For Sunday 10th December 2023, Second Sunday of Advent
Friends,
In recent days, Revd David Donald Scott (visiting preacher and film shower, Sunday 19th November) posted the following piece https://daviddonaldscott.blogspot.co
“I am not sure whether our most recent ‘Statistics for Mission’ have been published but I read a report by Ed Thornton about the figures for the Church of England. There were three areas highlighted – attendance at worship, social action and age profile.
In summary, attendances at worship were higher in 2022 than in 2021 but have still not reached the pre-Pandemic levels of 2019. For example, average weekly attendance at worship was 7% higher than 2021 levels, but 23% lower than in 2019.
77% of the churches which responded to the questionnaire were involved in some sort of outreach programme. The most common form of service was participation in a foodbank. Interestingly, community cafes had increased in number.
Sadly, the age profile of congregations continues to rise. The church-going population is older than the general population. ‘In a typical congregation,’ writes Thornton, ’35.6% of the people will be aged 70 or over, compared with 13.5% in the street.’ The good news is that the number of people participating in worship is on the increase. Whilst we may not recover pre-Pandemic figures, we are heading in the right direction. The witness of so many congregations involved in social action is impressive. This will surely be much higher than in the nation at large.
As the membership of the Church increases, there needs to be more emphasis on trying to mentor younger people and encouraging them to take on leadership roles within the Church. Older people should not hold on to jobs just because it appears that no-one is around to take over. We must have faith that the Holy Spirit will work its cure!”
David, who has a long history of encouraging young people in the parishes he has served, would still appreciate the words that formed part of the tribute given for church member, and “100-year-old youngster”, Ian Aitchison. “He is one of the longest standing members of this community, for whom duty and faith are intrinsic and understood, not a ‘lifestyle’ choice. He is living proof of how Church provides meaning and sense to life.”
I do hope you can join us for worship on Sunday, in person or online – especially as our young people and their volunteer leaders will share the Nativity story with us that day.
Angus
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 and readings will be on the website.
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 are not live streamed as they are held 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 for Morning Worship, 2nd Sunday of Advent 11am
Hymn 273 O come, O come, Emmanuel (Veni Emmanuel)
Hymn 334 On Jordan's bank the Baptist's cry (Winchester New)
Hymn 283 The voice of God goes out (Woodlands)
Hymn 320 Joy to the world, the Lord is come! (Antioch)
Anthem: Angelus ad virginem, Carter
Musical Interlude: Rejoice in the Lord, Anon
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 40:1-11
New Testament Reading: 2 Peter 3:8-15
Gospel Reading: Mark 1: 1-8
Revd William McLaren leads worship at our linked charge, St Andrew’s, Newcastle this Sunday.
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.
St Columba’s member
We are sorry to announce the death, on 28th November 2023, of St Columba’s member, James, Lord Selkirk of Douglas. Rest eternal grant unto him and let light perpetual shine upon him.
THIS SUNDAY: Quiet Prayer for Advent
For the four Sundays of Advent (3rd, 10th, 17th & 24th December) there is the opportunity to join with others for a time of quiet collective prayer. Led by the minister, the time (10.15 -10.30am) offers an intentional moment to contemplate scripture and poetry, appropriate to the Advent season. All are very welcome in the Kirk Session Room.
THIS SUNDAY: Sunday School Nativity
Morning service this Sunday concludes with “It’s a Party” – a telling of the Nativity story in word and song by our young people. Get ready! Later in the day there is a much anticipated families’ expedition to the pantomime – Cinderalla at Wimbledon Theatre. Plenty of festive spirt to anticipate.
THIS WEEK: Advent Appeal 2023 (for Glass Door) Sox and Boxers + www.glassdoor.org.uk
This year we have added some extra items for donations: small pocket size puzzle books (sudoku, crossword etc), pens, reusable water bottles, reusable coffee cups, in addition to our usual request for: boxer shorts, ladies' pants (all sizes), ladies' sanitary products, thermal hats, thermal socks (for both men and women), thermal tights, thermal gloves (or very thick ones). Christmas gifts will then be wrapped by Mission Committee for the homeless guests staying overnight at church on Christmas Eve. The remainder of items will help restock supplies with Glass Door for their homeless clients. Collection point for donations will be the Upper Vestibule by the Advent Display Board. Starts from the first Sunday of Advent, 3rd December and each Sunday up until Christmas Day. Thank you in advance for your continuing support. Mission Committee.
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. Details for online payments and text donations, please click on this link (or access via the charity's website). https://scotscare.com/how-to-donate/ Cheques payable to: ScotsCare. Post to ScotsCare, Ground Floor, 22 City Road, London, EC1Y 2AJ.
Advent Study, “Bethlehem’s Road”
We will read "Bethlehem's Road" by Ray Simpson, a series of 40 meditations, described as “A journey through Advent" and continuing to Epiphany. We meet on Zoom on Wednesday 6th, 13th and 20th December at 7.15pm, with a final Epiphany meeting on 3rd or 10th January (to be agreed!).We will look at “roadblocks, signposts and glimpses of glory on the journey.” Ray Simpson is founding guardian of the international Community of St. Hilda and St. Aidan, and may be found at www.raysimpson.org
If you are hoping to join us, please notify the office and you will be sent the Zoom link. (Revd William McLaren.)
THIS SUNDAY: Parking Restrictions in December
During all Sundays in December there is NO PARKING in residents’ parking bays. On Sundays parking is permitted on single yellow lines and in Pay & Display bays (free).
NEXT SUNDAY: Carols by Candlelight
Our annual congregational carol service, this year in support of ScotsCare. 5pm, Sunday 17th December. With the choir in full voice, come and enjoy the telling of the Bethlehem birth in word and music. Followed by a ScotsCare Reception in the Lower Hall. Why not bring friends along to enjoy a special evening.
There is also the invitation to join others for Carol Singing in Trafalgar Square at 2pm on Sunday 17th December in aid of Christian Aid
Church Magazine, December Issue.
Pick up a copy of the new Church Magazine from the bookstall. Then pick up another to give to a friend! Thanks once again to our Editor and her team of contributors.
ST COLUMBA’S QUIZ NIGHT:
Come and test your general knowledge at the St Columba’s 17th Annual Quiz. Saturday, 10th February 6.30 pm for 7 pm start. Tickets £6 per person will be on sale in mid-January; but meanwhile please send intimation of interest or queries to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . You could join The Choir, Tennis Club, The Magnificent Seven, Reeling Together and The Lanark Collective, who are all immortalised on the Quiz shields in the Lower Hall.
Advent and Christmas at St Columba’s
Sunday 17th December
11am Morning Service
2pm Carols Singing in Trafalgar Square for Christian Aid
5pm Carols by Candlelight, Service of Lessons & Carols
Sunday 24th December
11am Morning Service
2pm Family Christingle Service at Crown Court*
11.15pm Watchnight Service with Communion
Christmas Day 25th December
10.30am Morning Service for Christmas Day & Short Holy Communion (London Scottish Chapel)
Sunday 31st December
11.00am Morning Service
Sunday 7th January
11.00am Morning Service
5.00pm Evening Service for Epiphany (London Scottish Chapel)
*For those interested, all are welcome to attend the Crown Court Christmas Eve Family Christingle Service (Russell St, London WC2B 5EZ) at 2pm on the 24th December 2023.
All services over Christmas at St Columba’s are live-streamed, except Watchnight Service (11.15pm, Christmas Eve) and Evening Service for Epiphany (5pm, 7th January 2024.) www.stcolumbas.org.uk/live-stream
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: @stcolumbas churchpontstreet.
Twitter: @LondonKirk
Pastoral Emergency Number (out of office hours): 07591926271