For Sunday 15th October 2023, 20th Sunday after Pentecost
The Cutty Sark, launched in Scotland, 1869
Friends,
The theme of the week seems to be “Launch.” On Monday we welcomed our new Office Manager, Stef Christ. As introduction Stef writes: “I am from Lyon in France; on my Dad’s side, my family comes from Alsace, and from Madagascar and Corsica on my mother’s side. I studied Theatre and Dance as well as Communication and Marketing at University before moving to London, originally for one year to learn English - but that was sixteen years ago! I now have a dual nationality, as I decided to apply for British Citizenship a few years ago.
I have worked as an Office Manager for various industries, from Baby Swimming to Drama Schools. During my spare time, I love going to the theatre and dance performances - West End, small fringe theatres, any venue really; with a yearly highlight when Panto time comes – and also lots of concerts. Being French, I love my food, but I am a disastrous cook, however I am lucky enough to have a chef as my partner. I am very glad to have joined St Columba’s Church of Scotland and am very much looking forward to meeting everyone.”
Day 3 for Stef coincided with the visit of HRH The Princess Royal to St Columba’s – so quite a week to start. Princess Anne’s visit was in her capacity as Patron to the newly formed, Scots in London. Wednesday marked its formal launch, bringing together ten of London’s existing Scottish organisations – clubs, charities, congregations, regiments and government. The Gala evening included a wonderful mix of music, poetry Pipes & Drums and dance – an illustration of what can be achieved in collaboration with others. Food and friendship were much encouraged at the post-Gala reception that followed in the Lower Hall.
One launch more: This Saturday sees the first visit in the Friends of St Columba’s 2023-24 programme. By boat to Greenwich, and then a variety of places of interest (see below). We wish them a successful Saturday.
Meanwhile, regular/ongoing voyages continue. The Presbytery of England & the Channel Islands meets at Crown Court on Saturday. While on Sunday at St Columba’s, marking the end of Prisons Week, we welcome Sara Lee (Artistic Director) and Darren, (musician) to update us on the Sounding Out project, our 2023 chosen Lent Charity. Sunday School activities, congregational lunch and Sounds of St Columba’s Recital (Upper Hall, 1.30pm) are all on offer.
So, whether you are brand new, returning after time away or a regular member of the crew, I hope you will find something to engage and encourage you. Have a good weekend and see you soon,
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 15th October 2023
Hymn 510 Jesus calls us here to meet him (Blaenwern)
Hymn 462 The King of love my shepherd is (Dominus Regit Me)
Hymn 511 Your hand, O God has guided (Thornbury)
Hymn 412 The strife is o’er, the battle won (Vulpius)
Anthem: Like as the hart, Howells
Musical Interlude: Expectans expectavi, Wood
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 25:1-9
Gospel Reading: Matthew 22:1-14
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 21st September 2023, of St Columba’s member, Catriona Short. She attended regularly in the mid-1960s, whilst working as a nurse at Great Ormond Street Hospital and was married at St Columba’s in July 1967. Daughter Fiona was baptised at St Columba’s in 1968. Later, Catriona was an active member in the 1990s, before ill health made it difficult for her to travel.
THIS WEEK:
Sunday 8th - Sunday 15th October 2023 https://www.prisonsweek.org
For more than forty years Prisons Week has prepared prayer literature to enable the Christian community, through individuals and churches, to pray for the needs of all those affected by prisons: prisoners and their families, victims of crime and their communities, those working in the criminal justice system and the many people who are involved in caring for those affected by crime on the inside and outside of our prisons. Prisons Week raises awareness and generates prayer. It motivates volunteers to step forward and give their time and gifts, in prisons and in their own communities. It provides an annual focus and reason for Christians to work together, building capacity and motivation to make a difference for people who are out of sight and often out of mind. Prisons Sunday – the second Sunday in October – marks the beginning of the week of prayer each year, running through until the following Saturday. Prisons Week aims to encourage prayer and awareness of the needs of prisoners and their families, victims of offenders, prisons staff and all those who care, reflected in the Prisons Week Prayer offered throughout the week:
Lord, you offer freedom to all people.
We pray for those in prison.
Break the bonds of fear and isolation that exist.
Support with your love prisoners and their families and friends,
prison staff and all who care.
Heal those who have been wounded by the activities
of others, especially the victims of crime.
Help us to forgive one another.
To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly together with Christ
in His strength and in His Spirit, now and every day. Amen.
THIS WEEK: Sunday 15th October – Update on Lent Appeal 2023:
The Irene Taylor Trust (Sounding Out) Guest Speaker, Sara Lee (Artistic Director) and Darren, a Sounding Out musician.
To conclude Prisons Week, we are delighted that Sara Lee (Artistic Director) will be returning to St. Columba's on Sunday 15 October. Sara is looking forward to having the opportunity to thank everyone for the Lent Appeal donation and will provide an update on how the £5,804.10 (inc. Gift Aid) is being put to good use. Darren, a Sounding Out musician is also really looking forward to returning again to St. Columba's and will be performing a piece of music/song during the morning service. On the second Sunday of Prisons Week it is an appropriate moment for the return visit and for linking the valuable work the charity does to help prisoners while in prison, then on release and integrating back into society. (Mission Committee)
THIS WEEK: Sounds of St Columba’s Recital: Oscar Simms, Baritone
Bring your friends and enjoy marvellous music in the Upper Hall. Sunday 15th October, 1.30pm start. These exceptional recitals are one of the “gems” of current St Columba’s life. Not to be missed. Future dates for our wonderful recital series -
19th November 2023 - The Choir of St Columba’s (A film and music collaboration)
21st January 2024- Catherine Olver, Organ Recital (Church)
THIS WEEK: Friends of St Columba’s Greenwich Visit, Saturday 14th October
Visit of The Cutty Sark, led by St Columba’s elder, Graham Cumming. The last of the great clipper ships (once the fastest in the world) to sail between China and England in C19. Finally reopened in April 2012 after 6 years and £25 m of extensive renovations. Launched in 1869 in Scotland, she made 8 voyages to China, in the 1870s, sailing out with a mixed cargo and coming back with a bounty of tea. Then to The Painted Hall and Chapel at The Old Royal Naval College, followed by the traditional lunch of whitebait from the Thames at The Trafalgar Pub at the water’s edge. If you are feeling strong, after lunch a visit to Inigo Jones’s The Queen’s House, and a walk by tunnel under the Thames to where Canaletto painted Greenwich. Boat, tube or DLR back home. Rendezvous at the entry to The Cutty Sark at 10:30 a.m. Entry is £18 (children £9, under 4s free) Entry to parts of the Old Royal Naval College and The Queen’s House is free; the full tour and The Painted Hall costs £15 (children 16 and under free when accompanied by an adult). National Art Pass £7:50.
The Friends of St Columba’s have put together a fantastic programme of events for 2023/2024. 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.
THIS WEEK: The Presbytery of England and the Channel Isles
Saturday 14th October 2023 at Crown Court Church. A call to ministry?
As part of the Presbytery meeting being held at London Crown Court Church (Hall) there will be an open session in the afternoon, running from 12.45 to 3pm to which anyone is welcome to attend – not just those who are members of Presbytery.
Between them, Revd. Eleanor McMahon and Very Revd. Dr. Martin Fair have sixty years of experience in ordained ministry, but since earlier this year, they’ve assumed national roles focussing on:
- Encouraging more men and women to consider whether God might be calling them to ministry
- Examining what new pathways into ministry might be opened up to open the way for those for whom the traditional route is not suitable
- Overhauling the way in which we prepare people for the various ministries of the Church, keeping in mind the very changed circumstances facing us in the 21st century
- Supporting candidates for ministry through their discernment, assessment, formation and into the early years of ministry
Have you ever considered that there might be a calling upon your life? Or do you know someone in whom you see the necessary gifts? Or would you simply like to know more about what the Church is planning and doing to address some of the major challenges facing us in these days? This day is for you. Attendance can be either onsite or online. Details of the log in will be circulated or can be obtained from Alistair Cumming Presbytery Clerk. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Thank you’s:
Harvest Appeal 2023 – The Upper Room (UR4 Meals)
Thank you very much for your generous response to this year's Harvest Appeal, it was a bumper harvest! The Upper Room charity, UR4 Meals, have been in and collected the donated food items and send their grateful thanks to everyone. UR4 Meals provide thousands of meals each year for the homeless and less advantaged people who arrive at their door. Your donations will play an important part to the crucial work that the charity undertakes. For more information about the charity:
https://theupperroom.org.uk/
https://theupperroom.org.uk/what-we-do/ur4meals/
Many thanks again for your generosity. (Mission Committee)
Thanks as well, to all who supported our first Macmillan Coffee Morning last Sunday, and the Hospitality team and our wonderful bakers who made it such a success. We raised a grand total of £218 for Macmillan Cancer Support. A great achievement!
St Columba’s Book Group, 6th November
Our next meeting is on Monday 6th November at 6.30pm when we shall be discussing Nightbloom by Peace Adzo Medie. It is a story about two Ghanaian cousins who are great friends but whose lives take quite different paths. We then plan to read The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell.
Contact the Church Office for the Zoom details.
Safeguarding Training, Saturday 21st October 2023
Mandatory Safeguarding Training for those who require it will be offered on Saturday 21st October 2023, 10.00am – 12.30pm – in person. Venue St Columba’s Church – Upper Hall. Please sign up with the church office.
New Members’ Conference, Saturday 28th October, 10am – 1pm
On Saturday 28th October, we will hold a New Members’ Conference for those who wish to consider becoming members of the Church of Scotland here at St Columba’s. Topics for discussion will include: An Introduction to Christianity; an Introduction to the Church of Scotland; and the promises taken by new members. Attending the Conference does not oblige participants to become members, but we do ask that those wishing to become members attend the Conference. For more details, please contact Rev William McLaren, our Associate Minister. For those who attend the day and then wish to formally join the congregation a New Members’ Service will be held on Advent Sunday – Sunday 3rd December 2023, at 11am.
Congregational Sunday Lunch & Future Dates
Future congregational lunch dates are, Sunday 15th and Sunday 29th of October. Please note the small increase to £4.00 per lunch – still exceptional value for a two-course meal. Big thanks to all our catering teams who provide for us on congregational lunch Sundays. Coffee will continue to be served every Sunday as usual in the Upper Hall – donations for coffee most welcome.
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