For Sunday 24th April 2022, 2nd Sunday of Easter

Written by Angus on 21 April 2022.

Friends,

In 1550 John Knox was the first Scottish minister of note to take up a post as a preacher in St Nicholas Church, now Newcastle Anglican Cathedral. Regular “Scottish” ministry began about 1722 in the Sandgate Mission on the Quayside, roughly where the Malmaison Hotel is now. The Kirk was needed to minister to the many Scots who came to work as keelmen, working on the “keels”, (large boats), that carried the coal from the banks of the Tyne to the waiting collier ships.

Attendance grew and several other places of worship opened across the city. However following disputes and secessions, congregations split and reunited over many decades before settling for a short time in the Lovaine Hall, where the Civic Centre is now. After a lengthy search suitable land was purchased and the building of the current St Andrew’s was begun in October 1904. Commemoration stones were laid on 8 February 1905 and the building was opened for worship in June of the same year. Several ministers faithfully served the congregation until 1970 when it fell vacant. In 1983 the Very Rev Dr J Fraser McCluskey and the Rev James Green developed the linkage between St Columba’s, London and Newcastle, St Andrew’s which remains to this day.

That potted history was cause for gladness this Easter Sunday, as the congregation of St Andrew’s celebrated 300 years of the Kirk in Newcastle and launched six months of activities to mark the anniversary. The day was honoured by the presence of the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Lord Wallace of Tankerness, who preached the Easter sermon and the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne & Wear, Mrs Susan Winfield, representing Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II. There was a very convivial lunch afterwards, making for a memorable and happy day. During the service a Prayer of Anniversary Thanksgiving was offered:

“There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.” Psalm 46:4

As River Tyne courses from source to sea
and famous bridges span its flow,
Creation and construction make tapestry
of passing time,
and from our vantage point we scan its sweep,
upstream/downstream,
all that has been,
all that is to come.

So, this Easter morning, holy, happy day,
heralded by empty tomb and risen Christ,
we pause to celebrate and give thanks:
for 300 years (perhaps more)
of Kirk presence and people in this city -
Sandgate Quayside to Sandyford roadside.
300 years - witness of worship,
preaching of the Word,
prayers of the faithful:
300 years - of care and service, within and beyond, congregation:

We give thanks for all who have played their part:
for the energies and enthusiasms of Session Clerks,
elders and ministers;
the nurturers of youth and visitors of the housebound;
for coffee pourers and fabric conveners,
treasurers and gardeners,
fund raisers and fun makers:
For shared music and meals,
celebrations marked, griefs accompanied,
rituals and faith,
sustaining and enriching life’s key moments,
in wartime and in peace,
in lifetime and in death.

For all that Kirk in Newcastle means
to those whose lives it touches -
the constant, amid the change;
the home away from home,
Lord, we give you thanks.

As at St Columba’s, those who were able to attend worship at St Andrew’s in person on Easter morning, were offered a copy of Rev Andrew Anderson’s excellent new volume, 50 Days of Prayer: Easter to Pentecost 2022. Copies will be available again on Sunday at St Columba’s. Alternatively, you can request a copy via the Church Office.

And for those coming to church on Sunday you may want to join in the trip organized by the Friends of St Columba’s to the Chelsea Physic Garden www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk Remember the trip is open to anyone who would enjoy a place of interest and good companions. (See below details of all Friends of St Columba’s events in 2022.) On Sunday the group will meet after morning service in front of the church, walk to the Garden, to arrive in time for lunch at 12:30p.m. Tour of the gardens follows.

Wishing you a continuing Happy Eastertide,

Angus

Worshipping at St Columba’s & COVID Precautions.

While Government guidance has changed and we are still assessing the best and appropriate way forward. This Sunday we continue to recommend mask wearing within the building (unless exempt) and social distancing.

We suggest dressing warmly as we try to keep the sanctuary well ventilated and hand sanitiser will continue to be available throughout the building.  In all our arrangements we recognise that  people are at various stages on the pandemic journey – our aim is to keep everyone confident and safe.

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.

Please note that the Evening Services on the 1st of the month will not be live streamed as they will take place in the London Scottish Chapel.

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, 2nd Sunday of Easter Sunday - 24th April 2022

Hymn 425 The Saviour died, but rose again (St Andrew, Tansur) Hymn 106 Bring to the Lord a glad new song (Jerusalem)
Hymn 596 Breathe on me, Breath of God (Veni Spiritus)
Hymn 404 I danced in the morning when the world was begun (Lord of the Dance)

New Testament Reading: Acts 5:27-32
New Testament Reading: Revelation 1:4-8
Gospel Reading: John 20:19-31

Anthem: This Joyful Eastertide, Wood
Musical Interlude: Dum transisset Sabbatum, Taverner
Organ Postlude: Choral Song in C Major , Wesley

50 Days of Prayer: Easter to Pentecost

Those able to attend services in person will be offered a copy of the newly published 50 Days of Prayer: Easter to Pentecost 2022. It is a beautifully produced volume created by St Columba’s member, Revd Andrew Anderson. For each day between Easter and Pentecost, Andrew provides a verse of scripture, a short meditation, and a prayer. Originally inspired by his idea of prayers for busy people, it is a wonderful contribution towards the life of the congregations in London and Newcastle. For those currently unable to attend services in person, please request a copy via the church office.

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.

Rising Living Costs: Help at Hand

We are aware that with the cost of living and fuel costs rising that some of our community may be struggling financially. If you, or someone you know, are in need of help, please do get in touch with the Church Office or the Ministers. All conversations will be held in the strictest of confidence.

Congregational Sunday Lunches, Future Dates

Future lunch dates are the 1st May & 15th May in the Lower Hall. Coffee will continue to be served every Sunday as usual in the Upper Hall. These Hospitality Services are much valued in supporting Fellowship.

Evening Services Future Days

Evening services are held on the first Sunday of the month, at 5pm. Future evening services dates are 3rd April, 1st May & 5th June. They are held in the London Scottish Regimental Chapel. [Please note they are not live-streamed.]

Office Hours

The church office is open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
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

Happy Hour

Our next Happy Hour session will take place on Wednesday 4 May 2022 at The Carpenters Arms 12 Seymour Place W1H 7NE 6.30 - 8.30 pm. All welcome, just turn up on the evening.

St Columba’s Coffee Mornings

The St Columba’s Coffee Mornings will return in March! We are looking forward to seeing many faces on the Zoom Screen!

• 11th May 2022- TBC
• 14th September 2022- Revd Scott Rennie the new Minister at Crown Court will be joining us. An opportunity to meet him and hear about his time in the ministry.
• 13th October 2022- In prisons week, Jake Tily, Creative Programmes Director at the Irene Taylor Trust will talk to us about The Lullaby Project where they have collaborated with the Royal Philharmonic orchestra to write lullaby’s for prisoners children.

St Columba’s Book Club 

The May book of the St Columba’s Book Club will be “O Caledonia” by  Elspeth Barker. It is a coming of age novel set in a draughty crumbling  castle in the wilds of Northern Scotland and has great reviews. We shall  be meeting on Monday 30th May at a new time of 6.30 pm and welcome  new members. The joy of St Columba’s Book Club is it takes place on Zoom so  you can do it from the comfort of your own front room.

Friends of St Columba’s 2022 Programme

Please do join us for our 5 events planned for the summer and autumn:

1. Sunday April 24 : The Chelsea Physic Garden
   (www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk)
   
   
2. Saturday May 14: “Explore the City of London: 2,000 years of ceaseless growth and change”.
   A historical walking tour of “The Square Mile”, led by a qualified London Blue Badge Guide. The maximum number is 10, and the cost £10.
   
   
3. Friday June 3 at 11 a.m. Visit to Fenton House, Windmill Hill NW3 6RT,
   (www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fenton-house-and-garden). Free for NT members, otherwise £10 for adults and £5 for children). Beautiful C17 house with magnificent orchard and garden.
   
   
4. Sunday June 12 St Columba’s Service, followed by AGM and Celebration Tea.
   Please do forward to the Secretary any special items which you would like to see included (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). A chance to mix, mingle, catch up with old friends and make new ones.
   
   
5. Friday 23-Sunday 25 September: visit to Dumfries and its surroundings led by Hugh Pym.
   The itinerary includes the original home of the TSB, founded by a Church of Scotland minister), a visit to Ruthwell Church with its 8th century cross, Robert Burns heritage sites and possibly the early Christian settlement at Whithorn. Booking: contact Hugh asap via the Church Office regarding dates and accommodation. Two options: The Powfoot Inn (£115 double bed and breakfast; £95 single) or The Queensberry Arms Hotel, Annan (starts at £48/night).

Preference is given to Members of the Friends – but it’s very easy to join! Only £10 annual and £50 Life Membership. Payment by BACS: Sort Code 16-00-42; Account No: 00269670; RBS (Please use your name and subscription as description of the payment), or by cheque made payable to Friends of St Columba’s to the Honorary Treasurer, Alan Lennox c/o The Church Office.