Friends,
I love fireworks, some of my earliest memories are of the 5th of November, bonfires, fireworks and sparklers. And, of course, many countries mark their National Day and other special occasions with lavish firework displays, Independence Day in the USA and Bastille Day in France being just two examples. Nearer home, the Hogmanay fireworks display against the magnificent backdrop of Edinburgh Castle has acquired a worldwide reputation.
Last night, as I was starting to think about this newsletter, there were lots of fireworks as our Hindu friends and neighbours celebrated Diwali – the festival of lights and it occurred to me that it was rather wonderful that over one billion Hindus around the world were celebrating Diwali on the day that a British Hindu of Indian heritage was chosen to be Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. I welcome the rich diversity of modern Britain and, regardless of party politics, I commend our new Prime Minister and all who carry the burden of government, to your prayers.
In the words of St. Paul –
“I urge that supplications, prayers intercessions and thanksgivings should be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity”.
(1 Timothy 2:1-2).
I’m looking forward to joining the Friends of St. Columba’s next week when they visit the Neasden Temple, which I believe was the first purpose built Hindu Temple in the UK.
It promises to be a fascinating visit and I’m sure we will all enjoy learning more about the faith practiced by 15 per cent of the world’s population.
William
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,
21st Sunday after Trinity Sunday, Sunday 30th October
Hymn 200 Christ is made the sure foundation (Westminster Abbey)
Hymn 466 Before the throne of God above (Before the Throne of God Above)
Hymn 132 Immortal, invisible, God only wise (St Denio [Joanna])
Hymn 512 To God be the glory, great things he has done (To God be the Glory)
Anthem: O Lord increase our faith, Loosemore
Musical Interlude: Notre Père, Duruflé
Organ Postlude: Minuet Gothique, Boëllmann
Old Testament Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4
New Testament Reading: II Thessalonians 1:1-4, 11-12
Gospel Reading: Luke 19: 1-10
Guest Preacher
This Sunday we welcome Reverend Richard Begg, as he conducts worship at St Columba’s. (Angus is on half term holiday and William conducts worship at St Ninian’s, Corby.) Richard was ordained in 2008 to the pastoral charge of North West Lochaber (Glenfinnan, Lochailort, Arisaig, Morar, Mallaig, Knoydart, Eigg, Muck, Rhum and Canna) before translating to Strathblane. He was commissioned as an Army Chaplain in 2016 and over the past 6 years has served with five units and spent four extended periods of time overseas on operations and training. Richard is married to Karen and they have three children.
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 Lunches, Future Dates
There will be a fine Sunday lunch served in the Lower Hall after the service today. Future lunch dates are the 6th November & 20th November 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.
Next Week- Sunday 6th November 2022- 5pm Annual Bereavement Service
On Sunday the 6th November 2022, 5pm we will hold our annual Bereavement Service at St Columba’s. During the service we remember by name those whose funeral or memorial services we have conducted in the past year (1st October 2021 – 30 September 2022). As a congregation we pray for the family and friends of all whose funerals we call to mind. Relatives and friends who have attended in previous years have found the service to be helpful. If there are other names you would particularly like remembered at this service please pass the details to the Church Office and we will seek to include them.
Remembrance Sunday- 13th November 2022
The 2022 Remembrance Service will take place on the 13th November at 10.45am. All are welcome. As in past years we will host the London Scottish Regiment’s Remembrance Service at 3pm. The Pipe and Drum band will march to St Columba’s before the service. Anyone is welcome to attend.
Sounds of St Columba’s Recital, Sunday 20th November
The final Sounds of St Columba’s recital of the year will take place on Sunday 20th November at 1:30pm. Sam Corkin (saxophone) will be joined by Benedict Lewis-Smith (organ), and they will perform an eclectic programme of duets. The recital is free to attend with a retiring offering.
Parliamentary Service, St Margaret’s, Westminster
The Moderator will be preaching at the Parliamentary Service on Wednesday 23rd November at 10.30 am. Dr Greenshields would be delighted to welcome representatives of St Columba’s at the service.
St Columba’s Elder
The funeral service for Henry Sherriff will be held at St Columba’s on Friday 4th November at 2pm. All welcome to attend.
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.
Glass Door Night Shelter – Volunteers needed at St Columba’s on Sunday evenings (December 2022 – March 2023)
Can you help provide a warm, friendly welcome and hot meal to homeless guests coming to stay at St Columbus on Sunday nights when we will be hosting the Glass Door night shelter?
- Shelter volunteers are needed to help set up, serve food, chat to guests, and clear up on Sunday evenings
- Cooks and kitchen volunteers are needed to prepare meals for the guests
- An admin volunteer is needed to help manage the rota and organisation of Sunday volunteers
Training and support for roles will be given.
If you would are interested, please get in touch with Heather Farwell (hbfarwell@hotmail.co.uk) and Margaret Goslett (margaret@margaretgoslett.co.uk) as soon as possible
Lent Appeal 2023 (small UK charity)
Over the last five years, thanks to your generosity, we have raised a total of £44,840 for small charities as a direct result of our Lent Appeals; this is a major part of our work on Mission. The Mission Committee would be grateful for any suggestions you may have for a small home/UK charity that could be considered for the St. Columba’s Lent Appeal 2023. For more information, please contact Naomi Donaldson, naomi.60@live.co.uk (or via the Church Office) before Wednesday 26th October.
November Happy Hour Gathering
The next meeting of Happy Hour will be on Wednesday November 2nd at 6.30 pm in The Carpenter’s Arms, 12 Seymour Place, just behind Marble Arch Tube Station. Our Associate Minister, William McLaren will open the discussion on “Whose Holy Land”.
These meetings are open to all and a chance to meet fellow church goers in a relaxed informal setting. Newcomers will be really welcome. Please contact Rona Black ronamblack@hotmail.com if you would like any more information.
Friends of St Columba’s Trip – Neasden Indian Temple
The Friends of St Columba’s are having an outing to Neasden Indian Temple on the 5th November, 10.30am. Neasden Temple is a masterpiece of traditional Hindu design and exquisite Indian workmanship in the heart of north-west London. Using 5,000 tonnes of Bulgarian limestone and Italian and Indian marble, it was hand-carved in India before being assembled in London in just 2½ years. Since its opening in 1995, this renowned place of worship has attracted close to half a million visitors annually. Worthy of note are the intricate carvings, the traditional Hindu prayer ceremony, and an exhibition to inform visitors about the world’s oldest living faith. (The YouTube video of the Mandir (Temple) is ideal for a quick impression), Entrance is free, the Exhibition costs £1.50; and there is a shop. Lunch is available for us in the Temple restaurant. If you would like to attend or more information please contact Isobel Carter on isobel@in-carter.com.
Sunday 4th December – Festive Fellowship Lunch 12-2.30pm
Following the success of the Jubilee Fellowship lunch in June, all are invited to a Christmas Fellowship lunch in the Lower Hall. Do join us for a lunch party, with a glass of prosecco to start the Festive Season.
There will be a Children’s craft table, a fiendish Festive (optional) quiz and plenty of fun. To help with numbers please contact the church office to let them know you will b e attending, with any dietary requirements. Vegetarians, vegans and gluten-free guest all catered for. Cost: £3.50.
Families Pantomime Outing
All families are invited to join us for a trip to the New Wimbledon Theatre to see Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs on Saturday 17 December at 14:00 for some pre Christmas merriment! The trip has been part funded by the Sunday School and two generous donations so we’re asking for a contribution of £20 per person to help cover the costs. Please let the office know if you would like to attend -Seats are limited so please reserve early to avoid disappointment!
St Columba’s Book Group
Our next meeting will be on Monday 9th January at the usual time of 6.30pm. Our next book choice is “The Fortnight in September” by RC Sheriff, who is probably more famous for writing Journey’s End about World War I. This book is set in the early 1930’s and concerns a family of 5 from Dulwich as they embark on their annual summer holiday to Bognor. This is a trip they have been making for years and the reader experiences with them the preparation, the journey and the holiday itself. If you know Dulwich or Bognor or even Clapham Junction you might find this novel of particular interest, but such knowledge is not a requirement!
The St Columba’s Book Group meet by Zoom, just contact the Church Office for the joining details. Newcomers welcome.
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
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.