Friends,
One of my hobbies is family history and researching one branch of the family tree I was puzzled to discover that one ancestor of mine seemed to have a later date of birth on one document than on another. A professional genealogist pointed out to me that until the state old age pension was introduced in 1908 most people simply didn’t think about their birthday. It was only when they had to prove their age in order to be eligible for the princely sum of 5 shillings per week that birthdays acquired real significance for the majority of the population.
Nowadays, most children enjoy a party or a special treat on their birthday. I suspect that for adults the attitude varies – in middle age they might be quite dismissive saying “It’s just another day” and perhaps not wanting to think about getting older but as time goes on “big birthdays”, those with 0, are to be celebrated. I’ve known people who would never admit to their age who suddenly want everyone to know when they are 80 or 90! And quite right too! It is good to celebrate a long and full life.
Pentecost is often called “the birthday of the church”. Jews and converts to Judaism from all over the known world were gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate the first fruits of the harvest when the Holy Spirit descended, and each member of that international gathering heard their own language spoken. Peter addressed the crowd and shared his vision of a worldwide Christian community. Today, we must resist the temptation to be inward looking, focussed only on the challenges facing our own denomination, for the life of our congregation at St Columba’s and the Church of Scotland as a whole, is infinitely richer because we are part of the global Christian family, and we are grateful to those who share their faith with us. Mission is always a two-way process, and we can learn much from sisters and brothers in Christ whose experience of life and the church is different from our own. We can also draw encouragement from the fact that the Christian church continues to grow in other parts of the world.
Let us celebrate a Happy Birthday this Pentecost,
William.
Live Streaming of Worship
Services can be watched via the church website, https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/live-stream
To access the live stream from the homepage (front page) click the Menu button in the top right-hand side of the page and scroll down and click on “Live Stream”. This will bring up the live stream to the church. The act of worship of approximately 60 minutes, includes include prayers, a sermon and music. The words for the hymns and readings will be on the website.
For those without internet, the Dial-In facility continues. Many people comment that they do have a sense of worshipping together, even if invisible to each other.
Reminder: If you do not wish to appear on the live-stream please choose a seat in the rear half of the sanctuary.
Please note that the Evening Services on the 1st of the month are not live streamed as they are held in the London Scottish Chapel.
Dial into Sunday Service
If you are aware of church members or friends who do not have access to internet please inform them that they can now phone in to join the Sunday service. No visuals clearly, but at least they can hear the service. Those interested should follow:
Step 1: At 10.40am call phone number 0203 051 2874.
Step 2: You will be prompted to enter a meeting ID. Please type (using your telephone keypad) 266 883 5072#
Step 3: You will then be asked for a participant number – simply press the #.
Step 4: Enjoy the service! You will hear the organ music from 10.50am.
Hymns, Music & Readings for Morning Service, 28th May 2023
Hymn 63 All people that on earth do dwell (Old 100th)
Hymn 584 Like fireworks in the night (St John (Havergal))
Hymn 594 Come, Holy Spirit, come! (Diademata)
Hymn 622 We sing a love that sets all people free (Woodlands)
Anthem: The spirit of the Lord (Elgar)
Musical Interlude: If ye love me (Tallis)
Organ Postlude: JS Bach Prelude in E Flat Major BWV 552
New Testament Reading: Acts 2: 1-21
New Testament Reading II: I Corinthians 12: 3b-13
Gospel Reading: John 7: 37-39
Congregational Offerings
Details on the many ways you can support St Columba’s can be found here https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/giving/supporting-st-columbas
Would anyone wishing to contribute to St Andrew’s, Newcastle please contact the Session Clerk on standrewssessionclerk@gmail.com for bank details or other means of donating.
Sunday School & future dates:
Between March & June, we offer Sunday School on the first and third Sundays of the month.
- Sunday 4th June (Second Sunday of half term)
- Sunday 25th June (Families Communion & Congregational Picnic)
Congregational Sunday Lunch & Future Dates
Future dates for lunches are 4th June & 18th June in the Lower Hall. Coffee will continue to be served every Sunday as usual in the Upper Hall. These Hospitality Services are much valued in supporting Fellowship.
Lent Appeal 2023: The Irene Taylor Trust – Sounding Out Programme – Thank you
Thank you so much for your generous donations to this year’s Lent Appeal. As a direct result of the appeal, £5,804.10 (inc. Gift Aid) was raised and the charity are thrilled with the donation and send their grateful thanks and appreciation for the financial support towards the Sounding Out Programme. The money will enable the charity to provide such vital help and support to those in prison, continuing when they are released and integrating back into society. We are hoping to invite back a speaker from The Irene Taylor Trust during Prison Week in October. Many thanks as always for supporting the Lent Appeal, it really does help improve the lives of others. ‘ Creating Music. Transforming Futures’.
Friends of St Columba’s Visits
The Friends of St Columba’s have two exciting trips coming up. Priority is given to those who are already Friends of St Columba’s but please do get in touch if you would like to join the trips but aren’t a “friend”.
- Friday 23rd June: Visit to the Handel and Hendrix Museum. George Frideric Handel lived at 25 Brook Street from 1723 until his death in 1759. It was here that Handel wrote and rehearsed his greatest works, including his Messiah. In 1968, Jimi Hendrix moved into an adjoining flat at number 23. He entertained, inspired and collaborated with other icons of British 60s rock music. Handel & Hendrix in London present these buildings as an evolving celebration of Handel’s and Hendrix’s lives. Tickets must be purchased in advance so please get in touch with Isobel Carter if you would like to attend.
For more detail about all the trips and to book please contact Honorary Secretary of the Friends of St Columba’s, Isobel Carter on isobel@in-carter.com or visit the St Columba’s website here https://www.stcolumbas.org.uk/friends-of-st-columbas.
St Columba’s Book Group
The St Columba’s Book Group will meet (on Zoom!) on Wednesday the 7th June at 6.30pm. The book we will discuss is Lesson’s in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus.
New members are always welcome. Contact the Church Office for the log in details.
Happy Hour
Our next Happy Hour meeting will be on Wednesday 7 June at the Carpenters Arms 12 Seymour Place W1H 7NE, (upstairs room) from 6.30pm We’ll get feedback from the General Assembly which takes place later this month and is likely to be lively, given the number of changes that are being implemented both in Scotland and the presbyteries beyond, including our own.
All welcome, just turn up on the night.
THIS WEEK: Sounds of St Columba’s 2023
The fantastic Sounds of St Columba’s series is back for 2023. Please note the dates in your diary, bring your friends and enjoy the marvellous music in the Upper Hall. 1.30pm start.
18th June 2023 – Emily Sun, in demand international violinist will play the Tchaikovsky’ Violin Concerto
16th July 2023- Ashley Fripp, Piano recital
17th September 2023- Richard Phillips, Cello Recital
Songs of Praise – Choose your favourite hymns!
Our last evening service before the summer is on Sunday 4th June (5pm.) It is our annual Songs of Praise, based on congregational choices. You can make a recommendation via the sign up board outside the sanctuary or make a recommendation and explain a little of why that hymn is special via email to William at associateminister@stcolumbas.org.uk All recommendations by Sunday 28th May.
Office Hours
The church office is open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
Contact details; Tel: 020 7584 2321
E-mail: office@stcolumbas.org.uk
Website: www.stcolumbas.org.uk
Facebook: @stcolumbaschurchpontstreet.
Twitter: @LondonKirk
Pastoral Emergency Number (out of office hours): 07591926271
To sign up and receive the weekly newsletter detailing future events, contact the church office or go to www.stcolumbas.org.uk (News Section.) Paper copies of this week’s newsletter are available at the bookstall.
If you require this information in a different format please contact the Church Office.
