Friends,
George Macleod, founder of the Iona Community, famously wrote: “I simply argue that the cross be raised again at the centre of the marketplace as well as on the steeple of the church. I am recovering the claim that Jesus was not crucified in a cathedral between two candles, but on a cross between two thieves; on the town garbage heap; at a crossroads so cosmopolitan that they had to write his title in Hebrew and in Latin and in Greek . . . at the kind of place where cynics talk smut and thieves curse, and soldiers gamble. Because that is where he died. And that is what he died about.”
Before Easter, one of the films created by Rev Christopher Rowe for our Lent Book Study, https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/meditations-2022/week-two-meditation lingered on a desolate landscape from a Glasgow estate, near Christopher’s own parish of Colston Milton. A broken street light-fitting blowing, gallows-like, in the wind was a powerful image, while we heard the scriptural passage, describing Jesus’ crucifixion. In the following discussions, Christopher reflected how he feels it was perfectly possible, that Jesus’ crucifixion took place, ignored or unnoticed by much of the city. On the site of a notorious, stinking dumping ground, such deaths, though cruel, were not uncommon.
Dumping grounds also appeared via an excellent, radio Thought for the Day this week https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p0c38vnb from the writer and broadcaster, Rhidian Brook, who spoke at St Columba’s some years ago. He described regular trips over the Easter long weekend to his local recycling centre. Five trips in all! Surprisingly satisfying, it left him with spirits raised – a sense of lightness and virtue – decluttering at home, and the psychological benefits of knowing that much of what he delivered could be reused, or up-cycled, to the benefit of others. It also made him a little embarrassed by how many original purchases he must have made for allegedly, “essential” items. It led him to imagine being able to tip other “intangibles” into bins for recycling – “fears in the green box, greed in the brown skip, and our thoughtlessness in the yellow bin. Leave it there and be transformed somehow, up-cycled into someone better.”
Rhidian concluded: “It is at this time of year that many have been remembering the God who died on a rubbish tip…. Some believe that he invites us to take our rubbish to this dump and leave it there with him and by taking that burden he remakes us. Strange, scandalous, and not necessarily an easy place to go – but it is at the heart of the Easter story – unexpected salvation found in a rubbish tip.”
Angus.
Worshipping at St Columba’s & COVID Precautions.
While Government guidance has changed and we are still assessing the best and appropriate way forward. This Sunday we continue to recommend mask wearing within the building (unless exempt) and social distancing.
We suggest dressing warmly as we try to keep the sanctuary well ventilated and hand sanitiser will continue to be available throughout the building. In all our arrangements we recognise that people are at various stages on the pandemic journey – our aim is to keep everyone confident and safe.
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, 3rd Sunday of Easter
Sunday – 1st May 2022
Hymn 424 Blest be the everlasting God (Bishopthorpe)
Hymn 351 Jesus’ hands were kind hands (Au Clair De La Lune) Hymn 458 At the name of Jesus (Cuddesdon)
Hymn 566 When I receive the peace of Christ (Seven Joys of Mary)
New Testament Reading: Acts 9: 1 – 20
Epistle Reading: Revelation 5: 11 – 14
Gospel Reading: St. John 21: 1 – 19
Anthem: Cantate Domino by Pitoni
Musical Interlude: I sat down under his shadow by Bairstow
Organ Postlude: Fugue in G minor BWV 542” by J.S. Bach
Evening Service, Sunday 1st May, 5pm
Evening services are held on the first Sunday of the month, at 5pm. Future evening services dates are 1st May & 5th June. They are held in the London Scottish Regimental Chapel. [Please note they are not live-streamed.]
St Columba’s Member
We are sorry to announce the death of Miss Jean Crossley at the age of 94. Jean’s funeral will take place on Thursday 5th May at the Service Chapel, 42 Castlegate, Berwick upon Tweed.
Flowers in Church
The flowers in Church this Sunday are sponsored by Aileen Murphie in memory of her nephew, Daniel, who died aged 8 on the 25th April 2011.
50 Days of Prayer: Easter to Pentecost
Those able to attend services in person will be offered a copy of the newly published 50 Days of Prayer: Easter to Pentecost 2022. It is a beautifully produced volume created by St Columba’s member, Revd Andrew Anderson. For each day between Easter and Pentecost, Andrew provides a verse of scripture, a short meditation, and a prayer. Originally inspired by his idea of prayers for busy people, it is a wonderful contribution towards the life of the congregations in London and Newcastle. For those currently unable to attend services in person, please request a copy via 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.
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, 1st May there will be a fine congregational Sunday lunch served in the Lower Hall after the service. Future lunch dates are the 15th & 29th 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 5th of June to celebrate the Queens Jubilee. If you are planning on attending the after service “street party” on the 5th June 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 and hospitality are providing prosecco to make the occasion very special.
Annual Congregational Meeting, 12.30pm, Sunday 8th May
Please join us for the Annual Congregational Meeting next Sunday 8th May 2020 at 12.30pm in the Upper Hall. It is a good chance to hear and ask questions about, the work and plans of our congregation.
Induction of Revd Scott Rennie
The Service of Induction of Rev Scott Rennie will take place at Crown Court Church on Thursday 5 May 2022 at 6.30pm. Presbytery will meet at 6.10pm. The guest preacher will be the Very Rev Dr Derek Browning (former Moderator of the General Assembly and Minister of Morningside Parish Church, Edinburgh). The Service will be led by the Rev Professor Paul Middleton, Moderator of the Presbytery of England and the Channel Islands. Scott will be ‘preached in’ on Sunday 8 May 2022, 11.15 am, when the Guest Preacher will be the Rev Peter Johnston (Minister of Ferryhill Parish Church, Aberdeen).
Christian Aid Week: 15th to 21st May (www.christianaid.org.uk)
The focus this year is on Zimbabwe and the effect climate change is having there, particularly for the families that rely on farming to survive. Your donations will help fund the purchase of drought resistant seeds/crops and better water storage facilities for when it does rain.
Sunday 15th May – Amy Lonsdale
Christian Aid Campaigns Support Volunteer will talk about this year’s Appeal during the morning service. We hope to welcome her with the sight of a…. Cake Sale!
Calling all cake bakers!
If you would like to bake/buy & donate a cake(s) for the sale, please bring it in to the Upper Hall before service on Sunday 15th May or leave it with the Church Office during the week commencing 9th May. Please label cake packaging with what type of cake it is. Cakes can then be purchased after the service. All money raised will go to Christian Aid Week. Please do come and buy a cake, or even have a slice of cake with your coffee in the Upper Hall.
Various ways to donate:
- There will be red CA collecting buckets in the Upper Vestibule after the service on Sunday 8th, 15th and 22nd May. The main CA collection Sunday will be on Sunday 15th May and ∙ CA envelopes will be available on a table in Upper Vestibule, and a tick box for those eligible to Gift Aid their donation.
- Online: We now have our own church online giving page for Christian Aid Week (GiveStar). Please click on the link: https://giving.give-star.com/online/christian-aid/chelsea-st-columba%20christian-aid-week-appeal
St Columba’s Songs of Praise – Choose a hymn!
Our Songs of Praise Evening Service is on Sunday 5th June 2022. It is definitely for those who enjoy a good sing. To suggest a hymn please inform the Church Office of your choice and a brief explanation for your choice, by Friday 20th May 2022, or via flip chart at the sanctuary door.
Happy Hour
Our next Happy Hour session will take place on Wednesday 4 May 2022 at The Carpenters Arms 12 Seymour Place W1H 7NE 6.30 – 8.30 pm. Our theme will be to share thoughts on memorable churches we have visited. All welcome, just turn up on the evening.
St Columba’s Coffee Mornings
The St Columba’s Coffee Mornings returned in March! We are looking forward to seeing many faces on the Zoom Screen!
- 11th May 2022- Laura Mead, Church Engagement and Fundraising Officer from Christian Aid will tell us about Christian Aid in 2022.
- 14th September 2022- Revd Scott Rennie the new Minister at Crown Court will be joining us. An opportunity to meet him and hear about his time in the ministry.
- 13th October 2022- In prisons week, Jake Tily, Creative Programmes Director at the Irene Taylor Trust will talk to us about The Lullaby Project where they have collaborated with the Royal Philharmonic orchestra to write lullabies for prisoners’ children.
St Columba’s Book Club
The May book of the St Columba’s Book Club will be “O Caledonia” by Elspeth Barker. It is a coming of age novel set in a draughty crumbling castle in the wilds of Northern Scotland and has great reviews. We shall be meeting on Monday 30th May at a new time of 6.30 pm and welcome new members. The joy of St Columba’s Book Club is it takes place on Zoom so you can do it from the comfort of your own front room.
Friends of St Columba’s 2022 Programme
Please do join us for our 5 events planned for the summer and autumn:
- Saturday May 14: “Explore the City of London: 2,000 years of ceaseless growth and change”. A historical walking tour of “The Square Mile”, led by a qualified London Blue Badge Guide. The maximum number is 10, and the cost £10.
- Friday June 3 at 11 a.m. Visit to Fenton House, Windmill Hill NW3 6RT, (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fenton-house-and-garden). Free for NT members, otherwise £10 for adults and £5 for children). Beautiful C17 house with magnificent orchard and garden.
- 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.
- 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