Newsletter for Sunday 25th October 2026

Friends,

I’ve been thinking a lot recently about the role of volunteers in our society; those who give freely of their time and talents in the service of others. In St. Columba’s we are very grateful to our lunch teams, to those who provide tea and coffee following worship every Sunday, to the Flower Guild who beautify the sanctuary throughout the year and to so many others who serve our church in various ways. This week we will hold our annual Macmillan Coffee Morning, another example of volunteers all over the UK coming together to raise money for a good cause, Macmillan Cancer Support, www.macmillan.org.uk

Volunteers with the Mountain Rescue Teams, the RNLI, St. John Ambulance and others often put their own lives on the line in the service of the wider community. Some would question why this should be so: surely the government should finance these activities? But if, for example, the Mountain Rescue Teams were dependent on government funding they would no longer be volunteers free to rescue anyone who gets into trouble on the mountainside, but would effectively be government employees, no longer independent but following government guidelines and subject to political interference.
There will always be a place for the voluntary sector, no matter how extensive or generous state provision is. The voluntary sector is less bureaucratic, more personal and can often respond more quickly to a given situation. The voluntary sector and the state sector can and should work together for the good of the whole community. For example Macmillan compliments the work of the NHS. The church too has some expertise in this area: all over these islands it is churches of all denominations which provide homeless shelters, food banks, nurseries, care homes, prison visitor centres and so on. At the 2017 General Assembly the then Moderator, Derek Browning said to the then Scottish First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon, “Work with us, we’ve been doing this for a long time”.
As Christians, we are all called to serve. For some it is in giving our time, talents and money, while for others it is in praying for the volunteers.

Jesus said:” Just as you did to the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me”.

(St. Matthew 25:40).

William

THIS SUNDAY: REMINDER:
Clocks go back by 1 hour
at 2:00 a.m. this Sunday, October 25th

THIS SUNDAY: Macmillan Coffee Morning, –
Sunday 25th October.
Following morning service,
a chance to support this most worthwhile charity. Cake/baking donations very welcome.
Come along for a slice of cake,
cup of tea and some good company.

October-November Church Magazine
With thanks to the Editor, Susan Pym and her contributors, the excellent October/November issue of the church magazine is available via the bookstall, £1.50. (Note the beautiful front cover photo from the Isle of Harris) Pick up a copy for yourself and consider one for a friend or neighbour. Help spread the
St Columba’s story.

VOLUNTEERING & HOMELESS NIGHT SHELTER This year we will again operate a weekly night shelter in conjunction with the homeless charity Glass Door. The charity operates a support service across West London, offering year-round counselling & help, as well as overnight accommodation/evening meal in the winter months. The hospitality element is offered in conjunction with local churches who provide the building as well as an evening meal through volunteers. This year we will provide for c.35 male guests on Sunday evenings between December and March (other churches cover the remainder of the week).
We are always looking for more volunteers. We are usually a team of about 6; cooking, serving and washing up (approx. 1/month from about 6-8.30pm). Please contact the Church Office if you are interested in volunteering.
Donations towards meal costs can also be made through the church office, marking clearly as Glass Door shelter.

Christian Aid Annual Lecture 2026 at St. Martin-in-the-Field Church, Trafalgar Square, London, WC2N 4JJ on Monday 2 November, 7pm to 8.30pm.
The lecture will be delivered by Thant Myint-U, an internationally respected historian, author and former United Nations official. “Thant will tell the global story in a different way: examining how the United has been pushed to the margins and how the world risks sleepwalking into militarisation and deeper dysfunction.” If you would like to attend it is essential to register beforehand for a FREE ticket.
Christian Aid Annual Lecture 2026 – Register for a FREE Ticket

UPCOMING: Sunday 15th November, 1.30pm
Final concert of the Sounds of St Columba’s 2026 recitals: “Ein deutsches Requiem”
Choir of St Columba’s, piano duet and soloists Sophie Bevan (soprano) and Jerome Knox (baritone)
This magnificent concert is the culmination of ten years of high-quality Sunday afternoon recitals provided free, due to the generosity of visiting musicians. The ambition of the Brahms Requiem requires a significant cost to perform, so donations are greatly appreciated. Assistance offsetting this recital’s costs might be viewed as a thank you for all that has been enjoyed over the preceding years. It is also a wonderful opportunity to invite friends to visit and enjoy St Columba’s.

UPCOMING: Friends of St Columba’s Visit:
The Foundling Museum, Saturday 28 November, Rendezvous: 11:00 • 40 Brunswick Square, WC1N 1AZ • The Museum begins with the story of the Foundling Hospital, the UK’s first children’s charity and home for abandoned children. It was established by the philanthropist Thomas Coram (1668–1751). He was appalled by the plight of so many children in London in spite of its position at the heart of a wealthy trading network. The Hospital was supported by leading 18th-century artists including Handel, Hogarth, Gainsborough and Reynolds. Together they transformed it into the UK’s first public art gallery and one of London’s most fashionable venues. Handel gave annual performances of the Messiah to raise funds and also donated a set of “musical chairs” which can still be seen today. The 1930s building, originally headquarters of the children’s charity (which continues today under the name Coram), contains many original architectural features of the 18th-century Foundling Hospital. These are displays of objects and stories from the daily lives of the foundling children. Lunch : optional eateries are available in the nearby Brunswick Centre. Ticket £14.50 • Tube: Russell Square

London St Andrew’s Book Festival,
presented by Scots in London
16th-22nd November. https://www.standrewsbookfestival.org/
The festival returns for its third year with a week of books, stories and conversation across London. This year venturing into courtrooms and newsrooms, exploring Scotland’s history, art and language, hearing tales of extraordinary adventures and getting stuck into some crime.

Among the writers and speakers joining us are Val McDermid, Jackie Kay, Carol Kirkwood, Professor Sue Black, Bill Paterson, Robert Peston, Jenni Fagan, Gavin Esler and the Maclean Brothers, alongside many more voices from Scotland and beyond. There are some intriguing conversations in store too. Professor Sue Black will sit down with Val McDermid, while Jackie Kay, Len Pennie and Hannah Lavery come together for a Poetry Showcase. The Debuts Showcase also returns, giving the stage to emerging writers and offering audiences the chance to discover someone completely new. Tickets for the 2026 the London St Andrew’s Book Festival are now on sale. https://www.ticketsource.com/standrewsbookfestival

As with the Sounds of St Columba’s Recitals, the Book Festival offers congregational members a great opportunity to invite friends or neighbours to come and enjoy our beautiful building and some of the life that goes on here.

Sunday 22nd November at 1:30 p.m.
London St Andrew’s Book Festival
A Journey into Scotland’s wild landscapes, faith and the power of storytelling. Join acclaimed Scottish poet, novelist and broadcaster Kenneth Steven at the St Andrew’s Book Festival London for a special event exploring Atoms of Delight, his moving reflection on pilgrimage, nature and Celtic spirituality. Kenneth’s writing has taken him from the ancient island of Iona to the remote beauty of the Highlands. His acclaimed BBC Radio 4 documentary A Requiem for St Kilda won a Sony Gold Award, while his books span poetry, novels, nature writing and children’s literature. In conversation with the Rev. Angus MacLeod, Kenneth will explore how Scotland’s landscapes, stories and spiritual traditions have shaped his life and work. This is an invitation to slow down, rediscover the wonder of the natural world and find beauty in the places and moments we might otherwise overlook.