Friends,
We are now at the time of year the church calls “Lent” when we remember how after his baptism and the affirmation of his identity as God’s Son, Jesus was led into the wilderness. There, for 40 days, he was tempted by the devil who questioned his very identity. Jesus confidently countered these questions by quoting Scripture, and after that the devil left him alone. The wilderness is traditionally the place of testing, formation, new beginnings and encounters with God. In the Old Testament, it is in the wilderness that the people of God learn, through trying and failing, through instruction and practice, through encounter and through experience over 40 years, to live in God’s way.
Jesus survived the desert and surviving and thriving are integral to being human, as is temptation. Jesus had just experienced the high point of his baptism and the reassurance of the voice from heaven saying “You are my son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased”. Now he had to work out what that meant.
For us the 40 days of Lent are a time for reflection, a time for us to work out the meaning of our Christian calling as we journey towards Holy Week and Easter. This may involve the discipline of “giving something up” for Lent, or “taking something up” such as additional reading or it may be an opportunity to review our charitable giving. Whatever way we decide to mark Lent it should be a positive experience – Jesus said “do not look gloomy like the hypocrites… they have their reward already” (St. Matthew 6: 16).
Since this is the First Sunday of Lent I am delighted that we will be joined by Stefan Filby, Head of Programmes at the Caxton Youth Organisation, who will tell us about their work and help launch our Lent Appeal. You can also learn about Caxton by visiting their website www.caxtonyouth.org
William
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 March 2025, First Sunday of Lent
Hymn 21 Lord, teach me all your ways (Psalm 25) (Garelochside)
Hymn 680 You are called to tell the story (Regent Square)
Hymn 338 Jesus, tempted in the desert (Ebenezer (Ton-Y-Botel))
Hymn 713 Come, all who look to God today (Gonfalon Royal)
Anthem: Civitas sancti tui – W. Byrd (1543-1623)
Musical Interlude: Like as the hart – H. Howells (1892-1983)
Old Testament Reading: Deuteronomy 26: 1-11
New Testament Reading: Romans 10: 8b-13
Gospel Reading: Luke 4: 1-13
Reader: Jo Wallis
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!
[widgetkit id=”295″]
St Columba’s Members
We are sorry to announce the death of St Columba’s members Brenda Lang and Kenneth MacDonald. Brenda’s funeral will be held on Friday 14th March at 10am at Oxford Crematorium, Bayswater Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 9RZ. Kenneth’s funeral details will be shared once confirmed. Rest eternal grant unto them and let light perpetual shine upon them.
THIS SUNDAY: Guided Prayer for Lent, 10.15am – 10.30am, London Scottish Chapel (note change of venue)
Sundays in Lent (9th March – 20th April) 10.15 – 10.30am, London Scottish Chapel, a time of quiet prayer, in the company of others, following meditations for the season, led by the Minister.
THIS SUNDAY: Sunday 9th March, Morning Service followed by Coffee and Tea in the Upper Hall.
Lent Appeal for Claxton Youth Project. Our annual appeal launched on first Sunday of Lent with our guest speaker, Stefan Filby, Head of Programmes.
Lent Appeal 2025 – Caxton Youth Organisation. Registered Charity 1090549.
The Caxton Youth Organisation is a small local Westminster charity, based in Pimlico with Clubs Rooms that are in the basement area of a council housing estate. The charity is already known to us as it was the recipient of our Lent Appeal 2011. Founded in 1948 by a couple of local residents in response to much needed help and support for young people aged 11 to 25 years who have learning disabilities and young people with autism. It provides crucial support for local families with evening clubs three times a week: fantastic opportunities to make friends, drama workshops, play games, life-skills, basic cooking lessons for the older ones. The charity also helps with employment applications, finding work, or training.
With your donations we hope to raise enough funds to pay for a five-day outdoor residential trip at a purpose-built centre in the countryside for eight young people plus three staff. Donations would help cover the costs for accommodation, catering, staffing, activities and transport to the centre. A chance for them to experience the countryside and activities such as abseiling, high ropes courses, archery, pond dipping. For donations: White Lent Appeal envelopes will be available in the pews during Lent (Gift Aid if you are eligible).
We are delighted to welcome guest speakers for a brief talk on the charity during the morning service on:
Sunday 9 March (first Sunday of Lent)– Stefan Filby, Head of Programmes
Sunday 13 April (Palm Sunday) – Esther Norman, Interim CEO
Please do watch this lovely short video clip ‘What Makes Caxton Youth Special’. On this link.
Thank you. Mission Committee.
CHURCH MAGAZINE:
The February/March 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?
Next session: Wednesday 12th March 2025, Jesus prays for his people, John 17:9-19. The Zoom link will be provided to those who register. No preparation is required for this.
UPCOMING: Saturday 15 March, The Friends of St Columba’s visit The Welcome Collection at 383 Euston Road, NW1
(Tube: Euston Square, Euston, Warren St, St Pancras King’s Cross.) Rendezvous at 11 a.m. inside the Main Entrance. A free museum and human experience. We shall meet afterwards for lunch. This is based around medical curios collected by the globe-trotting 19th century pharmacist Sir Henry Wellcome. His fascinating and often macabre finds include used guillotine blades, Napoleon’s toothbrush and a Chinese torture chair. At every turn the visitor will find something to fascinate.
UPCOMING:
The Book Club met this week to discuss Hilary Mantel’s Eight Months in Gaza which received mixed reviews but on the whole was considered to be a well written, good read.
Our next choice for our Zoom meeting at 6.30 pm on 28 April is Tan Tweng Eng’s The House of Doors. We welcome new members; please contact the Church Office for details. We shall discuss Lily by Rose Tremain at the subsequent meeting.
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 March newsletter.
For a variety of events and activities of interest see https://mailchi.mp/9383c57690aa/scots-in-london-march-newsletter?e=0e99102ba6
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.
Save the date – Scots in London is delighted to announce that the St Andrew’s Book Festival is returning for 2025!
Get ready to engage with some of the biggest names in Scottish literature as the St Andrew’s Book Festival returns to central London from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 November 2025.
Following last year’s hugely successful inaugural festival, where we welcomed literary icons like Sir Ian Rankin, Ann Cleeves, Jackie Kay, Judy Murray, and more, we are thrilled to promise another stellar lineup of celebrated authors, debut writers, children’s storytellers, and special events for schools.
Expect a warm welcome, a delightful mix of books and fascinating conversations, and a festival full of discovery. We are proud to bring Scottish talent, themes and connections to London, not only for the Scottish community, but for all who love books.
Save the dates, tell your friends, and stay tuned as we reveal more!
Sign up to hear all the latest festival news at www.standrewsbookfestival.org
BREAKING NEWS: Val McDermid confirmed for the St Andrew’s Book Festival 2025!
One of Scotland’s most celebrated crime writers, Val McDermid has captivated millions with her gripping novels, including the Karen Pirie series, The Wire in the Blood, The Mermaids Singing, and 1979. Her books have been adapted into hit TV series, bringing her unforgettable characters to the screen.
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