Author: Justin Dyche

5th October 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 12 October 2025

Hello everyone,

I just wanted to begin this week’s email with a word about the attack at the synagogue in Manchester. I know many of us struggle as we watch the scenes of destruction in Gaza, and are earnestly praying that the latest peace initiative brings a lasting peace for both Israel and the Palestinians, but it is vital that we separate our disapproval of the actions of the state of Israel and attitudes to Jewish people. As has been said many times this week there is no place for anti-Semitism. This is universally applicable, so we should not hold negative attitudes to Muslim people because of the action of the perpetrator of this attack, or the many attacks on Christians around the world. Rather we should pray for them, because we know that the only way of having peace with God is through the Lord Jesus Christ, and the only way people will hear about Jesus is through Christian people talking about him, and the only way to talk to people about Jesus is by having relationships with them.

The apostle Paul explains my final point above in Romans 10 v13-15, which reminds me that we have just begun our ROMANS COURSE on Wednesdays, morning and evening at church – see more details below.

A couple more comments before listing all the upcoming activities. THANK YOU to everyone involved in making our Harvest Lunch such a success last Sunday. I know Bishop John enjoyed the occasion, other than not being able to eat apples, but we found him some ice cream so he was happy! And for those who ordered Advent Calendars (and thank you to those who pointed out that Advent is only two months away, not three as I said last week!) they are available to collect from Miriam AFTER the service tomorrow.

SUNDAY 5th OCTOBER
10.30am HARVEST ALL AGE SERVICE at St Columba’s. This service will be available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/GZbiwr2bphc?feature=share
Please remember to bring a contribution to our Harvest Collection for the Food Bank. The most needed items at the present time are: Tinned Spaghetti in Sauce, Tinned Tomatoes, Tinned Vegetables, Tinned Meat, Tinned Fish, Tinned Fruit, Tinned Custard, Tinned Rice Pudding, Coffee, Long Life Juice, UHT Milk, Disposable Razors, Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Toilet Rolls.
6pm SONGS OF PRAISE – We have a good list of song requests, what we need now is a good congregation to come along and sing those songs, and to hear why people have chosen particular songs.

ROMANS COURSE
We began the new ROMANS COURSE last Wednesday and had 27 people evenly spread across the morning (10.30am) and evening (7.30pm) sessions, which means there is room for more people to join the course and, as last week was an introduction, you won’t have missed too much if you join this week.

AFTERNOON TEA
Our monthly gathering of ladies for AFTERNOON TEA is happening again this coming Friday 10th October at 3pm in the Church Hall. All ladies are welcome for tea or coffee, sandwiches, scones, and cakes and plenty of good conversation as well as a talk from Carol Derbyshire telling how God has led her from the UK to Tanzania, Australia and now back to the UK.. See below for details about Carol and Tim being with us next Sunday as well.

SUNDAY 12th OCTOBER
10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with Tim and Carol Derbyshire, mission partners who work with HOPE FROM ABOVE (HFA), previously in Australia but for the last 18 months back here in the UK establishing a branch of HFA here. Do come along and here how they have been getting on and, more importantly, how HFA are helping to take the gospel to some of the most difficult to reach places on earth. There will be ENERGIZE groups for children and young people.
3pm FAMILY SERVICE at St Leonard’s, Rockingham
6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s which Carol and Tim will be joining us for so we can pray in depth for them and the work of HFA.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – CORBY FOOD BANK
This week’s charity is Corby Food Bank, although you might also want to include all the Food Banks in the UK, 1700 run, like the one in Corby, by Trussell Trust and over 1100 independent Food Banks. Please give thanks for all those who donate to Food Banks, not just at special times of year like Harvest but all through the year, and for those who volunteer to put together food parcels for those who need them. Pray too for all those who need the help of a Food Bank, and for change to happen so that Food Banks are no longer needed.

On the subject of Charities, the PCC will be considering at their meeting on 7th October, which charities St Columba’s will support with our giving this year. If you have suggestions please speak to a PCC member or email ianpullinger@btinternet.com.

Best wishes to all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

28th September 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 4 October 2025

Hello everyone,

There is lots to look forward to over the next couple of weeks with Bishop John joining us on Sunday morning and for our Harvest Lunch, then the Romans Course starting on Wednesday, before our Harvest Service next Sunday. Details of all those can be found below. I would also like to look slightly further forward to Advent, only just over 3 months away, as there is a sale on FAIRTRADE DIVINE CHOCOLATE ADVENT CALENDARS which are now available for £5.60 rather than the usual £6.50. However this offer is only available this weekend so if you would like to order a calendar please email ianpullinger@btinternet.com or speak to Miriam on Sunday. You won’t need to pay until the calendar is delivered but orders must be placed this weekend.

SUNDAY 28th SEPTEMBER

9am HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham

10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with Bishop John on his last Sunday in the diocese before he retires. ENERGIZE will be meeting to plan for next Sunday’s Harvest Service so all children are especially welcome. The service will be available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/pZ2tjPwK5OQ?feature=share

Please join us for the service and afterwards in the Church Hall for our HARVEST LUNCH. Bishop John will be at the lunch before returning to Peterborough for his Farewell Service in the Cathedral at 3.30pm.

Please note there will not be a PRAYER MEETING this evening.

ROMANS COURSE
Everyone who completed the BIBLE COURSE before the summer holidays will be pleased to know that we are starting the ROMANS COURSE on Wednesday 1st October with sessions at 10.30am and 7.30pm in church. Rather than looking at the big picture of the whole Bible this course concentrates on just one book, St Paul’s letter to the Romans. There are ten sessions in this course so we will finish before Christmas. Please book out your Wednesday evenings and plan to join us for what should be another fascinating course with teaching on video once again by Dr Andrew Ollerton. Please do come along, whether or not you attended the Bible Course.

SUNDAY 5th OCTOBER
10.30am HARVEST ALL AGE SERVICE at St Columba’s. Please remember to bring a contribution to our Harvest Collection for the Food Bank. The most needed items at the present time are: Tinned Spaghetti in Sauce, Tinned Tomatoes, Tinned Vegetables, Tinned Meat, Tinned Fish, Tinned Fruit, Tinned Custard, Tinned Rice Pudding, Coffee, Long Life Juice, UHT Milk, Disposable Razors, Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Toilet Rolls.
6pm SONGS OF PRAISE – Trevor now has a good list of song requests, so do come along to hear why people have chosen particular songs, and to sing God’s praise.

STEWARDSHIP REVIEW
Thank you to everyone who has returned a Stewardship Review Response Form, and apologies to those who have not received their form as yet. Please could you return the form even if there are no changes as it helps us to know that people have considered the challenge facing the church, and saves you from being asked if you have done so. Don’t forget you can ask the person who gave you the form (or Justin, James or me) any questions about the information in the Review leaflet before you complete your Response Form.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – HOME FOR GOOD
This week’s charity is Home for Good who have merged with another charity we have supported in the past, Safe Families. Together they hope for a society where no family feels alone, and every child has a home where they can flourish. They empower and support parents, carers and hosts to build positive connections and relationships so children and families can flourish. They work to inspire and equip churches as they create communities of care, hospitality, and belonging. They are passionate about influencing systemic change for children and families and amplifying the voices of children to offer hope and promote a loving and just society.
Home for Good’s particular focus is to mobilise the Church in the UK to respond to the needs of children through families stepping forward to foster, adopt or provide supported lodgings for teenagers and churches wrapping around families with support, and to influence wider society through advocacy and engagement to create systemic change.

On the subject of Charities, the PCC will be considering at their meeting on 7th October, which charities St Columba’s will support with our giving this year. If you have suggestions please speak to a PCC member or email ianpullinger@btinternet.com.

AND FINALLY
I am pleased to promote PINK PARTIES TRUST, a charity able to support men or women over 18 years old from Corby and the surrounding villages who are suffering from a health condition (physical or psychological) and finding it hard to cope in some area of their lives. The funds are for individuals who cannot access services from any other avenue. They can give small grants, up to £1,000, and to apply just email pinkpartiestrust@outlook.com for an application form before 23rd October 2025.

Best wishes to all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

21st September 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 27 September 2025

Hello everyone,

Thank you to everyone who sponsored James and myself on the Ride & Stride. We visited 8 churches in Leicestershire with James’ daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren and covered about 12 miles. If you have not already given us your sponsor money please bring it on Sunday if you can – THANK YOU.

I am also pleased to say that Shamaila has been allocated a permanent house in Corby, thank you to everyone who prayed about this. This means we will need a team to move her (and all the furniture you donated) from the temporary house in Kettering, on an as yet unknown date in the next couple of weeks. If you may be able to help with this please let me know so I can call on you when the date is known. One other thing that Shamaila needs are some size 3 or 4 wellies for Mekaal to take on his Residential for new Year 7 students next week, so if you have those please bring them to church tomorrow, thank you.

SUNDAY 21st SEPTEMBER

I said last week that our service at St Columba’s on Sunday would be Communion but it is actually MORNING WORSHIP with a sermon looking at St Matthew the gospel writer and disciple of Jesus. ENERGIZE groups will also be meeting for children and young people aged 3-16. This service will be available on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/9nY-0XKHoIo?feature=share

6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s

SUNDAY 28th SEPTEMBER

9am HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham

10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with Bishop John on his last Sunday in the diocese before he retires. Please join us for the service and afterwards in the Church Hall for our HARVEST LUNCH – SIGN UP to say if you are coming to this to help the Events Team. Bishop John will be at the lunch before returning to Peterborough for his Farewell Service in the Cathedral at 3.30pm.

6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s

ROMANS COURSE
Everyone who completed the BIBLE COURSE before the summer holidays will be pleased to know that we are starting the ROMANS COURSE in October. Rather than looking at the big picture of the whole Bible this course concentrates on just one book, St Paul’s letter to the Romans. As before we will be meeting on Wednesday morning, at 10.30am and evening, at 7.30pm, to look at the ten sessions of this course. We will begin on Wednesday 1st October and finish before Christmas. Please book out your Wednesday evenings and plan to join us for what should be another fascinating course with teaching on video once again by Dr Andrew Ollerton.

SUNDAY 5th OCTOBER
10.30am HARVEST ALL AGE SERVICE at St Columba’s. Please remember to bring a contribution to our Harvest Collection for the Food Bank. The most needed items at the present time are: Tinned Spaghetti in Sauce, Tinned Tomatoes, Tinned Vegetables, Tinned Meat, Tinned Fish, Tinned Fruit, Tinned Custard, Tinned Rice Pudding, Coffee, Long Life Juice, UHT Milk, Disposable Razors, Shampoo, Shower Gel, and Toilet Rolls.
6pm SONGS OF PRAISE – please let Trevor or me know your favourite song or hymn if you are able to join us for this service.

STEWARDSHIP REVIEW
Thank you to everyone who has returned a Stewardship Review Response Form, and apologies to those who have not received their form as yet. Please could you return the form even if there are no changes as it helps us to know that people have considered the challenge facing the church, and saves you from being asked if you have done so. Don’t forget you can ask the person who gave you the form (or Justin, James or me) any questions about the information in the Review leaflet before you complete your Response Form.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – WORLD VISION
This week’s charity is World Vision who focus on helping the most vulnerable children, in the most difficult places, overcome poverty and experience fullness of life. They help children, of all faiths and none, in some of the world’s most dangerous places, in almost 100 countries. 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.

On the subject of Charities, the PCC will be considering at their meeting on 7th October, which charities St Columba’s will support with our giving this year. If you have suggestions please speak to a PCC member or email ianpullinger@btinternet.com.

AND FINALLY
I am pleased to promote PINK PARTIES TRUST, a charity able to support men or women over 18 years old from Corby and the surrounding villages who are suffering from a health condition (physical or psychological) and finding it hard to cope in some area of their lives. The funds are for individuals who cannot access services from any other avenue. They can give small grants, up to £1,000, and to apply just email pinkpartiestrust@outlook.com for an application form before 23rd October 2025.

Best wishes to all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

14th September 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 20 September 2025

Hello everyone,

I am pleased to advise that Trevor is recovering well and that he was able to drive Kath to Afternoon Tea. Sheila Pender has asked for prayers, not only for John, who is continuing to recover and is grateful for the visitors he has had, but for her daughters Maria and Carla who are both suffering at this time.
Do also remember the family of Dorothy Turns, who died last month and is having a Celebration of Life service in St Columba’s on Tuesday 16th September at 10.30am

Keep reading for details of all that is happening over the next few weeks.

RIDE AND STRIDE for ST COLUMBA’S and NORTHANTS HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST (NHCT)

This sponsored cycle ride is to raise money that is shared between St Columba’s and NHCT and happened today. Thank you to the people who signed up to spend an hour in church, any cyclists who come to St Columba’s will be pleased to see you. James and I will be completing the cycle ride in Leicestershire this year, and we are still open to receive more sponsors and to collect money from those who have sponsored us already.

SUNDAY 14th SEPTEMBER

10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with the first in an occasional series of sermons looking at Spiritual Warfare. ENERGIZE groups will also be meeting for children and young people aged 3-16. The service will be available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/zlViA-m8ujk?feature=share
6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s

SUNDAY 21st SEPTEMBER

10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with a sermon looking at St Matthew the gospel writer and disciple of Jesus. ENERGIZE groups will also be meeting for children and young people aged 3-16.
6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s

SUNDAY 28th SEPTEMBER

9am HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham

10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with Bishop John on his last Sunday in the diocese before he retires. Please join us for the service and afterwards in the Church Hall for our HARVEST LUNCH – SIGN UP to say if you are coming to this to help the Events Team. Bishop John will be at the lunch before returning to Peterborough for his Farewell Service in the Cathedral at 3.30pm.

6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s

STEWARDSHIP REVIEW

Thank you to everyone who has returned a Stewardship Review Response Form, and apologies to those who have not received their form as yet. Please could you return the form even if there are no changes as it helps us to know that people have considered the challenge facing the church, and saves you from being asked if you have done so. Don’t forget you can ask the person who gave you the form (or Justin, James or me) any questions about the information in the Review leaflet before you complete your Response Form.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK

This week’s charity is Mercy Ships who bring free, life changing surgery to women, men and children who have no-one else to turn to. Safe surgery is out of reach for 9 out of 10 people in sub-Saharan Africa. People are robbed of years of healthy life by conditions that are treatable. The ships also train and empower healthcare professionals in the countries visited to better serve their own communities. There is a new copy of “Onboard” the magazine with news and stories from Mercy Ships available to read at church.

On the subject of Charities, the PCC will be considering at their meeting on 7th October, which charities St Columba’s will support with our giving this year. If you have suggestions please speak to a PCC member or email me, ianpullinger@btinternet.com.

AND FINALLY
Don’t forget that on Sunday 5th October we have a SONGS OF PRAISE service at 6pm. Please let me know your favourite song or hymn if you are able to join us for that service.

Best wishes to all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

7th September 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 13 September 2025

Hello everyone,

I must begin this week’s message with another prayer request, this time for Trevor Wade who was taken into hospital on Tuesday evening. He has received treatment and has come home today, but please pray for a full recovery for him as well as for Kath and peace for them both as they worry about each other.
Some of you may know Dorothy Turns who died last month and is having a Celebration of Life service in St Columba’s on Tuesday 16th September at about 10.30am following her burial at Shire Lodge earlier that morning.

GOVERNMENT TEST ALARM

Don’t forget there will be a “test” emergency alarm on Sunday at 3pm – don’t panic it is only a test! However you could also think of it as a reminder about our evening service – see details below.

STEWARDSHIP REVIEW
Thank you to everyone who has returned a Stewardship Review Response Form, and apologies to those who have not received their form as yet. Please could you return the form even if there are no changes as it helps us to know that people have considered the challenge facing the church, and saves you from being asked if you have done so. Don’t forget you can ask the person who gave you the form (or Justin, James or me) any questions about the information in the Review leaflet before you complete your Response Form.

SUNDAY 7th SEPTEMBER
10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s with a sermon looking at the book of Philemon. ENERGIZE will be meeting again after the holidays for a New School Year Party! The service will be available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/_CbQDcpyNTw?feature=share
6pm HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s – a quieter service but one which everyone is welcome to.

AFTERNOON TEA
After a break in August the Ladies Afternoon Tea is meeting again next Friday, 12th September, at 3pm in the Church Hall for sandwiches, scones, cakes, drinks and conversation, as well as another inspiring life story. All ladies are most welcome.

RIDE AND STRIDE for St Columba’s and NORTHANTS HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST (NHCT)
This sponsored cycle ride is to raise money that is shared between St Columba’s and NHCT and is happening next Saturday 13th September. Please sign up if you can spend an hour in church that day to welcome cyclists, and/or speak to James or me if you would like to cycle with us and/or sponsor one of us! This is especially important this year because if we raise money in this way we are more likely to be successful with our grant application to NHCT for our accessible WC and Servery

ROCKINGHAM FLOWER SHOW AND HARVEST SERVICE
This is also happening next Saturday with the Flower Show, including prizes for best flowers, vegetables and cakes in different categories. Entries must be in the Village Hall by 10.30am and will be on display from 2.30pm. Then at 4pm there will be a Harvest Service, all in Rockingham Village Hall

SUNDAY 14th SEPTEMBER
10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with the first in a series of sermons looking at Spiritual Warfare. ENERGIZE groups will also be meeting for children and young people aged 3-16.
6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s

ADVANCE NOTICES
On Sunday 28th September we will be joined by Bishop John on his last Sunday in the diocese before he retires. Please join us for the service and afterwards in the Church Hall for our HARVEST LUNCH – please SIGN UP to say if you are coming to this to help the Events Team. Bishop John will be at the lunch before returning to Peterborough for his Farewell Service in the Cathedral at 3pm.

Then on Sunday 5th October we have a SONGS OF PRAISE service at 6pm. Please let me know your favourite song or hymn if you are able to join us for that service.

Best wishes to all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

31st August 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 5 September 2025

Hello everyone,

Sorry for the very late email this week. Miriam and I have just arrived back from our holiday and so I am sending out a brief message with details of services and other things happening this week.

STEWARDSHIP REVIEW
I have not checked how many Response Forms have come in, but if you have returned yours THANK YOU and if you have not yet returned yours there is still time, not least because I am aware that I have not yet handed out all the Stewardship Review Leaflets. The RESPONSE FORMS can either be placed in the box at the back of church, or given to the person who gave you the leaflet.

SUNDAY 31st AUGUST
10.30am BACK TO SCHOOL WITH GOD SERVICE at St Columba’s. This service will enable all of us, even if our schooldays are long past, to think and pray for children as they go back to school, and there will be lots for the children themselves to do to prepare them, so do come along if you are able.
The service will be available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/tDBZthAPIAA?feature=share
6pm PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s

PCC Meeting
St Columba’s PCC are meeting on Tuesday 2nd September at 7.30pm. Agenda etc to follow.

SUNDAY 7th SEPTEMBER
10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s with a sermon looking at the book of Philemon. ENERGIZE will be meeting again after the holidays for a New School Year Party!
6pm HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – NORTHANTS HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST (NHCT)
This local organisation was founded in 1955 with the object of raising funds to make grants to churches in Northamptonshire of all denominations for their “preservation, repair and maintenance, improvement, upkeep, beautification and reconstruction”. Rockingham have received several grants over the years to help with the cost of maintaining St Leonard’s, and St Columba’s are applying for a grant to help with the cost of our accessible WC and Servery. Please give thanks for the help NHCT are able to give to many churches, and pray for St Columba’s bid to be successful.
We also raise money for NHCT (and our churches) through the annual RIDE AND STRIDE sponsored bike ride which is happening again on Saturday 13th September. Look out for requests for sponsorship from our cyclists because if we raise money in this way we are more likely to be successful with the grant application.

Best wishes to all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

24th August 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 30 August 2025

Hello everyone,

Thank you to everyone who has helped with the different activities that have happened recently, the International Food Fair, the visit by our CMS mission partners, and the Children’s Showstopper Summer Showcase. I am pleased to say that we can all now take a breath, as there is less happening in the next couple of weeks, before we begin again in September. Do look out for news of a new Wednesday Course in church and a new Alpha Course for those wanting to find out more about Jesus and His church – perhaps you know someone who might like to attend such a course, if they had an invitation from a friend like you!

Below you will find details of our services over the next couple of weeks, including a special BACK TO SCHOOL WITH GOD service on 31st August, and don’t think this is just for children, we can all play a part in supporting children and schools through prayer, so plan to join us then to find out how. There is also some prayer news, details of our CHARITY OF THE WEEK, one which allows us to introduce this year’s sponsored Ride and Stride, see below for more details, as well as a recap on our STEWARDSHIP REVIEW.

PRAYER NEWS
A quick update on John Pender and Kath Wade, who both thank everyone for their prayers.
Recently I wrote that Kath was making slow progress, not helped by an infection, and that has continued to be the case. Kath has seen a doctor and has more antibiotics so please pray these are effective in clearing up the infection and that Kath will be back to full health very soon. Kath has felt a bit better but has not been very cheerful so please also pray that Kath feels more uplifted.
Recently John Pender had a cardiac arrest in hospital, from which he was not only resuscitated but, miraculously, he was told his heart did not suffer any damage. John also has a blockage in an artery that needs to be treated so please pray that this can happen sooner rather than later and that John would make a full recovery from this and his broken hip.
I am sure Kath and John would be pleased to hear from friends at church, either by phone or a visit in person. Kath is at home and John is on Ashton Ward at KGH.

STEWARDSHIP REVIEW
Our annual Stewardship Review has started with leaflets distributed last Sunday to some more church members. The Finance Committee are handing out copies of the leaflet, and are available to answer any questions you have about the financial needs of St Columba’s and how you can respond. The leaflet includes a RESPONSE FORM and I do encourage you to prayerfully consider your response before completing the form and returning it, either in the box provided or to the person who gave you the leaflet. I know there are many people who would not consider themselves active members of the church, and so you will not be receiving a leaflet, but that does not mean you are not welcome to give! If you would like to know more please email ianpullinger@btinternet.com and I can send you a form.

SUNDAY 24th AUGUST
10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s with a sermon from Rosie looking at Luke 14 v1, 7-14. There will be an activity for children at the back of church. This service will be available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/QLXyhBAm3mI?feature=share
There is no Communion service at Rockingham today.
6pm PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s

SUNDAY 31st AUGUST
10.30am BACK TO SCHOOL WITH GOD SERVICE at St Columba’s. Please come along if you are a child going back to school, a parent or teacher, or just someone who cares about the children and young people in our church family, and the schools in our local community, and who wants to support them in prayer – and that should be everyone.
6pm PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – NORTHANTS HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST (NHCT)
This local organisation was founded in 1955 with the object of raising funds to make grants to churches in Northamptonshire of all denominations for their “preservation, repair and maintenance, improvement, upkeep, beautification and reconstruction”. Rockingham have received several grants over the years to help with the cost of maintaining St Leonard’s, and St Columba’s are applying for a grant to help with the cost of our accessible WC and Servery. Please give thanks for the help NHCT are able to give to many churches, and pray for St Columba’s bid to be successful.
We also raise money for NHCT (and our churches) through the annual RIDE AND STRIDE sponsored bike ride which is happening again on Saturday 13th September. Look out for requests for sponsorship from our cyclists because if we raise money in this way we are more likely to be successful with the grant application.

I hope those of you who are going away over the next couple of weeks are blessed with time to relax and to enjoy God’s creation.

Best wishes to all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

17th August 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 23 August 2025

Hello everyone,

Thank you to everyone who has helped with the different activities that have happened in the last week, the International Food Fair, the visit by our CMS mission partners, and the Children’s Showstopper Summer Showcase. I am pleased to say that we can all now take a breath, as there is less happening in the next couple of weeks, before we begin again in September. Do look out for news of a new Wednesday Course in church and a new Alpha Course for those wanting to find out more about Jesus and His church – perhaps you know someone who might like to attend such a course, if they had an invitation from a friend like you!

Below you will find details of our services over the next couple of weeks, including a special BACK TO SCHOOL WITH GOD service on 31st August, and don’t think this is just for children, we can all play a part in supporting children and schools through prayer, so plan to join us then to find out how. There is also some prayer news, details of our CHARITY OF THE WEEK, one which allows us to introduce this year’s sponsored Ride and Stride, see below for more details, as well as a recap on our STEWARDSHIP REVIEW.

But before all that I will be taking part in a VJ DAY COMMEMORATION in Coronation Park tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm. This is part of a Neighbourhood Family Fun Day which is running from 12noon to 5pm with Food, Games, Stalls, Family Challenges and Music, as well as the Commemoration. Lyn Buckingham has organised the Commemoration and writes: “we will be commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the ending of World War Two on VJ Day, please feel free to join us in commemorating this milestone, and if you have a story you would like to share of a parent or grandparent please do get in touch.”

PRAYER NEWS
A quick update on John Pender and Kath Wade, who both thank everyone for their prayers.
Last week I wrote that Kath was making slow progress, not helped by an infection, and that has continued to be the case. Kath saw a doctor today and has more antibiotics so please pray these are effective in clearing up the infection and that Kath will be back to full health very soon. Kath felt a bit better today but has not been very cheerful so please also pray that Kath feels more uplifted.
After last week’s update John Pender had a cardiac arrest in hospital, from which he was not only resuscitated but, miraculously, he was told his heart did not suffer any damage. John also has a blockage in an artery that needs to be treated so please pray that this can happen sooner rather than later and that John would make a full recovery from this and his broken hip.
I am sure Kath and John would be pleased to hear from friends at church, either by phone or a visit in person. Kath is at home and John is on Ashton Ward at KGH.

STEWARDSHIP REVIEW
Our annual Stewardship Review has started with some leaflets distributed last Sunday to church members. The Finance Committee are handing out copies of the leaflet, and are available to answer any questions you have about the financial needs of St Columba’s and how you can respond. The leaflet includes a RESPONSE FORM and I do encourage you to prayerfully consider your response before completing the form and returning it, either in the box provided or to the person who gave you the leaflet. I know there are many people who would not consider themselves active members of the church, and so you will not be receiving a leaflet, but that does not mean you are not welcome to give! If you would like to know more please email ianpullinger@btinternet.com and I can send you a form.

SUNDAY 17th AUGUST
10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with a sermon from David looking at Luke 13 v18-30. There will be an activity for children at the back of church. This service will be available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/Fx_douR1CeI?feature=share
6pm PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s

SUNDAY 24th AUGUST
10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s with a sermon from Rosie looking at Luke 14 v1, 7-14. There will be an activity for children at the back of church. This service will be available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/QLXyhBAm3mI?feature=share
There is no Communion service at Rockingham today.
6pm PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s

SUNDAY 31st AUGUST
10.30am BACK TO SCHOOL WITH GOD SERVICE at St Columba’s. Please come along if you are a child going back to school, a parent or teacher, or just someone who cares about the children and young people in our church family, and the schools in our local community, and who wants to support them in prayer – and that should be everyone.
6pm PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – NORTHANTS HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST (NHCT)
This local organisation was founded in 1955 with the object of raising funds to make grants to churches in Northamptonshire of all denominations for their “preservation, repair and maintenance, improvement, upkeep, beautification and reconstruction”. Rockingham have received several grants over the years to help with the cost of maintaining St Leonard’s, and St Columba’s are applying for a grant to help with the cost of our accessible WC and Servery. Please give thanks for the help NHCT are able to give to many churches, and pray for St Columba’s bid to be successful.
We also raise money for NHCT (and our churches) through the annual RIDE AND STRIDE sponsored bike ride which is happening again on Saturday 13th September. Look out for requests for sponsorship from our cyclists because if we raise money in this way we are more likely to be successful with the grant application.

I hope those of you who are going away over the next couple of weeks are blessed with time to relax and to enjoy God’s creation.

Best wishes to all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

10th August 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 16 August 2025

Hello everyone,

Thank you for your prayers for Kath Wade and John Pender. Kath is making slow progress, not helped by an infection, but is able to testify that she “certainly know God has been with me”. John had his operation and is still recovering in hospital, he is progressing but feeling down. Please continue to pray for Kath and John to make full recoveries, and also for Trevor and especially Sheila, whose brother, who lived in France, passed away last Sunday.

Tomorrow is our INTERNATIONAL FOOD FAIR from 12 noon to 4pm
There will be food from five different countries, UK, USA, South Africa, Pakistan and Morocco, available to buy as well as desserts and cakes. Everyone is welcome to drop in and buy food, you don’t need to have bought tickets in advance, and we hope people from the local community will join us, especially when they see the inflatable on the church lawn.
Tickets cost £10 for all five meals, or £2.50 for one. Anyone who can help set up from 8am tomorrow is welcome, just come along to church.

STEWARDSHIP REVIEW
Our annual Stewardship Review did not start last week but we are now all ready to go with leaflets ready to be distributed to all active church members. This year a member of the Finance Committee will hand you a copy of the leaflet, and then, either immediately or later, answer any questions you have about the financial needs of St Columba’s and how you can respond. The leaflet includes a RESPONSE FORM and I do encourage you to prayerfully consider your response before completing the form and returning it. I know there are many people who would not consider themselves active members of the church, and so you will not be receiving a leaflet, but that does not mean you are not welcome to give! If you would like to know more please email ianpullinger@btinternet.com and I can send you a form.

SUNDAY 10th AUGUST
10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s when we have a preacher from CMS and there will be children and young people’s groups in the Hall for a special activity thinking about the world church. Unfortunately there will be no livestream this Sunday.
3pm TEA, CAKE & HYMNS at St Leonard’s, Rockingham. If you are coming to this service just tell the person at the kiosk that you are going to church.
There will not be a Prayer Meeting this evening.

SHOWSTOPPERS SUMMER SHOWCASE – THURSDAY 14th AUGUST 10am
This is a special summer activity morning for all children who were at Primary School last term, you don’t need to have been to the Easter Holiday Club to attend. No need to register in advance, just turn up, sign in, and join the fun with plenty of songs, games, crafts, and a new Bible story to learn.

SUNDAY 17th AUGUST
10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with a sermon from David looking at Luke 13 v18-30. There will be an activity for children at the back of church.
6pm PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – CMS
The latest CMS Mission Partner’s Prayer Letter is available at the back of church and there will be an opportunity to hear first hand about the work of CMS in our service on Sunday morning.

Lots to look forward to over the next week or so and I hope those of you who are going away enjoy some relaxation and good weather.

Best wishes to all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

3rd August 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 8 August 2025

Hello everyone,

Thank you for your prayers for Kath Wade. I am pleased to say that Kath had her operation on Thursday and arrived home late in the day, still in some pain which meant very little sleep last night – please pray for a better night tonight. Also pray for John Pender who had a fall on Wednesday and broke his hip, he is having an operation as I write, so please pray that goes well and he makes a full and swift recovery.

The summer holidays are proving to be a busy time here at St Columba’s as you will see from all the activities listed below. However there is one activity that is not happening this month, there will be no Afternoon Tea on Friday 8th August, but we do encourage everyone who would have been at the Tea to come along to the International Food Fair the next day.

STEWARDSHIP REVIEW
Our annual Stewardship Review has also started and there are leaflets ready to be distributed to all active church members. This year we are hoping that a member of the Finance Committee will be able to hand you a copy of the leaflet, and then, either immediately or later, answer any questions you have about the financial needs of St Columba’s and how you can respond. The leaflet includes a RESPONSE FORM and I do encourage you to prayerfully consider your response before completing the form and returning it. I know there are many people who would not consider themselves active members of the church, and so you will not be receiving a leaflet, but that does not mean you are not welcome to give! If you would like to know more please email ianpullinger@btinternet.com and I can send you a form.

SUNDAY 3rd AUGUST
10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP at St Columba’s, which Jason, our potential new curate (from July 2026) and his family will be attending. There will be lots of activities in this service for children so it would be great to see lots of children in church. The service will also be available to watch on Youtube here:
https://youtube.com/live/aG8B1feogPo?feature=share
After the service, and our usual coffee, there will be a BRING YOUR OWN PICNIC LUNCH, which we have decided will have to be in Church Hall because of the weather forecast – but do still come. Please come along to this if you are not on holiday to give Jason an opportunity to get to know more of us. Don’t forget to bring your own lunch and cold drinks – we will provide tea and coffee as well as games. Please also still come to the International Food Fair (see below) the following week – it is not ideal having these two events less than a week apart, but various factors meant 3rd August was the best date for Jason and us.
Then at 6pm we have our PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s.

INTERNATIONAL FOOD FAIR Saturday 9th August 12 noon to 4pm
Following the success of our first International Food Fair last summer we are having a second this year. Once again there will be food from five different countries available to buy as well as desserts and cakes. It is really helpful if people can buy tickets in advance so that the team have an idea of how many they are catering for, although the nature of this event is that people can just drop in and buy food, and it is therefore an opportunity to witness to the community. To help with this we have an inflatable that will hopefully attract people to the Fair.
Tickets are on sale after church and cost £10 for all five meals, or £2.50 for one. Help will also be needed to set up from 8am on Saturday 9th August, please speak to Riaan if you can help with this.

SUNDAY 10th AUGUST
10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s when we have a preacher from CMS and there will be children and young people’s groups in the Hall for a special activity thinking about the world church.
3pm TEA, CAKE & HYMNS at St Leonard’s, Rockingham. If you are coming to this service just tell the person at the kiosk that you are going to church.

SHOWSTOPPERS SUMMER SHOWCASE – THURSDAY 14th AUGUST 10am
This is a special summer activity morning for all children who were at Primary School last term, you don’t need to have been to the Easter Holiday Club to attend. No need to register in advance, just turn up, sign in, and join the fun with plenty of songs, games, crafts, and a new Bible story to learn.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK – TIM & CAROL DERBYSHIRE with Hope From Above
Here is the latest Prayer Letter from Tim and Carol so do have a read and pray for them.

Lots to look forward to over the next few weeks. I hope many of you will also be able to enjoy some time away, as I said last week…don’t forget to pack your Bible!

Best wishes to all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609