Newsletter for Sunday 2nd August 2026

Friends,

I have often said that the lectionary, the table of Bible readings suggested for each Sunday and used by all denominations, is a useful discipline for ministers because it makes us look at parts of scripture we would rather avoid. We are compelled to wrestle with difficult passages and hard sayings, rather than always preaching on our own favourite themes. It is not always easy and I sometimes wonder how the scholars who combined the lectionary came to put three particular lessons together or matched them with a certain Psalm. However, although I am not a Biblical scholar, I am convinced that the deeper we dig, the more we struggle with a difficult passage, be it Old Testament, Epistle or Gospel, the greater will be the reward. A theme that is common to all of our readings this week is that of God’s tenacity in loving us and caring for us. And in the passages from Genesis, we also see the tenacity of God’s people in holding on to God! Even when we struggle with doubt or fear or like the crowd who followed Jesus, we are tired and need refreshment, God meets with and tends to the needs of his children.
Genesis chapter 32 and Matthew chapter 14 both pick up the idea of God’s presence and concern for people in the evening and through the night. Jacob’s encounter at Peniel reminds us that God knows the journey we’ve been on and invites us to bring every part of ourselves to him, so that we can grow close to God and he can bless us.

The crowds followed Jesus even when he was seeking time to rest and recuperate. Rather than being frustrated about this our Lord showed compassion to the crowds. Even when the disciples suggested sending them away for their evening meal, Jesus allowed them to stay and miraculously provided sustenance for them right where they were. The crowd had chosen not to let go of Jesus and he would not let go of them.

In our exhausting modern world, it is common for many of us to feel low late in the day and perhaps even to struggle with sleep, especially in the current heatwave. Our readings this week show that God will never leave us hungry, alone or helpless against sin. There are many modern translations of Compline (Night Prayer) available and the ancient tradition of praying in this way late at night offers a practical approach for turning our anxious nights into a time of prayer.

William

UPCOMING: The Book Club is meeting next on Tuesday 8th September to discuss the prizewinning novel, The Correspondent, by Virginia Evans. If you want to plan your summer reading list, after that we shall be discussing, The Caspian Amulet. For joining details, please contact the church office.

DIARY DATE: Churches Together in Kensington & Chelsea with Churches Together in Notting Hill,
Season of Creation 2026 Ecumenical Service,
Thursday 1ST October, 7.00p.m.
St Luke’s Parish Church, Sydney Street, SW3 6NH.
Everyone is warmly invited.

Scots in London Newsletter
Scots in London, the umbrella organisation that brings together ten Scottish, London-based organisations produces a monthly newsletter which shares information about upcoming events and usually has a monthly focus on one of the organisations. Check out the July issue which promoted the Sounds of St Columba’s Recitals and gives a nice welcome to Revd Tara Porr Granados, the new minister of Crown Court Church of Scotland. https://mailchi.mp/scotsinlondon.org/july-newsletter2026

St Andrews Book Festival,
presented by Scots in London
Update on St Andrew’s Book Festival, November 18th-22nd. We are pleased to announce that Carol Kirkwood, Andrew Lownie and Val McDermid are among the authors who will appear at the festival with most events at St Columba’s. Ticket details will follow.
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.