Author: Justin Dyche

5th January 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 11 January 2025

Hello everyone and a very Happy New Year to you all.

Before the details of what’s happening this week (and there is a busy week to look forward to) I have some sad news to share. Pam Williams husband Roy died on 2nd January age 97. Sadly Roy suffered a serious stroke 12 years ago so his quality of life has not been great, although he has been wonderfully well cared for by Pam and her family and the carers who visited Roy several times each day. Please pray for Pam and her family at this time of loss. The funeral will be at the Crematorium but no date has been arranged as yet.

Also on the subject of loss, Joan Dyche’s funeral takes place on Friday 10th January at 10.30am at the Albert Munn Chapel at Kettering Crematorium. Please do pray for Justin, and for Joan’s four sons and wider family as they continue to come to terms with her death last month.

SUNDAY 5th JANUARY
We have two services at St Columba’s on Sunday, both celebrating Epiphany but in different styles:
10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP – please can everyone, especially children, bring a Christmas present you received to this service. This service will also include an opportunity for people to share their prayers for 2025 and if you are not able to be in church but would like your prayer to be included please email ianpullinger@btinternet.com.
5pm HOLY COMMUNION – this service will include a sermon from David and everyone is welcome.
As a result of the 5pm service there will be no Prayer Meeting this week but we will gather once again next Sunday at 6pm for an hour of prayer – why not join us in 2025?

SPRING HARVEST
Please can all those who are going to Spring Harvest at Easter bring their final payments to church either this week or at the latest by next Sunday (12th January). If you are not sure how much is still to pay please contact Miriam who will be able to let you know. If you won’t be at church either week please bring your payment to the Vicarage during the week or ask for details of the church bank account to transfer the money to.

ALPHA
After the Christmas holiday the Alpha group will meet again at the Vicarage on Thursday evening at 7.30pm.

AFTERNOON TEA
The Ladies Afternoon Tea is meeting again on Friday 10th January at 3pm in the Church Hall. All ladies welcome for tea, sandwiches, scones, cake and conversation.

SUNDAY 12th JANUARY
There is one service at St Columba’s next Sunday and one at Rockingham, in the Village Hall not the church. Details are as follows:
10.30 HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with ENERGIZE groups for children and young people.
3pm FAMILY SERVICE in Rockingham Village Hall.
and at 6pm, as mentioned above, there will be the first PRAYER MEETING of the New Year in St Columba’s.

PUZZLES AND OTHER STUFF 121
Steve has been busy preparing a new edition of online puzzles. Steve writes: This issue has a focus on seeking out God’s guidance and understanding that sometimes He must put you somewhere you discover you’d rather not be while the real place He wants you to go opens up – for example if He wants you in Job A, you need to wait while the present occupant vacates it and so you must cope with Job B, which must be miserable enough to make you want to move on when A becomes vacant (as I found in the personal example I give). There are some lovely tales about Albert Einstein – a genius, yes, but incredibly modest, forgetful, funny and humble. I’ve invented some new Bible quizzes to go along with some of the regular favourites, quizzes and regular funnies. Hope you like them. Do let me know what you like and suggestions for new stuff.

And finally, please pray for my voice as I have a cough and three services to conduct tomorrow (including one at St Peter and St Andrew) and while there is nothing wrong with silence in worship too much of it may not be helpful!

With very best wishes for 2025,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

22nd December 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 4 January 2025

Hello everyone,

Shamaila has had a wonderful answer to prayer. Her Appeal yesterday was accepted and she will be granted asylum and allowed to stay in the UK – Praise the Lord. The hearing lasted over 2 hours and no decision was made then, with the judge saying that he hoped she would know before Christmas, today she heard the news. Thank you for all your prayers. Shamaila will be with us in church on Sunday morning, so do come along and celebrate with her.

Please continue to pray for Madeline following her car accident last week. She is now home from hospital and being cared for by her family, but she is very sore, bruised and quite shaken by the experience, although fortunately no bones were broken.

Here are the details of the services on Sunday, over Christmas and the following Sunday:

Sunday 22nd December 10.30am – HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s. This will be a shorter service than usual with no ENERGIZE groups because we want to encourage people to come to the Carol Service later. However this service will be available as a livestream by going to this link:
https://youtube.com/live/h7mTg-NQgYI?feature=share
Sunday 22nd December 6pm – CANDLELIT CAROL SERVICE at St Columba’s. This traditional Christmas service includes plenty of opportunity to sing carols and to hear the Christmas story in Bible readings.
Christmas Eve 4.30pm – CHRISTINGLE SERVICE at St Columba’s. Always a favourite as we remember the Christmas story, learn about the work of The Children’s Society and sing “Away in a Manger” by the light of our Christingle candles.
Christmas Eve 11.15pm – MIDNIGHT COMMUNION at St Columba’s. A traditional celebration of Holy Communion with carols, to remember how Jesus was born in the night.
Christmas Day 10am – FAMILY COMMUNION at St Columba’s. A joyful celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour with carols and communion, and guaranteed not to be too long because…
Christmas Day 11am – CHRISTMAS COMMUNION at St Leonard’s. A traditional Communion service for Christmas morning with carols.
and on Sunday 29th December at 10.30am – MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s.
There will be no Prayer Meeting on Sunday 22nd or 29th December.

I hope to see you at one or more of these services, but if you are not able to join us I hope you are still able to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, and I wish you all a very Happy Christmas.

Ian

15th December 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 21 December 2024

Hello everyone,

I have just come home from the children’s Nativity rehearsal and I am sure everyone is going to enjoy the performance tomorrow morning at St Columba’s. This email will be mostly a list of what is happening over the next couple of weeks, up to and including Christmas.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – CHILDREN’S SOCIETY
Please pray for the Children’s Society who we support with the offering from our Christingle Service on Christmas Eve as well as collection boxes that some people have at home. They are a national charity working to transform the hopes and happiness of young people facing abuse, exploitation and neglect. The Children’s Society support them through serious life challenges and campaign tirelessly for the big social changes that will improve the lives of those who need hope most.

SUNDAY 15th DECEMBER
We have two services on Sunday, the first is the St Columba’s NATIVITY performed by the children from ENERGIZE at 10.30am. Do come along and support our children as they act out the Christmas story and join in with carols and prayers.
At St Leonard’s at 3pm there is a CHRISTMAS FAMILY SERVICE with a Baptism.

PRAYER NEWS
On Sunday evening at 6pm we have our last Prayer Meeting of the year where we will be especially praying for Shamaila’s Immigration Appeal on Wednesday – please remember this in your prayers at home as well.

LODGE PARK CHRISTMAS DINNER
Don’t forget if you have booked in to attend this lovely event at Lodge Park Academy to arrive at the school in time for 2pm on Monday 16th December.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT ST COLUMBA’S and ST LEONARD’S:
Thursday 19th December 7pm – CAROLS with MINCE PIES and MULLED WINE in Rockingham Village Hall. This informal gathering in the relaxed, and warm, surroundings of the Village Hall gives everyone a chance to choose their favourite carol to sing.
Sunday 22nd December 10.30am – HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s. This will be a shorter service than usual with no ENERGIZE groups because we want to encourage people to come to the Carol Service later.
Sunday 22nd December 6pm – CANDLELIT CAROL SERVICE at St Columba’s. This traditional Christmas favourite includes plenty of opportunity to sing favourite carols and to hear the Christmas story in Bible readings.
Christmas Eve 4.30pm – CHRISTINGLE SERVICE at St Columba’s. Always a favourite as we remember the Christmas story, learn about the work of The Children’s Society and sing “Away in a Manger” by the light of our Christingle candles.
Christmas Eve 11.15pm – MIDNIGHT COMMUNION at St Columba’s. A traditional celebration of Holy Communion with carols, to remember how Jesus was born in the night.
Christmas Day 10am – FAMILY COMMUNION at St Columba’s. A joyful celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour with carols and communion, and guaranteed not to be too long because…
Christmas Day 11am – CHRISTMAS COMMUNION at St Leonard’s. A traditional Communion service for Christmas morning with carols.

CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER
The special printed Christmas Newsletter is out, although please note that there is a mistake with the listing of Christmas Services in the first edition – see above for all the correct details. Hopefully a revised and corrected edition will be out in time for tomorrow.

EASYFUNDRAISING
And finally a reminder to anyone who is doing last minute online shopping for Christmas that many shops and suppliers will make a donation to St Columba’s, at no extra cost to you, if you buy using Easyfundraising. You have to register with easyfundraising first, and you can do that by going to this link: http://join.easyfundraising.org.uk/st-columba-corby

Best wishes to all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

8th December 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 14 December 2024

Hello everyone,

Our Christmas celebrations started in church this last week with a service for the Year 3 and 4 children from Rockingham Primary School and continue over the coming weeks, with details of everything that is happening below so do keep reading and plan to support as many of these events as possible.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – HOME START CORBY
Home-Start Corby is a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under the age of 5. Allowing for special circumstances to extend this age in line with project agreements. Volunteers offer regular visits, befriending and practical help to families in their own homes, helping to prevent family crisis and breakdown.

SUNDAY 8th DECEMBER
We have one service on Sunday at St Columba’s at 10.30am – HOLY COMMUNION with ENERGIZE groups continuing to rehearse for the NATIVITY. Following the success of last week’s livestream we hope all will go well again and the link is:
https://youtube.com/live/9surtyTJtAM?feature=share
Although it is the second Sunday of the month the Rockingham Family Service is not happening until next week.
We will have a Prayer Meeting at 6pm in St Columba’s.

COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE – Thursday 12th December 6pm
St Columba’s look forward to welcoming local school choirs from Studfall Infants, Rockingham Primary, Woodnewton and Lodge Park who will be singing to us and also joining in with some congregational carols and hearing the Christmas story. This is always a really good evening and one of our best opportunities to reach out to those who do not regularly come to church.

CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA
This coming Friday 13th December is the Christmas Afternoon Tea in the Church Hall from 3pm. There are two special features to the tea this month in addition to the regular tea, sandwiches, scones, cake and conversation we will sing some carols and husbands are welcome to come along as well!

NATIVITY REHEARSAL
Parents should receive a letter tomorrow about the dress rehearsal for next week’s nativity which will be on Saturday 14th December at 10am in church. We do really need all the children taking part in the Nativity to be there, although do still come on Sunday even if you can’t make the rehearsal. We will be finished by 12 noon so there will be plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day.

CAROLS IN THE TOWN CENTRE
This will also be happening on Saturday 14th December at 11am outside McDonald’s. Please join with Christians from other churches in Corby singing some of our favourite Christmas carols and sharing the “good news of great joy” with our community.

SUNDAY 15th DECEMBER
We have two services next Sunday, the first is the St Columba’s NATIVITY performed by the children from ENERGIZE at 10.30am. Do come along and support our children as they act out the Christmas story and join in with carols and prayers.
At St Leonard’s at 3pm there is a CHRISTMAS FAMILY SERVICE with a Baptism

LODGE PARK CHRISTMAS DINNER
Many of you have enjoyed the social events organised by Lodge Park Academy over recent years and I am pleased to say they are inviting us to a CHRISTMAS DINNER on Monday 16th December at 2pm. There is no charge for this dinner but you do need to book with me as there are just a couple of spaces left. Please let me know at church or email ianpullinger@btinternet.com if you would like to go.

MORE CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT ST COLUMBA’S and ST LEONARD’S:
Thursday 19th December 7pm – CAROLS with MINCE PIES and MULLED WINE in Rockingham Village Hall. This informal gathering in the relaxed, and warm, surroundings of the Village Hall gives everyone a chance to choose their favourite carol to sing.
Sunday 22nd December 10.30am – HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s. This will be a shorter service than usual with no ENERGIZE groups because we want to encourage people to come to the Carol Service later.
Sunday 22nd December 6pm – CANDLELIT CAROL SERVICE at St Columba’s. This traditional Christmas favourite includes plenty of opportunity to sing favourite carols and to hear the Christmas story in Bible readings.
Christmas Eve 4.30pm – CHRISTINGLE SERVICE at St Columba’s. Always a favourite as we remember the Christmas story, learn about the work of The Children’s Society and sing “Away in a Manger” by the light of our Christingle candles.
Christmas Eve 11.15pm – MIDNIGHT COMMUNION at St Columba’s. A traditional celebration of Holy Communion with carols, to remember how Jesus was born in the night.
Christmas Day 10am – FAMILY COMMUNION at St Columba’s. A joyful celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour with carols and communion, and guaranteed not to be too long because…
Christmas Day 11am – CHRISTMAS COMMUNION at St Leonard’s. A traditional Communion service for Christmas morning with carols.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER
This is being organised by some people from Hope Church, but it will be happening in our Church Hall. As before the aim is to make Christmas Day special for those who would otherwise be alone. If you would like to attend, or know someone who might like to, or you can volunteer to help either on the day or with preparation on Christmas Eve please contact: christmasdinner2024@yahoo.com

PUZZLES
There will be a special printed Christmas Newsletter out next week but this week we have the latest edition of online puzzles from Steve who writes: “this is light hearted, full of jokes and puzzles but also includes a story I read when I was in my 20s that changed my life. Do read it.”
The latest edition of SCaNS is still available in church if you have not yet had a copy.

EASYFUNDRAISING
And finally a reminder to anyone who is shopping online this Christmas that many shops and suppliers will make a donation to St Columba’s, at no extra cost to you, if you buy using Easyfundraising. You have to register with easyfundraising first, and you can do that by going to this link: http://join.easyfundraising.org.uk/st-columba-corby

Best wishes to all in this Advent season,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

1st December 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 8 December 2024

Hello everyone,

I must begin by thanking everyone who supported our Christmas Fayre last Saturday. This was a great success with over £900 being raised for church funds, a good time being enjoyed by all, and many good conversations with friends from the wider community. On the subject of Christmas this email includes details of all our Christmas services, so do have a look through the list and think who you may be able to invite. There will be some flyers available next week to give to family and friends, neighbours and colleagues, to invite them to join us at this special time of the year.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – OPEN DOORS
As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, and to invite people to join us, it is good to remember our brothers and sisters around the world who are not free to celebrate as we are, and who may be arrested if they invite someone to join them for a Christmas gathering.
Please pray for OPEN DOORS, one of the charities St Columba’s supports. They originated in 1955 when Brother Andrew started smuggling Bibles to the persecuted church in Communist Europe. His work led to more than six decades of support for the persecuted church all around the world.
If you would like to find out more about their work click on this link where you can find more information and films about people to pray for:
https://www.opendoorsuk.org/resources/prayer/

SUNDAY 1st DECEMBER
Tomorrow is Advent Sunday and we have two services at St Columba’s:
10.30am HOLY COMMUNION with ENERGIZE groups continuing to rehearse for the NATIVITY so it would be really good if all the children could come along. We will try again with the livestream using this link: https://youtube.com/live/fdE-5Zg9zAw?feature=share
5pm we have an informal service of ADVENT PRAISE, as a result of this we don’t have a Prayer Meeting on Sunday.

CHRISTMAS CAROL PERFORMANCE AT STEPHENSON WAY COMMUNITY CENTRE – Friday 6th December. Doors open 7pm
This community event is happening on Friday and everyone is welcome.

SUNDAY 8th DECEMBER
Next Sunday we have just one service at St Columba’s at 10.30am – HOLY COMMUNION with ENERGIZE groups continuing to rehearse for the NATIVITY.
Although it is the second Sunday of the month the Rockingham Family Service is not happening until next week.
We will have a Prayer Meeting at 6pm in St Columba’s.

LODGE PARK CHRISTMAS DINNER
Many of you have enjoyed the social events organised by Lodge Park Academy over recent years and I am pleased to say they are inviting us to a CHRISTMAS DINNER on Monday 16th December at 2pm. There is no charge for this dinner but you do need to book with me as there are a limited number of spaces available. Please let me know at church or email ianpullinger@btinternet.com if you would like to go.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES AT ST COLUMBA’S and ST LEONARD’S:
Thursday 12th December 6pm – COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE at St Columba’s with school choirs and congregational carols. This is always a really good evening with performances from choirs at infant, junior and secondary schools.
Sunday 15th December 10.30am – NATIVITY SERVICE at St Columba’s. This is always a highlight of the year as the children in ENERGIZE perform their Nativity Play.
Sunday 15th December 3pm – CHRISTMAS FAMILY SERVICE at St Leonard’s. A celebration of Christmas with carols, improvised drama and, this year, a Baptism!
Thursday 19th December 7pm – CAROLS with MINCE PIES and MULLED WINE in Rockingham Village Hall. This informal gathering in the relaxed, and warm, surroundings of the Village Hall gives everyone a chance to choose their favourite carol to sing.
Sunday 22nd December 10.30am – HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s. This will be a shorter service than usual with no ENERGIZE groups because we want to encourage people to come to the Carol Service later.
Sunday 22nd December 6pm – CANDLELIT CAROL SERVICE at St Columba’s. This traditional Christmas favourite includes plenty of opportunity to sing favourite carols and to hear the Christmas story in Bible readings.
Christmas Eve 4.30pm – CHRISTINGLE SERVICE at St Columba’s. Always a favourite as we remember the Christmas story, learn about the work of The Children’s Society and sing “Away in a Manger” by the light of our Christingle candles.
Christmas Eve 11.15pm – MIDNIGHT COMMUNION at St Columba’s. A traditional celebration of Holy Communion with carols, to remember how Jesus was born in the night.
Christmas Day 10am – FAMILY COMMUNION at St Columba’s. A joyful celebration of the birth of our Lord and Saviour with carols and communion, and guaranteed not to be too long because…
Christmas Day 11am – CHRISTMAS COMMUNION at St Leonard’s. A traditional Communion service for Christmas morning with carols.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER
This is being organised by some people from Hope Church, but it will be happening in our Church Hall. As before the aim is to make Christmas Day special for those who would otherwise be alone. If you would like to attend, or know someone who might like to, or you can volunteer to help either on the day or with preparation on Christmas Eve please contact: christmasdinner2024@yahoo.com

SCANS
There was a new PRINTED edition of SCaNS available in church last week. If you did not pick up a copy don’t forget to pick one up this week.

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

24th November 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 30 November 2024

Hello everyone,

I hope you have had a good week. I was away in Derbyshire with many of the ministers, ordained and lay, from Peterborough diocese. We had a good conference at which Bishop Debbie was the main speaker and we were encouraged to hear her message and her openness to the Lord.
On Saturday it is St Columba’s Christmas Fayre and I do hope that many of you will be able to be there, in the Hall between 11am and 1pm.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – HOPE INTO ACTION
Hope Into Action is a charity who provide housing for people who find it difficult to access via the usual channels. We have partnered with them for the last couple of years, during which time we have seen many answers to prayer, including the provision of a house, a tenant and a positive resolution to the tenant’s immigration problems. Earlier this year our tenant moved into a different property provided by the Council and we then learnt that the investors, who owned the house, wanted to sell. This means that our partnership with Hope Into Action is coming to an end, but before it does it would be good to give thanks for those answers to prayer and to pray for St John’s Corby who hope to start a similar partnership soon and for the many other churches across the country who have Hope Into Action houses – may they continue to provide housing help and support where it is needed most.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE – SATURDAY 23rd November 11am – 1pm in Church Hall
Please tell all your family and friends about the FAYRE and encourage them to come along, and plan to be there yourself to enjoy Bacon Rolls, Cakes, Crafts, second hand books, records, CDs and DVDs as well as the Raffle and Tombolas – teddies for the children, bottles for everyone.

UNSCHOOLED ORDINARY MEN* in Rushden – Saturday 23rd November at 7pm
Men of Northamptonshire you are invited to be part of a gathering of men looking to Jesus. Unschooled Ordinary Men* is an event in partnership with CVM (Christian Vision for Men) whose team of Carl Beech and Nathan Blackaby will be leading and speaking. The event also includes worship, refreshments, the CVM resources and a free resource produced for this event only. This will be at Park Road Baptist Church, Park Road, Rushden, Northamptonshire, NN10 0RG and tickets, costing £5, are available at: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/christianvisionformen/1321152
* unschooled ordinary men is a reference from Acts 4.13 where it is used of the disciples Peter and John.

BIG SING CHOIR CHRISTMAS SHOW at Corby Cube – Saturday 23rd November at 7.30pm
Tickets for this concert cost £22 are still available from the Cube or online at:
https://tickets.thecorecorby.com/93168/93169

SUNDAY 24th NOVEMBER
We have two services on Sunday:
9am HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham – why not come to this early service if you have plans for later in the day and won’t be able to make the service at St Columba’s.
10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s, Corby – this service will include sung worship from 10.15am and ENERGIZE groups for children who will be continuing rehearsals for the NATIVITY so it is really important for as many children as possible to come along. We are continuing to have problems with the livestream so please use this link: https://youtu.be/hFt00oBPPf0
We will finish the day with our PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s at 6pm.

AN EVENING WITH ROB PARSONS at Christ the King, Kettering – Thursday 28th November at 7.30pm
Tickets for this event cost £11 each, or £8 each for a group of 3 or more, and are still available from:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-rob-parsons-kettering-tickets-903184257427?aff=webpage

SUNDAY 1st DECEMBER
Next week it is Advent Sunday and we have two services at St Columba’s:
10.30am HOLY COMMUNION with ENERGIZE groups continuing to rehearse for the NATIVITY on Sunday 15th December.
and at 5pm we have an informal service of ADVENT PRAISE, as a result of this we won’t have a Prayer Meeting next Sunday.

LODGE PARK CHRISTMAS DINNER
Many of you have enjoyed the social events organised by Lodge Park Academy over recent years and I am pleased to say theya re inviting us to a CHRISTMAS DINNER on Monday 16th December at 2pm. There is no charge for this dinner but you do need to book a place by speaking with me as there are a limited number of spaces available. Please let me know at church or email ianpullinger@btinternet.com if you would like to go.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER
This is being organised by some people from Hope Church, but it will be happening in our Church Hall. As before the aim is to make Christmas Day special for those who would otherwise be alone. Volunteers are needed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as follows:
CHRISTMAS EVE: Hall Preparation, Table Setup, Decoration, Food Preparation (food hygiene training provided – online), Cooking (food hygiene training provided – online), Wash and Clean Up, Gift Wrapping.
CHRISTMAS DAY: Food Preparation, Cooking, Table Hosts, Servers, Food Delivery, Entertainment, Wash and Clean up.
If you are able to help, or would like to find out more, please contact: christmasdinner2024@yahoo.com

SCANS
Steve has produced a new PRINTED edition of SCaNS and this should be available in church on Sunday so don’t forget to collect a copy.

I hope to see many of you at the Fayre on Saturday and in church on Sunday.

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

17th November 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 23 November 2024

Hello everyone,

Let me begin with congratulations to Easton Promise (James, Louisa and friends) who won the Quiz last night and many thanks to all those who came along and helped us raise money for Tearfund, who are our Charity of the Week (see below). Thanks also to everyone who helped with the collection of SHOEBOXES last week, and don’t forget that SUNDAY 17th is the deadline for returning boxes to church, although if you forget your box do bring it next week and it can still make it to the warehouse when James & Louisa go to help sort the boxes. If anyone would like to go with them to help with this task please speak with James or Louisa after church. You can also still donate a box online at https://www.Samaritans-purse.org.uk/BASBO

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – TEARFUND
Tearfund is a Christian charity that’s passionate about ending global poverty. For more than fifty years, they’ve been working alongside local church partners to empower communities to create a better future for themselves. And it’s only thanks to people like you, at events like the Quiz Night or through direct donations, that this vital work is possible. You can find more information about how to pray for Tearfund’s work around the world by going to this link:
https://www.tearfund.org/get-involved/pray

SUNDAY 17th NOVEMBER
There is just one service on Sunday, HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s at 10.30am with sung worship from 10.15am and ENERGIZE groups for children who will begin rehearsals for this year’s NATIVITY so it would be great to see as many children as possible. We are sorry about the problem with last week’s livestream but pleased the recording was saved so available rather late. Hopefully all will be well this week.
In the evening there will be a PRAYER MEETING at 6pm in St Columba’s.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE – NEXT SATURDAY 23rd November 11am – 1pm in Church Hall
As well as the sign up sheet for helpers, which still has too many spaces on it, we also now have two boxes in church for donations of BOTTLES for the TOMBOLA and RAFFLE PRIZES. We also need TEDDIES, but they are too precious to go in a box so can sit on the table. For the bakers reading this we would really appreciate any HOME MADE CAKES for the Cake Stall, don’t worry there won’t be any Bake Off judges only customers with a sweet tooth! Please bring cakes to the Hall either between 4.30 and 5.30pm on Friday or between 9.30 and 10.30am on Saturday.
Please tell all your family and friends about the FAYRE and encourage them to come along, and plan to be there yourself even if you can’t help, although we do still need more helpers on the day.

UNSCHOOLED ORDINARY MEN* in Rushden – Saturday 23rd November at 7pm
Men of Northamptonshire you are invited to be part of a gathering of men looking to Jesus. Unschooled Ordinary Men* is an event in partnership with CVM (Christian Vision for Men) whose team of Carl Beech and Nathan Blackaby will be leading and speaking. The event also includes worship, refreshments, the CVM resources and a free resource produced for this event only. This will be at Park Road Baptist Church, Park Road, Rushden, Northamptonshire, NN10 0RG and tickets, costing £5, are available at: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/christianvisionformen/1321152
* unschooled ordinary men is a reference from Acts 4.13 where it is used of the disciples Peter and John.

BIG SING CHOIR CHRISTMAS SHOW at Corby Cube – Saturday 23rd November at 7.30pm
Tickets for this concert cost £22 are still available from the Cube or online at:
https://tickets.thecorecorby.com/93168/93169

AN EVENING WITH ROB PARSONS at Christ the King, Kettering – Thursday 28th November at 7.30pm
Tickets for this event cost £11 each, or £8 each for a group of 3 or more, and are still available from:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-rob-parsons-kettering-tickets-903184257427?aff=webpage

SUNDAY 24th NOVEMBER
We have two services next Sunday:
9am HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham – why not come to this early service if you have plans for later in the day and won’t be able to make the service at St Columba’s.
10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s, Corby – this service will include sung worship from 10.15am and ENERGIZE groups for children who will be continuing rehearsals for the NATIVITY so it is really important for as many children as possible to come along.

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER
This is being organised by some people from Hope Church, but it will be happening in our Church Hall. As before the aim is to make Christmas Day special for those who would otherwise be alone. Volunteers are needed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as follows:
CHRISTMAS EVE: Hall Preparation, Table Setup, Decoration, Food Preparation (food hygiene training provided – online), Cooking (food hygiene training provided – online), Wash and Clean Up, Gift Wrapping.
CHRISTMAS DAY: Food Preparation, Cooking, Table Hosts, Servers, Food Delivery, Entertainment, Wash and Clean up.
If you are able to help, or would like to find out more, please contact: christmasdinner2024@yahoo.com

I hope to see you at church tomorrow and at the Fayre on Saturday.

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

10th November 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 16 November 2024

Hello everyone,

I hope you have had a good week. Lots going on as all our November events are fast approaching with REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY services, the BIG QUIZ NIGHT next Friday, the CHRISTMAS FAYRE in a fortnight’s time, and the ALPHA course, which started last Thursday, still has space for more people to join. There are also details of an event specially for Christian men later this month in Rushden and a new edition of Puzzles and Other Stuff is attached. It is SHOEBOX COLLECTION WEEK with opportunities for people to sit in church to receive boxes and so this is our Charity of the Week.
Do keep reading for more details of these and more.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD
Please pray for the SHOEBOX APPEAL organised by Samaritan’s Purse, giving thanks for all the shoeboxes that have been packed both here and across the country, and praying for the massive logistical effort of taking them from churches like ours, which are collection points, to the hands of children around the world. We understand our boxes are going to Malawi in Africa this year.
As well as praying there are three practical ways in which you can help:
1. Pack a shoebox. It is not too late to take a box, fill it with lots of exciting gifts (see the leaflet or previous emails for details of what to pack and what NOT to pack) and bring the shoebox to church next Sunday, 17th November. You can also bring individual items for a communal box.
2. Sign up to sit in church on Monday, Wednesday, Friday or Saturday this week, for an hour between 9am and 1pm. There is a sheet in church for you to sign up for a slot.
3. Volunteer to go to the warehouse in Coventry to help sort the boxes before they are shipped to their destination. Speak to James or Louisa about this as they have done it before and say it is great fun and very rewarding.

ALPHA – Thursday evenings at 7.30pm in the Vicarage
We started the new Alpha course last Thursday but it is not too late to join, so if you, or someone you know, would be interested in finding out more about the Christian faith, then either just come along on Thursday or speak with me to find out more.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY – 10th November
There are two services on Sunday and both will observe the two minutes silence at 11am.
St Columba’s have MORNING WORSHIP at 10.30am with ENERGIZE groups for children and young people, and sung worship from 10.15am. This service will be available to watch on Youtube by going to this link: https://youtu.be/6snwRhhoYIQ
St Leonard’s, Rockingham also have a REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY SERVICE at 10.45am. This includes the reading of names on their War Memorial.
In the evening we have a PRAYER MEETING at 6pm in St Columba’s.

BIG QUIZ NIGHT – Friday 15th November starts at 7pm in Church Hall
Please come along to have fun quizzing with friends and family and raise money to help alleviate poverty around the world. Bring your favourite snacks and drinks to aid you in your quizzing! You can come in a team or we can put you in a team with others, so no-one will be left out! There will be a raffle and opportunity to donate to Tearfund so please bring cash or use the church card reader. All donations will be going to Tearfund.

SUNDAY 17th NOVEMBER
There is just one service next Sunday, HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s at 10.30am with sung worship from 10.15am and ENERGIZE groups for children who will begin rehearsals for this year’s NATIVITY so it would be great to see as many children as possible.
In the evening there will be a PRAYER MEETING at 6pm in St Columba’s.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE – Saturday 23rd November 11am – 1pm in Church Hall
As well as the sign up sheet for helpers we also now have two boxes in church for donations of RAFFLE PRIZES and BOTTLES for the TOMBOLA. We also need TEDDIES, but they are too precious to go in a box so can sit on the table. Please tell all your family and friends about the FAYRE and encourage them to come along, and plan to be there yourself even if you can’t help, although we do still need more helpers on the day.

UNSCHOOLED ORDINARY MEN* in Rushden – Saturday 23rd November at 7pm
Men of Northamptonshire you are invited to be part of a gathering of men looking to Jesus. Unschooled Ordinary Men* is an event in partnership with CVM (Christian Vision for Men) whose team of Carl Beech and Nathan Blackaby will be leading and speaking. The event also includes worship, refreshments, the CVM resources and a free resource produced for this event only. This will be at Park Road Baptist Church, Park Road, Rushden, Northamptonshire, NN10 0RG and tickets, costing £5, are available at: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/christianvisionformen/1321152
* unschooled ordinary men is a reference from Acts 4.13 where it is used of the disciples Peter and John.

BIG SING CHOIR CHRISTMAS SHOW at Corby Cube – Saturday 23rd November at 7.30pm
Tickets for this concert cost £22 are still available from the Cube or online at:
https://tickets.thecorecorby.com/93168/93169

AN EVENING WITH ROB PARSONS at Christ the King, Kettering – Thursday 28th November at 7.30pm
Tickets for this event cost £11 each, or £8 each for a group of 3 or more, and are still available from:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-rob-parsons-kettering-tickets-903184257427?aff=webpage

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER
This is being organised by some people from Hope Church, but it will be happening in our Church Hall. As before the aim is to make Christmas Day special for those who would otherwise be alone. Volunteers are needed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as follows:
CHRISTMAS EVE: Hall Preparation, Table Setup, Decoration, Food Preparation (food hygiene training provided – online), Cooking (food hygiene training provided – online), Wash and Clean Up, Gift Wrapping.
CHRISTMAS DAY: Food Preparation, Cooking, Table Hosts, Servers, Food Delivery, Entertainment, Wash and Clean up.
If you are able to help, or would like to find out more, please contact: christmasdinner2024@yahoo.com

PUZZLES & OTHER STUFF
‘Steve writes about this latest Puzzles mag, which is called “A Time to Laugh…” (Ecc. 3:5): “I wanted to produce a light-hearted edition, so it contains lots of amusing ways of how to remove rampant squirrels from your church; a picture of some alarming bathroom flooring which, having had a new one fitted I would love to have; why for over a week in 1752 nobody was born or died, and why George Washington and hundreds of others had to change their birthdays. Why lots of countries other than the US celebrate Thanksgiving Days in November; and hilarious examples of why misusing the word ‘literally’ gets up my nose(!). Here’s a couple of examples from commentators: “In his youth, Michael Owen was literally a greyhound” (really?) and “The ball came back, literally cutting Graham Thorpe in half” (yuk!) … and a great cartoon strip about “How great leaders delegate.” And, of course, lots of puzzles. Enjoy!”

I will be at Rockingham tomorrow but hope to see you at the Quiz on Friday.

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

3rd November 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 9 November 2024

Good morning everyone,

There is lots of news below, some of which has been in previous emails but there are three new entries, including confirmation that the Alpha Course will start this week, November’s Afternoon Tea, and information about a Community Christmas Day Dinner for people who would otherwise be on their own. Please keep reading to find out more about all these and much more, including tomorrow’s services, and before all that there is our Charity of the Week.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK
This week the focus is on Tim and Carol Derbyshire who work with Hope From Above. Their latest Prayer Letter, Snippets from the Shires, is here, and is available to read at the back of church, so do tell people who may not receive the email. Please read the letter and pray for Tim & Carol.

SUNDAY 3rd NOVEMBER
There are two services at St Columba’s on Sunday.
10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP for ALL SAINTS with children’s participation and activities. Unfortunately we are still experiencing problems with the livestream but if all goes well this service will be available by going to this link: https://youtube.com/live/KQiqTyVUwzY?feature=share
5pm SERVICE TO REMEMBER THOSE WE LOVE BUT SEE NO LONGER. If you have lost someone you love, either recently or many years ago, and would like to come along to light a candle and remember them, then this is the service for you. Please pass this invitation on to anyone you know who may be missing a loved one.
As a result of the evening service there won’t be a Prayer Meeting this Sunday.

ALPHA – starts this Thursday (7th November) at 7.30pm in the Vicarage
We have a group of people ready to start the Alpha course but there is room for more, so if you, or someone you know, would be interested in finding out more about the Christian faith, then either just come along on Thursday or speak with me to find out more.

AFTERNOON TEA
The November Ladies Afternoon Tea is on Friday 8th November at 3pm in the Church Hall. All ladies are invited for tea with sandwiches, scones, cakes and good conversation.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY – 10th November
There are two services next Sunday but unusually they are at almost the same time so both can observe the two minutes silence at 11am.
St Columba’s have MORNING WORSHIP at 10.30am with ENERGIZE groups for children and young people, and sung worship from 10.15am.
St Leonard’s, Rockingham have a special REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY SERVICE at 10.45am. This includes the reading of names on their War Memorial.
The PRAYER MEETING will be happening again at 6pm in St Columba’s.

BIG QUIZ NIGHT – Friday 15th November starts at 7pm in Church Hall
Please come along to have fun quizzing with friends and family and raise money to help alleviate poverty around the world. Bring your favourite snacks and drinks to aid you in your quizzing! You can come in a team or we can put you in a team with others, so no-one will be left out! Please bring cash to donate or use the church card reader. All donations will be going to Tearfund.

SHOEBOXES
There are two ways in which you can support the 2024 Samaritans Purse Shoebox Appeal:
1. Collect a Shoebox and a leaflet from church, choose whether you are packing for a boy or a girl and what age, and then buy all that you need (see the lists below) to fill the box and bring it back to church by Sunday 17th November. Don’t forget to make a donation for the cost of your box, either online or by cash/cheque with your box.
2. Look at the list of suggested items below and buy what you can and simply drop the items off at church where they will be used to make up shoeboxes.
The list of suggested items includes: dolls, footballs, cuddly toys, school supplies including pens, pencils, sharpeners, crayons, notebooks, solar calculator, toy cars, torch, skipping ropes, yo-yos, toys that light up/make noise (with spare batteries), personal care items such as toothbrushes, socks, combs, hairbrushes, sunglasses.
DO NOT INCLUDE: toothpaste sweets, lotions and liquids, used or damaged items, war related toys, seeds, chocolate, food, religious literature, medicine, aerosols, sharp or fragile items.
I received a postcard from Samaritans Purse saying that shoeboxes would be going to Malawi this year – something to bear in mind when buying.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE – Saturday 23rd November 11am – 1pm in Church Hall
Do put this date in your diary and plan to come along and support this event. There is a sign up sheet for helpers in church. If you know anyone who would like a table to sell their own crafts, gifts, etc please get them to contact Miriam on 07950 818315 asap.

BIG SING CHOIR CHRISTMAS SHOW at Corby Cube – Saturday 23rd November at 7.30pm
Some of you may have seen the Big Sing Choir on Britain’s Got Talent last year. “They will bring a groundbreaking, modern twist to Christmas Carols that we all know and love. Hear their new, fresh and passionate performances of stunning Christmas songs that will leave you feeling festive and uplifted. Featuring show-stopping arrangements to well-known carols such as ‘Oh Holy Night’, ‘The First Noel’, ‘Mary did you Know’ and ‘Joy to the World’, they even promise to get you singing along with them!” All tickets cost £22 and are available from the Cube or online at:
https://tickets.thecorecorby.com/93168/93169

AN EVENING WITH ROB PARSONS at Christ the King, Kettering – Thursday 28th November at 7.30pm
Many of you will know Rob Parsons, either from his speaking at Spring Harvest or from his 35 years at Care for the Family. Rob writes “During this event, I’ll share stories with you that I’ve never told before – stories that I hope will encourage you to make the very best of your gifts, your goals and your relationships”. Tickets cost £11, or £8 for a group of 3 or more, and are available from:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-rob-parsons-kettering-tickets-903184257427?aff=webpage

COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER
This is being organised by some people from Hope Church, but it will be happening in our Church Hall. As before the aim is to make Christmas Day special for those who would otherwise be alone. Volunteers are needed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day as follows:
CHRISTMAS EVE: Hall Preparation, Table Setup, Decoration, Food Preparation (food hygiene training provided – online), Cooking (food hygiene training provided – online), Wash and Clean Up, Gift Wrapping.
CHRISTMAS DAY: Food Preparation, Cooking, Table Hosts, Servers, Food Delivery, Entertainment, Wash and Clean up.
If you are able to help, or would like to find out more, please contact: christmasdinner2024@yahoo.com

May God bless you and all those who continue to mourn the loss of a loved one, please pray that they find the service on Sunday helpful.

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

27th October 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 2 November 2024

Good morning everyone,

First can I remind you all that the clocks go back tonight, which for some people means an extra hour in bed, but if you want to spend your extra hour more constructively can I suggest you read and meditate on Psalm 19. This wonderful Psalm points us back to creation and the heavens which declare the glory of God; it points us back to God’s law, statutes, precepts, commands, and decrees, which sound awfully dry, until you read how they refresh the soul, bring wisdom, give joy and light; and it serves as a warning and an encouragement as we reflect on our own lives, a warning about sin, including our hidden faults that I mentioned in last Sunday’s sermon, and an encouragement that if we obey God there will be great reward.

Second, I have rather shocking news about Joan Dyche who was told on on Monday by her cancer doctor that her life expectancy is only weeks up to 3 months at most. Please pray for Joan, and Justin as he seeks to make Joan’s remaining time as good as possible.

Third, as well as details of services tomorrow and next Sunday, and recaps about Shoeboxes, Big Quiz Night and Christmas Fayre there are notices about two other events coming up in November, an opportunity to order ADVENT CALENDARS, a new Charity of the Week and attached the latest mini SCaNS. Keep reading for information about all of these.

ADVENT CALENDARS
If you would like to order a Divine Fairtrade Chocolate (milk or dark) Advent Calendar at the reduced price of £4.99 please either reply to this message or speak with Miriam. This offer is only available this weekend so we need to know by Sunday evening so that we can place the order.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK
This is a new weekly article to focus our attention on the different charities that St Columba’s supports. This week the focus is on our CMS link missionaries as there is a new Prayer Letter from them which is available to read at the back of church. There are some printed copies if you would like to take one and pray at home.

SUNDAY 27th OCTOBER
We have two services on Sunday as follows:
9am HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham
10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s with ENERGIZE who will be preparing for next week’s All Age service. For anyone not able to be in church tomorrow we hope that we have sorted the technical issues that stopped last week’s livestream and that this service will be available to watch here: https://youtube.com/live/Na2XWGmVPRU?feature=share
We also have the PRAYER MEETING at 6pm.

SUNDAY 3rd NOVEMBER
There are two services at St Columba’s next Sunday.
10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP for ALL SAINTS with children’s participation and activities.
5pm SERVICE TO REMEMBER THOSE WE LOVE BUT SEE NO LONGER. If you have lost someone you love, either recently or many years ago, and would like to come along to light a candle and remember them, then this is the service for you. Please pass this invitation on to anyone you know who may be missing a loved one.
As a result of the evening service there won’t be a Prayer Meeting on 3rd November.

SHOEBOXES
There are two ways in which you can support the 2024 Samaritans Purse Shoebox Appeal:
1. Collect a Shoebox and a leaflet from church, choose whether you are packing for a boy or a girl and what age, and then buy all that you need (see the lists below) to fill the box and bring it back to church by Sunday 17th November. Don’t forget to make a donation for the cost of your box, either online or by cash/cheque with your box.
2. Look at the list of suggested items below and buy what you can and simply drop the items off at church where they will be used to make up shoeboxes.
The list of suggested items includes: dolls, footballs, cuddly toys, school supplies including pens, pencils, sharpeners, crayons, notebooks, solar calculator, toy cars, torch, skipping ropes, yo-yos, toys that light up/make noise (with spare batteries), personal care items such as toothbrushes, socks, combs, hairbrushes, sunglasses.
DO NOT INCLUDE: toothpaste sweets, lotions and liquids, used or damaged items, war related toys, seeds, chocolate, food, religious literature, medicine, aerosols, sharp or fragile items.
I received a postcard from Samaritans Purse saying that shoeboxes would be going to Malawi this year – something to bear in mind when buying.

BIG QUIZ NIGHT – Friday 15th November starts at 7pm in Church Hall
Do come along to have fun quizzing with friends and family and raise money to help alleviate poverty around the world. Bring your favourite snacks and drinks to aid you in your quizzing! You can come in a team or we can put you in a team with others, so no-one will be left out! Please bring cash to donate or use the church card reader. All donations will be going to Tearfund.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE – Saturday 23rd November 11am – 1pm in Church Hall
Do put this date in your diary and plan to come along and support this event. There is a sign up sheet for helpers in church. If you know anyone who would like a table to sell their own crafts, gifts, etc please get them to contact Miriam on 07950 818315 asap.

BIG SING CHOIR CHRISTMAS SHOW at Corby Cube – Saturday 23rd November at 7.30pm
Some of you may have seen the Big Sing Choir on Britain’s Got Talent last year. “They will bring a ground-breaking, modern twist to Christmas Carols that we all know and love. Hear their new, fresh and passionate performances of stunning Christmas songs that will leave you feeling festive and uplifted. Featuring show-stopping arrangements to well-known carols such as ‘Oh Holy Night’, ‘The First Noel’, ‘Mary did you Know’ and ‘Joy to the World’, they even promise to get you singing along with them!” All tickets cost £22 and are available from the Cube or online at:
https://tickets.thecorecorby.com/93168/93169

AN EVENING WITH ROB PARSONS at Christ the King, Kettering – Thursday 28th November at 7.30pm
Many of you will know Rob Parsons, either from his speaking at Spring Harvest or from his 35 years at Care for the Family. Rob writes “During this event, I’ll share stories with you that I’ve never told before – stories that I hope will encourage you to make the very best of your gifts, your goals and your relationships”. Early bird tickets (booked by 29th October) cost £6, after that they are £11 or £8 for a group of 3 or more and are available from:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-evening-with-rob-parsons-kettering-tickets-903184257427?aff=webpage

MINI SCANS
Please find here the latest mini SCaNS about which Steve writes:
“You can read about how God wants the best for you in which I share a personal example of how He stopped me changing jobs which opened amazing new doors for me…as we approach Remembrance Sunday, a story of how brave Czech enslaved prisoners, at risk of their lives, thwarted a plan by their Nazi oppressors to make munitions to blow up Allied aircraft. Lots of funnies, including, “What not to include in a job application” and quotes from when the media gets it wrong, my favourite being, “Was Diana alive in the hours before she died?”! Peanuts and other cartoons to give you a laugh – and some new home-made quizzes I’ve enjoyed creating. Hope you enjoy!”

May you find blessing this weekend, however you choose to spend your extra hour,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609