For Sunday 12th November 2023, 24th Sunday after Pentecost
Friends,
Sometimes when you haven’t heard of someone before, then a name is mentioned twice in close succession from independent sources, you get the sense that you should pay attention. Recently, the name of Howard Zinn, an American historian, playwright and philosopher cropped up days apart, via a book and a blog. In a week when a visitor to St Columba’s observed: “The world seems to be on fire at the moment.” In a week preparing for Remembrance Sunday, with its summons to look back and look forward – to remember, then to determine to live well – in a week such as this, I hope Zinn’s words might be an encouragement.
“To be hopeful in bad times is not just foolishly romantic. It is based on the fact that human history is a history not only of cruelty, but also of compassion, sacrifice, courage, kindness. What we choose to emphasise in this complex history will determine our lives. If we see only the worst, it destroys our capacity to do something. If we remember those times and places – and there are so many – where people have behaved magnificently, this gives us the energy to act, and at least the possibility of sending this spinning top of a world in a different direction. And if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvellous victory. (A Power Governments Cannot Suppress, Howard Zinn*)
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 Sunday 12th November 2023. 10.45am
Hymn 37 God is our refuge, God our strength (Stroudwater)
Hymn 162 The God of Abraham Praise (Leoni)
Hymn 535 Who would true valour see (Monk’s Gate)
Hymn 159 Lord, for the Years (Lord of the Years)
Anthem: Greater Love (Ireland)
Musical Interlude: Libera Me (Fauré)
New Testament Reading: Revelation 22: 1-5
Gospel Reading: John 15: 9-17
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.
THIS SUNDAY: Congregational Prayer Group at 10am, Kirk Session Room
Come and join us for 15 minutes to pray for our church, our community, our nation and our world …everyone is welcome and our prayers, both spoken and silent do make a difference. Pray peace over all who come in and out of St Columba’s and an understanding that God’s desire is “to prosper and not to harm; to provide a hope and future.” Jeremiah 29:11. See you there! (Congregational Prayer Group).
THIS SUNDAY: Remembrance Sunday, Sunday 12th November 2023, 10.45am & 3pm
lease remember Morning Service on Sunday 12th November starts early, at 10.45am, as part of our Act of Remembrance. There is a further opportunity at 3pm when we welcome cadets, serving personnel, veterans and families for the London Scottish Regimental Remembrance Service. The afternoon service is open to all and those who arrive early can see the magnificent sight of the Pipers & Drums leading the march down Pont Street towards St Columba’s.
THIS SUNDAY: Sunday School & Future Dates
We welcome your children from 10.45am this Sunday. Next Sunday School will be on Sunday 19th November at 11am. As always, a big thank you to our volunteers who enable these activities.
THIS SUNDAY: Glass Door Night Shelter season starts, Sunday 12th November
Please keep the start of the Night Shelter season in your prayers, remembering our guests, GlassDoor staff and our own volunteers. The charity writes: “This year we are proud that we will shelter more guests than last year. Thanks to the dedication of venues like yours, we will be able to offer 105 spaces each night – a significant increase from the 75 we provided last year. This expansion means that over the course of the next 19 weeks, we will be able to offer just under 14,000 safe sleeping spaces, alongside nourishing meals and expert casework support.
According to government data released this week, the number of people sleeping rough in London has surged to a record high. A total of 4,068 people were spotted sleeping rough in London between July and September 2023. This represents a 12% increase on the same period last year. We know that our shelters will be full with people in need of shelter. The harsh reality of this increase underscores the importance of every shelter space we can provide. It is a stark reminder of the challenges we face, but also of the impact we can make when we come together.
This year, Glass Door will, for the first time, run a dedicated women’s shelter. This initiative is a crucial step in addressing the specific needs of women experiencing homelessness, providing them with not only shelter but also a sense of security and community.
On behalf of the entire team at GlassDoor, I extend our heartfelt thanks to you. Your generosity creates a sanctuary for our guests, offering not just physical warmth but also the warmth of human kindness. As we face the challenges of this winter together, your role is invaluable, and for that, we are very grateful.” (Matthew Falk, Head of Operations & Service development, GlassDoor)
Festival of Silence at St Columba’s, Saturday 18th November 2023
https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/festivalofsilence
The Festival of Silence is the first event of its kind taking place at St Columba’s, inviting the public into our beautiful building for a day of quiet, contemplative and peaceful activities amidst the hustle and bustle of the capital city. Offering a mixture of artistic workshops, music-framed communal silence and prayer, the day offers something for those already familiar with the fascination of silence and those curious to explore new terrain.
From whichever tradition of prayer you come or none, there is an activity for everyone at the Festival of Silence. These include:
Sketching Into Silence: A guided drawing class with London’s oldest sketch club, the Langham Sketch Club and the Royal Drawing School’s Sharon Brindle. Turning Into Silence - Movement to Prayer: Revd. Pauline Steenbergen combines body, breath and mediation in a powerful, accessible yoga session. Speech Without Words: A masterclass in mime with theatre producer and practitioner Rowan Tolley. Profound Simplicity: Internationally renowned Scottish poet, Kenneth Steven, offers a prerecorded soundscape of poems, read and curated by him. Silence In The Sanctuary: With a selection of Scottish nature-influenced compositions, classical saxophonist Jonathan Radford frames periods of intermittent meditative silence.
CÂN Y COED Rainforest Symphony: Groundbreaking sound installation created by Rainforests of Wales and Environmental Sound Artist, Cheryl Beer. A house of prayer: Opportunity throughout the day to find quiet in the prayerful space of the London Scottish Regimental Chapel, with prayer resources provided by the World Council of Christian Meditation (WCCM).
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/festival-of-silence-at-st-columbas-knightsbridge-tickets-721916962067 The ticket structure for the event allows for an affordable entry ticket and additional purchases for individual activities. £10 Day Ticket: Includes entry to the building, access to live music performances, poetry listening sessions, Rainforest Symphony installation.
Additional cost £20 Sketching Pass: Includes entry to a two-hour sketching session £10 Movement and Mediation pass: Includes entry to an hour-long guided yoga session and equipment £10 Mime Masterclass pass: Includes entry to an hour-long mime masterclass session. Thanks to volunteer caterers, a “quiet” soup and sandwich lunch (£5 payable on the day) will be served between 12.30-1.30pm.
Volunteers for the Festival of Silence
Thank you to all who have volunteered to steward at the Festival of Silence. If possible, please attend a stewards’ briefing meeting at 12.30pm on Sunday 12th November following morning Service. This is to confirm roles and timings for the day of the Festival.
NEXT SUNDAY: Guest Preacher, Sunday 19th November 2023
On Sunday 19th November our guest preacher is Church of Scotland minister, Revd David Donald Scott. Attending the previous day’s Festival of Silence, David will preach on that theme. You can find out more about David via his daily reflections at https://daviddonaldscott.blogspot.com/
NEXT SUNDAY: Sounds of St Columba’s Recital, 1.30pm The Choir of St Columba’s: Baroque Masterpieces in Concert & Canvas
This “event” is a collaboration of music and film – marking the final recital of 2023 and the close of the highly anticipated Festival of Silence. Revd David Donald Scott will show the film, “Things that cannot be touched” made by David himself and his musician son. The film beautifully explores the paintings of Vermeer and the theme of silence. On either side of the film the Choir will explore the music of J.S. Bach. Do join us for what will be a unique St Columba’s moment.
There is opportunity to support the Recital series via a retiring collection. The programme will last approximately forty-five minutes. Future date for our wonderful recital series will be: 21st January 2024 - Catherine Olver, Organ Recital (Church)
FUTURE EVENTS: Evening with the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, Tuesday 21st November 2023.
This year’s Moderator of the General Assembly, the Rt Revd Sally Foster-Fulton chairs a discussion on Homelessness, at Crown Court Church of Scotland at 7pm, Tuesday 21st November 2023. This is our opportunity to meet and hear from the Moderator during her London week. Unfortunately, due to scheduling changes the Moderator will not be leading worship at St Columba’s on Sunday 26th November 2023, as previously advertised on the church website and Magazine.
Friends of St Columba’s at Charles Dickens’ Museum, 25th November 2023
The Friends of St Columba’s have put together a fantastic programme of events for 2023/2024. Next event will be the visit of Charles Dickens’ Museum. All details can be found via the website https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/friends-of-st-columbas and printed programmes are available on the bookstall.
Happy Hour, Wednesday 6th December, 6.30pm, Lower Hall
Our topic, drawing on various examples is 'whether causing public nuisance is justifiable for the greater public good.' This is the last planned session for the time being so it would be good to see as many faces, old and new, as possible. Refreshments provided, all welcome.
Burns Supper 2024
The Burns Supper will be held on Saturday 27th January 2024. Tickets are on sale from Sunday 12th November after the service or you can also contact the Church office.
Volunteers for Burns Supper
We are looking for volunteers to come forward to help in the kitchen and serving of food. If you are interested, please contact Church office.
Lent Appeal 2024 - Small overseas charity
Over the last five years, thanks to your generosity, we have raised a total of £43,904 for small registered 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 registered charity that could be considered for the St. Columba's Lent Appeal 2024. For Gift Aid to be applicable, a UK registered charity that provides help and assistance overseas. 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) before Friday 10th November.
ScotsCare – Supporters needed
The CEO Sleepout will be held at Lord’s Cricket Ground on Monday 20th November 2023, 7pm-6am. The purpose of the CEO Sleepout is to raise funds for those experiencing homelessness and poverty with the help of CEO’s and similar senior management level personnel from all industry sectors. They need supporters to join us for this year’s effort so I am contacting you to ask if you would participate in the CEO Sleepout either as part of our ScotsCare team or individually.For more information please contact Jacqueline on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or if you ready to sign up, please visit the website at ceosleepout.co.uk/London.
ReStart Sleep Out, Friday 1st December
This year’s ReStart Sleepout at St Columba’s is on Friday 1 December. The charity writes: “The Sleepout is in no way a replication of the harsh experience homeless people face night after night but we do hope it helps to raise some consideration and acknowledgement for what so many in London and across the country cope with and live through.” It also is a crucial fundraiser for RESTART LIVES, and usually helps us generate almost half of their overall income for the year. In 2023, ReStart are proud to continue and expand offering food; a warm friendly space for guests; essential casework, advice & support - and have branched into strong collaborations with the Jobcentre (DWP) and Mind (mental health charity) too! “We want to keep up the work we do and support people into safer, secure places to live.”
Christian Aid – Annual Lecture 2023 – Monday 20 November, 7pm at St. Martin-in-the-Fields
Christian Aid will be hosting Amina J. Mohammed, the Deputy Secretary General of the UN and Chair of the United Nations Sustainable Development Group, for the Christian Aid Annual Lecture at St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 4JJ. The lecture is titled, ‘Here I stand: Women’s Advancement and Role in Tackling Climate Change’. Tickets are free but for security purposes need to be booked here: Christian Aid Annual Lecture 2023 and www.christianaid.org.uk
St Columba’s Book Group
The Book Group met last Monday when they discussed Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Media. Views on the book differed but everyone agreed that it was a worthwhile read and identified many societal problems, reminding us all that things are not always what they seem and that it is important to try to see another perspective. Our next meeting will be on 22 January 2024 when we shall be reading The Marriage Portrait by Edinburgh based Maggie O'Farrell. Please contact the office for the Zoom link.
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
Prayer Resources Prepared by the Congregational Prayer Group for Remembrance Sunday, 12th November 2023
For those who served.
Lord of the nations, we honour the bravery of those who have served and who made the ultimate sacrifice for us and for our freedom. Grant us similar courage to recognise and restrain evil in our own day and may those who lead the nations of the world work together to defend human liberty, that we may live peaceably one with another. Let the sounds of strife, the cries of battle, the wounds of war be calmed for all eternity in Your loving and endless grace. This we ask in the name of the Prince of Peace, our Saviour Jesus Christ.
For those on active duty.
Almighty God, stretch forth your mighty arm to strengthen and protect those on active duty: grant that meeting danger with courage and all occasions with discipline and loyalty, they may truly serve the cause of justice and peace; to the honour of your holy name. Give wisdom to leaders and commanders, that they may be a force for good on the earth. In your wisdom embrace our enemies, and those who wish us harm: turn the hearts of all to kindness and friendship. Be with all medics and chaplains, and all who support those who are serving and suffering: give then wisdom and skill, sympathy, and patience.
For those impacted by war.
Almighty God, Prince of Peace, we bring to you today all those impacted by war, and especially those suffering in Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Gaza, Yemen, and Syria.
Sustain the anxious and fearful and renew them with courage. Comfort all worried families, whose loved ones are in danger: surround them with your love, protect them from all harm. Be with the sick and wounded, stand by all prisoners and captives: let your mercy be shown to all as well as your power to heal and save. Receive those fallen in battle, and all innocents who have died: surround their loved ones with compassion and give them a patient faith. Confirm what is founded on truth and establish your love in our hearts: that justice may abound on the Earth, and all peoples rejoice in your peace.
Heavenly Father, you are the source of all goodness, generosity, and love. We thank you for opening the hearts of many to those refugees who are fleeing for their lives. Help us now to open our arms in welcome and reach out our hands in support so that the desperate may find new hope, and lives torn apart be restored. We ask all this in the name of Jesus Christ your Son, our Lord, who fled persecution at His birth and at His last, triumphed over death. Amen.