13th November 2022

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 19 November 2022

Hello everyone,

On Friday I was at Lodge Park Academy where we observed the two minutes silence at 11am and I was able to share a few words and pray. It was a special time, not least as the Head Girl read the words of the song “Of arms and peaceful men” by David Dearlove. I have heard this many times but have always thought the words about those who “cannot rest when peace is torn by greed and tyranny” to be about the past. This year, with the war in Ukraine continuing, the words had a very modern ring to them. As we observe the silence on Sunday, let us, amid all the other thoughts in our heads, remember those in Ukraine who are, even now, giving up “their hope of Spring”.

THIS WEEK’S SERVICES
We have services for Remembrance Sunday, both including the two minute silence at about 11am, at St Columba and St Leonard’s tomorrow.
At St Columba the service is HOLY COMMUNION, starts at 10.30am and includes ENERGIZE groups for children and young people who will also be looking at the theme of Remembrance.
At St Leonard’s it is a FAMILY SERVICE starting at 10.45am and including the reading of names from the War Memorial.
(Editor’s note: Unfortunately, there is no livestream due to a fault with the camera.)

PRAYER MEETING
We will be meeting for an hour of prayer in St Columba’s at 6pm on Sunday evening, with an emphasis on issues of remembrance and peace this week.

ALPHA – Starting 14th November at 7:30pm in St Columba’s church
What is Alpha? It’s a series of weekly sessions where you can explore the Christian faith in a relaxed and welcoming environment. We’re going to be starting this Monday at 7:30pm and then breaking for Christmas before finishing in January – something interesting and fun to do during those cold winter nights! We’re doing the Alpha film series, which includes a video to watch and then allows us to chat about what we’ve just seen. You can share your thoughts about some of the big questions of life and we can explore the answers together. All of this accompanied by tea, coffee and cake. Why not have a look at the Alpha Film Series trailer and see if it’s for you? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fViYK_Xb3Wg

Please speak to Kevin (07512 822422) if you would like to know more or to sign up, although everyone is welcome to simply turn up on the night.

FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
After last week’s break we meet again on Tuesday evening at 7.30pm and Wednesday morning at 10.30am for the final session of our course on Christlikeness looking at the fruit of the Spirit, focussing on self-control this week. We will also be discussing what might come next…

SHOEBOXES
Two notices about OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD this week:

First there are just two weeks before all boxes need to be handed in so if you have not yet taken and packed a box, and you are able to, please do, and don’t forget the leaflet with important details about what can and cannot go in the box and a label to say if it is for a boy or girl and what age. Don’t forget Sunday 27th November is the final date boxes can be dropped off at church.

Second, St Columba will once again be open as a venue where boxes can be delivered by members of the public. We will be open from 9am to 1pm every day from Monday 21st November. If you are able to be in church for an hour or so that week there will be a sign-up sheet available tomorrow.

And if you need any inspiration to know why we are doing this just watch the film available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nePoQ-nv8fU

CHRISTMAS FAYRE – Saturday 26th November 10am – 12.30
Two weeks today St Columba’s Christmas Fayre will be under way and we still need more help. Please think if you can help run a stall on the day and if so either reply to this message or sign on the list at the back of church. Thank you to everyone who has brought in donations for the raffle or tombolas (bottle or teddy) – the boxes will be at the back of church for the next two weeks for any more contributions.

SUNDAY 20th NOVEMBER
Next Sunday there is a service of Morning Worship, with ENERGIZE GROUPS, at 10.30am in St Columba’s.

AND FINALLY
Here is the latest mini SCANS produced by Steve. These online productions contain lots to amuse, entertain and teach so do make sure you open the attached and have a good read.

God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609