Last Sunday, worship, hospitality, music recital, an outing to St Columba’s Tennis Club and tickets on sale for the Scots in London Gala Concert & Reception (Wednesday 11th October 2023) offered a faithful, life-affirming and happy St Columba’s Sunday. We are incredibly fortunate, able to enjoy such varied strands to congregational life. Meanwhile on weekdays, schools, Support Groups and many others are back for their autumn activities. So much goes on within our building throughout the year; so many people cross our threshold. Much of the activity is independent of the congregation. But that it takes place here is because there is a worshipping Church of Scotland congregation with a visionary building, created and maintained by the love and labour of many different people, across many decades.
Thinking about such things, on Saturday 30th September (10.00am – 4pm) we have the opportunity to “dream a little” about the possibilities and priorities for the ongoing life and work of our congregation, for the next five to fifteen years (the congregation celebrates its 150th Anniversary in 2034). The Congregational “Away Day” (actually at St Columba’s) is an encouragement to imagine who we hope will be part of St Columba’s life in future years and why they will be drawn to our community and building. We would love to hear from as wide a representation of the congregation as possible – from long-standing elders to recent attenders. At present we have approximately thirty people signed up, but it would be so good if we could increase that number by Saturday 30th. Please do consider signing up, via the Church Office.
Mention of the Church Office inevitably brings us to Lucy Llewellyn’s final week as Office Manager. After nine years in the role, she departs for the fresh pastures of Oxford University. We owe a tremendous debt to Lucy for the huge contribution she has made to our communal life – increasing the efficiency of our working practices, extending the range and quality of our communications, providing a welcoming “front of house” to individuals and groups entering the building, and establishing numerous friendships within and beyond the congregation. All done with warmth and good humour. A special congregational lunch takes place on Sunday, where there will be the chance to say our collective thanks and farewells.
With Lucy’s departure we will be entering a time of transition, as we continue to seek a new Office Manager. In the interim period the Church Office will be open, thanks to the assistance of two of our elders, but will operate at a reduced capacity. Please be patient with us, as inevitably we will take longer to respond to certain things. But while change is never easy, we might consider the words of encouragement, sent by a church member this week: “One comforting picture I have is of ‘church’ as pinpoints of light all around the globe and Christ and the Holy Spirit will keep that going; we, as one little light, just have the task of keeping our light as steady and bright as we can.”
Have a good end to the week and see you on Sunday,
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 24th September 2023
Hymn 160 Praise my soul (Praise my soul)
Hymn 522 The Church is wherever God’s people are praising (The Bard of Armagh)
Hymn 655 For your generous providing (Hyfrydol)
Hymn 19 Ye gates lift up your heads on high (St George’s, Edinburgh)
Hymn 167 Guide me, O thou great Jehovah (Cwn Rhondda)
Anthem: Give unto the Lord (Elgar)
Communion Anthem: Thou Visitest the earth (Greene)
Organ Postlude: Allegro maestoso e vivace (Sonata II) by Mendelssohn
Gospel Reading: Matthew 20:1-16
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: Harvest Appeal 2023 – The Upper Room (UR4 Meals) and Guest Speaker, Simon Tuke (Trustee and Chair) on Sunday 24th September.
To launch our Harvest Appeal, we are delighted that Simon Tuke (Trustee and Chair) from the charity will be joining us on Sunday 24th September to do a brief talk during the service. Simon will be talking about The Upper Room charity and in particular UR4 Meals and how your Harvest Appeal donations will be put to very good use.
We will be collecting: ground black and white pepper, vegetable stock cubes, sunflower or vegetable oil, chopped tomatoes, flour, pasta (preferably penne), rice (preferably basmati), spaghetti, biscuits, instant coffee, tea bags (not loose tea). Collection point: Upper Vestibule by the Harvest Display Board, on Sundays 24th September, 1st and 8th October (culminating at the Harvest Festival Service).
With such an increase in the need for meals by the homeless and disadvantaged people, your food donations will contribute to such a valuable meal service. UR4 Meals provide around 160 meals and take away meals each day.
Thank you in advance, UR4 Meals! (Mission Committee) 21st January 2024- Catherine Olver, Organ Recital (Church)
THIS SUNDAY – Farewell Congregational Sunday Lunch & Future Dates
There will be a fine Sunday lunch served in the Lower Hall following the service on Sunday. The 24th September is an additional date at which we will say farewell to outgoing Office Manager Lucy Llewellyn. October dates 1st, 15th and 29th. 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.
HOSPITALITY- Coffee and Tea Service in the Upper Hall.
We need a few volunteers to cover some vacancies in the 2024 Rota. Two people, or a couple are required on a Sunday and normally six times a year. Instructions and guidance given. If available please contact James MacHardy at Jamesmachardy@yahoo.com or on 01279 730711 or on a Sunday”
Lunch Service in the Lower Hall.
We need a few Volunteers for the lunch teams when we cater for lunches on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays every month. Duty would be six times a year and could be helping in the kitchen, laying tables, serving and clearing tables. If available please contact Ben Gourlay at ben.gourlay41@gmail.com or on 01206 795244, or via the church office.
As we are a “gathered” congregation, being able to have coffee and/or lunch after the Morning Service, is important for fellowship. Thank you,
Ben Gourlay, Convenor of Hospitality Committee.
SAVE THE DATE: Congregational Away Day, Saturday 30th September 2023
Timings for the day are 10am – 4pm. A soup and sandwich lunch will be provided. Unfortunately, we will not be able to provide childcare, as originally hoped. Please also be aware Saturday 30th September is subject to rail strike action. Sign up to attend via the Church Office. And please keep Rev Russell McLarty and Dr Magdalen Lambkin in your prayers as they prepare to travel and lead us on the day.
St Columba’s Book Group, 6th November
Our next meeting is on Monday 6th November, 6.30pm when we shall be discussing Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Medie. It is a story about two Ghanaian cousins who are great friends but whose lives take quite different paths. We then plan to read The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell.
Contact the Church Office for the Zoom details.
Happy Hour, Wednesday 4th October
Happy Hour returns to The Carpenters Arms, 12 Seymour Place, W1H 7NE, upstairs room at 6.30 pm on Wednesday 4 October.
First a discussion around the text from Hebrews, “let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” and also drawing on the biography of Eric Liddell, For the Glory, by Duncan Hamilton. After this, general socialising. No advance reading or booking required, just turn up on the night.
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.
Happy Hour, Wednesday 4th October
Happy Hour returns to The Carpenters Arms, 12 Seymour Place, W1H 7NE, upstairs room at 6.30 pm on Wednesday 4 October.
First a discussion around the text from Hebrews, “let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us” and also drawing on the biography of Eric Liddell, For the Glory, by Duncan Hamilton. After this, general socialising. No advance reading or booking required, just turn up on the night.
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.
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.
15th October 2023 – Oscar Simms, Baritone
19th November 2023 – The Choir of St Columba’s
Friends of St Columba’s – Visits 2023
The Friends of St Columba’s have put together a fantastic programme of events for 2023/2024, starting with a visit to the Cutty Sark and Royal Naval College on the 14th October. All details can be found via the website https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/friends-of-st-columbas and printed programmes are available on the bookstall.
Save the date: Scots in London Gala Night & Reception, Wednesday 11th October 2023, 7pm
Join us for a Gala Evening of Scots in London for the launch by Scots in London with the group’s Patron, HRH The Princess Royal. (See Minister’s message above.)
Tickets £20 including reception with drinks and Scottish canapés. To book visit https://www.scotsinlondon.org/.
New Members’ Conference
On Saturday 28th October, we will hold a New Members’ Conference for those who wish to consider becoming members of the Church of Scotland here at St Columba’s. For those who attend the day and then wish to formally join the congregation a New Members’ Service will be held on Advent Sunday – Sunday 3rd December 2023, at 11am. More details to follow but please keep the dates in your diary.
Safeguarding Training
Mandatory Safeguarding Training for those who require it will be offered on the following dates:
Saturday 21st October 2023, 10.00am – 12.30pm – in person. Venue St Columba’s Church – Upper Hall. Please sign up with 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
Please note that there will be reduced cover in the office from Monday 25th September to Friday 29th September inclusive. Office hours will be:
Monday 9:00 – 13:00
Tuesday 9:45 – 13:00
Wednesday 9:45 – 13:00
Thursday 9:00 – 13:00
Friday 9:00 – 13:00