personal shame.
I am not sure why he has resigned. Is it because he is the titular head of the Church of England which hosted a member who abused young men in an horrific way for over half a century? Or is it because he knew the person in question and therefore must have known more than he said? Or is it because his office reported the abuse to the police when it became known in 2013 but failed to follow up on the progress of the police investigation? It was reported in the Makin Review that there was a lack of curiosity in the progress of the case.
It is surprising that the weight of responsibility should fall so heavily on one man’s shoulders. But, of course, it doesn’t – and there is no end to the speculation amongst journalists and clerics who are keen to identify others in the chain of command who must have known and contributed to the lengthy silence. Will they resign too? The fact that the perpetrator of these abhorrent crimes has died cannot make it any easier for those who have been abused for he has escaped justice and the punishment which would surely have been meted out for his crimes. In his absence, the Archbishop has resigned.
I am glad that in the Church of Scotland, every member of the Kirk is responsible for reporting abuse including the minister. But it is not the minister who has to discern what happens to the report. This is the responsibility of the Safeguarding Co-ordinator in each congregation. The minister is free of such a weighty responsibility and free to offer pastoral care to both the abused and the abuser.”
(I would simply add that we owe a debt of gratitude to all those who have undertaken, and currently undertake, the responsibilities of Safeguarding Co-ordinator for the congregation of St Columba’s. Please keep our young people and vulnerable adults, and those who care for them, in your prayers.)
Angus
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, 17th November 2024, Twenty Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
Hymn 449 Rejoice! The Lord is King (Darwall’s 148th)
Hymn 106 Bring to the Lord a Glad New Song (Jerusalem)
Hymn 527 Lord, Make Us Servants of Your Peace (O Waly Waly)
Hymn 192All My Hope on God is Founded (Groeswen)
Anthem: Agnus Dei – Duruflé (1902–1986)
Musical Interlude: Libera Me – Duruflé (1902–1986)
Old Testament Reading: Daniel 12:1-3
New Testament Reading: Hebrews 10:11-14, 19-25
Gospel Reading: Mark 13:1-8
Reader: Stuart Steele
Two special welcomes this Sunday: To our preacher, Gary Wallis. St Columba’s elder, beadle, husband to Jo, and Dad to Zachary & Noah – Gary is currently training for the full-time ministry of word & sacrament with the Church of Scotland. We also welcome Jane Salmonson to update us on the work of Firefly International (Svitac) Bosnia, which was our selected Lent Appeal charity earlier this year.
Details on the many ways you can support St Columba’s can be found here https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/giving/supporting-st-columbas 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.
THIS SUNDAY: Morning Service & Sunday School followed by Congregational Lunch in the Lower Hall
THIS SUNDAY: Sounds of St Columba’s, Sunday 17th November, 1.30pm, Church
The Choir of St Columba’s will sing Duruflé’s Requiem at 1.30pm – featuring Catherine Olver (Organ). This will be the final recital of the year. It is free with a retiring offering and will be performed in the sanctuary. Don’t miss a special performance from the singers who enhance our worship every Sunday of the year.
St Columba’s Member
Margaret Vallance’s Funeral service will take place on Tuesday, 19th November at 11am at Paisley Abbey, PA1 1JG and there will be a Memorial Service on Friday, 20th December at 12noon at St Marys’ Parish Church, East Knoyle, Wiltshire, SP3 6AE.
THIS WEEK: SCOTSCARE CEILIDH, Saturday 16th November 2024, Lower Hall 7pm – 10.30pm
(doors open from 6.30pm). The ScotsCare St. Andrew’s Festival Ceilidh will have live entertainment provided by the Craigievar Ceilidh Band and London Scottish Pipes and Drums. Everyone is welcome to join in the fun! We will have a caller to guide dancers, step by step so everyone can join in regardless of experience. Tickets include light bites, and a bar will be available to purchase drinks. All profits from the evening will go back into ScotsCare’s services. We look forward to seeing you on what a festive and memorable evening will be. Tickets are £20 each and can be bought via this link www.scotscare.com/project/scotscare-ceilidh/.
NEXT WEEK: Midweek Prayers, Wednesday 20th November, 1pm, London Scottish Chapel
NEXT WEEK: St Columba’s Craft Group, Wednesday 20th November, 1.30pm to 3.30pm, Kirk Session Room
Many of us are knitters and crocheters of varying levels of experience; others are embroiderers spinners and patch-workers, so whatever your interest is you will find a welcome with us. For more details contact Susan Pym or Fiona Lang via the church office.
NEXT WEEK: Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, London Week
This year’s Moderator, Rt Revd Dr Shaw Paterson will be at St Columba’s on Wednesday 20th November, 7.30pm, for a Q+A event, organised by the Presbytery of England & the Channel Islands. He will be interviewed by St Columba’s elder, Hugh Pym. Supper is provided for attendees after the discussions. The event is also scheduled to be livestreamed. Church members and visitors all welcome.
Dr Shaw will also preach at the Houses of Parliament for the annual Parliamentary Service, held in the Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, Westminster, on Tuesday 19 November, 10am. If you wish to attend take photo ID and allow time to pass through security.
“Waiting can be beautiful and, at least sometimes, it takes us to the heart of the Holy.” Advent Study (1.30pm, Sunday 24th November in person, or 10.30am Wednesday 27th November online)
As much at home with Strictly Come Dancing as the mystical writings of Julian of Norwich, Rachel Mann writes with disarming verve of something we all experience – waiting. It may seem unlikely when you’re stuck on a train, or nervously anticipating hospital treatment, or simply fearful of an uncertain future, that there is treasure to be found in the waiting. Yet the Psalmist says, ‘I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.’
The Advent groups will meet four times before Christmas. Join an in-person Sunday group (first meeting 1.30pm, Sunday 24th November) or the Wednesday online zoom group (first meeting Wednesday 27th November,10.30am.) Please sign up via the church office.
UPCOMING: Friends of St Columba’s Visit to Benjamin Franklin House, Saturday 23rd November, 11am,
Rendezvous just inside main entrance, 39 Craven Street WC2 5NF (Embankment Tube)Scientist, diplomat, inventor, postal pioneer, Founding Father, Franklin lived in this elegant Georgian townhouse between 1757 and 1775. Although his primary reason for being in London was to mediate between Britain and the increasingly fractious American colonies, Franklin still found time to invent bifocal spectacles and the glass armonica, reform the alphabet and hobnob with the leading figures of the day. For more information, please contact Isobel Carter
isobel@in-carter.com Cost: Under 12s Free, Adults £12, Concessions (over 65)– £10. Please check the Programme of Events you were sent in September or look at our web page: www.stcolumbas.org.uk/friends-of-st-columbas. We look forward to see you there!
GlassDoor Sunday Night Shelter & “Potatoes & Peas” Appeal
Matthew Falk, Director of Services of GlassDoor Homeless Charity wrote thanking St Columba’s after the start of the Night Shelter season last Sunday.
“During this first week of the shelter season, we’ve welcomed 131 individuals across all circuits. Of those, 28% have already engaged with casework services, setting a strong foundation for further support. The shelters have achieved 79% attendance rate in this opening week. Given that the service has just launched, this is a great start, and we anticipate reaching full capacity as the season progresses. These early successes are just the beginning, and we look forward to many more as we continue working together. Your generosity in opening your doors, organising volunteers and welcoming our guests is deeply appreciated and essential to our vision of a world where no one experiences homelessness in London.”
Jill Bruce, who co-ordinates our Sunday Night volunteers at St Columba’s writes: “Our night shelter for homeless guests operated with the GlassDoor charity opened successfully on Sunday. We are part of the Kensington & Chelsea circuit where we provide an accommodation venue and an evening meal every Sunday from now until early April. Our volunteers provide a 3-course meal of homemade soup, sausages, peas & mash as well as dessert. Please support our annual ‘Potatoes & Peas appeal’ to support the evening meal costs. Donations should be clearly marked ‘Potatoes & Peas’ and handed into the church office. Many thanks for your support.”
RESTART’s Annual Sleep Out, Friday 6th December 2024, outside St Columba’s Church.
Every year the staff, volunteers and supporters of Restart Lives spend one night outside. Although there is much that separates the experience of the controlled environment of the Sleepout from that of a person living life on the streets, we hope the event will help all those who participate to imagine what London’s homeless have to contend with. We can only accommodate 80 sleepers at this event, so if you would like to reserve your spot, don’t delay and sign up now.
ST ANDREW’S BOOK FESTIVAL: 25th November to 1st December 2024, St Columba’s & other venues.
Seven days celebrating all things literary, featuring a star-studded line up of authors, riveting discussions, and exclusive book signings.
Whether you’re an avid reader or a budding writer, this festival is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the world of books and creativity. Check out the website for a full author A to Z listing and book tickets from here: https://www.standrewsbookfestival.org/
The St Andrew’s Book Festival is delighted to be able to offer every ticket purchaser the chance to win a two-night luxury getaway for two at Prestonfield Hotel. This weeklong celebration of Scottish authors and themes in central London is showcasing over 40 authors across 36 events!
More details available in their latest newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/e1f54fc0ebcb/news-and-reviews
Scots in London Newsletter
Read the latest Scots in London newsletter here, packed full of our autumn news and events: https://mailchi.mp/a941547662ee/scots-in-london-october-newsletter-6420260
Subscribe to the newsletter directly to hear all the latest news and make the most of our current special offers with The Scotsman newspaper.
Crown Court and St Columba’s Sunday School Families Pantomime trip
It’s that time of the year again. Oh no it isn’t! Oh yes it is! Sunday School families from Crown Court and St Columba’s are invited to join us on Sunday 8th December at 17:30 to see Jack and the Beanstalk at the New Wimbledon Theatre. Please email Gary (gary@thewallis.com) to reserve tickets. Numbers are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, so grab your magic beans and don’t delay!
UPCOMING: St Columba’s Book Club, Tuesday 10th December, 6.30pm
The Book Club met to discuss Colm Toibin’s “Brooklyn” and found it to be a very believable depiction both of a small town in Ireland in the 1950’s and the life of an immigrant to the USA, and elicited an interesting discussion of personal experiences of coming to London and the importance of St Columba’s. Our next meeting will be on TUESDAY 10 December when we shall be discussing “The Phone Box at the Edge of the World” by Laura Imai Messina and our choice for the first book of 2025 is “The Outrun” by Amy Liptrot. We meet by Zoom and new members are welcome. For details please contact the Church Office
UPCOMING: Pont Street Carols, Sunday 22nd December, 5pm followed by refreshments.
Join us for an evening of Carols at St Columba’s to celebrate our community. All welcome
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: @stcolumbas churchpontstreet.
Twitter: @LondonKirk
Pastoral Emergency Number (out of office hours): 07591926271