Newsletter for Sunday 12th April

Friends,

One of the great proofs of the resurrection of Jesus Christ is the existence of the Christian Church. This might seem a strange thing to say when we look at the history of sectarianism in this and other lands, the hurt that that has caused and the real divisions which still exist between denominations, to say nothing of the abuse of power in some places. However, the fact remains that in the light of the resurrection and having encountered the risen Christ, a confused and frightened group of men who had been ready to return to their old trade as fishermen were transformed into confident, articulate individuals who would change the world.

The first disciples of Jesus were a diverse lot, including fishermen, a tax collector and a political Zealot and there is no doubt that God chooses the most unlikely as part of his plan. Before the crucifixion Peter had even denied knowing Jesus but following the resurrection he became a wise and inspiring leader of the early church. He wrote to Christians living in scattered communities across the eastern Mediterranean. He encouraged them to remain strong in the faith despite persecution and many other difficulties. Faith that was clear even without having seen the one in whom they believed. This prompts questions about how we know Jesus. Though we haven’t seen him we have encountered the Risen Christ and he is present in our lives. We all have different ways of knowing and growing in our faith and every Sunday we remember with thanksgiving those who passed on their faith to us.

We may look at the church today and experience the pain of division or feel sad that it is not the church we remember from our childhood but change is part of life and all over this country and in every part of the world, churches of all denominations are serving their communities, feeding the hungry and thirsty, sheltering the homeless and the refugee, clothing those in need, visiting those in prison and sharing the good news of the Risen Christ. In all this we are the successors of the first disciples.
Let us give thanks for those who first shared the Christian story with us and as a church community, let us share our experiences, supporting one another in our journeys of faith.

William

https://www.arukahnetwork.org/
This is the final Sunday for donations to the Lent Appeal, the Arukah Network, all donations most welcome, thank you.
White Lent Appeal envelopes are available in the pews (If eligible, Gift Aid is tremendously helpful.) This year’s Lent Appeal – donations will be used for:

1. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as many people are in desperate need of emergency disaster/survival funds. The Arukah Network already have one Cluster group and are forming a second. The emergency supplies are the basics to help people survive, basic food, shelter, clothing.
2. Seed Fund: Available to Clusters in any of the countries that the charity works with. Primarily they do the training first and the Cluster can apply for financial help, funding to help people get started e.g. chicken or pig farm.

For donations: a) White Lent Appeal envelopes will be available in the pews (Gift Aid if you are eligible).
b) For any contactless payments on the card machine in Upper Vestibule, please also complete a white Lent Appeal envelope, giving your details (+ gift aid if eligible) and make a note on the envelope that you have made a contactless payment for £…..amount. We can then link the payment specifically to the Lent Appeal.
c) For bank transfers direct to the St. Columba’s Church bank account, please use the payment reference as Lent Appeal. Any cheques sent by post via Church Office, cheque made payable to St. Columba’s Church but please add a note on it saying Lent Appeal.

With thanks to the Editor, Susan Pym and her contributors,
the excellent April/May issue of the church magazine
should be available via the bookstall, £1.50.
Pick up a copy for yourself
and consider one for a friend or neighbour.
Help spread the St Columba’s story.

Sunday 26th April, 12.30pm, Reflections Discussion Group, 12.30pm, Library Guest speaker Richard Townend, headmaster of Hill House International School talks about the school and its connections to St Columba’s which stretch back decades. Their boys and girls currently fill our sanctuary every Wednesday morning for school assembly, bringing their vitality and rich music-making tradition. Very much one of the “communities” that finds a home at St Columba’s. Come and learn more.

Saturday 9th May, Scots in London Ceilidh at St Columba’s
Join us for an evening of Scottish music and dancing at our upcoming ceilidh on Saturday 9th May, from 7.00–10.30pm at St Columba’s Church, Pont Street. Tickets are £25 and include a light Scottish supper, with a bar available throughout the evening. The night will feature the award-winning band Licence to Ceilidh, along with a special performance from the London Scottish Regiment Pipes & Drums – promising a fantastic atmosphere for both seasoned dancers and beginners alike. Book now to secure your place for what is sure to be a memorable celebration!

Sunday 10th May – Christian Aid Week.
Calling All Bakers!
To launch Christian Aid Week
we are planning our annual Cake Sale.
If you would like to bake either bring into the Entrance Vestibule before the service on Sunday 10th May,
or you can leave it with the Church Office
a few days beforehand.
Please label cake packaging with what type of cake it is. Cakes, meringues, biscuits, shortbread, scones – all gratefully received.

St Andrews Book Festival,
presented by Scots in London
The Book Festival returns to several central London venues, with St Columba’s as the primary focus of the festival. Look forward to another array of well-known and new authors bringing Scottish writing to the heart of London. Keep
18th to 22nd November 2026 in your diaries, both for attending and/or volunteering to get involved.