Friends,
Tuesday, 2nd January marked ten years since our resident caretaker, Michael Dempsey, took up post at St Columba’s. Anyone who appreciates what goes on in our building, seven days a week, will understand we should definitely take a moment to acknowledge how much we are indebted to Michael. He contributes immensely, not only to the smooth running of the place, but also to its atmosphere of welcome. That is a real gift.
Michael explained to me this week, that when people ask where he works, he replies: “I work at a church – but it’s not like any other church!” And he goes on to explain about the great variety of individuals and groups who he meets and looks after each week. When I asked him if he had particular memorable moments from the last ten years, he didn’t specify events, but spoke about, the job – “its satisfactions, enjoyment, entertainment – and occasional light stress!” Whether meeting the Queen, fixing broken windows, tactfully ushering late night dancers off the premises, or dealing kindly with walk-ins in need, Michael offers a consistent, unhurried, warm and practical response to all.
In the military when serving personnel are awarded the Long Service & Good Conduct medal, sometimes a perceptive awarding officer will make the point – the medal should really go to the soldier AND his/her family – because the service of one, could not come, without the support of the other. It is of course ten years of Michael’s wife, Maureen, also being in residence at Pont Street. Maureen too, is a welcoming presence and seems to maintain great calm, despite the demands and “emergencies” that randomly arise. So, for ten years of living and breathing St Columba’s, we salute Michael and Maureen, and very much hope this is “just the start of our beautiful relationship!”
And, by way of wishing them and you a Happy New Year, a prayer from the Church of Scotland’s, Common Order:
Eternal God, your everlasting mercy rises new in the morning of another year.
Give us grace to arise with Christ who is our morning light. In this new year of our life’s journey, may we walk by faith in him, and with a willing spirit
persevere to the end; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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 Morning Worship, 7th January 2024,
First Sunday after Epiphany
Hymn 319 Of the Father’s love begotten (Corde Natus, Divinum Mysterium)
Hymn 336 Christ is our light! The bright and morning star (Highland Cathedral)
Hymn 317 Before the world began one Word was there (Incarnation)
Hymn 326 As with gladness men of old (Dix)
Anthem: Magi veniunt ab oriente, Clemens non Papa
Musical Interlude: Tribus miraculis, Marenzio
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 1:1-5
New Testament Reading: Acts 19:1-7
Gospel Reading: Mark 1:4-11
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: Sunday School
We welcome our young people for Sunday School activities during Morning Service, on first and third Sundays of the month. All welcome.
THIS SUNDAY: Congregational Lunch in Lower Hall
£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. Future Dates are Sunday 21st January and Sunday 4th February.
THIS SUNDAY: St Columba’s Craft Group
The group will meet from 1.30pm to 3.30pm in the Library. This is a great opportunity to pick up tips and new techniques from our talented and experienced members. All welcome. For further information please contact Fiona Lang or Susan Pym through the church office.
THIS SUNDAY:
Evening Service of words and music for Epiphany, 5pm, London Scottish Chapel
NEXT SUNDAY: Congregational Prayer Time, Sunday, 14th January 2024. Kirk Session Room, 10.15-10.30am
Come and join us for 15 minutes to pray for our church, our community, our nation and our world. Everyone is welcome and our prayers, both spoken and silent do make a difference. Pray peace over all who come in and out of St Columba’s and an understanding that God’s desire is “to prosper and not to harm; to provide a hope and future.” Jeremiah 29:11. Pray that as we pray, we would remember that He is good and is worthy to be praised! See you there! (Congregational Prayer Group)
UPCOMING: Burns Supper 2024
The Burns Supper will be held on Saturday 27th January 2024. Tickets are on sale after the service, or you can also contact the Church office.
Volunteers are still required for Burns Supper to help serve but also to help with washing up. Please speak to Colin after Sunday’s 11am service.
ST COLUMBA’S QUIZ NIGHT:
Come and test your general knowledge at the St Columba’s 17th Annual Quiz. Saturday, 10th February 6.30 pm for 7 pm start. Tickets £6 per person will be on sale in mid-January; but meanwhile please send intimation of interest or queries to rosa@stephensomerville.co.uk. You could join The Choir, Tennis Club, The Magnificent Seven, Reeling Together and The Lanark Collective, who are all immortalised on the Quiz shields in the Lower Hall.
UPCOMING: Scots in London Ceilidh Evening: Saturday 9 March 2024, Lower Hall, 7pm – 10:30pm
Join for an evening filled with Highland Dancing to a live Ceilidh Band plus a range of live entertainment from the London Scottish Pipes and Drums, the London Gaelic Choir and the Burns Club of London. There will also be the opportunity to join in with a community sing along, led by the conductor of the excellent charity ScotsCare Choir. No previous dance experience is required, just enthusiasm, as there will be a caller to lead guests through all the moves step-by-step. A light supper is included in the ticket price, and there will be a bar available to purchase drinks.
The evening will start at 7pm (doors open 6:30pm) and tickets are £20.To book tickets please visit: http://tinyurl.com/29jyxj6z
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: @stcolumbas churchpontstreet.
Twitter: @LondonKirk
Pastoral Emergency Number (out of office hours): 07591926271