Newsletter for Sunday 26th April

Friends,
“A child’s mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled.” That is the guiding principle of Hill House International School, our near neighbour in Hans Place. On Sunday, our Reflections Discussion Group host Richard Townend, the Warden of Hill House as their guest speaker. Why? Because the school is a good example of one of the many and diverse communities that find a home under the St Columba’s roof. Hill House pupils fill our sanctuary every Wednesday morning for school assembly, bringing their vitality and rich music-making tradition. They have done so for many years. One of the benefits of such continuity is that in recent months we have conducted a wedding, a baptism and two funerals (of parents) with Hill House links. This week a former pupil – a Muslim – came quietly to mark the anniversary of his mother’ s death, in the place where she had attended her son’s school assemblies decades ago.

Elsewhere in this week’s Newsletter, reference to Olivia Pyle’s running the London Marathon, representing ReStart Lives, the charity that offers the Friday night meal throughout the year in our Lower Hall. That is supported by a regular network of volunteers, including pupils from even-nearer-neighbours, Knightsbridge School. Pupils set up tables and chairs, before the guests arrive. The ReStart coordinator remarks: “If the school send us five pupils, we can do the job in ten minutes – if they send us fifteen it’ll take an hour!” But amongst the slightly chaotic scenes there are surely important things being experienced – small expressions of service and widening awareness of “life.” Charity-related, this Newsletter also gives thanks for the generosity of those who supported the Lent Appeal on behalf of the Arukah Network and looks forward to the guest speaker and events, for the forthcoming Christian Aid Week (10th – 17th May).

Schools, charities…. Scots! Two Scots in London activities are also highlighted: Saturday 9th May, the Scots in London Ceilidh, featuring the energetic music of dance band, Licence to Ceilidh, with additional splendid music from the London Scottish Pipes & Drums – always inspiring. And later in the year the return of the Book Festival, presented by Scots in London. Dancers, musicians, fellow Scots and “friends of Scotland” – another set of communities gathering under the St Columba’s roof. All the while our own congregational gatherings for worship and the quiet prayers of the visitors who daily come into to find a moment’s peace upsatairs.

We are so very fortunate to have this beautiful, complex building in this beautiful, complex location – it gifts us such a variety of people and experience. By the grace of God may we use it well – worshipping and welcoming, welcoming and worshipping.

Angus

*There is a short film about the school on the school website, which features St Columba’s – might make you smile https://hillhouseschool.co.uk/

New Church Magazine
With thanks to the Editor, Susan Pym and her contributors,
the excellent April/May issue of the church magazine
is 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.

Thursday, 30 April 2026, at 7.00 p.m. Ecumenical Service of Evening Prayer
for Peace in the Middle East,
Our Lady of Victories Church,
235a Kensington High Street,
London W8 6SA.
Principal Celebrants: Rt Rev’d James Curry KC*HS, Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster & Lead Bishop for the Holy Land & Fr Nigel Wollen, Parish Priest at Our Lady of Victories Church. Address by: Dr Harry Hagopian KSG KSL. Dr Hagopian is an Armenian Christian who hails originally from Jordan. He is an international lawyer who was also Assistant General Secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches in Beirut & has contributed to the debates on the future of the Holy Lands. He is author of Let us Pray for the Peace of Jerusalem & The Armenian Church in the Holy Land. All welcome. Followed by mezze refreshments in the parish centre.

UPCOMING: Launch of Christian Aid Week, Sunday 10th May, A significant Sunday in our church life. Nick Georgiadis is our guest preacher. Nick leads the Income and Public Engagement at Christian Aid and is on the directors’ team, having served at Christian Aid for more than six years. He’s seen Christian Aid’s transformative work firsthand on several occasions, including the Beacon of Hope project in Kenya. As a regular visitor to Scotland, he’s inspired by and grateful for the sacrificial support of the Church of Scotland. 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.

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 offerings gratefully received.

London Marathon & ReStart Lives. 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. Olivia writes: “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

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!

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.