For Sunday 24th October 2021, 22nd Sunday after Pentecost
Friends,
As I write this, Glasgow and the rest of the United Kingdom are preparing for the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change and I suspect we can all see why it is usually abbreviated to COP26!
However, the rather wordy title of this conference serves to underline how serious the subject matter is and I suspect it may prove to be the most significant international gathering in the history of the United Nations Organisation. At the same Prince William has launched the “Earthshot Prize” to encourage scientists. entrepreneurs, voluntary organisations, and others who are trying to find practical solutions to the various environmental problems currently facing our planet.
The Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy is a project which will see governments throughout the Commonwealth plant trees and restore native woodlands to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and bring lasting benefit to future generations, especially as so many Commonwealth countries are small island nations, already suffering from climate change and rising water levels.
As Christians the care of God’s creation is something we all take very seriously, and we all want to play our part. True, there are times when we wonder if we can make any difference given the scale of the problems facing us but if we are fortunate enough to have a garden we may be able to plant a tree and we can all recycle. I was delighted to discover that a shop near me sells milk in glass bottles (a return to my childhood!) and that if I return the bottle I get 10 pence off my next pint of milk. Using less plastic, recycling newspapers and the huge amount of junk mail we all receive, donating old clothes to charity shops, all makes a difference. At the same time we can all write to our MP’s and other political leaders expressing our concerns and encouraging them to support legislation which will benefit the environment. If we can each do our own little bit perhaps we will pass on to future generations a cleaner, healthier planet, better for all to live in.
William McLaren.
Live Streaming of Worship
Services can be watched via the church website, https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/live-stream
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. 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.
Reminder: If you do not wish to appear on the live-stream please choose a seat in the rear half of the sanctuary.
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 the organ
music from 10.50am.
Hymns, Music & Readings, 24th October 2021
Hymn 286 Tell out, my soul, the greatness of the Lord (Woodlands) Hymn 555 Amazing Grace! (Amazing Grace)
Hymn 717 O Christ, the healer, we have come (Angelus)
Old Testament Reading: Psalm 126
New Testament Reading: Hebrews 7:23-28
Anthem: Cantique de Jean Racine by Fauré
Anthem: Abendlied by Rheinberger
Postlude: “Allegro con brio” (Sonata IV) by Mendelssohn
Short Service of Weekly Holy Communion
Following Morning Service there is a short service of Holy Communion, combined with prayers for those in need, at 12.15pm in the London Scottish Chapel. Worshippers can receive bread and wine; wine is distributed via small individual “thimble” glasses. The names gathered from the prayer cards, at the back of the sanctuary, are prayed for during the communion service. This is a very welcome return for a small but precious part of St Columba’s life.
October/November Church Magazine
The current Church Magazine is available both in hard copy and via the website https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/news/. (Scroll down Latest News box to find.)
Office Hours
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
Sunday School & New Youth Group
Future dates: Sunday 14th November (Remembrance Sunday) 10.45am Sunday 12th December (3.30pm, Christingle making, pizza family tea & Carols by Candlelight at 5pm)
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.
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
Would anyone wishing to contribute to St Andrew's, Newcastle please contact the Session Clerk on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for bank details or other means of donating.
Lent Appeal 2022 (small away/overseas charity)
Over the last five years, thanks to your generosity, we have raised a total of £43,299 for small charities as a direct result of our Lent Appeals; this is a major part of our work on Mission. The Mission Committee would be grateful for any suggestions you may have for a small away/overseas charity that could be considered for the St. Columba's Lent Appeal 2022. For more information, please contact Naomi Donaldson, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (or via the Church Office) by Friday 5th November.
St Columba’s Coffee Mornings – Future Dates
November’s meeting is actually “afternoon tea” on the 17th November (2pm) with Revd Camille Cook, Senior Pastor at Georgetown Presbyterian Church in Washington will discuss Thanksgiving and its role within the Church. Camille will be well known to many at St Columba’s so a nice chance to see her again also!
Looking ahead please put the 15th December (10.30am) in your diary. Revd Dr John McCulloch, Minister St Andrews, Jerusalem & Tiberias will discuss Christmas in the Holy Land.
Divine Dine (for Younger adults 18-40’s)
Come join us in the upper hall on 4th November at 18:30 where we'll have some dinner and have an informal discussion on the Sermon on the Mount. If you would like to come please let Fraser Stockton know on 07896881965 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Happy Hour
At a previous Happy Hour session, we shared contributions of poems that meant something to us. This led to recollections of much-loved lines from hymns and from there, to the contribution of so many women hymn writers.
Please come and join us for a further discussion on the theme of hymn writers, led by Robin Forrest on Wednesday 3 November in the Library at 6.30 pm. Light refreshments available.
St Columba’s Book Club
The next online meeting of the St Columba’s Book Club is the 29th November at 7pm. The book this month will be 419 by Will Ferguson. The joy of the St Columba’s book club is that is all on Zoom so you can join from anywhere in the world in the comfort of your own home.
Stamps
If you would like to leave stamps for Crossreach, please pop them into the Church Office on Sundays.
Glassdoor Volunteers
St Columba’s operates a Night Shelter on behalf of a Homeless charity called Glass Door and in co-operation with six other churches in the locality to offer supper and a place to stay to the homeless and street-sleepers. Our evening is Sunday and we would welcome Volunteers, who are needed for approximately two and a half to three hours on Sunday evenings between 6.30pm and 9.30.pm to help prepare and serve supper for 25-30 Guests and then clear-up. No expertise necessary – just people over 18 who have been double-jabbed and have a smiling face and kind words. If you are interested, please make contact via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Local Church Review: St Columba’s, Pont Street
A panel of three members of the Presbytery of England will be visiting St Columba’s over the weekend of 6th/7th November 2021 to conduct a Local Church Review. More information will be given nearer the time but please be aware of the likely timings:
Saturday 6th Nov 21: 09.30am – 10.45am LCR Panel meet with Ministers via Zoom 11.00am – 12.30pm
LCR Panel meet with Kirk Session of St Columba’s, Pont Street via Zoom.
Sunday 7th Nov 21:11.00am Rev Cameron Langlands (Convenor of the LCR Panel) preaches at morning service.
Congregational Lunch
Sunday 7th Nov 21: 1.15 – 2.15pm LCR Panel meet with Congregation in-person.
Advent Study
This year we are offering an advent study on the book “The Whole Christmas Story: An advent adventure through Genesis, Revelation, and points in between” by Jo Swinney. You can order the book through the Bible Reading Fellowship here https://www.brfonline.org.uk/collections/new-titles/products/thewholechristmasstory.William will lead the group on Wednesday evenings from 7pm (via Zoom) from the 24th November to the 15th December. Angus will lead the Thursday morning group from 10.30am on the 25th November to the 16th December. If you would like to take part please email the office to book a place (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.).
Sounds of St Columba’s
The ‘Sounds of St Columba’s’ concert series will restart on January 16 2022 at 1:15pm. Recitals will continue throughout the year on the third Sunday of the month (excluding April, August & December).
Full details of the performers and repertoire will follow a little later this year. These recitals are free to attend, with a retiring offering. For more information contact Ben Lewis-Smith This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.