For Sunday 25th January 2026, Third Sunday after Epiphany

Earlier this week, in the absence of the Moderator (Rt Revd Rosie Frew) I was asked to represent the Church of Scotland at the Blessing & Dedication of the new state-of-the-art studios of Premier Christian Radio, at their relocated premises in the City of London (coincidentally very close to the offices of Scottish Government.) Broadcasting for over thirty years, Premier trustees explained something of their story, while staff were evidently hugely enthused by their new surrounds. There was definitely a sense of opportunity before them. They talked about the “Quiet Revival”, reports suggesting a surprising, under-the-radar return to Christianity, particularly among young men.

Two interesting surveys have been conducted recently. The first was called, ‘Grateful Britain’ and it was undertaken by the Policy Institute of King’s College, London. In October 2025, 2050 people were surveyed. Their belief in God and experience of transcendence were plotted. There were some interesting results from young people. About one quarter of the total sample (27%) said that they had an experience of awe and wonder at the universe or in nature, at least once a week. This rose to 36% for the youngest group of people (18–34-year-olds). The study also found out something remarkable about belief in God. 51% of the 18-34 age group was most likely to say that they believed in God to some extent. This compared with 33% of 35–49-year-olds, 30% of 35–49-year-olds, 30% of 50–64-year-olds and 41% of people over 65.

The second survey was undertaken by SPCK, the Christian publisher. It found that the total sales of Bibles in the UK came to £6.3 million. This is more than twice as much as 2019 sales. Sam Richardson, Chief Executive of SPCK, said: “This is evidence of a significant cultural shift regarding matters of faith and religion in this country: as we face worldwide political and social change, the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, global wars, the rise of AI and a growing mental health crisis, individuals are re-engaging with meaning and spirituality.” (For a fuller account see

https://daviddonaldscott.blogspot.com/)

Among the prayers at the Premier Studio Dedication this week: O Christ the master storyteller, who fashioned images of love and words of truth from encounters of the everyday – a kitchen swept clean, pay day at dusk, a prodigal father and his sons; inspire the wordsmiths and musicians of Premier Radio, gospel storytellers of our own generation, that with their truest voice, they may cast their nets across the airwaves. O Christ the master storyteller, who fashioned images of love and words of truth for the one-to-one and the one-to-many; may the meaning and message proclaimed by Premier Radio find equal eloquence in the humble home and the corridors of power. And as we pray for those who speak and sing, so too, for those who hear and hum; that by your good grace and prompting Spirit, your audiences unseen might respond: “Speak Lord, for your servants are listening.” Amen.

Angus

THIS SUNDAY: Hymns, Music & Readings for Sunday, 25th January 2026, Third Sunday after Epiphany

Hymn 22 The Lord’s my light and saving health (Bishopthorpe)
Hymn 340 When Jesus saw the fishermen (The Seven Joys of Mary)
Hymn 509 Jesus calls us o’er the tumult (St Andrew)
Hymn 19 Ye gates lift up your heads on high (St George’s, Edinburgh)
Hymn 646 Forth in the peace of Christ we go (Duke Street)

Anthem: When Jesus our Lord (Mendelssohn)
Anthem: Tribus Miraculis (Marenzio)

Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 9:1-4
Gospel Reading: Matthew 4:12-23
Reader: Andrew Smith

THIS SUNDAY: Sunday 25^th January 2026, Third Sunday after Epiphany
11.00 a.m. Holy Communion
12.15 p.m. Tea and Coffee in the Upper Hall {by donation}
12.30 p.m. “Reflections”: the Discussion Group meets in the Library to discuss, Jesus’ first visitors. All welcome.

St Columba’s members We are sorry to announce the death of former St Columba’s elder, Maimie Aldous. We hold her family and friends in our prayers. Funeral arrangements are to be confirmed. Rest eternal grant unto them and let light perpetual shine upon them.

NEXT SUNDAY: Sunday 1^st February 2026, Fourth Sunday after Epiphany.
11.00 a.m. Morning Service, Baptisms & Sunday School
12.15 p.m. Short celebration of Holy Communion, London Scottish Chapel
12:15 p.m. Tea and Coffee in the Upper Hall {by donation}
12:15 p.m. Congregational Lunch in the Lower Hall {£4}
1.30 p.m. Performance of “Getting to Iona” (London Scottish Chapel)
5.00 p.m. Performance of “Getting to Iona” (London Scottish Chapel)
7.00 p.m. GlassDoor Night Shelter

THIS WEEK: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, 18^th – 25^th January
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (WPCU) takes place each year from 18 to 25 January. This ecumenical celebration provides an opportunity to focus our prayers on Christian unity and to know that we are joining with international siblings in Christ. This year WPCU takes Ephesians 4:1-13 as its central text which includes the words “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling.” (Ephesians 4:4).

The World Council of Churches prayers and reflections for WPCU 2026 have been prepared by the faithful of the Armenian Apostolic (Orthodox) Church, along with their brothers and sisters of the Armenian Catholic and Evangelical Churches. These resources draw upon centuries-old traditions of prayer used by the Armenian people, along with hymns that originated in the ancient monasteries and churches of Armenia, some of which date as far back as the fourth century.

To mark WPCU at St Columba’s, our guest preacher on Sunday 18th January will be the Very Revd Andrew Tremlett, Dean of St Paul’s. There is also opportunity to join with others on Tuesday 20th January 7.00p.m. Kensington United Reformed Church Allen Street, W8 6BL, for the Churches Together in RBKC & Notting Hill service. The preacher will be the Revd Fr. Shnork Bagdassarian, Pastor of St. Sarkis Church. The service will be followed by light refreshments. Everyone is warmly welcome.

Friday 23^rd January The Kirk Session of St Columba’s meets (online) at 6.35pm.

THIS WEEKEND: Burns Supper, Saturday 24^th January 2026, 7.00 p.m.
Thank you to all involved in organising and performing.
Have a great celebration.
All proceeds to ScotsCare.

UPCOMING: GETTING TO IONA, Sunday 1st February, 1.30pm & 5.00pm. Two performances written and performed by Tomás Barry telling the story of his grandfather’s voyage in the steps of St Columba. Performed for the first time at St Columba’s in June 2025, before touring to the Edinburgh Festival and beyond, Tomás returns to perform in the London Scottish Chapel. Performances are free and no ticket required.

Craft group Please note there will be no craft group on 1^st February due to the performance of Getting to Iona

UPCOMING: Midweek prayer 1.00pm, Wednesday 28^th January, London Scottish Chapel A short time of prayer and quiet amid a busy week.

UPCOMING: St Columba’s Church Quiz will take place on Saturday 21^st February at 6.30pm in the Lower Hall. Tickets are £10 and will be on sale after each Sunday service. Sharpen your pencil and sharpen your mind – always a very fun and sociable evening!

UPCOMING: Ash Wednesday Holy Communion, Wednesday 18^th February, 1.00pm, London Scottish Chapel marking the start of the forty days of Lent that leads us to Holy Week and Easter.

UPCOMING: Joint Service with Crown Court Church of Scotland, Sunday 22^nd February, 11.15am, Russell Street, Covent Garden, London WC2B 5EZ
As we hosted our Church of Scotland neighbours at the St Andrew’s Book Festival service before Christmas, we are invited to share worship with our friends at Crown Court. Please note there will be no service at St Columba’s that day, but we aim to provide screening of the Crown Court service for any unable to get to Crown Court.

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.

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
Facebook: @stcolumbaschurchpontstreet.
Twitter: @LondonKirkPastoral
Emergency Number (out of office hours): 07591926271

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