Friends,
I write this reflection having just returned from my study visit to Israel. I am functioning, but the tiredness from travel and long queues at both Tel Aviv and Amsterdam Airports is still with me! Nonetheless, it is nice to be back home: except of course I am not at home in Scotland, but very much feel at home with you all here in London.
The St Columba’s website states that:
From wherever you hail, and whatever your tradition, we hope you will find your way to this beautiful church, lively community, and home away from home.
From my experience so far, this is certainly the case. Interestingly also, while in Jerusalem, our party stayed at the St Andrew’s Guest House, owned by the Church of Scotland. On their website (http://www.scotsguesthouse.com), it states:
Welcome to your second home at the Scots House Hotel.
Indeed, before dinner each evening, the head chef reminded us of this, emphasising that as we ate together and stayed together, the Guest House should always feel like our second home. He wanted to emphasise that home is a place where we can relax and feel welcome. A place where our worries and cares can be shared with supportive friends and family. A place where we know that despite our faults, God is with us, living alongside us. Church after all is God’s house. There is a thus a reason both St Columba’s and St Andrew’s mention wanting people to feel comfortable being at home with them in Church. In John’s Gospel (Ch 14 v 2), Jesus says:
My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?
As we know in our Church with our support of the Restart Charity, not everyone has a home. St Columba’s aims to welcome everyone, no matter who they are or what they believe. Jesus himself also prepares a place for us. Nowhere is full – there are places ready in his Father’s house. St Columba’s (and St Andrew’s) offer this home for all who grace their door, a clear, living example of God’s love for all. On Sunday, as we welcome the Baptismal parties (and my family also), I know that they will feel welcome and at home here amongst us too.
See you Sunday,
David
[David McKee is currently training for the Church of Scotland ministry and is undertaking a ten-week summer placement at St Columba’s, as part of his studies. This weekend we also welcome David’s wife Lynsey and their son, Finlay, who are visiting for a few days.]
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.
Baptismal Sunday
A special welcome to Millie Buchanan-Tagg, Isla Forrester, Lennox & Esme Grossart Pearce and to their families and friends, as they come to celebrate the baptisms of these children.
Hymns, Music & Readings,
3rd Sunday after Trinity Sunday, Sunday 3rd July
Hymn 212 Morning has broken (Bunessan)
Hymn 632 Our children, Lord, in faith and prayer (Belmont)
Hymn 286 Tell out my soul, the greatness of the Lord (Woodlands)
Hymn 251 I, the Lord of sea and sky (Here I am, Lord)
Anthem: Jehovah (Purcell)
Musical interlude: Never weather-beaten sail (Wood)
Organ postlude: Elegy (Thalben-Ball)
Old Testament Reading: II Kings 5:1-14
Gospel Reading: Luke 10:1-20
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 Summer Picnic, Sunday 10th July
The St Columba’s All Age/Congregational Picnic returns for 2022. Please join us on Sunday the 10th July in Hyde Park with your picnic for fun, games and a good chance to catch up with friends from church. The venue is only a 15 minute walk away and the main group will set off from church immediately after the morning service. Maps can/will be provided. Transport available if required. Bring your own picnic and we’ll provide the games and competitions. To give an idea on numbers, please let the Church Office know if you plan to come along and if transport would be welcome. (As usual, there’s a wet weather plan B!)
Congregational Sunday Lunches, Future Dates
Future lunch dates are the 3rd July & 17th July 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.
St Columba’s Book Club
The next choice for the book club is Elizabeth Von Arnim’s novel “The Enchanted April”. For those of you who read along with the book group but don’t join us for a discussion, you may find this a lighter read that some of our recent choices. The book was written in 1922 and like our last choice (O Caledonia by Elspeth Barker) is set in a castle but there the similarities end. The castle in this book is bathed in Italian sunshine and the gardens full of gorgeous, scented flowers – a far cry from Auchnasaugh. Our next meeting by Zoom is scheduled for Wednesday 6th July at 6.30pm. New members are welcome but please let the office know so that you can be sent the joining details.
Volunteering Opportunity on Iona
Ever thought of joining the team on Iona? There are a few short-term volunteer spaces, for specific roles, at Iona Abbey this summer. You’ll find details on the website www.iona.org.uk/about/vacancies The Abbey team welcomes guests from many countries to Iona each week to explore issues of common concern – including the environment, peace-building, poverty & inequality, racism, refugees, inclusion & diversity, interfaith dialogue. “We work together, we worship together and we share meals as part of our common life. We look forward to hearing from you.” Get in touch via, VolunteerApplications@iona.org.uk if you’d like to find out more.
Friends of St Columba’s Dumfries and Surroundings
There is still time to “sign up” to the Friends of St Columba’s trip to Dumfries and the surroundings in September 2022.
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: 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.
Oscar the Italian Cat. New Publication: Molly Arbuthnot
A regular attender at St Columba’s, when in London, Molly Arbuthnot was a teacher at Hill House School for three years before turning to writing. Molly has now written nine award-winning children’s books. “Each tale is guaranteed to warm the cockles of your heart and put a spring in your step!” Her latest is Oscar the Italian Cat. “A joyous tribute to the beauty and magic of Venetian life and the people lucky enough to call it home.” Congratulations to Molly on her most recent publication. For more details www.mollyarbuthnott.co.uk.
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
Prayers for Sunday, 3rd July 2022 (3rd Sunday afterTrinity)
from Congregational Prayer Group
Hymn
God is our strength and refuge, a helper ever near.
While resting in his shelter no evil will we fear.
Not if the mountains crumble into the angry sea.
Nor if the surging ocean exceeds its boundary.
A quiet stream refreshes the City of our God.
His throne stands unaffected while kingdoms rise and fall.
One word from Jacob’s saviour will melt the raging throng.
The Lord of hosts is with us. He is our fortress strong.
Behold God’s glorious power, he makes all warfare cease.
Each weapon he will shatter, the world will be at peace.
Be still cries Heaven’s Sovereign. Be still for I am God.
All kingdoms, all creation will bow beneath my rod.
The violent sea turned placid when Jesus cried be still.
Fears gone, twelve men stood gasping, when waves obeyed his will.
And soon the same voice speaking will calm earth’s rebel storm.
The Lord of hosts is with us, both now and evermore.
Tune: Aurelia (The Church’s one foundation.)
Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though the waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. There is a river whose streams make glad the City of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall, God will help at the break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall, he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. He says “Be still and know I am God; I will be exalted among the nations. I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord Almighty is with us, the God of Jacob is our fortress.
Matthew 8:23-27
Then Jesus got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, “Lord save us. We are going to drown. “He replied “You of little faith, why are you so afraid?” Then he got up and rebuked the wind and the waves and the sea was completely calm. The disciples were amazed and asked. “What kind of man is this. Even the winds and waves obey him”.
Prayers.
Loving God we give thanks
that no matter where we are,
what we are facing,
whether our lives are youthful, exciting and challenging,
or ageing, perhaps growing frail,
you are always with us
in every situation.
Mighty God,
who speaks a word of peace to calm our troubled sea.
Caring God,
who judges us away from fear
and toward faith.
Ever present God,
who fills us with awe
but also raises many questions without easy answers.
Open our eyes to see you in our boat today.
Strengthen our hearts for the challenges that lie ahead.
Open our ears this hour
to hear the word you speak.
This we pray in Jesus’ name.
Fear not! God is with us stilling the storm.
Place your trust in him always.
So shall your children,
with thankful devotion
praise him who saved them
from peril and from sword,
singing in chorus from ocean to ocean,
peace to the nations
and praise to the Lord.
Amen.
Benediction
Now may the God of peace,
who through the blood of the eternal covenant
brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus,
that Great shepherd of the sheep
equip us with everything good for doing his will,
and may he work in us
what is pleasing to him,
through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory for ever and ever.
Amen