Friends,
When I lived in Dundee it was known as “Bin City” because we had so many different bins for our recycling and I conscientiously sorted out, glass, plastic and paper, etc on the appropriate dates. In contrast in Hammersmith and Fulham all our recycling goes in the one bag which is collected every Friday morning. It really is much easier, but I was puzzled that all our recycling was thrown in together until our friendly bin man explained that a very sophisticated machine sorts it all out and is able to differentiate between glass, plastic, paper, tin and so on. He even invited me to the depot to see it in action, but I haven’t done that yet.
Of course, there is still a minority of people who will ask “Why bother?” Why bother sorting out your recycling? Why not put it all in the rubbish bin and let it go off to the incinerator or to landfill? However, I do think that it is an increasingly small minority who take that view. Most people now understand that we cannot continue to allow mountains of plastic to accumulate nor is the ongoing destruction of the rain forests and other wooded areas good for our planet. Our individual efforts may seem small but together we can make a difference if we just take a few minutes every week to separate rubbish and recycling.
The creation myths of Genesis tell us that God looked at the world he had made “And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 1: 26).
We can debate the science and argue about the politics but as Christians we all have a responsibility to care for God’s creation and to consider the impact of our actions on our sisters and brothers around the world, to say nothing of the legacy we leave to future generations.
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 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 Morning Service, 4th June 2023
Hymn 4 How excellent in all the earth (Winchester Old)
Hymn 137 All things bright and beautiful (All things bright and beautiful)
Hymn 243 Touch the earth lightly (Tenderness)
Hymn 113 God, the Father of creation (Cwm Rhonda)
Anthem: Jubilate in C – Benjamin Britten
Musical Interlude: Sanctus and Benedictus (Mass for four voices) – William Byrd
Organ Postlude: Offertoire sur les Grands Jeux (Couperin)
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 1:1-2:4a
New Testament Reading: II Corinthians 13:11-13
Gospel Reading: Matthew 28:16-20
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.
St Columba’s Member
St Columba’s member George Simpson died last month. His funeral is on Friday 2nd June 2023 at 3 pm at Bierton Crematorium, Aylesbury.
Rest eternal grant unto him and let light perpetual shine upon him.
Sunday School & future dates:
Between March & June, we offer Sunday School on the first and third Sundays of the month.
- Sunday 4th June (Second Sunday of half term)
- Sunday 25th June (Families Communion & Congregational Picnic)
THIS SUNDAY – Congregational Sunday Lunch, Sundaes & Serenades
Join us in the Lower Hall for “Sunday Lunch with Serenades and Sundaes”. A fine Sunday lunch will be served by Hazel and her wonderful team to summery piano music followed by ice cream sundaes (choices given of different flavours and topping, and berries). Why not bring a friend or neighbour to church and stay on to enjoy the lovely lunch?
Future dates for lunches are 18th June & 2nd 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.
NEXT SUNDAY –
The Friends of St Columba’s will be having their AGM next Sunday at 12.30 pm in the Upper Hall. All welcome.
Lent Appeal 2023: The Irene Taylor Trust – Sounding Out Programme – Thank you
Thank you so much for your generous donations to this year’s Lent Appeal. As a direct result of the appeal, £5,804.10 (inc. Gift Aid) was raised and the charity are thrilled with the donation and send their grateful thanks and appreciation for the financial support towards the Sounding Out Programme. The money will enable the charity to provide such vital help and support to those in prison, continuing when they are released and integrating back into society. We are hoping to invite back a speaker from The Irene Taylor Trust during Prison Week in October. Many thanks as always for supporting the Lent Appeal, it really does help improve the lives of others. ‘ Creating Music. Transforming Futures’.
Friends of St Columba’s Visits
The Friends of St Columba’s have two exciting trips coming up. Priority is given to those who are already Friends of St Columba’s but please do get in touch if you would like to join the trips but aren’t a “friend”.
- Friday 23rd June: Visit to the Handel and Hendrix Museum. George Frideric Handel lived at 25 Brook Street from 1723 until his death in 1759. It was here that Handel wrote and rehearsed his greatest works, including his Messiah. In 1968, Jimi Hendrix moved into an adjoining flat at number 23. He entertained, inspired and collaborated with other icons of British 60s rock music. Handel & Hendrix in London present these buildings as an evolving celebration of Handel’s and Hendrix’s lives. Tickets must be purchased in advance so please get in touch with Isobel Carter if you would like to attend.
For more detail about all the trips and to book please contact Honorary Secretary of the Friends of St Columba’s, Isobel Carter on isobel@in-carter.com or visit the St Columba’s website here https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/friends-of-st-columbas.
St Columba’s Book Group
The St Columba’s Book Group will meet (on Zoom!) on Wednesday the 7th June at 6.30pm. The book we will discuss is Lesson’s in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.
New members are always welcome. Contact the Church Office for the log in details.
Happy Hour
Our next Happy Hour meeting will be on Wednesday 7 June at the Carpenters Arms 12 Seymour Place W1H 7NE, (upstairs room) from 6.30pm We’ll get feedback from the General Assembly which takes place later this month and is likely to be lively, given the number of changes that are being implemented both in Scotland and the presbyteries beyond, including our own. All welcome, just turn up on the night.
Congregational Prayer Group, Sunday 11th June
Come and join us to pray at 10am in the London Scottish Chapel…everyone is welcome! “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart’
Sounds of St Columba’s 2023
The fantastic Sounds of St Columba’s series is back for 2023. Please note the dates in your diary, bring your friends and enjoy the marvellous music in the Upper Hall. 1.30pm start.
18th June 2023 – Emily Sun, in demand international violinist will play the Tchaikovsky’ Violin Concerto
16th July 2023- Ashley Fripp, Piano recital
17th September 2023- Richard Phillips, Cello Recital
Songs of Praise
Our last evening service before the summer is on Sunday 4th June (5pm.) It is our annual Songs of Praise, based on congregational choices.
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.
If you require this information in a different format please contact the Church Office.