Friends,
In our Gospel reading this week we meet two disciples walking back from Jerusalem to their home in Emmaus. They are in deep despair about the death of Jesus.
So much so that when Jesus appears and walks beside them they do not recognise him even when he teaches them from the Scriptures.
They finally recognise him when he breaks bread with them and despite the lateness of the hour, they hurry back to Jerusalem to share their good news with the other disciples.
This passage prompts questions about how we know Jesus: last week we read in St. John ch. 20 how it was in the fellowship of the disciples that Thomas’ encountered the Risen Christ and his faith was restored; this week Luke tells us that Cleopas and his companion only recognised Jesus when he blessed and broke bread. This act of sharing bread, whether sacramental or in everyday hospitality, is profound. This is not something the two disciples can keep to themselves, so they head back to Jerusalem, where they hear their astonishing experience echoed by that of the disciples they had left just a few hours ago and tell them how they recognised the Lord in the breaking of bread. If the Emmaus meal is a model of Communion, its grace extends well beyond acts of worship.
After Pentecost, the church in Jerusalem habitually feed the hungry, funded by a common purse, and worshipping God. When we meet the Risen Christ in the fellowship of the church and in Communion, we should be inspired to share that good news and to serve his people in the world today.
William
THIS SUNDAY: Morning Service, Sunday 19th April 2026,
Third Sunday of Easter.
Hymn 76 How can I ever thank the Lord (Psalm 116) (Jackson (Byzantium))
Hymn 185 Come, children, join and sing (Madrid)
Hymn 609 Come, living God, when lest expected (Sunset)
Hymn 167 Guide me, O thou great Jehovah (Cwm Rhondda)
Anthem: He is Risen Whitlock (1903-46)
Anthem: Light of the World Elgar (1857-1934)
New Testament Reading: Acts 2: 14a, 36 – 41
Epistle Reading: 1 Peter 1: 17-23
Gospel Reading: Luke 24: 13-35
Reader: Caroline Newsome
THIS SUNDAY: Sunday 19th April 2026, Third Sunday of Easter
11:00 a.m. Morning Service & Sunday School
12:15 p.m. Tea and Coffee in the Upper Hall {by donation}
12:15 p.m. Congregational Lunch in the Lower Hall {£4.00}
Note: Sounds of St Columba’s Recitals. There will not be a recital this month, but the regular monthly programme restarts on the third Sunday of the month in May.
NEXT SUNDAY: Sunday 26th April 2026 Forth Sunday of Easter.
11:00 a.m. Morning Service
12:15 p.m. Tea and Coffee in the Upper Hall {by donation}
Midweek Prayers. Midweek Prayers on Wednesdays at 1pm will be taking a break over the Easter and will resume on Wednesday 6th May.
New Church Magazine
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.
UPCOMING: Launch of Christian Aid Week, Sunday 10th May, A significant Sunday in our church life. A speaker from Christian Aid is our guest preacher. This year’s focus is to raise funds to help families living in temporary settlements in Nairobi, Kenya. Intense urban poverty is affecting people like Fridah a hard-working mother and grandmother, committed to her family and her faith. Living in temporary settlements and struggling to provide food for the family. Donations from Christian Aid week will be used to provide help to grow vegetables in tiny urban spaces, training, tools, and space-saving vertical planters.
UPCOMING: Annual Congregational Meeting, Sunday 10th May, 12.30pm, Upper Hall. The Christian Aid service and cake sale is followed by the Annual Congregational Meeting – opportunity to hear a review of the past year, updates on finance and building and thoughts for the future. It is also the opportunity to give thanks to several of the people who do so much behind the scenes to maintain and develop the life and community of St Columba’s. Please come and show your support.
Dates for the Diary
Sunday 26th April, 12.30pm, Reflections Discussion Group, 12.30pm, Upper Hall 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.
Tuesday 5th May, 6.30pm New Members’ evening. A time for discussion for anyone who is considering becoming a member of St Columba’s. Speak to the ministers for further information or sign up via the Office by Sunday 26th April.
Tuesday 5th May, The Book Club We shall discuss Colm Tóibín’s novel “Long Island”. New members are always welcome, please contact the office for joining details.
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.
Sunday 7th June, St Columba’s Day & AGM of the Friends of St Columba’s.
Sunday 14th June, 11am New Members’ Service of Welcome.
Sunday 28th June Families’ Communion Service, 11am Marking the conclusion of the Sunday School year our young people help serve and celebrate communion. A precious moment in our worshipping life of St Columba’s.
Sunday 26th April. On Sunday 26th April Olivia Pyle from Restart Lives will be taking on the London Marathon, putting one foot in front of the other for as long as it takes.
A message from Olivia at Restart Lives
Running this distance feels daunting, but it’s also made me reflect on how far many people experiencing homelessness walk every day just to find food, shelter or basic support.
Through my work at RESTART, I see how even small donations can make a real difference. I’m proud to be running for a cause close to my heart with The Passage – a homelessness charity that provides life-changing support, including accommodation, for people who have slept rough.
If you’d like to support, please take a look at my page and consider donating – every little helps. Thank you so much.
https://2026tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/olivia-pyle
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.
Live Streaming of Worship
Services can be watched via the church website, https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/live-stream. Reminder: If you do not wish to appear on the live stream please choose a seat in the rear half of the sanctuary. Note: Evening Services (1st Sunday of the Month, London Scottish Chapel) are not live streamed. If you experience any issue with livestream on the day, please email livestream@stcolumbas.org.uk (please note that this address will only be monitored on Sundays).
Dial into Sunday Service
If you are aware of church members or friends who do not have access to internet, please inform them that they can phone in to join the Sunday service. Those interested should follow:
Step 1: At 10.40am call phone number 0208 080 6591.
Step 2: You will be prompted to enter a meeting ID. Please type (using your telephone keypad) 884 4746 5645
Step 3: You will then be asked for a participant number – simply press the #.
Step 4: You will be asked to enter the password. Enter 838727
Step 5: Enjoy the service! You will hear the organ music from 10.50am.
Details on the many ways you can support St Columba’s can be found here https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/giving/supporting-st-columbas Anyone wishing to contribute to St Andrew’s, Newcastle please contact the Session Clerk on standrewssessionclerk@gmail.com for bank details or other means of donating.
Office Hours
The church office is open from 8.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday.
E-mail: office@stcolumbas.org.uk
Website: www.stcolumbas.org.uk
Facebook: @stcolumbaschurchpontstreet.
Twitter: @LondonKirk
Pastoral Emergency Number (out of office hours): 07591926271
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