Newsletter for Sunday 8th November 2026

Friends,

This week’s Newsletter preparation has been accompanied by the sound of Knightsbridge School pupils in the sanctuary practising a collective recitation. Wandering in to hear what was going on, it turned out to be rehearsal for next week, on the 11th November. Knightsbridge School will be in the sanctuary at 11am. Earlier in the morning Hill House School will be in for their weekly assembly – both schools marking Remembrance in their different ways.

In 1919, Australian journalist and First World War veteran Edward George Honey appealed for a five-minute silence, by writing a letter to the London Evening News. A similar proposal was made by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, a South African statesman, in October 1919. (Whenever South African troops suffered heavy losses during the First World War, a period of silence was observed at noon in Cape Town.) King George V readily agreed when the proposal was presented. After a trial with the Grenadier guards at Buckingham Palace, at which both Honey and Fitzpatrick were present, the period of silence was shortened to two minutes. King George V sent a special message to the people of the Commonwealth. “I believe that my people in every part of the Empire fervently wish to perpetuate the memory of that Great Deliverance, and of those who laid down their lives to achieve it.” The King requested that “a complete suspension of all our normal activities” be observed for two minutes at “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” so that “in perfect stillness the thoughts of everyone may be concentrated on reverent remembrance of the Glorious Dead.”

Collective silence is an unusual thing in our culture. It provides the opportunity to reflect on the loss of life and cost of peace. It gives us the chance to consider the conflicts that continue to rage around the world today. There will of course be silence observed at our Sunday Remembrance Services (10.45am Morning Worship & 3.00pm for the London Scottish Regimental Church Parade).

The poem rehearsed by the school pupils, “Taking a Stand” was written by John Bailey, who served in Afghanistan in 2008, written as a tribute to those he knew who were killed there.

I ask you to stand with me
For both the injured and the lost
I ask you to keep count with me
Of all the wars and what they cost
I ask you to be silent with me
Quietly grateful for our lot
As I expect you’re as thankful as me
For the health and life we’ve got

I ask that you wish them well with me
All those still risking their all
And I ask that you remember with me
The names of those that fall
I expect that you are proud like me
Of this great nation of ours too
So enjoying all its freedoms like me
Support those upholding them for you

I hope that you are hopeful like me
That we’ll soon bring an end to wars
So you’ll have to stand no more with me
And mourning families no different from yours
‘Til then be thankful you can stand with me
Thinking of those who now cannot
For standing here today with me
At least we show they’re not forgot.

Angus

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 donations.

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: Parliamentary Service, Chapel of St Mary Undercroft, Houses of Parliament, 10:15am, Wednesday 18 November As part of the Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland’s annual “London Week”, Rt Revd Gordon Kennedy will preach at the annual Parliamentary Service. For security reasons, if you wish to attend you must give your name into the church office by Monday 9th November in order for details to be passed on.
Attendees should use the Cromwell Green entrance, and are welcome to arrive from 9:30am onwards as it may take some time to pass through security. Please bring photo ID.

London St Andrew’s Book Festival,
presented by Scots in London
16th-22nd November. https://www.standrewsbookfestival.org/
The St Andrew’s Book Festival London is almost here, and there is still time to be part of a brilliant seven days celebrating Scottish writing, ideas, culture and conversation. From gripping crime fiction and thrilling mysteries to history, politics, poetry, memoir, travel, nature and much more, there really is something for every curious mind. With an outstanding line up of writers, thinkers, poets and special guests, this is your chance to hear fascinating stories, discover new perspectives and enjoy some wonderful literary events in London. The festival runs from 16th to 22nd November, with events taking place across a range of London venues. Don’t leave it until the last minute. Take a look at the programme, choose your events and book your tickets today.
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.

UPCOMING: Sunday 22nd November, 11.00am, Joint Service with Crown Court Church of Scotland, at St Columba’s, Pont Street Marking the conclusion of the London St Andrew’s Book Festival, presented by Scots in London, London’s two Church of Scotland congregations come together for worship. Guest preacher is Rt Revd Gordon Kennedy, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland. Help welcome our Kirk neighbours, stay for lunch and enjoy the Book Festival’s final event with poet Kenneth Steven in conversation with the minister.

UPCOMING: 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.

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

Moderator Designate Revd Jill Clancy, Full-Time Facilitating Chaplain in HMP Barlinnie, Glasgow, has been announced as Moderator Designate for 2027-28. Jill has worked as a prison chaplain at Barlinnie for nine years and previously served as a parish minister in Gourock, Glasgow and Ayrshire. She is the first non-military chaplain to have been nominated for Moderator. Her year will serve to highlight the work of chaplains in hospitals, prisons, with the Armed Forces, in workplaces, schools and beyond. It is also perhaps an opportunity for the Church to pray for, and learn more about, the work of Christians in all areas of criminal justice, rehabilitation, and victim support.