Author: Justin Dyche

8th February 2026

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 14 February 2026

Hello everyone,

I must start with some news about Vera who went into hospital on Wednesday afternoon with a suspected stroke. I was able to visit Vera yesterday and she had recovered her speech and was able to tell me that it was only a mini-stroke and that she was hoping to be discharged soon. Please continue to pray for Vera to make a full recovery.

Tomorrow is the day when we are welcoming some of the cast of Sister Act to church. They will be performing three songs from the show at the end of the service tomorrow morning. This is a great opportunity to invite people along to church so do make the most of it! More details of tomorrow’s service and how to buy tickets for Sister Act, and the final performances of this year’s Panto, are below.

I was delighted with the large number who came long to our new course called Discipleship Explored on Wednesday morning last week, and the rather smaller group who came in the evening, but nevertheless had a good time of Bible Study and fellowship together. It is not too late for you to join and all the details are below.

I am also pleased to report that our Church Improvement Project is gathering pace and hopefully work will begin on in the next couple of months. This means that our PRAYER and GIFT DAY will come at just the right time to enable the work to be completed. This is scheduled to take place on Saturday 21st March and there will be more details about this in the coming weeks, but for now can I ask that you all mark out that day in your calendar and plan to spend at least some of the time between 9am and 3pm in church. As I said last week, if you are thinking of making a donation to the Church Improvement Project it may be better to wait until all the publicity about the Gift Day is available. In the meantime please do pray for the Project and ask the Lord to guide you about your response to the Gift Day.

Details of all the upcoming events are as follows:

Sunday 8th February
10.30am – All Age Worship at St Columba’s – this service will include a visit by some of the cast of “Sister Act” which is being performed at the Cube in April (see details below) – they will be singing three songs from the musical in the service, and joining with us as we think more about the theme of love! This would be a great opportunity to invite people along to church, so why not ask someone to join you for what promises to be a very special service. This service will be available to watch on Youtube, but for copyright reasons the songs from Sister Act will not be part of the livestream – the only way to see and hear them is to be in church on Sunday morning. The YouTube link for the rest of the service is: https://youtube.com/live/yGWpm6WskqE?feature=share
3pm – Family Service in Rockingham Village Hall
6pm – Prayer Meeting at St Columba’s – everyone welcome.

New Wednesday Course: DISCIPLESHIP EXPLORED
We had the first session of the new Course “Discipleship Explored” on Wednesday, and several people commented how much they enjoyed it, and one said it was better than the Bible Course or the Romans Course. This new course is in a similar format with a video and time for discussion and it is not too late for you to join in, so why not come along on Wednesday 11th February, with meetings in the morning at 10.30am or the evening at 7.30pm. The following week, 18th February, is Ash Wednesday when, instead of the usual course format, we will have a Communion service (morning and evening) using the material from that week of the course as the subject for the sermon. We are starting before Lent so as to complete the 8 sessions before Easter, but do see this as a Lent Course and part of your spiritual discipline for that important season of the year. There is a Course Handbook that can be bought for £2.

Ladies Afternoon Tea
The next Afternoon Tea is on Friday 13th February at 3pm in the Church Hall. All ladies are invited to join us for tea, coffee, sandwiches, scones, cake and conversation. The next Afternoon Tea will happen as usual on Friday 13th March but because most of the team who organise the Teas will be away at Spring Harvest there will be no Afternoon Tea in April.

Sunday 15th February
10.30am – Holy Communion at St Columba’s – this service will include the final sermon in our series on evangelism, so do come along so that you are prepared to help more people discover the love of Jesus for themselves. There will also be ENERGIZE groups for children and young people age 3-16.
6pm – Prayer Meeting at St Columba’s – everyone welcome.

THEATRE NEWS!
This is the last chance to see the GELT Pantomime “Jack and the Beanstalk“. Tickets for the performances in Hallaton on Saturday 7th or Sunday 8th February both at 3pm are available. These cost £10 for adults, £5 for children and £25 for a family of four (two adults and two children) and are available from gelttickets@gmail.com or 07771 967322.
As mentioned above “Sister Act – The Musical” is being performed at the Core at Corby Cube by Rutland Musical Theatre (after a preview in our All Age service on 8th February) from Wednesday 8th to Saturday 11th April (7.30 performances daily and also 2.30 on Saturday) with tickets available from the Core at Corby Cube Box Office, either in person or at Sister Act | The Core at Corby Cube

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – Corby Food Bank
Please remember the Food Bank in your prayers this week, giving thanks for all the volunteers who make it happen, and everyone who donates to Food Bank. Also pray for all those who need to make use of Food Banks, both here in Corby and around the country. If you would like to make a donation to the Food Bank the most needed items list is as follows: Tinned Spaghetti in Sauce, Tinned Tomatoes, Tinned Vegetables, Tinned Meat, Tinned Fish, Tinned Fruit, Tinned Custard and Rice Pudding, Coffee, Long Life Juice, UHT Milk, Disposable Razors, Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Toilet Rolls. Thank you to everyone who does donate to the Food Bank.

God bless you,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

1st February 2026

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 8 February 2026

Hello everyone,

I am pleased to say that from Sunday 1st February I will officially be the Vicar of Rockingham as well as St Columba. We are hoping to have a special service in the summer to celebrate this, and there will be more details about that once we have arranged a date.

I am delighted that after a break for Christmas and January we are starting a new course on Wednesdays (morning at 10.30 and evening at 7.30) this coming week. It is called DISCIPLESHIP EXPLORED and there are more details below, but I would like to encourage you to join us this Wednesday for the first session of this course.

Details of all the upcoming events are as follows:

Sunday 1st February
10.30am – Morning Worship at St Columba’s – we have changed the pattern of services slightly during the opening months of this year, and this service will include ENERGIZE groups who will be preparing for next week’s All Age Worship (see below for more details about that) so it would be great to have a good number of children on Sunday. This service will also include the third in our series of sermons about evangelism. For those who are not able to join us in church you will be able to watch the service on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/live/7SzyrQeqlQw?feature=share
5pm (please note the time) – Holy Communion at St Columba’s – everyone welcome to this quieter service which still includes sung worship and a sermon.
There will not be a Prayer Meeting this week.

New Wednesday Course: DISCIPLESHIP EXPLORED
Last year we enjoyed a number of courses on Wednesday evenings at church, including the Bible Course and more recently Romans Course. This new course, Discipleship Explored, is in a similar format with a video and time for discussion and will start on Wednesday 4th February, with meetings in the morning at 10.30am or the evening at 7.30pm. The course will run until Wednesday 25th March, which includes Ash Wednesday (18th February) when, instead of the usual course format, we will have a Communion service (morning and evening) using the material from that week of the course as the subject for the sermon. We are starting before Lent so as to complete the 8 sessions before Easter, but do see this as a Lent Course and part of your spiritual discipline for that important season of the year. There is a Course Handbook that can be bought for £2 on Wednesday.

Sunday 8th February
10.30am – All Age Worship at St Columba’s – this service will include a visit by some of the cast of “Sister Act” which is being performed at the Cube in April (see details below) – they will be singing three songs from the musical in the service, and joining with us as we think more about the theme of love! This would be a great opportunity to invite people along to church, so why not ask someone to join you for what promises to be a very special service.
3pm – Family Service in Rockingham Village Hall
6pm – Prayer Meeting at St Columba’s – everyone welcome.

THEATRE NEWS!
Although the GELT Pantomime “Jack and the Beanstalk” will not be performed in St Columba’s Hall this year tickets for the performances in Hallaton on Saturday 7th or Sunday 8th February both at 3pm are available. These cost £10 for adults, £5 for children and £25 for a family of four (two adults and two children) and are available from gelttickets@gmail.com or 07771 967322.
As mentioned above “Sister Act – The Musical” is being performed at the Core at Corby Cube by Rutland Musical Theatre (after a preview in our All Age service on 8th February) from Wednesday 8th to Saturday 11th April (7.30 performances daily and also 2.30 on Saturday) with tickets available from the Core at Corby Cube Box Office, either in person or at Sister Act | The Core at Corby Cube

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – Tim & Carol Derbyshire (Hope from Above)
Here is a new Prayer Letter Snippets from the Shires. Do have a read to find out what has been happening with Tim and Carol and the wider work of Hope from Above and don’t forget to pray for the things that you read.

God bless you,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

25th January 2026

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 31 January 2026

Hello everyone,

After a quiet start to January there are more things starting to happen in the life of the church and further afield over the coming weeks. This Sunday we have the Commissioning of Elaine Bavin as an Anna Chaplain in our Morning Worship. Then next month the new Wednesday Course starts and we have a very special All Age service. The annual Great Easton Little Theatre Company pantomime will be happening over the next two weekends, at Great Easton and Hallaton. Details of all these can be found below.

Last week in church I shared the fantastic news that at the end of 2025 we had made a small surplus in our finances, rather than the expected deficit. THANKS are due to everyone who gave to St Columba in 2025 – without your contributions we could not have done this. We recognise that each new year brings a new challenge and to help us meet the challenge in 2026 the diocese have launched a new package called CORNERSTONE.

Also on the subject of giving we are planning a GIFT DAY to bridge the gap between the money we have and the amount we need for the first stage of our Church Improvement Project, the installation of an accessible toilet and servery at the back of church. More details about this will be coming out over the coming weeks, but please can you be praying about whether and how much you could contribute as a one-off gift to this project.

Details of all the upcoming events are as follows:

Sunday 25th January
9am – Holy Communion at St Leonard’s, Rockingham
10.30am – Morning Worship at St Columba’s – this service will include the Commissioning of Elaine Bavin as an Anna Chaplain and we will be welcoming Liz Kelly, the Diocesan co-ordinator of this ministry which offers spiritual care to people in later life, as our preacher and to share in the commissioning. ENERGIZE groups will be meeting for children and young people but will be back in church in time for Elaine’s commissioning. This service will be available to watch on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/live/HVYiMGRao2M?feature=share
6pm – Prayer Meeting at St Columba’s – everyone welcome.

Sunday 1st February
10.30am – Morning Worship at St Columba’s – we have changed the pattern of services slightly during the opening months of this year, and this service will include ENERGIZE groups who will be preparing for next week’s All Age Worship (see below for more details about that|). This service will also include the third in our series of sermons about evangelism.
5pm (please note the time) – Holy Communion at St Columba’s – everyone welcome to this quieter service which still includes sung worship and a sermon.

New Wednesday Course: DISCIPLESHIP EXPLORED
Last year we enjoyed a number of courses on Wednesday evenings at church, including the Bible Course and more recently Romans Course. This new course, Discipleship Explored, is in a similar format with a video and time for discussion and will start on Wednesday 4th February, with meetings in the morning at 10.30am or the evening at 7.30pm. The course will run until Wednesday 25th March, which includes Ash Wednesday (18th February) when, instead of the usual course format, we will have a Communion service (morning and evening) using the material from that week of the course as the subject for the sermon. We are starting before Lent so as to complete the 8 sessions before Easter, but do see this as a Lent Course and part of your spiritual discipline for that important season of the year.

Sunday 8th February
10.30am – All Age Worship at St Columba’s – this service will include a visit by some of the cast of “Sister Act” which is being performed at the Cube in April (see details below) – they will be singing three songs from the musical in the service, and joining with us as we think more about the theme of love! This would be a great opportunity to invite people along to church, so why not ask someone to join you for what promises to be a very special service.
3pm – Family Service in Rockingham Village Hall
6pm – Prayer Meeting at St Columba’s – everyone welcome.

THEATRE NEWS!
Although the GELT Pantomime “Jack and the Beanstalk” will not be performed in St Columba’s Hall this year tickets for the performances in Great Easton on Friday 30th January at 7.30pm (the other performances mentioned on the poster are sold out) or Hallaton on Saturday 7th or Sunday 8th February both at 3pm. These cost £10 for adults, £5 for children and £25 for a family of four (two adults and two children) and are available from gelttickets@gmail.com or 07771 967322. See poster for more details.
As mentioned above “Sister Act – The Musical” is being performed at the Core at Corby Cube by Rutland Musical Theatre (after a preview in our All Age service on 8th February) from Wednesday 8th to Saturday 11th April (7.30 performances daily and also 2.30 on Saturday) with tickets available from the Core at Corby Cube Box Office, either in person or at Sister Act | The Core at Corby Cube

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – Anna Chaplains
As Elaine Bavin is being commissioned as an Anna Chaplain on Sunday I thought it would be good to pray for Anna Chaplains. They are appointed and sent out under the authority of their church to offer spiritual support to older people who are living in care homes and sheltered housing complexes, their relatives and staff who look after them, as well as promoting the spiritual welfare of older people in the wider community, particularly those facing challenges while living independently.
You may like to pray The Anna Chaplaincy Prayer:
Faithful God, you have promised in Christ to be with us to the end of time. Come close to those who have lived long and experienced much. Help them to continue to be faithful and, within the all-age kingdom of God, to find ways to go on giving and receiving your grace, day by day. For your glory and your kingdom.
Amen

God bless you,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

18th January 2026

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 24 January 2026

Hello everyone,

Thank you for your prayers for the various meetings last week. We had a good PCC meeting and have several ideas that we will be following up on, including about the Church Improvement Project to install an accessible toilet and servery at the back of church. We have another meeting next week to make more detailed plans and will then be able to share how everyone can get involved in this Project. In the meantime please do keep praying for the successful completion of this Project this year.

Sunday 18th January
10.30am – Holy Communion at St Columba’s – this service will continue our short series of sermons looking at Evangelism and will have ENERGIZE groups for children and young people. For anyone who is not able to join us in church the service will be available to watch on YouTube via this link: https://youtube.com/live/9JDC6UACjZc?feature=share
6pm – Prayer Meeting at St Columba’s – everyone welcome.

Sunday 25th January
9am – Holy Communion at St Leonard’s, Rockingham
10.30am – Morning Worship at St Columba’s – this service will include the Commissioning of Elaine Bavin as an Anna Chaplain and we are looking forward to welcoming Liz Kelly, the Diocesan co-ordinator of this ministry offering spiritual care to people in later life, as our preacher and to share in the commissioning. ENERGIZE groups will be meeting for children and young people but will be back in church in time for Elaine’s commissioning.
6pm – Prayer Meeting at St Columba’s – everyone welcome.

Spring Harvest 2026
Just a reminder that anyone who is going to Spring Harvest at Minehead and has not yet paid their final balance to Miriam should do so this weekend please. Those who are going to Skegness should make their final payments direct to Butlin’s.

New Wednesday Course
Last year we enjoyed a number of courses on Wednesday evenings at church, including the Bible Course and more recently Romans Course. There will be a new course starting in February, with meetings either on a Wednesday morning at 10.30am or in the evening at 7.30pm. The course will run from Wednesday 4th February until Wednesday 25th March, which includes Ash Wednesday (18th February) when, instead of the usual course format, we will have a Communion service (morning and evening) using the material from that week of the course as the subject for the sermon. More details will be available next week, but for now do please make a note of the dates.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – World Vision
World Vision has a long history of taking action that transforms the world. Their focus is on helping the most vulnerable children, in the most difficult places, overcome poverty and experience fullness of life.
Together with supporters like us, they’ve partnered with millions of children and families to find a way out of poverty, and are often among the first to help when a crisis strikes. As a Christian charity, they help children – of all faiths and none – in some of the world’s most dangerous places. They believe it takes a whole community to create happy and fulfilling childhoods. And they work together with communities so they’re empowered to do just that. They have an integrated approach that includes water, healthcare, education, child protection and income generation, with the aim of allowing every child to fulfil their God-given potential. Across almost 100 countries, their impassioned community of supporters, volunteers and community leaders work together to transform children’s lives.
Please remember World Vision in your prayers this week.

And on the subject of charities don’t forget the latest Prayer Letter from M&H is at the back of church, either to read or take away.

God bless you,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

11th January 2026

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 17 January 2026

Hello everyone,

It looks from the information below that we have a quiet week, but in addition to the services we have a meeting of Energize leaders after church on Sunday, a PCC meeting on Tuesday evening, looking at plans for 2026, and some of us will also be joining a webinar looking at how we can move forward with our Church Improvement Project to install an accessible toilet and servery at the back of church – if you would like to be involved in helping with this Project do let Janet or me know. Please pray about these various meetings, and after the PCC we will be able to share more about how everyone can get involved in the Church Improvement Project.

Another way we need help is to find a new Independent Examiner for the church accounts. As the name suggests this person must be independent of the church, but it may be that you know someone who is familiar with accounts (they do not have to be a qualified accountant) and who would be willing to take on this task, or at least think about it. If anyone would like to know more please do contact either James Ireland or myself.

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 be meeting again for the first time since their wonderful Nativity performance, and as they were so busy preparing for the Nativity and did not have time for a Christmas Party they are having a New Year Party tomorrow morning!
This service can be watched on YouTube at: https://youtube.com/live/nki2e4PuM9I?feature=share
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 – everyone welcome.

Sunday 18th January
10.30am – Holy Communion at St Columba’s – this service will continue our short series of sermons looking at Evangelism and will have ENERGIZE groups for children and young people.
6pm – Prayer Meeting at St Columba’s – everyone welcome.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – CMS mission partners M&H
There is a new Prayer Letter from M&H available at the back of church, either to read or take away. Please do this and pray for them, better still, join us in praying for them at the Prayer Meeting on Sunday evening.

And finally, a way in which we may be able to help you, or someone you know who is in need of furniture. Aidan has told me about a settee, armchair and coffee table which are all very good quality and free to a good home as long as they can be collected. Here is a photo of the settee and coffee table. Please contact me if you are interested.

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

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

01536 400225
07903 644609

21st December 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 3 January 2026

Hello everyone,

It is a great joy to reflect on the fact that I have spoken to over 1000 children from five different schools over the last two weeks. At one school I saw the Christmas story acted out with a wonderful Nativity Play that told how Jesus came for us all, and in another school I led a service of readings, carols and Christingles, although for understandable health and safety reasons mine was the only Christingle that was lit! In all the different settings, from three year olds to secondary school, I have tried to point the children to Jesus, the reason for the season and the light of the world. It is so important that we celebrate Christmas in church, because there are always more visitors at this time of year, and it is great to be able to welcome them in and point them to Jesus. Hopefully among our Christmas services there is something for everyone, so do do look through the details below, plan when you will be coming to church and think who you could invite along.

Parents of children in the Nativity don’t forget the dress rehearsal on Saturday morning from 10am.

Sunday 21st December
10.30am – Nativity: after all the rehearsals this is the performance we have been waiting for. Do come along with family and friends to share the children’s excitement as they act out the Christmas story along with songs they have learnt for the occasion. The service will be available on YouTube for those who can’t be there, but you really need to be there for the full experience! The link is here:
https://youtube.com/live/wyYPkszVRzM?feature=share
6pm – Carols by Candlelight: the church lit by candles, the familiar words of carols and the Christmas story, what could be more Christmassy? This will be followed by Mince Pies, Shortbread and Mulled Wine (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

Christmas Eve
4.30pm – Christingle: always a joyful occasion with a full church, lots of meaningful oranges (kindly donated by Tesco), and “Away in a Manger” by the light of our Christingle candles, which we will be lighting, trusting that parents will be able to supervise their children. There will be a collection in this service for our Charity of the Week The Children’s Society so do come prepared with cash or card to donate, more details below.
11.15pm – Midnight Communion: the traditional way to begin Christmas, with carols, communion and an inspiring message.

Christmas Day
10am – All Age Communion at St Columba’s: an opportunity for the church family to come together to celebrate the joy of Christmas, with carols, communion and news of presents…
11am Holy Communion at Rockingham: a more traditional Christmas morning service with carols.

Sunday 28th December
NO SERVICE AT ROCKINGHAM TODAY
10.30am – Holy Communion at St Columba’s – I am always pleasantly surprised how many people turn up for our Sunday after Christmas service, so don’t miss out. There will be no ENERGIZE groups but children are still welcome to join us.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – The Children’s Society
The Children’s Society work in the UK to provide support that’s specific to every child, and they challenge the government to deliver policies that will protect children. A future of hope and happiness belongs to every child, and our donations, collected at our Christingle service and also through the year with the Collection Boxes some people still use, might pay for:

• art supplies for a young person who is feeling low, giving them a creative outlet and a way to express what they’re feeling
• intensive cognitive behaviour therapy sessions with a trained practitioner
• vital hygiene and health kits for young people living in poverty or unsafe housing
• regular check-ins between a project worker and children who are depressed.

Miriam joins me in sending our very best wishes that you may know the blessing of Emmanuel – God with us this Christmas.

Ian

14th December 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 20 December 2025

Hello everyone,

Our Christmas celebrations have begun with the usual splendid variety of the Community Carol Service on Thursday followed by the Christmas Afternoon Tea today and, for me, six visits to schools and one visit by a school to church! This weekend we have the annual Christians in Corby Carol Service and outreach in the Town Centre (outside McDonald’s) at 11am on Saturday. Then on Sunday we have a service at St Columba’s for the third Sunday of Advent, a Christmas Family Service at St Leonard’s and the last Prayer Meeting of the year at 6pm. Although the coming week is less busy, even the Romans Course has come to an end (but do look out for details of a new course in the New Year) we do have Carols, Mulled Wine and Mince Pies in Rockingham Village Hall on Thursday evening, and lots more Christmas Services (all detailed below) on Sunday 21st and over Christmas. Do make a note of all the dates and times, think who you could invite along, and plan to be at as many of these services as possible – it is good news that Jesus, the Light of the World, was born on the first Christmas, and good news is worth celebrating.

CAROLS IN THE CENTRE
An opportunity for Christians in Corby to come together, to sing some of our favourite Christmas carols and be reminded of the wonder of the original Christmas story. Saturday 13th December 11am outside McDonald’s in the Town Centre.

SUNDAY 14th DECEMBER
10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s.- Nativity rehearsals continue for the children. This service can be watched on YouTube here:
https://youtube.com/live/_jQolTkVwyc?feature=share
3pm FAMILY SERVICE at St Leonard’s, Rockingham – everyone welcome to join us in the special surroundings of St Leonard’s for this Christmas themed service.
6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s.

LODGE PARK ACADEMY CHRISTMAS DINNER
Thank you to everyone who booked to go to Lodge Park, I am pleased to say that all our spaces have been filled. You need to be at the school for 2pm on Monday. Do let me know if you can’t go or have any problems getting there.

ALL OUR CHRISTMAS SERVICES:
Thursday 18th December
7pm – Carols, Mince Pies & Mulled Wine in Rockingham Village Hall – everyone welcome to a relaxed evening of worship in good company.
Sunday 21st December
10.30am – Nativity: after all the rehearsals this is the performance we have been waiting for. Do come along with family and friends to share the children’s excitement.
6pm – Carols by Candlelight: the church lit by candles, the familiar words of carols and the Christmas story, what could be more Christmassy?
Christmas Eve
4.30pm – Christingle: always a joyful occasion with a full church, lots of meaningful oranges, and “Away in a Manger” by the light of our Christingle candles.
11.15pm – Midnight Communion: the traditional way to begin Christmas, with carols, communion and an inspiring message.
Christmas Day
10am – All Age Communion at St Columba’s: an opportunity for the church family to come together to celebrate the joy of Christmas, with carols, communion and news of presents…
11am Holy Communion at Rockingham: a more traditional Christmas morning service with carols.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – Home Start, Corby
Home-Start is a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under five years of age. Home-Start is a local community network of trained volunteers and expert support. We help families with children under five with practical and confidential support. “Being a parent can be lonely, frustrating and overwhelming”, Home-start is there for families when they need it the most, because childhood can’t wait. The earliest years make a big difference, Home-Start helps to make those years count, so no child’s future is limited.
Our donations help Home Start to be able to give Christmas presents to families here in Corby who would otherwise miss out. Please give thanks for their work, pray for all those they work with, and for each child who will receive a Christmas gift because of our donation.

May God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

7th December 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 12 December 2025

Hello everyone,

I know that this is not an easy time of year for everyone, but hope that, whatever challenges you may be facing, the fact that God loved you enough to send his Son as a tiny baby to save you, and all those who turn to him in faith, will be an encouragement and will enable you to experience the joy of Christmas in some of the many different Christmas services and activities listed below. These are not just listed for your benefit, but also so that you can invite your friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues to join us celebrating this wonderful news. Can I encourage you to pray before you read further, and ask first, which of these should I go to, remembering that church is not another consumer activity at Christmas but an opportunity to encounter the living Lord, so why not step out of your usual routine and try something extra; and then, secondly, pray about who you might invite to join you, hopefully the short details about each event will help you to know who would be best suited to what. There is plenty of evidence that people are likely to accept invitations to church, and especially at Christmas, so pray, read, invite and then enjoy worship together.

Before the Christmas services begin we have the Second Sunday of Advent:
SUNDAY 7th DECEMBER
10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s. ENERGIZE groups for children will be continuing rehearsals for the NATIVITY. Please can you make every effort to enable children to come along to the last two Sunday rehearsals. This service will be available on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/live/t8SpLK9V5Yo?feature=share
6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s.

CHRISTMAS MARKET & CAROLS IN THE PARK
This is happening on Saturday 6th December from 11am to 4pm in Coronation Park, with Christmas Market Stalls, Street Food, Flyby Bars, Choirs and Music, plus children’s crafting in the pavilion.

ROMANS COURSE
The ROMANS COURSE concludes on Wednesday 10th December at 10.30am and 7.30pm, both groups meeting in the church. Please do try and come along for these final sessions, and don’t forget the “homework”, to read Romans chapters 15 and 16.

COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE
This is always a special night when we will be joined by children from four local schools, Studfall Infants, Rockingham Primary, Woodnewton School and Lodge Park Academy, who will sing for us as well as tell the Christmas story and join in with some congregational carol singing. Everyone is very welcome on Thursday 11th December at 6pm in St Columba’s.

CHRISTMAS AFTERNOON TEA
As it is Christmas the Ladies are inviting their menfolk to join them on Friday 12th December at 3pm in the Church Hall where, as well as Christmas themed food, there will be the opportunity to join in some festive carol singing!

CAROLS IN THE CENTRE
An opportunity to sing some of our favourite Christmas carols and be reminded of the wonder of the original Christmas story. Saturday 13th December 11am outside McDonald’s in the Town Centre.

SUNDAY 14th DECEMBER
10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s. Nativity rehearsals continue for the children.
3pm FAMILY SERVICE at St Leonard’s, Rockingham – everyone welcome to join us in the special surroundings of St Leonard’s for this Christmas themed service.
6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s.

LODGE PARK ACADEMY CHRISTMAS DINNER
Some of you have been in previous years to enjoy a Christmas Dinner and entertainment at Lodge Park Academy and we are invited to join them again this year on Monday 16th December at 2pm. Numbers are limited so please let me know if you would like to go and if you have any allergies as soon as possible – either by emailing ianpullinger@btinternet.com, by phone or text to the numbers below, or in church on Sunday.

ALL THE OTHER CHRISTMAS SERVICES:
Thursday 18th December 7pm – Carols, Mince Pies & Mulled Wine in Rockingham Village Hall – everyone welcome to a relaxed evening of worship in good company.
Sunday 21st December 10.30am – Nativity: after all the rehearsals this is the performance we have been waiting for. Do come along with family and friends to share the children’s excitement.
6pm – Carols by Candlelight: the church lit by candles, the familiar words of carols and the Christmas story, what could be more Christmassy?
Christmas Eve 4.30pm – Christingle: always a joyful occasion with a full church, lots of meaningful oranges, and “Away in a Manger” by the light of our Christingle candles.
11.15pm – Midnight Communion: the traditional way to begin Christmas, with carols, communion and an inspiring message.
Christmas Day 10am – All Age Communion: an opportunity for the church family to come together to celebrate the joy of Christmas, with carols, communion and news of presents…
11am Holy Communion at Rockingham: a more traditional Christmas morning service with carols.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK
We have received a new Prayer Letter from Tim and Carol Derbyshire and they are our charity this week. Please do make time to have a read of it and pray for the various points made. We will also be praying for Tim and Carol at our 6pm Prayer Meeting on Sunday.

May God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

30th November 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 5 December 2025

Hello everyone,

Thank you to everyone who helped with the Christmas Fayre last Saturday. In spite of the miserable weather we had a wonderful time with an amazing number of people coming along. We raised just over £1000 for the church which is a magnificent total – thank you all.

Below you will find details of upcoming services and other events happening as we move into Advent and closer to Christmas. In particular can I draw your attention to our Advent Praise service on Sunday evening at 5pm and our Community Carol Service on Thursday 11th December at 6pm, when we are joined by choirs from local schools. Do also make a note of two events happening in town: the Christmas Market and Carols in the Park on Saturday 6th December and Carols in the Centre on Saturday 13th December – all the details below.

SUNDAY 30th NOVEMBER

10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s with ENERGIZE groups for children who will continue rehearsals for the NATIVITY. The service will be available to watch on YouTube here:

5pm ADVENT PRAISE at St Columba’s – a service with plenty of Advent hymns and songs, and warm fellowship.

ROMANS COURSE

The ROMANS COURSE continues on Wednesday morning at 10.30am and evening at 7.30pm, both groups meeting in the church. In the meantime don’t forget the “homework”, to read Romans chapters 13 and 14.

CHRISTMAS MARKET & CAROLS IN THE PARK

This is happening on Saturday 6th December from 11am to 4pm in Coronation Park, with Christmas Market Stalls, Street Food, Flyby Bars, Choirs and Music, plus children’s crafting in the pavilion.

SUNDAY 7th DECEMBER

10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s. ENERGIZE groups for children will be continuing rehearsals for the NATIVITY, so it would be great to see a good number of children again.
6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s.

COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE

This is always a special night when we are joined by children from at least three of our local schools, Studfall Infants, Rockingham Primary and Lodge Park Academy, who will sing for us as well as telling  the Christmas story and joining in with some congregational carol singing. Everyone is very welcome on Thursday 11th December at 6pm in St Columba’s.

CAROLS IN THE CENTRE

An opportunity to sing some of our favourite Christmas carols and be reminded of the wonder of the original Christmas story. Saturday 13th December 11am outside McDonald’s in the Town Centre.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK

Our charity this week is Operation Christmas Child. We have had a bumper collection of shoeboxes this year, so please pray for each one of them to be delivered safely and for the children who will receive them. Also pray for the ongoing outreach with “The Greatest Gift” teaching programme that children who receive shoeboxes are able to take part in. Pray also for the team of volunteers, including James and Louisa, who will be sorting the boxes ready for shipping.

May God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225

07903 644609