Lent and Easter 2021

Scripture and Music

Journey to Easter

Congregational Lent Reading - Week Seven

REFLECTION & POINTS FOR PRAYER
Prepared by the Congregational Prayer Group
St. Columba’s, Pont Street, & St. Andrew’s, Newcastle.
Sunday 11th April 2021, the 2nd Sunday after Easter

Introduction
In this time between the Resurrection and the Ascension of Jesus Christ we are exhorted by St. Paul to be grateful for “things beyond our seeing, prepared by God for those who love him” (I Corinthians 2.) and he prays that our “inward eyes may be enlightened, so that you may know how vast are the resources of his power, open to us who have faith”. (Ephesians 1).

Collect
Almighty and eternal God,
the strength of those who believe
and the hope of those who doubt,
may we, who have not seen, have faith
and receive the fullness of Christ’s blessing,
who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Scripture
“When it was evening on that day, the first day of the week, and the doors of the house where the disciples had met were locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came among them and said “Peace be with you”. After he said this, he showed them his hands and his side.” (John 20. vv19-20)

Prayer
Heavenly Father,
have mercy on our unbelief, our uncertainties, our anxieties. We cannot order our lives to protect us and those we care for from all harm. We pray that you will guide and protect us so that we can bear affliction and challenges. Help us to keep before us the example of Jesus, who trusted in you to give him courage at the time of trial, in the sure and certain hope of eternal glory. May we live our life on earth with this promise – a living flame of hope and trust – before us always. Amen.

A Truer Beauty (Prayer of George MacLeod, founder of the Iona Community)
O Christ, the Master Carpenter,
who, at the last, through wood and nails,
purchased our whole salvation,
wield well your tools in the workshop of your world,
so that we, who come rough-hewn to your bench,
may here be fashioned to a truer beauty of your hand.

A meditation for the week:
As the women who followed Jesus are part of the story of the crucifixion and resurrection, let us think of some of occupations of women which help our world, our countries, and our families. The women of the New Testament brought spices and ointments to embalm the body of Jesus. During the pandemic we have had especial cause to be thankful for doctors, surgeons, nurses, physiotherapists, carers, ambulance crews, police. Keeping the world moving were bus and train drivers; taxi drivers and neighbours who shopped for others. Keeping us fed those women who work in essential shops, delivery drivers and cyclists, the many who work in food banks and cook and help in shelters like Glassdoor and ReStart; and lead charities like Borderline and Play for Progress. The arts, especially music, have been magically recreated online, so we are thankful for women who play musical instruments, sing, or compose. Here at St. Columba’s we are grateful for all those who serve the church – administrators, elders and members of the congregation who provide hospitality and group activities. So, like the family and followers of Jesus, may we all make service part of our lives and live in harmony with one another, appreciating each person’s individual contribution to the whole.

Closing prayer
Guide us, Lord, in all our doings with your gracious favour, and further us with your continual help; that in all our works, begun, continued and ended in you, we may glorify your holy name, and by your mercy attain everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Opening Hours

The office is open from
9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m,
Monday to Friday.

There is a 24-hour answering machine service.

Connect with us

Find us

St Columba’s is located on Pont Street in Knightsbridge in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The Church is within easy reach of three London Underground stations – Knightsbridge (Piccadilly Line), South Kensington (Piccadilly, Circle and District Lines) and Sloane Square (Circle and District Lines).

	St. Columba's Pont Street London SW1X 0BD
	+44 (0)20-7584-2321
	office@stcolumbas.org.uk

Getting here by tube

Knightsbridge Station

Take the Harrods exit if open (front car if coming from the East, rear car if coming from the West). Come up the stairs to street level, carry on keeping Harrods on your right. Turn right into Basil Street. Carry straight on into Walton Place with St Saviour’s Church on your left. At the traffic lights, St Columba’s is to your left across the street. If the Harrods exit is closed, take the Sloane Street exit, turn right into Basil Street. Carry straight on past Harrods with the shop on your right, into Walton Place as before.

South Kensington Station

Come up the stairs out of the station and turn left into the shopping arcade. Turn left again into Pelham Street. At the traffic lights at the end of Pelham Street cross Brompton Road, turn left then immediately right into the narrow street of Draycott Avenue. After just a few yards turn left into Walton Street. Carry on walking up Walton Street until the traffic lights at the corner of Pont Street. Turn right and after a few steps you will be at St Columba’s!

Sloane Square Station

Cross over the square into Sloane Street. Walk along Sloane Street until the traffic lights at the corner of Pont Street. Turn left into Pont Street. St Columba’s will then be in sight.