For Sunday 26th November 2023, Christ the King Sunday
Prayer space & sketching at Festival of Silence
Friends,
“A moment to reflect on beauty; to slow down; a restorative day; wonderfully gentle and helpful. A good silence. Silence is powerful. Silence, I have leant today, is empowering. Silence is God healing.”
These were some of the comments made by visitors to the Festival of Silence at St Columba’s last Saturday. Others wrote: “Yoga – so beautiful and calming. The Rainforest symphony, captivating, such an enchanting piece of work. Mime workshop awesome! All ages and sizes!”
So, thank you and well done to the many people who helped bring this new occasion to St Columba’s. Complementing the Festival on Saturday our guest preacher on Sunday, Revd David Donald Scott, spoke on the theme of silence, then in the afternoon contributed to a wonderful collaboration for the Sounds of St Columba’s Recital series. Entitled, Baroque Masterpieces in Concert & Canvas, we were treated to the music of J S Bach, courtesy of the St Columba’s Choir under the direction of Ben Lewis-Smith, then a “London premiere” of David Scott’s film, “Things that cannot be touched” made by David himself and his musician son. The film beautifully explored the paintings of Vermeer and the theme of silence. After which the choir sang again. It was a memorable way to round off an innovative and inspiring weekend.
Sunday recital & Saturday hospitality
I am glad we are able to offer these moments. As one weekend visitor appreciated: “On a personal level, a day in silence at St Columba's has been restorative for me at a busy time of year. The spiritual solitude in the company of strangers yet kindred spirits brought much peace. I loved the fresh variety of mime, art, music, poetry, movement and serene candle lit space.”
As we move towards Advent, may it be an encouragement to find our own times of silence in preparation for the coming of Christmas, and all that means.
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 Holy Communion, Sunday 26th November 2023. 11am
Hymn 59 Oh, come, and let us to the Lord (Irish)
Hymn 449 Rejoice! The Lord is King (Darwall’s 148th)
Hymn 438 The Head that once was crowned with thorns
Hymn 549 Crown him with many crowns (Diademata)
Anthem: Magnificat ‘Collegium Regale’ (Howells)
Communion Anthem: Nunc Dimittis ‘Collegium Regale’ (Howells)
Old Testament Reading: Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24
Gospel Reading: Matthew 25:31-46
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 WEEK: Kirk Session Meeting, Friday 24th November 2023
Kirk Session meets on Friday 24th November at 6.35pm in the Upper Hall, at St Columba’s. As always, non elders are welcome to attend as observers.
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.
NEXT SUNDAY: 1st Sunday of Advent, Morning Service with Baptisms and Admission of New Members, 11am, 3rd December & CHRISTMAS CRACKERS FESTIVE LUNCH - 12.15PM - 2.30PM
Where? - In the Lower Hall. What to eat? - Party menu including homemade soup, savoury treats, hot mince pies, a glass of fizz and tea or coffee. (Vegetarian, vegan, celiac, and lactose Intolerance catered for.) Cost - £4. There will be a fun Christmas quiz on tables, Christmas activity tables for children, and live piano music from Ben Lewis-Smith. To help with numbers please RSVP to Stef Christ at the Church office if you'd like to attend. Tel: 0207 584 2321 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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.)
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.
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.
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.”
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.
Sunday School Families Pantomime trip, Sunday 10th December Oh no we're not! Oh yes, we are!
Thanks to a generous donation from the Friends of St Columba's, the Sunday School is organising a trip to the Pantomime at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 10 December at 17:30 to see Cinderella. Any Sunday School families who would like to come along should please email Gary (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to reserve tickets. Numbers are limited and will be allocated on a first-come first-served basis, so grab your glass slippers and act fast to avoid.
Church Magazine, December Issue.
Keep an eye out for the new Church Magazine which will be on the bookstallshortly. Thanks once again to our Editor and her team of contributors.
Seeing the Light, Kenneth Steven.
Kenneth wass one of the contributors to the Festival of Silence. His latest poetry collection from Canterbury Press is now available. Each copy is £12 with postage. Kenneth is delighted to send cards with personal greetings with signed book copies. A delightful Christmas gift. Details via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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).
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