For Sunday 23rd March 2025, Third Sunday of Lent
Friends,
Over thirty years ago, when I was first ordained, I knew a lovely lady who had a very hard life. Yet somehow she remained strong, a real matriarch, holding her troubled family together. Sometimes, when a new problem arose, she would sigh and say, "I don't know what I'm paying for, but I hope it was worth it!" Of course it's an age-old question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?".
As we learn in our Gospel lesson this week, people were discussing that very thing 2000 years ago. In Luke chapter 13 Jesus is questioned about some terrible events and whether those involved perished because of their own sinfulness. He refutes this and tells the parable of the Barren Fig Tree, a story that offers hope of a second chance to grow and produce good fruit.
Sometimes we are quick to condemn others but slow to forgive and offer a second chance. We may rush to judgement concerning someone's behaviour, while making little effort to understand what's behind their actions. But there is much to be gained through understanding, contrition, forgiveness and giving someone a second chance.
"O Great Spirit
may I never judge another
until I have walked a mile
in his moccasins".
(from "Judge Softly" by Mary T. Lathrop and attributed to Native North Americans).
William
Live Streaming of Worship
Services can be watched via the church website, https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/live-stream. Reminder: If you do not wish to appear on the live stream please choose a seat in the rear half of the sanctuary. Note that the Evening Services on the 1st of the month are not live streamed as they are held in the London Scottish Chapel. If you experience any issue with livestream on the day, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (please note that this address will only be monitored on Sundays).
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 phone in to join the Sunday service. Those interested should follow:
Step 1: At 10.40am call phone number 0208 080 6591.
Step 2: You will be prompted to enter a meeting ID. Please type (using your telephone keypad) 884 4746 5645
Step 3: You will then be asked for a participant number - simply press the #.
Step 4: You will be asked to enter the password. Enter 838727
Step 5: Enjoy the service! You will hear the organ music from 10.50am.
THIS SUNDAY: Hymns, Music & Readings for Sunday, 23rd March 2025, Third Sunday of Lent
Hymn 43 O God, you are my God alone (Psalm 63) (Resignation)
Hymn 181 (1) For the beauty of the earth (Lucerna Laudoniae)
Hymn 553 (1) Just as I am, without one plea (Saffron Walden)
Hymn 577 Christ be beside me (Bunessam)
Anthem: My soul, there is a country - C. Hubert H. Parry (1848-1918)
Musical Interlude: Lord, let me know mine end - Maurice Greene (1695-1755)
Old Testament Reading: Isaiah 55: 1-9
New Testament Reading: 1 Corinthians 10: 1-13
Gospel Reading: Luke 13: 1-9
Reader: Rosa Somerville
Details on the many ways you can support St Columba’s can be found here https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/giving/supporting-st-columb 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.
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THIS SUNDAY: Guided Prayer for Lent, 10.15am – 10.30am, London Scottish Regimental Chapel (note change of venue)
Sundays in Lent (9th March - 20th April) 10.15 – 10.30am, London Scottish Regimental Chapel, a time of quiet prayer, in the company of others, following meditations for the season, led by the Minister.
THIS SUNDAY: Morning Service followed by Coffee and Tea in Upper Hall
Following service, “Reflections” in the Library, (12.30pm): the Nurture Committee offer an opportunity to read and discuss a bible passage with others, over a cup of coffee, following morning service. No sign up required, just come on the day
Lent Appeal 2025 – Caxton Youth Organisation. Registered Charity 1090549.
The Caxton Youth Organisation is a small local Westminster charity, based in Pimlico with Clubs Rooms that are in the basement area of a council housing estate. The charity is already known to us as it was the recipient of our Lent Appeal 2011. Founded in 1948 by a couple of local residents in response to much needed help and support for young people aged 11 to 25 years who have learning disabilities and young people with autism. It provides crucial support for local families with evening clubs three times a week: fantastic opportunities to make friends, drama workshops, play games, life-skills, basic cooking lessons for the older ones. The charity also helps with employment applications, finding work, or training.
With your donations we hope to raise enough funds to pay for a five-day outdoor residential trip at a purpose-built centre in the countryside for eight young people plus three staff. Donations would help cover the costs for accommodation, catering, staffing, activities and transport to the centre. A chance for them to experience the countryside and activities such as abseiling, high ropes courses, archery, pond dipping.
We are delighted to welcome guest speakers for a brief talk on the charity during the morning service on: Sunday 13 April (Palm Sunday) – Esther Norman, Interim - CEO
Please do watch this lovely short video clip 'What Makes Caxton Youth Special'. On this link.
Various options to donate:
White Lent Appeal envelopes available in the pews and in Upper Vestibule. Alternatively, by electronic bank transfer: Please use "Lent Appeal" as the payment reference.
St. Columba's Church of Scotland
Royal Bank of Scotland
Account Number 00264741
Sort Code 16 00 42
Cheques payable to: "St. Columba's Church of Scotland" and with a note attached to cheque indicating it is for the Lent Appeal. Send to: Finance Dept. (Lent Appeal).
Thank you. Mission Committee.
Next session: Wednesday 26th March 2025, Jesus prays for his people, John 17:9- 19. The Zoom link will be provided to those who register. No preparation is required for this.
NEXT SUNDAY: Sunday 30th March, Morning Service followed by Lunch in the Lower Hall.
British Sumer time begins.
Diary Date: New Members’ Conference & Service, Wednesday 30th April 2025 & Sunday 8th June
If you would like to learn more about what becoming a member of St Columba’s involves, you are warmly invited to an evening of food and discussion on Wednesday 30th April 2025, 7.00pm. For those who would then like to become members there will be a Service of Welcome on Sunday 8th June – which appropriately is the day we celebrate St Columba himself! For more information speak to either of the ministers and please sign up via the Church Office.
Scots in London March newsletter.
For a variety of events and activities of interest see https://mailchi.mp/9383c57690aa/scots-in-london-march-newsletter?e=0e99102ba6
Scots in London is an umbrella organisation for Scottish cultural societies, sports clubs, alumni groups, charities, churches and the Scottish military in London. Its mission is to promote Scottish culture and heritage, co-ordinate and communicate events, support Scottish charities in the capital, and contribute to the life of the city where we live. While proud of our shared nationality, we endeavour to be international in outlook.
Diary Date: Scots in London 80th Anniversary VE Day Service, St Columba’s, Pont Street, 11am, Sunday 11th May 2025.
Morning service with invited guests from European and Commonwealth embassies, followed by a catered lunch (£10 per person, available via Eventbrite) and an afternoon talk by author Damien Lewis (SAS Daggers Drawn) and actor David Robb, on the wartime ministry of the Very Revd Dr Fraser McCluskey – the Parachute Padre - minister of St Columba’s, 1960 – 1986.
Save the date – Scots in London is delighted to announce that the St Andrew’s Book Festival is returning for 2025!
Get ready to engage with some of the biggest names in Scottish literature as the St Andrew’s Book Festival returns to central London from Thursday 27 to Sunday 30 November 2025.
Following last year’s hugely successful inaugural festival, where we welcomed literary icons like Sir Ian Rankin, Ann Cleeves, Jackie Kay, Judy Murray, and more, we are thrilled to promise another stellar lineup of celebrated authors, debut writers, children’s storytellers, and special events for schools.
Expect a warm welcome, a delightful mix of books and fascinating conversations, and a festival full of discovery. We are proud to bring Scottish talent, themes and connections to London, not only for the Scottish community, but for all who love books.
Save the dates, tell your friends, and stay tuned as we reveal more! Sign up to hear all the latest festival news at www.standrewsbookfestival.org
BREAKING NEWS: Val McDermid confirmed for the St Andrew’s Book Festival 2025!
One of Scotland’s most celebrated crime writers, Val McDermid has captivated millions with her gripping novels, including the Karen Pirie series, The Wire in the Blood, The Mermaids Singing, and 1979. Her books have been adapted into hit TV series, bringing her unforgettable characters to the screen.
Office Hours
The church office is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Website: www.stcolumbas.org.uk
Facebook: @stcolumbaschurchpontstreet.
Twitter: @LondonKirk
Pastoral Emergency Number (out of office hours): 07591926271