4th January 2026
By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 10 January 2026
Hello everyone,
I hope all of your Christmas and New Year celebrations went well. We have enjoyed having Ruth, Will and Alfie with us again over New Year, but they will be going home today, to be ready to return to work, and Nursery, on Monday. I am sure that will be true for many adults and children in the days ahead, returning to the routine after all the unpredictability of the Christmas season. I am sure that is one reason why people have New Year resolutions, to try in some small way to change the routine. Here at St Columba’s, 2026 is going to be a Year of Discipleship. The good news is that we are not asking you to make any (more) New Year resolutions, but there will be opportunities to join in different activities as the year progresses, and I do encourage you, yes you, everyone reading this message, to think of these opportunities as relevant to you, and helpful for you to grow your faith. I think faith can be like a plant, it is either thriving or it is dying, there is not much middle ground – just ticking along. We want everyone in the St Columba’s church family, and yes again that means you not just the usual suspects (whoever they may be), to grow closer to God during this year. If I may be excused a last look back to Christmas (although we are celebrating the visit of the Wise Men in church tomorrow) this is why God sent His Son into the world, so that faith would not be a series of rituals but a relationship – let’s all pray, and invest, in a deeper relationship in 2026. The first opportunity might be at the 6pm Prayer Meeting which resumes tomorrow evening after a Christmas break, more details below.
Sunday 4th January
10.30am – All Age Worship for Epiphany at St Columba’s – join us to reflect on the visit of the Wise Men and the last chance to sing some Christmas carols and songs before they are put away! This service will be available to watch on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/live/OHjMOFuSGJM?feature=share
6pm – Prayer Meeting at St Columba’s – as mentioned above this is the first opportunity in this Year of Discipleship for you to grow closer to God by sharing in this hour of prayer. No need to pray out loud unless you want to, praying silently and saying Amen to the spoken prayers of others is just as valuable.
Ladies Afternoon Tea – Friday 9th January 3pm
After last month’s Christmas special when men were invited to join the ladies it is back to normal this month, so plenty of tea & coffee, sandwiches & scones, cakes & conversation.
Sunday 11th January
10.30am – Holy Communion at St Columba’s – this service will include the first in a short series of sermons looking at Evangelism. This is linked to the Year of Discipleship, because all of our journeys of faith begin when we respond to evangelism of some kind, and one way that we can be more effective disciples is to think more about how we can engage in evangelism – which is not just for the specialists, but an activity that we all need to be engaged in to ensure that the church continues to grow and thrive. ENERGIZE groups will also be meeting again for the first time since their wonderful Nativity performance.
3pm – Family Service in Rockingham Village Hall
Once again we are moving the Family Services from St Leonard’s to the Village Hall for January, February and March. This is warmer and more welcoming on a cold day so do think about joining us, especially if you can’t make the morning service.
6pm – Prayer Meeting at St Columba’s – see above for more details – everyone welcome.
CHARITY OF THE WEEK – Northamptonshire Health Charity
Nick Hayton has asked me to pass on thanks from the Hospital for our donation to the Christmas gifts for patients and staff in hospital at Christmas – here is a photo. Please continue to pray for our local hospitals, and for all those who work in them as well as for the many patients who will need them over the coming 12 months. Do also pray for the Northamptonshire Health Charity and their ongoing work raising funds for additional facilities, including the Twinkling Stars Appeal which will help create a compassionate, private space at Kettering General Hospital where bereaved families can find comfort and support during their most difficult moments.
Finally, if it is not too late, can I wish you all a very happy and richly blessed New Year.
Ian
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