Friends,
We’re now in the middle of the school holidays with many people travelling at home and abroad. Most parents will be familiar with a little voice asking “Are we nearly there yet?” and in 2025, and thanks to satnav, most can answer that question. The Bible, however, is full of journeys where no one knew where they were going, let alone whether they were nearly there. Alongside the story of Abraham, Moses and the children of Israel wandering in the desert, we remember the wise men from the east who followed the star until it stopped where the Christ-child lay.
St. Paul encountered Christ on the road to Damascus and with the other apostles took the good news far and wide, throughout the known world. How many of us know where our next steps will take us? God calls people to be open-minded, trusting him on the journey. The requirement to keep going on in faith is closer to everyday experience than the satnav-controlled, goal-orientated attempt to grasp a future known only to God.
Sometimes the language we use suggests that life is a journey towards God but the phrase we translate as “eternal life” means “life with God”, life with God NOW and in the future. Life is a journey with God and prayer is a well we may go to for water to refresh us on the journey and Holy Communion is food to sustain us on the way. The two disciples did not recognise the risen Christ as he journeyed with them on the road to Emmaus, it was in the breaking of bread that their eyes were opened and they recognised him (St. Luke 24:31).
William
THIS SUNDAY: Hymns, Music & Readings for Sunday, 10th August 2025, Ninth Sunday after Pentecost
Hymn 39 God the Lord, the king almighty (Psalm 50) (Hyfrydol)
Hymn 530 One more step along the world I go (Southcote)
Hymn 535 Who would true valour see (Monks Gate)
Hymn 747 Jerusalem the golden (Ewing)
Anthem: Blessed is he that considereth – M.Wise (1648-1687)
Anthem: Holy is the true light – WH Harris (1888-1973)
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 15: 1-6
New Testament Reading: Hebrews 11: 1-3, 8-16
Gospel Reading: Luke 12:13-21
Reader: Dr Iain Beveridge
Livestream Due to technical issues preventing us from showing a visual, we were unable to livestream the service last week. We apologise for any inconvenience caused and for your patience. You can listen to the service on our website. We will resume the livestream service as normal on Sunday 10th August.
No Congregational Prayer Group this Sunday. The prayer group will be back on Sunday 14th September at 10.15am.
THIS SUNDAY: Morning Service followed by Coffee and Tea in the Upper Hall.
NEXT SUNDAY: Morning Service followed by Congregational lunch in the Lower Hall.
Church Magazine The August/September Church Magazine is available at the Bookstall for £1.50. Why not pick up copies for yourself and one for a friend or neighbour? Big thanks to Editor Susan Pym and all who help bring us the good news of St Columba’s and beyond
Relief Caretaker Do you know somebody who is looking for work for one day a week and occasional evenings/weekends? Both practical and good with the public? St Columba’s Church is seeking to recruit a relief caretaker to maintain the building (general maintenance and cleaning) and assist our hall hire customers. If you know someone that might be interested in the role, please get in touch with the Church Office who can give more detail on hours, pay and the complete role description.
St Columba’s Book Club: The book club met recently to discuss Sebastian Faulks’ The Seventh Son. The book was not universally enjoyed but everyone agreed that it raised some very interesting issues and we had a lively discussion. Our next meeting by Zoom will be on September 22nd when we shall discuss “The Other Side of the Bridge” by Mary Lawson, a novel set in Canada exploring the tensions both between two brothers and between fate and free will. For the subsequent meeting we shall read “Hello Beautiful” by Ann Napolitano. New members are welcome. Please contact the church office for details
Scots in London August newsletter.
For a variety of events and activities of interest see https://mailchi.mp/scotsinlondon.org/scots-in-london-august-newsletter-12818165. 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. Note: The Scots in London VE Day 80th Anniversary publication is now online at https://www.scotsinlondon.org/publications
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre presents Brigadoon from 2nd August to 20th September 2025 In this new adaptation by Scottish playwright Rona Munro (The James Plays, Frankenstein), this revival of a theatrical classic is directed and choreographed by the Olivier award-winning Drew McOnie (Jesus Christ Superstar) in his first production as Artistic Director of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. Tickets from £15 – Brigadoon | Open Air Theatre
Crash landed in the Highlands of Scotland, WW2 fighter pilots Tommy and Jeff are searching for a way home, whilst just beyond the hills, sisters Fiona and Jean are preparing for a wedding. Over the course of one chance day in the dreamlike village of Brigadoon, their stories entwine. But can love endure in this enchanting place where everything is not quite as it seems?
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.
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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.
Office Hours –
The church office is open from 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
E-mail: office@stcolumbas.org.uk
Website: www.stcolumbas.org.uk
Pastoral Emergency Number (out of office hours): 07591926271
