Friends,
The Lionesses, England’s Women’s Football team have booked their place in a World Cup Final. It is a great achievement and following on from their winning of the European Championships last year, they continue to change attitudes, making a significant impact on their sport and wider society. The final between England and Spain at Stadium Australia on Sunday will be shown live on BBC One, with kick off at 11am BST, thus presenting some church members with a dilemma. Worth noting that both Sunday Service and World Cup Final can be watched at alternative times… https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/live-stream and https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66521251
The final is a first for England’s women’s or men’s teams since the famous 1966 home win at Wembley. Out of curiosity I searched our Church Magazines of the time to see if there were any references to such events. Not that I could find. The only sporting reference came in the Tennis Club section:
“The courts of the Tennis Club are now open for play … The Committee would also like to take this opportunity to remind any members of the congregation who are interested in tennis but are unable to play that they will be welcomed as Associate members (at a much reduced subscription rate) allowing them to enjoy the fellowship of the Club, the facilities of the Clubhouse and by no means least the excellent teas supplied by the lady members on Saturday afternoons.” (St Columba’s Church Magazine June 1966).
In times of change and uncertainty, it is sometimes tempting to pine nostalgically for what seemed like simpler times. But while recognising certain charms and courtesies offormer decades, it is worth recognising how much has surely changed for the better, in terms of opportunities and equalities.
Whether the Lionesses finish with the trophy or not, they have already proved that. As the parent of a young daughter, I am very grateful for that.
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 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.
Hymns, Music & Readings for 20th August 2023
Hymn 69 Just as a father shows his love (Kilmarnock) Psalm 103
Hymn 624 In Christ there is no east or west (McKee)
Hymn 187 There’s a wideness in God’s mercy (All for Jesus)
Hymn 706 For the Healing of the Nations (Regent Square)
Anthem: Lead me, Lord, Wesley
Musical Interlude: Lord, for thy tender mercy’s sake, Farrant
Organ Postlude: Fugue on the trumpet, Couperin
Old Testament Readings: Genesis 45: 1-15 & Psalm 133
Gospel Reading: Matthew 15: 1-28
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.
THIS SUNDAY: Congregational Sunday Lunch & Future Dates
There will be a fine Sunday lunch served in the Lower Hall following the service. Future dates for lunches are 3rd, 17th & 24th September in the Lower Hall. The 24th September is an additional date on which we will say farewell to outgoing Office Manager Lucy Llewellyn. Please note the small increase to £4.00 per lunch – still exceptional value for a two-course meal. Big thanks to all our catering teams who provide for us on congregational lunch Sundays. Coffee will continue to be served every Sunday as usual in the Upper Hall – donations for coffee most welcome.
Congregational Pastoral Letter
Church members will have, or are about to receive in the post, the latest Congregational Pastoral Letter. It offers a mix of meditations and diary dates in advance of our autumn activities and especially draws attention to the upcoming Congregational Away Day on Saturday 30th September. There are additional copies available via the bookstall. It is well-produced and gives a good indication of the variety of things that take place at St Columba’s throughout the week. If you know of friends who might be interested, please use the booklet as a way of welcoming/encouraging others to come and be part of things at St Columba’s.
SAVE THE DATE: Congregational Away Day, Saturday 30th September 2023
Plans for our upcoming Congregational Away Day on Saturday 30th September are well advanced. The day will be led by Revd Russell McLarty & Dr Magdalen Lambkin, both volunteer practitioners with Place for Hope https://www.placeforhope.org.uk/ They will begin with an interview panel to enable us to hear from members of our own congregation, as well as others who use our building regularly. During the rest of the day, we will have a series of workshops to help us build ideas of what our church might be like in five to fifteen years’ time. (In 2034 it will be the 150th Anniversary of the congregation.)
It is an important opportunity for the congregation to take stock and consider our collective possibilities and priorities. Guided by the skill and experience of others, and appreciating why St Columba’s remains precious and meaningful to many people, we hope it will be a fruitful day. Timings for the day are 10am – 4pm. A soup and sandwich lunch will be provided. We aim to provide childcare for part of the day to enable families to attend. Please sign up to indicate attendance via the Church Office. And please keep Russell and Magdalen in your prayers as they prepare to lead us on the day.
‘Being with’ Enquirers’ Course, Autumn 2023
Are you interested in exploring more about the Christian faith? Would you like to meet with some friends over food and conversation to think about what it means to be Christian in London today? Why not come along to an informal six-week course with supper and conversation on Sunday evenings at 6 pm for six weeks beginning on Sunday 3rd September at Crown Court Church. You’ll be made most welcome. The course, entitled ‘Being with’ is open to people curious about faith, new to faith, or maybe even looking to reconsider what it means to follow Christ in today’s world. Wherever you are on your journey, you’ll be made most welcome. For more info or to book your place please contact Scott Rennie, on minister@crowncourtchurch.org.uk
“Lucy’s Secret Surprise Gift” & Farewell Lunch
There will be a congregational lunch on Sunday 24th September at which we will say farewell to departing Office manager, Lucy Llewellyn. On previous leave takings, when a collection for a member of staff has been invited, donations have come in via the office – collected by Lucy. This gives us a somewhat awkward current scenario. My suggestion is this: If you wish to donate towards Lucy’s leaving gift, please put it in an envelope marked: “Lucy’s Secret Surprise Gift” and hand it into her. She has promised not to open and will pass on to those others who will collate and action. Please could we have contributions in by Sunday 10th September. We are currently in the midst of the interviewing process for her successor. Please continue to keep those applying, and those with the responsibility for appointing, in your prayers.
St Columba’s Craft Group
The group will meet on the first Sunday of every month, starting on Sunday 3rd September, from 1.30 pm until 3.30 pm in the Library. This is a great opportunity to pick up tips and new techniques from our talented and experienced members. All welcome. For further information please contact Fiona Lang or Susan Pym through the church office.
Happy Hour
Following our discussion earlier this year on the Middle East, led by William, the September Happy Hour session will see a change to our format. Rather than meeting at our usual venue, the plan is to attend the lecture at St Martin-in- the- Fields where the Archbishop of Canterbury and an expert panel will explore reconciliation and hope for the Middle East. The proposal is for everyone to book their own ticket, details attached. Booking info: You can book to attend in person or to watch online. https://www.stmartin-in-the-fields.org/calendar/here-i-stand-reconciliation or call 020 7766 1100. Tickets are free, although a £10 donation to cover the cost of the event is suggested. The lecture starts at 7pm and is followed by a reception where we’ll have a chance to socialise and discuss the evening. Happy Hour’s programme for the rest of the autumn season can be found on the website under Community Life https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/community-life/happy-hour.
St Columba’s Book Group
All members present really enjoyed the Painted Veil by Somerset Maugham and thought that it was multidimensional and had good characterisation. Our next choice is a non- fiction one, “Landlines” by Raynor Winn which is the third book in a trilogy but also stands alone. It is set, in part in Scotland and is on the Sunday Times best seller list. We next meet virtually on Monday 11th September at 6.30pm. We have also selected the book after that, “Nightbloom” by Peace Adzo Medie. New members are always welcome. Contact the Church Office for the log in details.
Sounds of St Columba’s Recitals
Please note future dates for our wonderful recital series – bring your friends and enjoy the marvellous music in the Upper Hall. 1.30pm start. These exceptional recitals are one of the “gems” of current St Columba’s life. Not to be missed.
17th September 2023 – Richard Phillips, Cello Recital
15th October 2023 – Oscar Simms, Baritone
19th November 2023 – The Choir of St Columba’s
21st January 2024- Catherine Olver, Organ Recital (Church)
Save the Date: Safeguarding Training,
Mandatory Safeguarding Training for those who require it will be offered on the following dates:
Wednesday 20th September 2023, 6.45pm – 9.15pm – online & Saturday 21st October 2023, 10.00am – 12.30pm – in person. Venue /St Columba’s Church – Upper Hall. Please sign up with the church office.
Prayer Group
Thank you to the Congregational Prayer Group for offering some prayer points over the summer:
- protection over children and young people and for their parents as they spend time together that they will have fun
- for teachers that they will find time to relax after a difficult teaching year
- for our church leaders and numerous volunteers that they will enjoy the summer break and be refreshed to serve come September
- pray for God to speak to each one of us as a community through His Word
- pray for the appointment of a new office manager
- pray for the preparations for the Congregational Away Day on Saturday 30th September
- pray that God would give us persistent hearts of prayer like Daniel in Daniel 9:3 when he “turned to the Lord God and pleaded with Him in prayer and petition.”
Have a great summer!
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
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE CHURCH OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED ON THE 21st AND 22nd AUGUST.
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.