(Left hand picture) Jean nee Markillie, with her father, Walter Markillie,
(Right hand picture)The happy couple, David and Jean Shennan;
Friends,
Some time ago, Lucy Llewellyn posted some film footage of past weddings at St Columba’s, via her introduction to the weekly e-newsletter. Rather wonderfully, this led to a recent encounter, whereby the son of the couple just married (pictured above, emerging from church) visited Pont Street and showed Lucy his parents’ wedding photos. The ceremony took place on the 3rd May 1941. A week later the church was destroyed by enemy action (10th May 1941.) So, these photos capture the last wedding that took place in the “original” St Columba’s Church.
This weekend, when we have the opportunity after worship, to meet for the Annual Congregational Meeting (12.30pm, Upper Hall) we can reflect how much we have to be grateful for – memorable and significant life moments, and a beautiful building in which to hold them.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.
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 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, 4th Sunday of Easter
Sunday – 8th May 2022
Hymn 124 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty (Lobe Den Herren)
Hymn 462 The King of love my shepherd is (Dominus Regit Me)
Hymn 255 Father, hear the prayer we offer (Gott Will ‘S Machen)
Hymn 738 Glorious things of thee are spoken (Austrian Hymn)
Gospel Reading: John 10:22-30
New Testament Reading I: Acts 9: 36-43
New Testament Reading II: Revelation 5: 11 – 14
Anthem: Worthy is the lamb – Handel
Musical Interlude: Amen (Chorus) – Handel
Organ Postlude: Paean by Moore
Worshipping at St Columba’s & COVID Precautions.
This Sunday we continue to recommend mask wearing within the building (unless exempt) and social distancing. The sanctuary is well ventilated and hand sanitiser is available throughout the building. In all our arrangement our aim is to keep everyone confident and safe.
Annual Congregational Meeting, 12.30pm, Sunday 8th May
Please join us for the Annual Congregational Meeting next Sunday 8th May 2020 at 12.30pm in the Upper Hall. It is a good chance to hear and ask questions about, the work and plans of our congregation.
St Columba’s Member
We are sorry to announce the death of St Columba’s member In Pensioner James (Jimmy) Nicholson. Jimmy died today, Friday the 6th May at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea.
Details of his funeral are unknown at the moment but we will publish when we have them.
Christian Aid Week: 15th to 21st May (www.christianaid.org.uk)
The focus this year is on Zimbabwe and the effect climate change is having there, particularly for the families that rely on farming to survive. Your donations will help fund the purchase of drought resistant seeds/crops and better water storage facilities for when it does rain.
Sunday 15th May – Amy Lonsdale
Christian Aid Campaigns Support Volunteer will talk about this year’s Appeal during the morning service. We hope to welcome her with the sight of a…. Cake Sale!
Calling all cake bakers!
If you would like to bake/buy & donate a cake(s) for the sale, please bring it in to the Upper Hall before service on Sunday 15th May or leave it with the Church Office during the week commencing 9th May. Please label cake packaging with what type of cake it is. Cakes can then be purchased after the service. All money raised will go to Christian Aid Week. Please do come and buy a cake, or even have a slice of cake with your coffee in the Upper Hall.
Various ways to donate:
- There will be red CA collecting buckets in the Upper Vestibule after the service on Sunday 8th, 15th and 22nd May. The main CA collection Sunday will be on Sunday 15th May and ∙ CA envelopes will be available on a table in Upper Vestibule, and a tick box for those eligible to Gift Aid their donation.
- Online: We now have our own church online giving page for Christian Aid Week (GiveStar). Please click on the link: https://giving.give-star.com/online/christian-aid/chelsea-st-columba%20christian-aid-week-appeal
50 Days of Prayer: Easter to Pentecost
Those able to attend services in person will be offered a copy of the newly published 50 Days of Prayer: Easter to Pentecost 2022. It is a beautifully produced volume created by St Columba’s member, Revd Andrew Anderson. For each day between Easter and Pentecost, Andrew provides a verse of scripture, a short meditation, and a prayer. Originally inspired by his idea of prayers for busy people, it is a wonderful contribution towards the life of the congregations in London and Newcastle. For those currently unable to attend services in person, please request a copy via the church office.
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.
Lent Appeal 2022 Gratitude
Last Sunday, church member, Alasdair MacKenzie said thank you to the congregation on behalf of Collaboration à la Santé Publique Burkina Faso (CSPB) a small, registered French charity http://cspb.cagnes.pagesperso-orange.fr our selected charity for the Lent 2022 Appeal. Thanks to the generosity of many people £7,148.25 (inc. Gift Aid), has been raised on behalf of the charity. Alasdair shared with us a beautiful letter of thanks written by the charity’s founder Dr Leon. The letter is attached and well worth reading.
Congregational Sunday Lunches, Future Dates
Future lunch dates are the 15th & 29th May 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.
There will be a very special “street party” lunch on Sunday the 5th of June to celebrate the Queens Jubilee. If you are planning on attending the after service “street party” on the 5th June can you please indicate to the office (office@stcolumbas.org.uk) how many your party will be so we can ensure all are catered for? Lunch that day will be £3.50 as normal and hospitality are providing prosecco to make the occasion very special.
Evening Service, Sunday 5th June, 5pm
Evening services are held on the first Sunday of the month, at 5pm. Future evening services dates are 5th June and then the 4th September. They are held in the London Scottish Regimental Chapel. [Please note they are not live-streamed.]
St Columba’s Songs of Praise – Choose a hymn!
Our Songs of Praise Evening Service is on Sunday 5th June 2022. It is definitely for those who enjoy a good sing. To suggest a hymn please inform the Church Office of your choice and a brief explanation for your choice, by Friday 20th May 2022, or via flip chart at the sanctuary door.
St Columba’s Coffee Mornings
The St Columba’s Coffee Mornings returned in March! We are looking forward to seeing many faces on the Zoom Screen!
- 11th May 2022- Laura Mead, Church Engagement and Fundraising Officer from Christian Aid will tell us about Christian Aid in 2022.
- 14th September 2022- Revd Scott Rennie the new Minister at Crown Court will be joining us. An opportunity to meet him and hear about his time in the ministry.
- 13th October 2022- In prisons week, Jake Tily, Creative Programmes Director at the Irene Taylor Trust will talk to us about The Lullaby Project where they have collaborated with the Royal Philharmonic orchestra to write lullabies for prisoners’ children.
St Columba’s Book Club
The May book of the St Columba’s Book Club will be “O Caledonia” by Elspeth Barker. It is a coming of age novel set in a draughty crumbling castle in the wilds of Northern Scotland and has great reviews. We shall be meeting on Monday 30th May at a new time of 6.30 pm and welcome new members. The joy of St Columba’s Book Club is it takes place on Zoom so you can do it from the comfort of your own front room.
Friends of St Columba’s 2022 Programme
Please do join us for our 5 events planned for the summer and autumn:
- Saturday May 14: “Explore the City of London: 2,000 years of ceaseless growth and change”. A historical walking tour of “The Square Mile”, led by a qualified London Blue Badge Guide. The maximum number is 10, and the cost £10.
- Friday June 3 at 11 a.m. Visit to Fenton House, Windmill Hill NW3 6RT, (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fenton-house-and-garden). Free for NT members, otherwise £10 for adults and £5 for children). Beautiful C17 house with magnificent orchard and garden.
- Sunday June 12 St Columba’s Service, followed by AGM and Celebration Tea. Please do forward to the Secretary any special items which you would like to see included (isobel@in-carter.com). A chance to mix, mingle, catch up with old friends and make new ones.
- Friday 23-Sunday 25 September: visit to Dumfries and its surroundings led by Hugh Pym. 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: contact Hugh asap via 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.
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