Friends,
Some years ago, at one of the Early/Family Services, held in the London Scottish Regimental Chapel, it was our custom to ask, before the prayers, if there was anything people would like to give special thanks for, or any situation/person we would particularly like to pray for. Teachers, holidays, ice-cream, the World Cup, Wimbledon, grandparents and siblings all figured. Memorably, on one occasion, one young voice responded: “Pray that Mr Trump doesn’t visit Britain.” There was a collective in-take of breath, as we considered this very specific petition; a public airing of what was clearly domestic/parental politics. The response was given: “I am not sure how God will answer that prayer, but perhaps we could remember: Politicians should never be above our criticism, or beneath our prayers.” Our young companion looked unconvinced.
Today (Thursday 4th July) St Columba’s is very much part of the democratic process, acting as a Polling Station. Caretaker Michael Dempsey was up with the lark in order to open up for the voting team to be underway by 7.00am. A small reminder of how many people play a part in facilitating our right to vote.
As a student of Divinity I was once memorably told, (in a Glasgow sauna of all places): “The Church should keep its ecclesiastical snout out of the secular trough!” In other words, religion and politics have nothing to say to each other. The presence of a Polling Station in our halls gently says – we do not hold that view. Rather we believe Politics is bigger than party affiliation. It is about who exercises power and in whose interests? It is about the priorities, laws, conventions and courtesies of our society – and because, in the end that is about people, neighbour or stranger, faith and politics are inextricably linked.
By the time of reading this week’s Newsletter, the new political landscape may be clearer. You may be smiling or shaking your head in dismay. Whatever the outcome, let us keep the newly elected in our prayers, as well as those whose lives are abruptly changed by non-election. For those who assume responsibility, let us be empathetic – no one politician or party can magic away the problems that we face locally, nationally and globally. But they can – as we can – make a contribution – encouraged and sustained by the prayers of the nation.
Angus
Live Streaming of Worship
Services can be watched via the church website, https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/live-stream. Reminder: If you do not wish to appear on the live-stream please choose a seat in the rear half of the sanctuary. 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 phone in to join the Sunday service. Those interested should follow:
Step 1: At 10.40am call phone number 0208 080 6591.
Step 2: You will be prompted to enter a meeting ID. Please type (using your telephone keypad) 884 4746 5645
Step 3: You will then be asked for a participant number – simply press the #.
Step 4: You will be asked to enter the password. Enter 838727
Step 5: Enjoy the service! You will hear the organ music from 10.50am.
THIS SUNDAY: Hymns, Music & Readings for Morning Worship
Sunday, 7th July 2024, Seventh Sunday after Pentecost
Hymn 103 Fill your hearts with joy and gladness (Rhuddlan)
Hymn 632 Our children, Lord, in faith and prayer (Belmont)
Hymn 513 Courage, brother! Do not stumble (Courage Brother)
Hymn 682 Go in grace and make disciples (Abbot’s Leigh)
Anthem: O clap your hands, Vaughan Williams
Musical Interlude: O salutaris hostia, Rossini
New Testament Reading: II Corinthians 12:2-10
Gospel Reading: Mark 6:1-13
Reader: Sheila Nicoll
Details on the many ways you can support St Columba’s can be found here https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/giving/supporting-st-columbas
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: Morning Worship, Baptisms & Congregational Lunch
Special welcome to the baptismal families and friends of Rupert Andrew Hugh McCosh & Ralph Ali Ross-Williams who will join us on Sunday for their special day.
THIS SUNDAY: Craft Group meets at 1.30pm in the Kirk Session Room.
Join others for craft and chat.
THIS SUNDAY: “Songs of Praise” Evening Service, 5.00pm, London Scottish Regimental Chapel.
Our last evening service before the summer is on Sunday 7th July (5pm.) It is our annual Songs of Praise, based on congregational choices.
Church Member
We are sorry to announce the death of St Columba’s member, Frances “Ann” Cummins. Funerals details to be announced in due course. “Rest eternal grant unto her and let light perpetual shine upon her.”
NEXT WEEK: Midweek Prayers, Wednesday 10th July, 1pm, London Scottish Chapel Songs of Praise –
UPCOMING: Book Club,
Monday 22nd July, 6.30pm
The Book Club met on 3 June to discuss Frederick Backman’s Anxious People. There were mixed views about the book and some confusion but it generated a lot of discussion. Our next choice is The Ginger Tree by Oswald Wynd, son of Scottish missionaries in Japan. The novel is set in the first half of the 20th century in China and Japan and we shall meet to discuss it on 22 July by Zoom. After that we plan to read A Single Thread by Tracey Chevalier. New members to the book club are welcome, for more information please contact the church office.
NEXT WEEK: Summer Tuesdays
Summer Tuesdays season of Scottish Country Dancing in the Lower Hall, Tuesday each week, until the 10th September. Dance to a live band with all the profits going to the Church. Summer Tuesdays have run for over 50 years; the opportunity to dance weekly to live music from a top band, attracts dancers from all over the South. The dances are not suitable for beginners, and there are only very limited recaps and few walkthroughs. Details, including links to cribs and videos of the dances, www.summertuesdays.org
Glass Door’s annual Sleep Out, Friday, 4 October 2024.
Participants give up their bed for one night to give someone a chance to find a pathway out of homelessness. Find out more and sign up at www.glassdoor.org.uk/sleep-out
Scots in London presents the St Andrew’s Book Festival
Scots in London’s most ambitious collaboration to date is the St Andrew’s Book Festival (25th November – 1st December 2024.)
St Columba’s is one of the three venues hosting a superb array of authors – both household names and new writers. Sir Alexander McCall Smith and Judy Murray are among headline speakers Look out in the coming weeks for ways to get involved including volunteering.
If you are interested in Friends and other memberships with exciting benefits, visit this link for options.
For more information about Scots in London, please follow this link. You can join their newsletter here to be informed about their latest news, events and opportunities as well as their member organisations. The July Scots in London Newsletter is just published at https://mailchi.mp/6ab0f4bf731f/scots-in-london-july-newsletter
Office Hours
The church office is open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
E-mail: office@stcolumbas.org.uk
Website: www.stcolumbas.org.uk
Facebook: @stcolumbas churchpontstreet.
Twitter: @LondonKirk
Pastoral Emergency Number (out of office hours): 07591926271