The Royal Albert Hall is one of St Columba’s famous, neighbouring landmarks, currently hosting the Proms, gathering its musicians and audiences from near and far. This week retired Church of Scotland minister, Revd Tom Gordon blogged on a musical theme, sharing three quotes to make us think and smile.
Dear Friends,
St. Columba's is unusual - we all know that - but unusual in that it is one of only a handful of Church of Scotland churches to celebrate the Lord's Supper weekly. I'm told that this came about because a previous minister rightly thought that there should be provision for those members who travel a distance to church and might not always be present at the quarterly communions. Some churches celebrate the sacrament monthly while others maintain the tradition with which I grew up of a twice yearly celebration, preceded by a preparatory service on Friday evening and followed by a thanksgiving service on Sunday afternoon. It was a radical step when our minister introduced an additional celebration on Easter Day! Members of other denominations often ask why we celebrate the Lord's Supper so infrequently - is it because we don't think Communion is important? But of course nothing could be further from the truth and the answer lies deep in the history of the church.
Dear Friends,
The ancient kings of Israel were called to be the shepherds of their people and David had actually gone from shepherd boy to king, arriving at the high office to which God called him. But as we will read in our Old Testament lesson from 2 Samuel 11 this week, once he became king and had freedom to behave as he wished, his actions which had previously protected his people now resulted in the suffering and even death of other people. As the all-powerful king he ceased to think how his actions impacted others and put his own desires first.
The Gospel reading set for this Sunday includes Jesus inviting his disciples: “Come away to a deserted place all by yourselves and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat (Mark 6:31-2).
Friends,
It was a huge honour to be invited to the recent ordination of Monsignor James Curry as Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster and titular Bishop of Ramsbiria. It fills me with joy that whatever the differences between our denominations we can share these special occasions and I was delighted to be able to wish "Father Jim" well as he embarks on this new phase of his ministry. The invitation to attend the service in Westminster Cathedral and the party afterwards came from Cardinal Nichols, the envelope looking very official, complete with his coat of arms, and I must confess that I've never lost the sense of excitement I had as a youngster when an unexpected and important-looking letter arrives.
Friends,
Some years ago, at one of the Early/Family Services, held in the London Scottish Regimental Chapel, it was our custom to ask, before the prayers, if there was anything people would like to give special thanks for, or any situation/person we would particularly like to pray for. Teachers, holidays, ice-cream, the World Cup, Wimbledon, grandparents and siblings all figured. Memorably, on one occasion, one young voice responded: “Pray that Mr Trump doesn’t visit Britain.” There was a collective in-take of breath, as we considered this very specific petition; a public airing of what was clearly domestic/parental politics. The response was given: “I am not sure how God will answer that prayer, but perhaps we could remember: Politicians should never be above our criticism, or beneath our prayers.” Our young companion looked unconvinced.
The office is open from
8.30 a.m. to 4.30 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.