He claimed to have been arrested 24 times, chased by an elephant in Tanzania, a crocodile in Zimbabwe, a green mamba in Ghana, and in Morocco, men with stones. Someone tried to set his cross on fire in Indiana and a group of men on motorcycles stole it in Assisi. In America, he was shot at several times. Following the Spirit could be dangerous. “I have preached in houses of prostitution, Hell’s Angels camps, rock festivals, in bars, nightclubs, go-go clubs, nude clubs, love-ins, on the streets, on sidewalks, on porches, in football stadiums, at automobile races, wrestling matches, dirty movie-porno clubs … even an occasional church!”
Remarkable details from recent obituaries of Arthur Blessit. Blessitt felt a call to ministry when he was 15. Ordained in a Baptist church, he abandoned seminary to evangelise full-time. In Elko, Nevada, he preached in the brothels that were legal in the state, and then in Los Angeles, where the 1960s counterculture was exploding. He found a whole generation experimenting with drugs and music, new lifestyles, and new ideas, all searching for something better than their parents had given them. “Kids are totally disillusioned with the phony concept of life. They are contemptuous of the great American dream of money, two cars in the garage, cooler TV, coziness, and complacency. Jesus offers life: L-I-F-E.” Blessitt, opened his own nightclub for Jesus, called “His Place.” A safe and free place for people to go – strung-out kids, street hustlers, bikers, drug dealers, drag performers, and rock musicians. Blessitt dispensed coffee, Kool-Aid, bagels donated by a Jewish deli, and New Testaments with psychedelic-looking covers.
In 1969 Blessit headed to Washington DC – on foot – wheeling a cross behind him. It was the beginning of one man’s epic pilgrimage. By 2008 he completed his goal of carrying his cross to every nation in the world – more than 320 in total. It was a great adventure, not a burden. “People don’t realise how exciting it can be to serve Jesus”, he said. In January, he announced his death via his website: “I, Arthur Blessitt, have completed my walk and mission on the Earth. These feet that have walked so far on roads of dirt and tar will now be walking on the streets of gold.”
Tomorrow, many of us will remember St Columba’s elder, Liz Maliphant. The language at her funeral may differ, but we will commend her with the same hope, expressed by Arthur Blessitt. May she too hear the words of her loving maker: “Well done good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of the Lord.” (Matthew 25:21)
Angus
For a fuller treatment of Arthur Blessit’s life, https://www.christianitytoday.com/2025/01/died-arthur-blessitt-cross-carry-world-record-evangelist/
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. If you experience any issue with livestream on the day, please email livestream@stcolumbas.org.uk (please note that this address will only be monitored on Sundays).
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 Sunday, 9th February 2025, Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Hymn 111 Holy, holy, holy, Lord God almighty! (Nicea)
Hymn 132 Immortal, invisible, God only wise (St Denio, Joanna)
Hymn 251 I, the Lord of sea and sky (Here I am Lord)
Hymn 529 Forth in thy name, O Lord, I go (Warrington, CH4 470)
Anthem: Psalm 23 (Gott ist mein Hirt) – Schubert (1797-1828)
Musical Interlude: Sing joyfully – W. Byrd (c.1540 – 1623)
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 6:1-13
New Testament Reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11
Gospel Reading: Luke 5:1-11
Reader: Catharine Robertson
Details on the many ways you can support St Columba’s can be found here https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/giving/supporting-st-columb 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.
Give us a follow then pass it on to your friends and family!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stcolumbaschurchpontstreet
Twitter / X: https://x.com/LondonKirk
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stcolumbaspontst/
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/londonkirk.bsky.social
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/106040984/admin/dashboard/
St Columba’s Elder
The funeral of St Columba’s elder, Liz Maliphant will be held on Friday 7th February at 12pm at Beckenham Crematorium. You can join the service online:
Watching Live & On Demand Website https://watch.obitus.com
Username: muke7161
Password: 383445
There is also a Tribute page with all the details in one place https://elizabethmaliphant.muchloved.com/
A memorial will be held at St Columba’s on Friday 7th March at 2pm. Rest eternal grant unto her and let light perpetual shine upon her.
West London Action for Children:
Following the death of Heather Boxer, Chief Executive of West London Action for Children, Heather’s family have asked that we share the details of the funeral service and wake, for anyone who would like to pay their respects. Please click here for details or to RSVP
THIS SUNDAY: Sunday 9th February, Congregational Prayer Group, 10.15-10.30am, Kirk Session Room
Join others to pray for the continuing life and work of St Columba’s.
THIS SUNDAY: Morning Service followed by Coffee and Tea in the Upper Hall
THIS SUNDAY: Scottish Dancing for Children, 1pm, Lower Hall
We are delighted that RSCDS are offering Scottish Country Dancing for children. The class takes place once a month on Sunday afternoons (2nd Sunday of the month) taught by Rose Kreloff. Children should be at least primary school aged (typically 4-12) but dancers in their early teens also welcome. Please book into the class by emailing classes@rscdslondon.org.uk
CHURCH MAGAZINE:
The new issue of the Church Magazine is available at the Bookstall for £1.50. Why not pick up copies for yourself and one for a friend/neighbour?
UPCOMING: The Friends of St Andrew’s Jerusalem & Tiberias, together with Christian Aid Scotland present Rev Dr Stewart Gillan, Minister of St Andrew’s Scots Memorial Church Jerusalem speaking at St Matthew’s Church, Perth, PH1 5LQ on Thursday 13th February at 2.00pm.
Updating on the current situation, the talk can be heard online – see www.friendsofstandrews.com
NEXT SUNDAY: Sunday 16th February, Morning Service & Sunday School followed by Congregational Lunch in the Lower Hall
NEXT SUNDAY: Sunday 16th February Sounds of St Columba’s, Sunday 16th February, 1.30pm, Church
Imperial College Chamber Choir will give a recital “Let My Love Be Heard?” with music by James MacMillan, Gustav Holst, Stephen Paulus. Come for morning service, stay for lunch and enjoy wonderful music.
The Festival of Silence at St Columba’s- postponed.
We are sorry to announce that the second Festival of Silence at St Columba’s is postponed. It will not take place on Saturday 5th April 2025 as scheduled. A future date will be confirmed in due course.
Diary Date: New Members’ Conference & Service, Wednesday 30th April 2025 & & Sunday 8th June
If you would like to learn more about what becoming a member of St Columba’s involves, you are warmly invited to an evening of food and discussion on Wednesday 30th April 2025, 7.00pm. For those who would then like to become members there will be a Service of Welcome on Sunday 8th June – which appropriately is the day we celebrate St Columba himself! For more information speak to either of the ministers and please sign up via the Church Office.
Scots in London February newsletter.
For a variety of events and activities of interest see https://mailchi.mp/456933e5f5ea/february-newsletter
Scots in London is an umbrella organisation for Scottish cultural societies, sports clubs, alumni groups, charities, churches and the Scottish military in London. Its mission is to promote Scottish culture and heritage, co-ordinate and communicate events, support Scottish charities in the capital, and contribute to the life of the city where we live. While proud of our shared nationality, we endeavour to be international in outlook.
Diary Date: Scots in London 80th Anniversary VE Day Service, St Columba’s, Pont Street, 11am, Sunday 11th May 2025.
Morning service with invited guests from European and Commonwealth embassies, followed by an afternoon talk by author Damien Lewis (SAS Daggers Drawn) and actor David Robb, on the wartime ministry of the Very Revd Dr Fraser McCluskey – the Parachute Padre – minister of St Columba’s, 1960 – 1986.
LUNCH CLUB FOR LADIES EDUCATED IN SCOTLAND, Informal Dinner, Wednesday 19th February, 6.30pm, University Women’s Club, 2 Audley Square, London W1K 1DB
After the success of our event in September, the LCLES committee is delighted to invite you to our second informal dinner at the University Women’s Club. The cost of the dinner is £45 for a two-course buffet, with starters, main courses and coffee. Drinks and desserts can also be purchased. Please contact Marjorie Bremner for any further information by email marjorie.bremner@gmail.com
Catherine’s fundraiser for RMA – The Royal Marines Charity –
Our deputy organist Catherine Olver will be running the Portsmouth Half Marathon on Sunday 9th February to raise money for Motor Neurone Disease. If you can sponsor her in anyway, please visit her JustGiving page – https://www.justgiving.com/page/catherine-olver-1736668210296
Office Hours
The church office is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
E-mail: office@stcolumbas.org.uk
Website: www.stcolumbas.org.uk
Facebook: @stcolumbaschurchpontstreet.
Twitter: @LondonKirk
Pastoral Emergency Number (out of office hours): 07591926271