For Sunday 30th November 2025, First Sunday of Advent

Friends,

“The St Andrew’s Book Festival is a wonderful vehicle for bringing people together, encouraging authors and readers of all ages and interests, and show-casing the creativity and contribution of Scots, in the heart of this most international city.” So reads the message from The Princess Royal, the Royal Patron of Scots in London, addressed to those attending the St Andrew’s Book Festival 2025.

As I write, school children are entering the sanctuary to participate in the first events of the Book Festival, hosted from Thursday to Sunday at St Columba’s. (There have already been two events at locations of collaborating Festival partners.) While this morning serves up “The Shadow Thieves” and “Sin Bin Island” to younger minds, the following days will offer poetry, prop forwards, political memoirs and policing mysteries for all ages and tastes. The organisers have done a truly remarkable job. There is a great deal to enjoy – please do come and make the most of the opportunities in our very own church home. And don’t forget to bring others with you.

It was a privilege, earlier this week, to be present at the Chapel of St. Mary Undercroft in the Palace of Westminster to hear the Moderator preach to a congregation composed mainly of Scottish MP’s and Peers and ecumenical guests. Along with Westminster Hall, the chapel was one of the few structures of the medieval palace to survive the disastrous fire of 1834. The Houses of Parliament as we know it today was rebuilt by the great architect Sir Charles Barry, but the chapel dating from 1297 was restored by his son Edward in the high Victorian style of the 1860’s. Members of Parliament can be married in the chapel and their children baptised there. Annually, moderators of the General Assembly conduct worship there during their London visit. As the chapel is not usually open to the public it is a wonderful opportunity to see a little-known part of the historic building.

Our guest preacher is Reverend John Bell. Member of the Iona Community, renowned church musician, and global speaker on themes of music, liturgy, scripture and spirituality, John has chosen the gospel passage (Luke 4:16-30) sometimes known as the “Nazareth Manifesto”. Visiting his hometown synagogue, he unfurls the scroll to read a passage from Isaiah:“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed,to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” Dramatically, Jesus rolls up the scroll, gives it back to the attendant and sits down. The eyes of all in the synagogue are fixed on him. Then his declaration: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Reminder of the power of written words shared in public. Reminder of the library of books we call the Bible. Reminder at the start of the new Church year of the bringer and personification of the Good News – Jesus himself.

Happy reading, happy listening, happy praying. May Festival fun and Advent awakenings lie ahead for each of us.

AngusOur guest preacher is Reverend John Bell. Member of the Iona Community, renowned church musician, and global speaker on themes of music, liturgy, scripture and spirituality, John has chosen the gospel passage (Luke 4:16-30) sometimes known as the “Nazareth Manifesto”. Visiting his hometown synagogue, he unfurls the scroll to read a passage from Isaiah:“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed,to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” Dramatically, Jesus rolls up the scroll, gives it back to the attendant and sits down. The eyes of all in the synagogue are fixed on him. Then his declaration: “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” Reminder of the power of written words shared in public. Reminder of the library of books we call the Bible. Reminder at the start of the new Church year of the bringer and personification of the Good News – Jesus himself.
Happy reading, happy listening, happy praying. May Festival fun and Advent awakenings lie ahead for each of us.

Angus

THIS SUNDAY: Hymns, Music & Readings for Sunday, 30th November 2025, First Sunday of Advent

Hymn 339 Sing of Andrew, John’s disciple (Nettleton)
Hymn 605 Thanks to God whose word was spoken (St Helen)
Hymn 277 Hark the glad sound! The Saviour comes (Crediton)
Hymn 519 Love divine, all loves excelling (Blaenwern)

Introit: Anthem: People look East, arr. Ferguson
Anthem: Blest Pair of Sirens, Parry, part 1
Anthem: Blest Pair of Sirens, Parry, part 2

Old Testament Reading: Micah 5: 2-5a
Gospel Reading: Luke 4: 16-30
Readers: Ruth Kattumuri & Sheena Clark

THIS SUNDAY: Sunday 30th November 2025, St Andrew’s Day
10.15 a.m. Poetry & Prayer for the Sundays of Advent (London Scottish Chapel)
11.00 a.m. St Andrew’s Book Festival Service & Sunday School
12.15 p.m. Tea and Coffee in the Upper Hall {by donation}
12.15 p.m. Catered Lunch {£10.00}
1.30 p.m. Revd John Bell & Rhidian Brook in conversation, chaired by the minister. (Book Festival Free Event)

This Sunday we welcome our guest preacher. John Bell is an ordained Presbyterian minister (Church of Scotland), lives in Glasgow and is a member of the Iona Community. He has been actively engaged in church music for over forty years as an animateur, composer and author. With his colleagues he has published numerous volumes of congregational songs, many of which have been translated into languages as diverse as Friese and Japanese. He has lectured and conducted seminars throughout the world on issues relating to music, liturgy, scripture and spirituality, and has been honoured by church and academic agencies on both sides of the Atlantic. Among his most recent non-musical publications are: Living With The Psalms (SPCK 2021) and And Then She said (Wild Goose Publications 2025)

Please note there is no evening service on Sunday 30^th November. The Pont Street Carols’ leaflet has an incorrect date on it. The evening service of Words & Music for Advent is 5pm, Sunday 7^th December in the London Scottish Chapel.

THIS SUNDAY: Poetry & Prayer for the Sundays of Advent (London Scottish Chapel) Join others in the London Scottish Chapel for a period of quiet prayer (10.15 – 10.30am) led by the minister, on the four Sundays of Advent, beginning on Sunday 30^th November. Advent’s preparation for the coming of Christmas.

THIS SUNDAY: The Craft Group will be holding a sale after morning service on Sunday 30^th November. There will be an assortment of knitted goods, and some Christmas ideas. Proceeds of the sale will go to ScotsCare.
Please come and have a look.

NEXT SUNDAY: Sunday 7^th December, 2^nd Sunday of Advent
11.00 a.m. Morning Service & Sunday School
5.00 p.m. Evening service of Words & Music for Advent, (London Scottish Chapel.)

THIS WEEK: St Andrew’s Book Festival 2025, presented by Scots in London, 27^th – 30^th November
After months of planning St Columba’s becomes venue for the second Book Festival. For four days we host well known authors, new writers and schools’ events. Don’t miss some wonderful opportunities to hear interesting authors and to be part of the welcome to those who may be visiting St Columba’s for the very first time. There is still opportunity to book your tickets,

See https://www.standrewsbookfestival.org/ for more information.
Special offer for St Columba’s – 50% off ticket prices for some events. Please email info@standrewsbookfestival.org for more information.

Advent Bible Study. Monday evenings in Advent.
Join with church members from across the Presbytery of England & the Channel Islands this Advent to go further into the preparation and meaning of Christmas.

UPCOMING: Carol Singing in Trafalgar Square. Opportunity to join with members of Crown Court and other congregations to carol sing in Trafalgar Square in support of Christian Aid on Friday 12^th December, 8.00 – 9.00pm. Keep an eye out for further detail when available.

“Peas & Potatoes Fund” for Sunday Night Shelter Our Sunday evening winter night shelter is now well underway. The service is run and managed by the Glass Door charity who work with 21 churches across west London to provide shelter for over 100 guests every evening throughout the winter. Every week a group of our volunteers prepares and serves a 3-course meal for c.35 homeless guests, who then sleep in the church’s Upper Hall. Donations towards the cost of providing dinner would be very much welcomed and should be sent to the church office.

Advent Appeal 2025 (for Glass Door) www.glassdoor.org.uk
We are collecting the following items throughout Advent: pocket-size puzzle books, pens, reusable water bottles and coffee cups, boxer shorts, ladies’ pants (all sizes), sanitary products, thermal hats, socks, tights, and gloves. Christmas gifts for homeless guests staying overnight at church on Sunday 21 December will be wrapped by the Mission Committee. Remaining items will help restock supplies for Glass Door. Please leave donations in the Upper Vestibule by the Advent Appeal Display Board from 30 November and each Sunday until Christmas Day.

ScotsCare – Financial Donations (Advent Appeal)
www.scotscare.com As an alternative, you may wish to consider making a financial donation to ScotsCare for their ongoing work. For online payments and text donations, please click on this link (or access via the charity’s website).
https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/23231#!/DonationDetails Cheques payable to: ScotsCare. Post to ScotsCare, 183-185 Bermondsey Street, London, SE1 3UW

UPCOMING: The Friends of St Columba’s Excursion, Saturday 6^th December, 11am. Apsley House, The Wellington Collection,149 Piccadilly, Hyde Park Corner, London W1J7NT. We look forward to exploring Apsley House, the London residence of Arthur Wellesley, 1^st Duke of Wellington. The Waterloo Gallery is a theatrical highlight, built to host Wellington’s annual banquets, with a gilt ceiling and mirrored walls that reflect both opulence and history. After our visit, we will leave behind the hustle and bustle of Hyde Park Corner for a quiet Lebanese meal in Shepherds Market which offers a village-like atmosphere amidst busy Mayfair.

UPCOMING: Burns Supper, Saturday 24^th January 2026, 7.00 p.m. We’re hosting the Burns Supper on Saturday 24th January 2026. Tickets are priced at £25 and are available to purchase on the day, or by paying over the phone by calling the Church Office. Additionally, Colin Mackinnon is looking for a few volunteers: a couple of people to help set up tables in the afternoon and a few more in the evening to assist with serving and washing up. Please speak to Colin if you’re available to help.

Scots in London November newsletter.
For a variety of events and activities of interest see https://mailchi.mp/scotsinlondon.org/scots-in-london-november-newsletter2025. 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.

UPCOMING: Firefly International – Echoes of Peace Concert at St. Columba’s Church, Saturday 13^th December, Doors Open 5.45pm. Concert 6.15pm to 8.15pm. Firefly International was supported by our Lent Appeal in 2024. Join us for a special concert marking 30 years since Firefly was founded and peace was declared in Bosnia. While the war there has ended, peace remains a fragile and unfinished promise. This powerful evening of live music, spoken word, and film invites us to reflect on the legacy of conflict – and the urgent need to protect and nurture peace in today’s fractured world. The concert features violinist Bassel Hariri, blending the beauty of Arabic traditions with global sounds; filmmaker Aleksandra Bilić and her mother Maja, sharing their deeply moving film and music about their journey as refugees from Bosnia; and the One World Orchestra, fusing diverse musical traditions from around the globe into a euphoric and uplifting celebration of multi-cultural Britain. Tickets: Book here – https://echoes-of-peace.raiselysite.com/

UPCOMING: St Columba’s Book Club, 12^th January 2026
The Book Club met to discuss our next choice “Hello Beautiful” by Ann Neapolitano. Unusually, it received a unanimous thumbs up even from those who couldn’t join the discussion due to technical problems. We shall meet next on 12th January 2026 to discuss Lea Ypi’s book “Free – Coming of Age at the End of History”. Our second book for 2026 is “Wandering Souls” by Cecile Pin. New or returning members are always welcome. Please contact the office for details.

God & Creation
St Peter & St Paul, Hambledon, Hampshire, PO7 4RS will host a discussion on God and Creation on Saturday, January 17th at 4pm. The Very Reverend David Fergusson, Regius Professor of Divinity at the University of Cambridge will give a talk, which will be followed by a Q&A session. Professor Fergusson has had a long academic career, as well as serving as a parish minister early in his career. He was recently described as “the most distinguished theologian in Britain” and his talk is sure to be thought-provoking. In 2019 the Queen appointed him as Dean of the Chapel Royal in Scotland and Dean of the Order of the Thistle; both of which he still holds. Free event; donations to the church’s 150th Anniversary fund. Please note: Hambledon just south of Petersfield, and not the village in Surrey!

Advent & Christmas Services

Sunday 30th November     11.00am St Andrew’s Book Festival Service (1^st Advent)

Sunday 7th December       11.00am Morning Service (2^nd Advent)
5.00pm Music and Readings for Advent Sunday

Sunday 14th December     11.00am Morning Service & Sunday School Nativity Sunday (3^rd Advent)

Sunday 21st December     11.00am Morning Service (4^th Advent)
5.00pm Pont Street Carols by Candlelight, supporting ScotsCare

Wednesday 24th December 11.15pm     Christmas Eve Watchnight Communion Service
Thursday 25th December 10.30am        Christmas Day Family Service & Short Communion

Sunday 28th December 11.00am Morning Service

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

Give us a follow then pass it on to your friends and family!