E-Newsletter- 10th September 2020
Friends,
In recent years, the second Sunday of September has been designated Rededication Sunday/Back to Church Sunday, often coinciding with the start of Stewardship Month. This year we cannot herald things quite so clearly but we do greatly look forward to welcoming worshippers back to the 11am Morning Worship service – the first time that has been possible/appropriate since March. Following Government Guidelines for Places of Worship we can have a maximum of 48 people present in the sanctuary. That will be lovely. But we will be very conscious that many others continue to be present via the live-stream and Dial-In service. So, Sunday will be new “mixed” territory, seen and unseen – but however we “attend,” we hope it will be a time of peace, prayer, music, hope and inspiration, along with some familiar faces! Unfortunately we are not yet able to offer Sunday School but we aim to consult with our families in the coming days to understand what might be best for our young people.
I can also report that a good deal of life has returned to our building during the week, with school children, Support Groups and fitness classes all contributing a buzz of human activity. Our thanks go to Lucy Llewellyn and the caretaking team, our cleaners and the Out of Lock Down Working Group for the thought and work that goes into making these cautious re-openings possible. Very happily, we know too that St Andrew’s, Newcastle opened its doors for worship last Sunday.
Traditionally the second Sunday of the month hosts the Congregational Prayer Time in the London Scottish Chapel. While this is not restarting just yet there are prayer resources prepared by former elder, Robin Forrest (see below.) The church sanctuary will also be open for prayer/quiet reflection on Sunday afternoon (1-3pm) and Tuesday & Friday between 10.00am and 12 noon.
Go gently and see you on Sunday,
Angus
Worship at St Columba’s, Sunday 13th September 2020
For all the details about the upcoming 11am services at St Columba’s- health and safety precautions, mask wearing etc. please visit https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/worship-during-covid.
Live Streaming of Worship – Sunday 13th September 2020, 11am
The live stream service continues this Sunday at 11am. Music begins from 10.50am. The service can be watched via the church website, https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/live-stream at 11am.
To access the live stream from the homepage (front page) click the Menu button in the top right-hand side of the page and scroll down and click on “Live Stream”. This will bring up the live stream to the church. The act of worship of approximately 60 minutes, includes include prayers, a sermon and music. (Note: This will not be public worship that everyone can attend, but an offering of prayer and praise, on behalf of us all.) The words for the hymns will be on the website.
We believe it is really important to continue to live-stream the Morning Service under its current format i.e. for the benefit of those joining worship from afar or those as yet unable to make the journey to Pont Street. For those without internet, the Dial-In facility continues. Many people comment that they do have a sense of worshipping together, even if invisible to each other. While current regulation forbids singing in the pews, the live stream strongly recommends singing in the sitting room!
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 now phone in to join the Sunday service. No visuals clearly, but at least they can hear the service. Those interested should follow:
Step 1: At 10.40am call phone number 0203 051 2874.
Step 2: You will be prompted to enter a meeting ID. Please type (using your telephone keypad) 266 883 5072#
Step 3: You will then be asked for a participant number - simply press the #.
Step 4: Enjoy the service! You will hear Ben's organ music from 10.50am.
Sunday: Sunday 13th September, Private Prayer, 1.00-3.00pm
This Sunday the church will be open for a time of quiet and private prayer. The sanctuary will be open to anyone who wishes to come in and pray. Social distancing will be required at all times. Those entering the building will be asked for their contact details to assist with Track & Tracing if/when necessary. No other part of the building, other than the sanctuary, will be open, apart from the toilets. The lift will be in operation. Caretaker and minister will be on hand.
Congestion Charge
If you are travelling by car, please be aware the London Congestion Charge is now in operation throughout Sundays.
Church Office
Office Hours 9am to 4pm.
Contact details;
Tel: 020 7584 2321
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.stcolumbas.org.uk
Facebook: @stcolumbaschurchpontstreet
Twitter: @LondonKirk
Pastoral Emergency Number (out of office hours): 07591926271
Maintaining Community and Supporting Each Other
Everybody can play a part in maintaining contact with others via telephone, e-mail or letter, especially those who are particularly vulnerable. Our Elders are encouraged to make contact with those in their districts, and church members are welcome to contact the church office to request a contact from their elder or the Minister.
“We Are Church”
Looking for something to keep you smiling during lockdown? We are creating a weekly montage of photos to share on our church social media to show that whilst the doors are closed, We Are Church. We would like photos of you relaxing in your garden, or taking exercise, home schooling, the sights around you or photos from before lockdown. We can all then enjoy spotting friends ‘across the pews”. Please send to Susan by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or sharing by text or WhatsApp 07971609034
Congregational Offerings
Details on the many ways you can support St Columba’s can be found here https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/giving/supporting-st-columbas
St Columba’s Member & forthcoming funerals
We are sad to announce the death of St Columba’s member, Jill Agnew. We keep Blair and the rest of the family in our prayers at this difficult time. We also pray for the families and loved ones of Robert Auld, Jennifer Miln and Claire Brutus whose funerals will take place in the coming week.
Families’ Newsletter
Following summer break we hope to reinstitute the Families’ Newsletter next week. In the meantime, good luck to all children, parents and teachers returning, or just returned to school.
St Columba’s Book Club
The third online St Columba’s book club went very successfully, so much so that the next virtual meeting will be Monday the 14th September at 7pm. The next book will be “The Mill on the Floss” by George Eliot. If you would like to join the book discussion please contact the office.
St Columba's Tennis Club
St Columba’s Tennis Club is now open again for play. Courts have to be booked at present as hanging around the clubhouse is not yet allowed. For people who haven’t been playing for a while it might be wise to get a bit of help beforehand. David the coach is available at reasonable rates. Telephone 07548 659883. Coaching for children is available. http://www.stcolumbastennis.co.uk/