Author: Justin Dyche

9th June 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 22 June 2024

Hello everyone,

This week we have been praying for Kath Wade who was rushed to hospital on Wednesday. Kath remains in KGH and is undergoing tests, so still in need of our prayers.
St Columba’s PCC met on Tuesday and established an Environment Group. If you would like to be part of this small group developing the Environment Policy of the church and helping us build on the work we have already done to be a more environmentally friendly church please email ianpullinger@btinternet.com.
I saw Kevin on Monday and he is well and enjoying his ministry, although facing the challenge of not having a PCC at one of his churches.
Keep reading for news of all the events coming up in the life of the church.

SUNDAY 9th JUNE
We have two services on Sunday.
St Columba’s have a special COMMUNION SERVICE for ST COLUMBA’S DAY at 10.30am with ENERGIZE groups.
This will be available as a LIVESTREAM via this link: https://youtube.com/live/JphVdFoHTJQ?feature=share
In St Leonard’s, Rockingham at 3pm there will be a FAMILY SERVICE.
And we have the PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s at 6pm.

LADIES AFTERNOON TEA
On Friday 14th June we have our next Afternoon Tea for ladies in the Church Hall at 3pm. All ladies are welcome to this monthly get together, with sandwiches, scones, cakes and tea/coffee. There is no need to book just turn up and enjoy!

SUNDAY 16th JUNE
Next week we have just the one service, HOLY COMMUNION in St Columba’s at 10.30am with ENERGIZE groups.

LINKS
Please find here STEVE’S PUZZLES & OTHER STUFF 114. Steve writes: “Part of the issue is focused on more of God’s secret agents – this time Angels. Some great stories and a picture to wonder at. If you have any stories/experiences of them, please send them to me for a future issue. Also, as we celebrate D-Day I came across a moving story of a US Navy Seal called Murph who was killed in Afghanistan along with most of his team. On the day of his funeral, as they drove away, his mother was shocked to get a delayed text message from him saying, “Mom, I’m home safe and sound. Mike”. How would you have reacted? She startled her husband so much he slammed on the brakes! A message of safe arrival in heaven, arranged by God? There’s also the usual fun stuff, puzzles etc. Hope you not only enjoy but are truly blessed.

Also here is the latest PRAYER UPDATE from Hope From Above in Australia. Don’t forget Tim & Carol Derbyshire will be with us on Sunday 23rd June for our Morning Service and a VICARAGE TEA PARTY in the afternoon.

With best wishes to everyone,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

2nd June 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 8 June 2024

Hello everyone,

Here we are at the beginning of June, although it is certainly not flaming June at the moment!
Things will, no doubt, warm up in the General Election campaign as we draw closer to 4th July. In the meantime I do encourage you all to be praying about the election, and to help you with that here is a Prayer Diary from CARE which started last Tuesday and continues until just after the election. There are a limited number of printed copies of this in church.
The Prayer Diary can also be found on CARE’s General Election website engaGE24:
https://care.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cac2598c12e2df2b412ce6f4&id=b8b701c040&e=06fd42ddb3
where you can also find an interactive quiz that helps you identify which party best reflects your priorities.

SUNDAY 2nd JUNE
We have two services at St Columba’s tomorrow:
10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP and I do encourage all children in the church family to come along, as there will be opportunities to join in, with craft activities and some small parts in the service.
This service will be available to watch via Youtube at: https://youtube.com/live/esMOQSkZF3c?feature=share
6pm HEALING SERVICE – everyone is welcome to this service of prayer for healing. You may need prayer yourself or know someone who needs that prayer or you may simply want to share in a quieter service of prayer and worship.
There won’t be a Prayer Meeting on Sunday because of the 6pm service.

PCC
St Columba’s PCC will be meeting on Tuesday evening and, among other matters, will be thinking about having an Environment Policy to help us face the challenges of Climate Change and moving to Net Zero. If this is something that you are interested in or concerned about please do let me know as we may establish a small group to help us think about these issues and that group could have a wider membership than just PCC members.

D-DAY PARTY IN THE PARK
The Friends of Coronation Park are organising this event on Saturday 8th June from 12 noon to 6pm with music, dancing, singing, stalls, kids crafts, street food and a pop-up Bar, all with a 1940’s theme. Do go along if you are able to support this local event.

NEXT SUNDAY
On 9th June in St Columba’s at 10.30am we have a special COMMUNION SERVICE for ST COLUMBA’S DAY with ENERGIZE groups.
That afternoon in St Leonard’s, Rockingham at 3pm there will be a FAMILY SERVICE.
And we will have the PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s at 6pm.

LOOKING AHEAD
On Sunday 23rd June we are looking forward to a visit from Tim & Carol Derbyshire who will be telling us about the work of Hope From Above in Australia and their plans for establishing a network of supporters and supporting churches in this country. As part of their visit we will have a VICARAGE TEA PARTY that afternoon, so please book the date now. As this is timed to be part of Tim & Carol’s visit we will have the Tea Party in the Hall if it is wet.

With best wishes to you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

26th May 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 1 June 2024

Good morning everyone,

I must begin by thanking Riaan and David for organising our Half Night of Prayer yesterday which was an encouraging time. Thank you if you joined us, especially towards the end! I know a number of people are on holiday this weekend, which might lead to an increase in viewing figures for the livestream, which, I’m pleased to say, worked last Sunday so hopefully the problems have been sorted out.

EASY FUNDRAISING
If you shop online, please could you sign up to #easyfundraising and help St Columba, Corby raise free donations with all your favourite brands? Every time you use the easyfundraising website or app to shop online with over 7,500 websites including big names like Expedia, Just Eat, John Lewis & Partners, Argos, Uswitch and eBay, we’ll get a donation. It won’t cost you a penny and it will really make a difference to us. Thank you!
You need to go to this link to register: https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/st-columba-corby
All you need do then is enter your email address, a password and your name and then shop as normal but remember to click the button to get a donation.
Thank you to James for setting this up and to everyone who signs up and makes use of it.

SUNDAY 26th MAY
We have two services tomorrow:
9am Holy Communion at St Leonard’s, Rockingham
10.30am Morning Worship at St Columba’s, Corby with ENERGIZE groups. This service will also be available to watch online at:
https://youtube.com/live/Pdw0gB5_fmE?feature=share
At 6pm in St Columba’s we have our regular PRAYER MEETING, just for one hour, not six!

GENERAL ELECTION
You can’t have missed the fact that we have a General Election on 4th July. CARE have launched a new website engaGE24 dedicated to the 2024 General Election, equipping Christians to think, act, and pray before they vote. You can access it here:
https://care.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cac2598c12e2df2b412ce6f4&id=b8b701c040&e=06fd42ddb3

NEXT SUNDAY
We have two services at St Columba’s:
10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP and I do encourage all children in the church family to come along, if possible on 26th May to help prepare for this service but also on 2nd June to join in.
6pm HEALING SERVICE – do come along if you would like prayer for healing, if you know someone who needs that prayer or if you simply want to share in a quieter service of prayer and worship.

Mini SCaNS
Please find here the latest mini SCaNS, Steve writes: Here is a special Mini–SCaNS which tells the remarkable story of Tommy Barnett and how God led him to minister in a church he didn’t want to go to, and with the help of two little old ladies, started an outreach that grew the church from 76 to 4000…and needed 47 buses to bring them all in each Sunday! It’s a great story…and I have been rather struck by how God loves to use little old ladies to bring revival because I found a story about another two – one aged 98 and blind, the other aged 92 and disabled – who God used to bring revival to the Hebrides. Their story will be in the next SCaNS. Who are OUR little old ladies whom God can use? I have prayed for revival ever since I came to Corby in 1977. You are never too old to be used by God. Then there is the remarkable story of how singer George Michael loved to secretly donate money to people in need. Puzzles, quizzes and funnies await you… and thanks to the kind people who gave me a word of encouragement during the last week.

May God bless you all in the week ahead.

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

19th May 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 25 May 2024

Hello everyone,

I hope you have all had a good week. I certainly enjoyed the evening of fellowship and stories of faith at Rockingham on Monday, as well as a Pentecost assembly at Rockingham Primary School and our Confirmation Preparation and Get Closer (young people) groups. On the subject of Pentecost I am looking forward to our Pentecost themed service of Holy Communion at St Columba’s tomorrow, as well as our Night of Prayer on Friday – details of both of those and more news of what is happening can be found below.

SUNDAY 19th MAY
We have a service of HOLY COMMUNION for Pentecost at St Columba’s tomorrow, starting with a time of worship from 10.15am and with the opening prayers at 10.30am. I will be livestreaming this service, using this link:
https://youtube.com/live/sirG0WtoT5c?feature=share
If it does not work I hope to be able to upload a recording of the service to youtube later.
There will also be ENERGIZE groups for children and young people.
In the evening we have our regular PRAYER MEETING at 6pm in St Columba’s.

PRAYER NIGHT – Friday 24th May 6pm to midnight
It is expected that people will come and go during this evening, perhaps attending for specific topics (see below) or for part of the time – please feel free to use the evening however works for you. There are lots of opportunities during the evening to pray for requests from the congregation, so please do make use of the box at the back of church to give us your prayer requests, or let me know by email.
The plan for the evening looks like this:

6:00 – 6:20pm = Praising God Alone (Psalm 146)
6:20 – 6:30pm = Prayer Request / Songs / Prayer – Forgiveness
6:30 – 6:50pm = Longing for Continual Cleansing (1 John 1)
6:50 – 7:00pm = Prayer Request / Songs / Prayer – All who are struggling ( Financial, health, mentally, grieving, etc )
7:00 – 7:20pm = Being Thankful for that which Covers All Iniquities ( Romans 3: 10-20 )
7:20 – 7:30pm = Prayer Request / Songs / Prayer – Marriage, parents and children
7:30 – 8:00pm = Song / Meditation / Reflection
8:00 – 8:20pm = Living Like We Are Really Awake ( Romans 13: 8-14 )
8:20 – 8:30pm = Prayer Request / Song / Prayer -The Church ( as a whole ) & St. Columba
8:30 – 8:50pm = Seeking To Be A Blessing ( Galatians 6: 1-18 )
8:50 – 9:00pm = Prayer Request / Song s / Prayer – Schools & Teachers
9:00 – 9:20pm = Approaching God When Dismayed ( Psalm 42-43 )
9:30 – 9:30pm = Prayer Request / Song / Prayer – War & catastrophes
9:30 – 10:00pm = Song / Meditation / Reflection
10:00 – 10:20pm = Being Delivered From Darkness To Light ( Colossians 1:1-18 )
10:20 – 10:30pm = Prayer Request / Song / Prayer – King Charles, our government and all other world leaders
10:30 – 11:00pm = Intercessory Prayer ( Silent prayer )
11:00 – 11:30pm = Song / Carrying Out The Great Commission ( Matthew 28 )
11:30 – 12:00pm – Song / Yearning For Constant Worship ( 1 John 2:20-29 ) / Thanks giving & the Blessing / Song

SUNDAY 26th MAY
9am Holy Communion at St Leonard’s, Rockingham
10.30am Morning Worship at St Columba’s, Corby with ENERGIZE groups

SNIPPETS AND PUZZLES
Please find here the latest Snippets from the Shires sent out by Tim & Carol Derbyshire, now in this country and coming to St Columba’s next month. Also here is the latest Puzzles and Other Stuff from Steve, who writes:
Be gobstruck at the thought that at the moment you were just a one–cell fertilised egg GOD KNEW YOU and already had plans for you! That if all the chemicals you are made from were mixed and cooked by any scientist they could never create life, because life comes from God and can ONLY be passed on from one living being to another. Then read Clint Walker (Cheyenne)’s amazing testimony about how he was fatally injured on a ski–slope, experienced amazing light radiating from his body, and God’s answer to his prayer for help – and how his sharing all this to newsmen blessed many. There’s lots of great pics, funnies and puzzles. Enjoy, and I pray, be blessed.

Next week I will be telling you about a new fundraising scheme that doesn’t cost you a penny! I hope to see many of you in church tomorrow to celebrate God’s gift of the Holy Spirit to each and every one of us.

God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

12th May 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 19 May 2024

Hello everyone,

I hope you have all enjoyed the good weather this week. God has certainly been good to Miriam and me who chose this week to be away in the Peak District. Here are the essential details of what is happening over the next couple of weeks

But first can I say to PCC members that you should have received the minutes of last week’s meeting by email from Justin on Tuesday. If you didn’t please check your Spam folder and if you have still not received them contact Justin (or me) for a replacement set.

Sunday 12th May
There is a service of MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s on Sunday at 10.30am with a sermon from Riaan. Unfortunately we have had some problems with the livestream over recent weeks and so this won’t be available.
In the afternoon there is a FAMILY SERVICE in St Leonard’s, Rockingham at 3pm.
And at 6pm the PRAYER MEETING will be happening in St Columba’s – several regular attenders are away so do try and go along if you can.

Deanery Event with the Bishop
On Monday 13th May there is a special event at Rockingham Castle with Bishop Debbie and a team from the diocese who are walking round the diocese between Ascension Day and Pentecost and sharing stories of faith. They will be walking from Oakham to Rockingham on the 13th May and there will be a special celebration evening at Rockingham Castle, with the doors opening at 7pm for light refreshments of tea/coffee and cake. Numbers are limited but if you would like to attend please let me know.

Murder Mystery Evening
On Saturday 18th May we are opening our doors for murder, acted out by the Great Easton Little Theatre Company, but they need our help to solve the crime, so do come along and work out whodunnit! Tickets cost £5 and are available in church tomorrow and include a Fish & Chip supper – a great value night out which starts at 7.30pm.

Sunday 19th May
We have a service of HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s at 10.30am

Night of Prayer
On Friday 24th May we will be holding a half night of prayer from 6pm to midnight. It is not expected that people will stay for the whole six hours but come in and out during the evening. Listen out for more details but do put the date in your diary now.

Spring Harvest 2025
We booked some accommodation for next year’s SPRING HARVEST at Skegness from 7th to 11th April while we were at this year’s event. If you would like to go next year and have not told Miriam, or need more information before making a decision, please reply to this email and Miriam will get in touch.

SCaNS
There will be a new printed edition of SCaNS available in church on Sunday. If you enjoy this please let Steve know as it has been a labour of love overcoming technical issues while producing this.

With best wishes to you all for this coming week

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

5th May 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 11 May 2024

Good morning everyone,

I hope you have all had a good week. We had several prayer requests during the week and it has been good to mobilise prayer on behalf of those in need and to hear of prayers being answered.

There is lots of activity in the life of the church over the next couple of weeks so do keep reading to find out more.

Sunday 5th May
We have two services at St Columba’s tomorrow:
10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP – we will be looking at the story of the Ascension of Jesus and there will be plenty of opportunities for children to join in. If you are not able to be in church you can watch the service by going to this link:
https://youtube.com/live/145JbiO3PKg?feature=share

6pm HOLY COMMUNION – this service is open to everyone, not only those who find the time more convenient. The service includes songs, Bible reading, sermon, prayers and, of course, Communion. Because of this service there will not be a Prayer Meeting this week.

Ascension Day – Thursday 9th May
Ascension Day always falls on a Thursday because it is 40 days after Easter. There will be a Deanery Service at St Mary’s Weldon at 7.30pm to which everyone is welcome.

Afternoon Tea
Our monthly Ladies Afternoon Tea is on Friday 10th May at 3pm in the Church Hall with the next installment of Linda’s life story. Do come along and enjoy this along with tea, sandwiches and cake.

Sunday 12th May
There is a service of MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s next Sunday at 10.30am with a sermon from Riaan.
Also in the afternoon there is a FAMILY SERVICE in St Leonard’s, Rockingham at 3pm.

Deanery Event with the Bishop
On Monday 13th May there is a special event at Rockingham Castle with Bishop Debbie and a team from the diocese who are walking round the diocese between Ascension Day and Pentecost and sharing stories of faith. They will be walking from Oakham to Rockingham on the 13th May and there will be a special celebration evening at Rockingham Castle, with the doors opening at 7pm for light refreshments of tea/coffee and cake. Numbers are limited but if you would like to attend please let me know.

Murder Mystery Evening
On Saturday 18th May we are opening our doors for murder, acted out by the Great Easton Little Theatre Company, but they need our help to solve the crime, so do come along and work out whodunnit! Tickets cost £5 and are available in church tomorrow and include a Fish & Chip supper – a great value night out which starts at 7.30pm.

Night of Prayer
On Friday 24th May we will be holding a half night of prayer from 6pm to midnight. It is not expected that people will stay for the whole six hours but come in and out during the evening. Listen out for more details but do put the date in your diary now.

Spring Harvest 2025
We booked some accommodation for next year’s SPRING HARVEST at Skegness from 7th to 11th April while we were at this year’s event. If you have told Miriam you would like to attend next year you should have had a message asking for your deposit (£35 per adult and £20 per child) to be paid, ideally by tomorrow. If you would like to go next year and have not told Miriam, or need more information before making a decision, please speak to Miriam and she will try and book additional places in June.

With best wishes to you all for this coming week

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

28th April 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 4 May 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

This has been a difficult week for two of our younger members who both spent time in hospital, but I am pleased to say that after we mobilised some people to pray, and treatment at KGH, both were able to return home. We look forward to hearing about one of them in our Praises for Prayer slot in the Morning Worship at St Columba’s tomorrow.

Bearing in mind this is our YEAR OF PRAYER this prompts me to say three things:
first, if you or someone you know is in urgent need of prayer please let me know and I can then circulate that prayer request and multiply the prayer support;
second, if you would like to be informed of prayer requests so that you can pray, please let me know and I will add you to the list;
and third, if you have had an answer to prayer, why not share that in a future Praises for Prayer slot, this will encourage us all to pray more, and to give thanks for answered prayer.

SUNDAY’S SERVICES
We have two services and a Prayer Meeting tomorrow so do try and make it to one, or more, of the following:
9am at St Leonard’s, Rockingham – HOLY COMMUNION
10.30am at St Columba’s, Corby – MORNING WORSHIP this service will be available to watch on Youtube by going to this link:
https://youtube.com/live/gRaMG_z6mMA?feature=share
There will also be ENERGIZE groups for children and young people who will be preparing for next week’s All Age Worship.
6pm at St Columba’s, Corby – PRAYER MEETING, which will include prayer for our CMS Mission Partners, see more below.

CONFIRMATION PREPARATION GROUP
We have the first meeting of our FAITH CONFIRMED Group at the Vicarage on Thursday evening this week at 7.30pm. I have contacted the people who I know are interested in being baptised and/or confirmed, but if this is something that interests you please do get in touch and you would be welcome to join us.

SUNDAY 5th MAY
We have two services again next Sunday, both at St Columba’s:
10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP looking at the story of the Ascension
6pm – HOLY COMMUNION. This is a smaller and quieter service than our morning Communions, but is a full service including Bible reading, sermon and prayers to which everyone is welcome. As a result of this service there will be no Prayer Meeting next Sunday.

MURDER MYSTERY EVENING
On Saturday 18th May we are opening our doors for murder, acted out by the Great Easton Little Theatre Company, but they need our help to solve the crime, so do come along and work out whodunnit! Tickets cost £5 and will be available from tomorrow and include a Fish & Chip supper – a great value night out.

MORE PRAYER NEWS
The latest Prayer Letter from M&H, our CMS Mission Partners is on display at the back of church. Please do have a read as we are not able to distribute this electronically for security reasons.
Also, here is the latest PRAYER UPDATE from Hope From Above.

MINI SCANS
Also here is the 40th edition of online Mini-SCaNS. Steve writes: “Great true story about a young man who died, met Jesus, and was challenged by Him over what he was doing with his life. It’s a story that changed my own life as I explain later in the article. Then there’s a moving story about Mission Aviation Fellowship opening five new runways in five months in Papua New Guinea (PNG). I was moved by a local leader’s words at the opening of one, “We haven’t had any teachers, schools, health centres or healthcare workers here since 1975 – not even an educated individual from our village. Today, however, signifies a new beginning…” That statistic is mind–blowing! When Britain was the colonial power we had set up 800 runways…but since independence in 1973 that dropped to 300. A small independent country just doesn’t have the resources. St. Columba’s has had links with PNG and MAF as explained in the article. Lots of puzzles, including some based on well-known and former celebrities. Also, an easy simple recipe. Do let me have your favourite for future issues – but they must be easy and quick.”
Steve is taking a week off next week but look out for a new printed SCaNS on 12th May.

God bless you all, and don’t forget if you are need of prayer just get in touch, either by replying to this message, or by using the numbers below.

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

21st April 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 27 April 2024

Hello everyone,

I must begin this week’s message with some very exciting family news, Ruth gave birth to a son, Alfie, last Sunday morning. If you would like to know all the details please do ask Miriam or myself. They have had to stay in hospital until today, but that has not stopped us making a couple of visits! I will share a picture in church on Sunday!

I am sending the email early as there is lots going on this weekend, starting tomorrow with our tidy up of the church car park, and then in the evening our Family Quiz night. Full details of these are below but please do try and come along if you are able. I would also like to invite you to a special Sharing Faith Celebration at Rockingham Castle next month which Bishop Debbie will be attending, again see below for details. There are also details of our services on Sunday and next week and the latest Puzzles and Other Stuff.

CAR PARK TIDY UP
If you are able to come along tomorrow (Saturday) from 10am to help tidy the church car park it would be much appreciated. I am told all helpers will be rewarded with cake baked by Sheila, as well as having a sense of satisfaction at making the external appearance of our church look better. On that point it is great to see the difference John Lynch has made to the grass, but it would be really helpful if there were a few others who could help with this, please ask John for information.

FAMILY QUIZ NIGHT
On Saturday evening we have our family friendly Quiz Night in St Columba’s Church Hall, starting at 7pm and finishing about 9pm. Nibbles will be provided but please bring your own drinks. You can either come in a team or on your own.

SUNDAY 21st APRIL
We have a service of Holy Communion at St Columba’s at 10.30am with Linda preaching on the prayer in Acts 4.23-31. There will be ENERGIZE groups for children and young people and the service will be available to watch as a livestream here:
https://youtube.com/live/W-wpAONYqSw?feature=share
In the evening at 6pm we will have our PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s at 6pm.

SUNDAY 28th APRIL
There is a choice of service next Sunday, with HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham at 9am and MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s at 10.30am. The St Columba’s service will include ENERGIZE groups for children and young people.

SHARING FAITH CELEBRATION AT ROCKINGHAM CASTLE
Some of you may remember that last year as part of Thy Kingdom Come the Bishop’s Chaplain made a pilgrimage across the diocese between Ascension Day and Pentecost. This year the Thy Kingdom Come Pilgrimage is happening from 9 May until the 19 May and two teams will walk the boundaries of the Diocese. The team coming to our Deanery is led by Charlie Nobbs, Director of Mission, who will be sharing stories of faith. They will be walking from Oakham to Rockingham on the 13th May and there will be a special celebration evening at Rockingham Castle from 7.30pm until 9pm at which our new Bishop Debbie Sellin will be speaking. There will be light refreshments of tea/coffee and cake before the evening begins.
This event is open to all but PLEASE LET ME KNOW THIS WEEKEND if you would like to attend as we have to give an indication of numbers to the Castle.

PUZZLES AND OTHER STUFF
Please find here a special edition of Puzzles and Other Stuff on the theme of Doubt. Steve writes: There’s some quite strong stuff in it, the lead article telling of a young man’s loss of faith when his friend committed suicide, and of God’s gentle voice calling him back, “I still love you! It’s OK to doubt” – and that’s followed by another extract from my sermon on doubt, telling of how Jesus dealt with Satan’s lies, God liking to call imperfect people like you and me, and how people have wrestled with and dealt with doubt. Some very funny Health & Safety tales, a great story of a young couple getting ready to marry–with a warning not to make assumptions, and lots of puzzles. Former Curate, Kevin Fitzgibbon makes an appearance and the Archdeacon wonders if some of our churches might be like Pompeii !!

God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

14th April 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 19 April 2024

Hello everyone,

It has been good to see some sun over the last couple of days. A shame we were not able to experience the total eclipse that was seen over the USA earlier in the week, I always think that the way the moon perfectly covers the sun leaving just the outer rim visible is a sign of God’s attention to detail in creation. If the moon or the sun were larger or smaller, or the distance between the earth and moon or moon and sun any greater or less, this phenomenon would not happen – thank you Lord!

On the subject of thanks can I thank the people who have shared answers to prayer in our “Praises for Prayers” slot over the last few weeks. This is such an encouragement to hear how God is at work among us. If you have had an answer to prayer why not share with us to encourage your church family – just speak with me or email ianpullinger@btinternet.com.

Church Lawn Mowing
You may have noticed that the church grass has been growing rather long this year. We need to recruit two or three volunteers to cut the grass on a regular basis. We have the lawn mower and petrol but are lacking the manpower. If the grass is cut regularly then it is a much easier task. If you think you may be able to help please speak with John Lynch or you can email ianpullinger@btinternet.com. Thank you.

Sunday 14th April
There are two services on Sunday as follows:
10.30am Morning Worship at St Columba’s with a sermon looking at Jesus’ encounter with the disciples on the road to Emmaus. There will also be ENERGIZE groups for children and young people. For those not able to be in church this service will be available as a live stream via this link: https://youtube.com/live/CnOhfi2UjPA?feature=share
3pm Family Service at St Leonard’s, Rockingham. This will be an opportunity to celebrate the wonderful news that Christ is Risen!
In the evening at 6pm we have our regular Prayer Meeting.

Family Quiz Night
Next Saturday, 20th April, there will be a family friendly Quiz Night in St Columba’s Church Hall, starting at 7pm. Nibbles will be provided but please bring your own drinks. You can either come in a team or on your own.

Next Sunday 21st April
We have a service of Holy Communion at St Columba’s at 10.30am.

Snippets from the Shires
Please find here the latest news from Tim and Carol Derbyshire. Do have a read, and pray for Carol and Tim who will be with us at St Columba’s in June.

Mid Life Crisis Concert
Nat’s band “Mid Life Crisis” are performing at St Giles church, Northampton on Saturday 18th May at 7.30pm. Tickets are available from nat.minister@grangeparkchurch.com and cost £10 for adults and £5 for under 16s with proceeds in support of the Lighthouse Trust, a charity that supports work in schools in Northampton. Bring your own snacks and drinks.

Steve is having a well deserved Easter break so no Puzzles or SCaNS this week.

God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

7th April 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 14 April 2024

Good Morning everyone,

I hope you have all had a good Easter Week. The group who went to Spring Harvest certainly did, and you will be hearing more about that in the coming weeks. This will be a short email this week, but it does contain details of a Quiz later this month as well as the latest Puzzles and Other Stuff, so do read on.

Sunday 7th April
We have one service tomorrow, Holy Communion at 10.30am at St Columba’s, during which Energize will be meeting for some Easter Activities to which all children are welcome. The service will be available to watch on youtube here:
https://youtube.com/live/bI9R7bExkAI?feature=share

Prayer Meeting
We will be gathering in St Columba’s at 6pm for our regular Sunday Prayer Meeting – everyone welcome.

Sunday 14th April
Next Sunday there is a service of Morning Worship at St Columba’s at 10.30am and an Easter Family Service at St Leonard’s, Rockingham at 3pm.

Family Quiz Night
On Saturday 20th April there will be a family friendly Quiz Night in St Columba’s Church Hall, starting at 7pm. Nibbles will be provided but please bring your own drinks.

Puzzles and Other Stuff 111
Steve has produced his 111th online Puzzles. He writes: “The Lord kept pressing me to write about His Return, so I have done just that, though I did wrestle with it somewhat. In the end I felt (was told!) the Scriptures should largely speak for themselves. Some grand (as we say up north) true–life stories. I discovered quite moving things I didn’t know about the late Robin Williams and Franz Kafka – I hope they will speak to you, too – and another amazing one about God answering prayer in an unexpected way. New puzzles and some regular ones. News about Franklin Graham’s forthcoming outreach in Birmingham and associated Christian Life and Witness Courses being run this month in Northampton and Leicester – and, course, funnies.”

God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609