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.
This week the doors at St Columba’s open on Sunday morning for the first time since Sunday 15th March, twenty two Sundays ago. Back then, thanks to the swift action and dedication of various people, we were able to install the equipment for the live streaming and so have not missed a Sunday’s worship throughout lockdown. Many of you have been a precious part of that. Collectively, we have been incredibly fortunate to have that facility, keeping us connected both to a place and its people. Now, albeit cautiously, we can, with some restrictions and adaptations open for worship, attended in person. While eager for people’s return, the imperative is to do this safely.
On Thursday evening some forty of our elders appeared in their magic Zoom boxes, for our first, virtual Kirk Session. Prior to the meeting there was plenty of joshing about keeping all members on mute – a facility, one observed, unavailable in regular Kirk Session meetings! Actually, people have adapted very speedily and some important decisions were made.
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.
The office is open from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m, Monday to Friday.
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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.
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