Friends,
The story of Joseph, part of which we read this week, has been familiar to many of us since our days in Sunday School. It comes early on in the Old Testament story of the people of God, in Genesis chapters 37-50. Joseph is an important figure in Judaism, Christianity and Islam but different versions of the story have become known to a wider audience thanks to the Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber musical “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat” and the animated film “The Prince of Egypt”.
A great-grandson of Abraham and son of Jacob and Rachel, Joseph’s 11 brothers conspired against him, believing him to be their father’s favourite. He was sold into slavery in Egypt while they told their father he was dead. Years went by and Joseph rose high in Egyptian society, becoming a trusted advisor to Pharoah, managing the country’s resources in the face of a long and severe famine, which he himself had predicted. When his brothers arrived in Egypt seeking food, they did not recognise him and Joseph was able to manipulate the situation until all his brothers were in his debt. He then revealed his true identity and demonstrated God’s generosity by forgiving their treatment of him. Joseph was able to see how God had brought good out of a bad situation and this story of reconciliation highlights the place of choice above feeling in offering forgiveness. It also emphasises the importance of time and process in becoming ready to forgive, and the necessity of changed circumstances.
It is not always easy to forgive, many of us struggle to be reconciled to those we believe have wronged us but Christ on the cross prayed “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing” (St. Luke 23: 34) and we pray “… forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”.
And it is not only in our personal relationships that reconciliation is essential; in a world which seems increasingly divided and where we often despair of peace between the nations the ancient story of Joseph still has a great deal to teach us. Joseph was a powerful figure, a leader in the land of Egypt – let us pray for wise and compassionate leadership at home and abroad that we might live at peace with our neighbours near and far.
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, 23rd February 2025, Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
Hymn 268 O God of Bethel! (Paraphrase 2) (Salzburg (Haydn))
Hymn 198 Let us build a house where love can dwell (Two Oaks)
Hymn 527 Lord, make us servants of your peace (O Waly Waly)
Hymn 513 Courage, brother! do not stumble (Courage Brother)
Anthem: Blessed City, heavenly Salem – E.C. Bairstow (1874-1946)
Musical Interlude: Faire is the heaven – W.H.Harris (1883-1973)
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 45: 3-11, 15
New Testament Reading: 1 Corinthians 15: 35-38, 42-50
Gospel Reading: Luke 6: 27-38
Reader: Stuart Steele
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.
Give us a follow then pass it on to your friends and family!
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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. Please note that the service will not be livestreamed.
Rest eternal grant unto her and let light perpetual shine upon her.
THIS 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.
Lent Appeal 2025 – Caxton Youth Organisation. Registered Charity 1090549.
The Caxton Youth Organisation is a small local Westminster charity, based in Pimlico with Clubs Rooms that are in the basement area of a council housing estate. The charity is already known to us as it was the recipient of our Lent Appeal 2011. Founded in 1948 by a couple of local residents in response to much needed help and support for young people aged 11 to 25 years who have learning disabilities and young people with autism. It provides crucial support for local families with evening clubs three times a week: fantastic opportunities to make friends, drama workshops, play games, life-skills, basic cooking lessons for the older ones. The charity also helps with employment applications, finding work, or training.
With your donations we hope to raise enough funds to pay for a five-day outdoor residential trip at a purpose-built centre in the countryside for eight young people plus three staff. Donations would help cover the costs for accommodation, catering, staffing, activities and transport to the centre. A chance for them to experience the countryside and activities such as abseiling, high ropes courses, archery, pond dipping. For donations: White Lent Appeal envelopes will be available in the pews during Lent (Gift Aid if you are eligible).
We are delighted to welcome guest speakers for a brief talk on the charity during the morning service on:
Sunday 9 March (first Sunday of Lent)– Stefan Filby, Head of Programmes
Sunday 13 April (Palm Sunday) – Esther Norman, Interim CEO
Please do watch this lovely short video clip ‘What Makes Caxton Youth Special’. On this link.
Thank you. Mission Committee.
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: Morning Service, Sunday School & Baptisms followed by Congregational Lunch in the Lower Hall
NEXT SUNDAY: St Columba’s Craft Group, 1.30pm – 3.30pm, Kirk Session Room
Many of us are knitters and crocheters of varying levels of experience; others are embroiderers spinners and patchworkers, 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 SUNDAY: Evening Service followed by Coffee and Tea in the Lower Hall
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.
Community Faith Walk in Kensington and Chelsea, Monday 24th February, 10am, Starting point: The Khalsa Jatha Gurdwara, W11 4SG
Bringing together people from all walks of life to explore and celebrate the rich tapestry of faiths in our community, it will be a wonderful opportunity to learn about different faiths traditions, share experience and build lasting connections. Register by emailing at pinakin.patel@rbkc.gov.uk or text/WhatsApp message on 07970 958473.
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.
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