Friends,
I am in the hot seat again to guest edit this week’s newsletter. Unfortunately Angus’s daughter has some symptoms of COVID 19, so whilst he stays at home in isolation, I am afraid you are stuck with me. We wish Olivia a speedy test result and hope all is well in the MacLeod household.
Friends,
In recent years, the second Sunday of September has been designated Rededication Sunday/Back to Church Sunday, often coinciding with the start of Stewardship Month. This year we cannot herald things quite so clearly but we do greatly look forward to welcoming worshippers back to the 11am Morning Worship service – the first time that has been possible/appropriate since March. Following Government Guidelines for Places of Worship we can have a maximum of 48 people present in the sanctuary. That will be lovely. But we will be very conscious that many others continue to be present via the live-stream and Dial-In service. So, Sunday will be new “mixed” territory, seen and unseen – but however we “attend,” we hope it will be a time of peace, prayer, music, hope and inspiration, along with some familiar faces! Unfortunately we are not yet able to offer Sunday School but we aim to consult with our families in the coming days to understand what might be best for our young people.
DOORS OPENING at ST ANDREW’S, NEWCASTLE & CHANGES COMING TO SEPTEMBER SERVICES at ST COLUMBA’S
It is a real pleasure to report that this Sunday coming (6th September) the doors of our linked charge, at St Andrew’s, Newcastle open for worship for the first time since lock down. A lot of hard work and organisation has gone into that, and Irene Wilkinson (Session Clerk) and her team of helpers are to be congratulated on carrying everything to this stage. One wonderful part of the service will be the celebration of a 70th Wedding Anniversary for Peter & Mary Cartwright, marked by renewal of vows by Reverend Dorothy Lunn. To all who are able to gather on Sunday, we wish them a day of great blessing.
DOORS OPENING, EARLY SERVICE, LIVE STREAM, PRIVATE PRAYER, VOLUNTEERING & GIVING
Angus is currently on holiday having a well-earned break in the sunshine with Liz, his wife and Olivia, their daughter. He has left the newsletter in my (cough cough) capable hands.
Last week we welcomed Revd Alistair Cumming to the pulpit. It was lovely to have him back at St Columba’s especially when he is so busy with his role day to day. This Sunday we welcome Revd John McMahon, who will be known to many of you already.
DOORS OPENING, EARLY SERVICE, LIVE STREAM, PRIVATE PRAYER, VOLUNTEERING & GIVING
Through your great love I may come into your house, and at your holy temple bow down in awe. Lead me and protect me, Lord; give me a straight path to follow. Psalm 5:7-8
Last Sunday we opened our doors at St Columba’s for the second Sunday. The Early Service is small in attendance, but proves that the logistics of re-opening for worship are in place. Thanks go to all those involved in the planning and making happen on the day. Further good news is that St Andrew’s, Newcastle are now planning towards opening for worship from Sunday 6th September 2020.
DOORS OPENING, EARLY SERVICE, LIVE STREAM, PRIVATE PRAYER, VOLUNTEERING & GIVING
“I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!” Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem. Psalm 122:1-2
Last Sunday real-live people crossed the threshold at St Columba’s for worship - the first time since March. The Early Service was small in attendance, but proved that the logistics of re-opening for worship were in place. Thanks go to the Out of Lockdown Working Group, and in particular to Lucy Llewellyn and Michael Dempsey for undertaking all the necessary preparations. These will undoubtedly be refined week by week, as we see what works, and try hard to make the experience as smooth and welcoming as possible.
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.
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).
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St. Columba's
Pont Street London SW1X 0BD |
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+44 (0)20-7584-2321
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office@stcolumbas.org.uk
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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.
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!
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.