We all seem to be very much in the period of wondering what happens next, what are we allowed/not allowed to do, and when? Work, travel, education, medical care, socialising, sport, worship – everything comes with a greater or lesser degree of uncertainty attached. So, signs of hopefulness are especially welcome. From Newcastle, this week came the encouraging account of quiet, re-beginnings: “A small group spent Tuesday morning trying to tame the Church garden and cleaning the building. We were blessed with good weather which was very helpful in allowing the whole building to be thoroughly aired whilst we were outside.” I know it felt good for people, even a small number, to be together sharing in a common task, in a place that is precious to them.
Friends, We have recently passed 100 days since lock down started. That may seem incredibly quick or painfully slow – perhaps both, depending on our fluctuating moods. Roundabout us there are all sorts of “unlockings” taking place – and the constant changes, the search for clarification and the occasional conflicting message, all contribute to the feeling of uncertainty, with accompanying fatigue and anxiety. Yet, for some I hope, there are now opportunities to be with loved ones and enjoy certain things, that have not been possible in prior months.
This week I joined a Zoominair for Church of Scotland ministers – lots of faces (about 90) on the same screen! It was part of the Church of Scotland’s efforts to offer ongoing support to its ministers during, and emerging from, lockdown. The experience of congregations and ministers clearly varied. For some the pandemic has galvanised creativity and new forms of bringing people together; for others it has seemed much tougher. What came through, loud and clearly, was that whether congregations have had a “good pandemic” or not, there is anxiety for everyone around the easing of lockdown and reopening of buildings. We are not exempt from those anxieties, either at St Columba’s, Pont Street or St Andrew’s, Newcastle.
Recent weeks have seen lots of “Church Calendar” dates for us at St Columba’s and St Andrew’s, Newcastle: Ascension Day, Pentecost, Trinity Sunday and St Columba’s Day. Starting after Trinity Sunday we now find ourselves in so-called, “Ordinary Time.” The Sunday observant may have noticed that the pulpit fall in the church was green last week, and will continue to be for the majority of Sundays, until we arrive at Advent in December. Green represents hope – either its first buds or its full-grown summer glory. Green for “Ordinary Time.”
Amid everything being discussed about return to work and/or school, travel abroad, the restart of sport, the gathered crowds of protest etc, the issue of opening places of worship is also giving pause for thought. Whatever activity or environment, everyone understands how difficult it is to establish clarity in a rapidly evolving situation.
The office is open from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m, Monday to Friday.
There is a 24-hour answering machine service.
Connect with us
Find us
St Columba’s is located on Pont Street in Knightsbridge in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The Church is within easy reach of three London Underground stations – Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line), South Kensington (Piccadilly, Circle and District Lines) and Sloane Square (Circle and District Lines).
St. Columba's Pont Street London SW1X 0BD
+44 (0)20-7584-2321
office@stcolumbas.org.uk
Getting here by tube
Knightsbridge Station
Take the Harrods exit if open (front car if coming from the East, rear car if coming from the West). Come up the stairs to street level, carry on keeping Harrods on your right. Turn right into Basil Street. Carry straight on into Walton Place with St Saviour’s Church on your left. At the traffic lights, St Columba’s is to your left across the street. If the Harrods exit is closed, take the Sloane Street exit, turn right into Basil Street. Carry straight on past Harrods with the shop on your right, into Walton Place as before.
South Kensington Station
Come up the stairs out of the station and turn left into the shopping arcade. Turn left again into Pelham Street. At the traffic lights at the end of Pelham Street cross Brompton Road, turn left then immediately right into the narrow street of Draycott Avenue. After just a few yards turn left into Walton Street. Carry on walking up Walton Street until the traffic lights at the corner of Pont Street. Turn right and after a few steps you will be at St Columba’s!
Sloane Square Station
Cross over the square into Sloane Street. Walk along Sloane Street until the traffic lights at the corner of Pont Street. Turn left into Pont Street. St Columba’s will then be in sight.
We use cookies to maintain login sessions, analytics and to improve your experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies and Privacy Policy.
