For Sunday 8th October 2023, 19th Sunday after Pentecost
"Come, you thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest-home".
Henry Alford's great harvest hymn reminds us of God's generous provision amid the changing seasons of life.
For many people Harvest Thanksgiving is a highlight of the church year and I remember as a child going forward with the other children to present our harvest gifts at the front of the church. And, of course, it is a joy to see the church so beautifully decorated for our Harvest Thanksgiving Service.
But what does Harvest mean to those of us living in a great city such as London? How many of our young people have seen a cow milked or witnessed sheep shearing? Unless we have a large garden or an allotment how many of us grow our own vegetables? Most of us living in Britain's towns and cities are very far removed from that way of life.
Harvest Thanksgiving is an opportunity to pause and give thanks for the good things we enjoy and also to think about those who produce our food at home and abroad. The Fairtrade movement grew out of a desire to ensure that those producing the tea and coffee we enjoy, the food we eat and the clothes we wear, receive a fair reward for their labour. We can all play our part by looking out for the Fairtrade mark when we are shopping.
We also might think about the responsibility we have been given to be good stewards of the planet and to care for all our earth's resources. So Harvest is a time to give thanks but also to think about the planet we hand on to future generations.
This will be a busy weekend at St. Columba's. Not only will the Flower Guild be busy decorating our beautiful sanctuary for our Harvest Thanksgiving but thanks to the Hospitality Committee our usual tea and coffee after the service will take the form of a Coffee Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. This charity was founded in 1911 by Douglas Macmillan following the death of his father from the disease. It provides specialist health care, information and financial support to people affected by cancer and their relatives. I first became aware of their work when I was a parish minister in Dundee where Macmillan ran the Day Care Centre at the local hospice but many of you will be familiar with Macmillan Nurses - specialist nurses that work in different areas of cancer care and treatment, in hospitals, hospices and in the community. The annual Macmillan Coffee Morning, known as the World's Biggest Coffee Morning, has raised £75 000,000 since it started in 1990. I'm sure that Sunday's gathering will be a very enjoyable occasion in aid of a very good cause.
William
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 8th October 2023
Hymn 233 Come, you thankful people, come (St George’s Windsor)
Hymn 181 For the beauty of the earth (Lucerna Laudoniae)
Hymn 238 Lord bring the day to pass (Love Unknown)
Hymn 235 God is working his purpose out (Benson)
Anthem: Magnificant in C (Stanford)
Musical Interlude: Nunc Dimittis in C (Stanford)
Old Testament Reading: Genesis 50: 15-21
New Testament Reading: Romans 14: 1-12
Gospel Reading: Matthew 18: 21-35
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:
Final Sunday: Harvest Appeal 2023 – The Upper Room (UR4 Meals) and Guest Speaker, Simon Tuke (Trustee and Chair) on Sunday 24th September.
Two Sundays ago, Simon Tuke (Trustee and Chair) from the charity spoke at Morning Service and launched this year’s Harvest Appeal. Simon spoke wide-rangingly about the work of The Upper Room charity and in particular UR4 Meals, and how your Harvest Appeal donations will be put to very good use.
Items for collecting: ground black and white pepper, vegetable stock cubes, sunflower or vegetable oil, chopped tomatoes, flour, pasta (preferably penne), rice (preferably basmati), spaghetti, biscuits, instant coffee, tea bags (not loose tea).
Collection point: Upper Vestibule by the Harvest Display Board, on Sundays 24th September, 1st and 8th October (culminating at the Harvest Festival Service).
With such an increase in the need for meals by the homeless and disadvantaged people, your food donations will contribute to such a valuable meal service. UR4 Meals provide around 160 meals and take away meals each day.
Thank you in advance, UR4 Meals! (Mission Committee)
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.
NEXT 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. irenetaylortrust.com
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)
NEXT WEEK: Sounds of St Columba’s Recitals
Sunday 15th October 2023 - Oscar Simms, Baritone
Bring your friends and enjoy marvellous music in the Upper Hall. 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)
NEXT WEEK: Friends of St Columba’s - Visits 2023
The Friends of St Columba’s have put together a fantastic programme of events for 2023/2024, starting with a visit to the Cutty Sark and Royal Naval College on the 14th October. 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 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.
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.
Scots in London Gala Night & Reception, Wednesday 11th October 2023, 7pm SOLD OUT
A reminder to those who have tickets, doors open at 6.30pm, and we ask all to be seated, no later than 6.55pm. The Gala will be opened by Scots in London Patron, HRH The Princess Royal. After the concert, haggis, neeps and tatties are served in the Lower Hall and there will be opportunity to find out more about the organisations that make up Scots in London.
Congratulations ScotsCare
ScotsCare, the charity for Scots in London, has won an award for “Impactful Grant of the Year” at the Association of Charitable Organisations (ACO) Annual Awards Ceremony. The Annual Awards, which took place on 27th September in London, shine a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of grant-making and benevolent charities across the nation, recognising those who have made significant contributions to providing financial and well-being support to individuals and families in need.
ScotsCare was nominated in a competitive category alongside notable charities Hospitality Action and the Royal British Legion. ScotsCare supports first and second-generation Scots in London, with financial, practical and emotional support. Much of the support ScotsCare gives is through its range of grants, designed to break the cycle of deprivation experienced by generation after generation of some Scots in London.
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.
HOSPITALITY- Coffee and Tea Service in the Upper Hall.
We need a few volunteers to cover some vacancies in the 2024 Rota. Two people, or a couple are required on a Sunday and normally six times a year. Instructions and guidance given. If available, please contact James MacHardy at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 01279 730711 or on a Sunday”
Lunch Service in the Lower Hall.
We need a few Volunteers for the lunch teams when we cater for lunches on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Sundays every month. Duty would be six times a year and could be helping in the kitchen, laying tables, serving and clearing tables. If available please contact Ben Gourlay at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or on 01206 795244, or via the church office.
As we are a “gathered” congregation, being able to have coffee and/or lunch after the Morning Service, is important for fellowship. Thank you, Ben Gourlay, Convenor of Hospitality Committee.
Data Protection Advice
One of our elders had their email address compromised this week. They took swift action, but it serves as a reminder that we should never open or reply to an email which looks in any way suspicious, especially if the person asks for a favour/money. Saying you should email a reply, rather than phoning, can also be suspicious. Advice from our Data Protection Officer: Change email passwords regularly.
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
REFLECTION & POINTS FOR PRAYER
Prepared by the Congregational Prayer Group
for Sunday 8th October 2023, Harvest Festival, 19th Sunday after Pentecost
SCRIPTURE READING: EXODUS CHAPTER 16:6-15
The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, ‘If only we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.’
Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not. On the sixth day, when they prepare what they bring in, it will be twice as much as they gather on other days.’ So Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, ‘In the evening you shall know that it was the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, and in the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaining against the Lord. For what are we, that you complain against us?’ And Moses said, ‘When the Lord gives you meat to eat in the evening and your fill of bread in the morning, because the Lord has heard the complaining that you utter against him—what are we? Your complaining is not against us but against the Lord.’
Then Moses said to Aaron, ‘Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, “Draw near to the Lord, for he has heard your complaining.”’ And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked towards the wilderness, and the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. The Lord spoke to Moses and said, ‘I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, “At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning, you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the Lord your God.”’
In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, ‘What is it?’ For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, ‘It is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat.
PRAYER
We thank you Father for all the blessings of the harvest. For our food and water. But we remember that there are many who do not have enough food or clean, safe water. We give thanks for those charitable organisations who provide as much as they can to feed the hungry. We pray for the work of the Upper Room, Glass Door, Restart, Scotscare, St. Mungos, Crisis, the Trussell Trust and all food banks. For all those who notice the hungry and feed them in this country and abroad. We pray for the work of Christian Aid and for charities large and small who support those who need seeds, animals and means to survive. We ask you that we may always be aware of ingratitude and taking things for granted. Remembering how God fed the Israelites in the wilderness, and that Jesus fed the multitudes and promised us that He would feed us. AMEN
QUIET REFLECTION
POEM Miracle, by Seamus Heaney
Not the one who takes up his bed and walks
But the ones who have known him all along
And carry him in –
Their shoulders numb, the ache and stoop deeplocked
In their backs, the stretcher handles
Slippery with sweat. And no let-up
Until he’s strapped on tight, made tiltable
And raised to the tiled roof, then lowered for healing.
Be mindful of them as they stand and wait
For the burn of the paid-out ropes to cool,
Their slight lightheadedness and incredulity
To pass, those one who had known him all along.
THE BLESSING
May the Lord lead us when we go, and keep us when we sleep, and talk with us when we wake; and may the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus our Lord. AMEN