Newsletter for Sunday 30th August 2026

Friends,

This Saturday, the wedding ceremony in our sanctuary will join a bride and groom who have shared a passion/interest since they first meet as teenagers in 2013. They were both preparing to attend the World Scout Jamboree in Japan (2015.) Robert Baden-Powell, founder of the Scouts, believed that Scouting should be independent of any single faith or religion, but still held that spirituality and a belief in a higher power are key to the development of young people. In “Scouting for Boys” he wrote: “We aim for the practice of Christianity in their everyday life and dealings, and not merely the profession of theology on Sundays…” With these things in mind, I thought you might be interested in the following: The Scout Law Prayer. (The language may show its age, but the qualities aspired to remain worthy.)

“Dear Lord, bless all those who contribute to shape the hearts, minds and bodies of young people everywhere. Let us remember what they have taught us and apply it in our daily life.

When facing deceit and dishonesty, let us be Trustworthy.
If we see hypocrisy and faithlessness, let us be Loyal.
Where disregard of others and mere materialism prevail, let us be Helpful.
When we find people in despair, let us be Friendly.
In an atmosphere of ill manner, let us be Courteous.
Where some measure manliness in brutality and crudeness, let us be Kind.
Though lawbreaking and rule-scoffing are common, let us be Obedient.
While others grumble and grouch, let us be Cheerful.
In an environment blighted by waste and extravagance, let us be Thrifty.
When confronted with danger and temptation, let us be Brave.
As we see filth and pollution everywhere, let us be Clean.
While witnessing impiety, let us remember to be Reverent.

In short, in a world that has for generation after generation lamented the lack of good examples, let us, as Scouts, stand out, grow up, and become real adults. Amen.”

A prayer just for Scouts – or perhaps for all of us?

Angus

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

THIS WEEK: Getting to Iona Having read this new Church Magazine, you will know all about “Getting to Iona”, written and performed by Tomas Barry. The play is being performed by Tomas at the Camden Fringe Festival, Thursday 27th and Friday 28th of August, at 6.30pm, at Union Chapel (near Highbury and Islington station). Online booking link:
https://camdenfringe.com/events/getting-to-iona/
Tomas writes: “Anyone who saw the show previously at St Columba’s, and would like to see the finished piece, is encouraged to get in touch with me directly for a complimentary ticket. There’s also an online discount code which anyone at St. Columba’s is welcome to use for £3 off the full ticket price: PILGRIM3
Very best wishes – Tom

Crown Court Church of Scotland
There is a warm invite from fellow London, Church of Scotland congregation, Crown Court, to hear about their ambitious new plans for building improvement and related activities. To help with catering numbers please RSVP by 8th September to futures@crowncourtchurch.com

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.

Chef Wanted for RESTART Lives – Chef for Homeless Charity Food Service Opportunity. RESTART Lives, a London homelessness charity, is looking for a Chef to join its Knightsbridge Drop-in Centre at St Columba’s Church, Pont Street. The role is one day a week, Fridays 3.30–9.30pm, at £18 per hour, preparing meals for 100–150 homeless people. Applicants must hold a Level 3 Food Safety Certificate. The position is initially offered on a temporary trial basis, with the possibility of becoming an ongoing weekly role. Closing date: 3 September 2026. To apply: Please email Olivia (olivia@restartlives.org), Head of Programmes, with your CV and a short covering email expressing your interest.

UPCOMING: Sunday 6th September. RESTART Lives is hosting a doubles tournament at St Columba’s Tennis Club, with strawberries and cream, tea, coffee and prosecco available throughout the event. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring together both familiar and new faces in our community while raising vital funds for RESTART services. To sign up to this wonderful event, please click on www.restartlives.org.
More information can be found on www.restartlives.org or by emailing Olivia@restartlives.org

Scots in London August Newsletter.
For a variety of events and activities of interest
check out the Scots in London August newsletter. https://mailchi.mp/scotsinlondon.org/aug-newsletter2026-12822222?e=a7a1f1deca Scots in London is an umbrella organisation for Scottish cultural societies, sports clubs, alumni groups, charities, churches and the Scottish military in London. Its mission is to promote Scottish culture and heritage, co-ordinate and communicate events, support Scottish charities in the capital, and contribute to the life of the city where we live.

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.

Kenneth Steven, Poet & Artist
Scottish poet Kenneth Steven will be one of the speakers at the London St Andrew’s Book Festival in November. Kenneth is also an artist. He writes: “Greetings to you from across the water in the Scottish west! I’m letting you know of the newest oil paintings on my website: kennethsteven.co.uk All but one is of the west coast where my wife Kristina and I live: it’s hard to imagine not being inspired by the Scottish Hebrides, and by my beloved island of Iona lying at their heart. Remember I send work easily and often to North America (a recent painting went to its home in New Zealand). When sending a painting to someone as a gift perhaps from someone else, I like to include a present of one of my books, signed, and together with a handwritten card of greeting.” To see more https://kennethsteven.co.uk/painter/

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.

UPCOMING: The Passage: Walk to End Homelessness on Sunday 18th October 2026
This is The Passage’s flagship challenge event and is taking place on Sunday 18th October in Battersea Park. Participants are invited to walk 2.5km, 5km, or 10km with friends, family and other local community members to raise vital funds for The Passage. On the day, you will be able to enjoy music, food and drinks as you walk alongside hundreds of like-minded people, united by a shared goal to prevent and end homelessness.
This is a fantastic opportunity for members of the congregation to get involved,
To sign up to this event, please click on the following link Walk to end Homelessness and click on ‘Sign up Today’