Details of events coming up in our church over the next week are given below.
SUNDAY 6th JULY 10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP at St Columba’s – when we will be looking at the Parable of the Good Samaritan, with lots of help from the children. Those unable to be in church can watch the service here: https://youtube.com/live/Ouf4LyQaMcE?feature=share 6pm HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s – a quieter service but one which everyone is welcome to, especially if you are not able to be in church for the morning service.
WEDNESDAY 9th JULY – BIBLE COURSE 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s
FRIDAY 11th JULY – LADIES AFTERNOON TEA in St Columba’s Church Hall at 3pm. Our monthly get together for sandwiches and cakes, tea and coffee and plenty of good conversation including a testimony about what Jesus has done in one of our lives.
SUNDAY 13th JULY 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with ENERGIZE groups for children and young people. 3pm FAMILY SERVICE with BAPTISM at St Leonard’s, Rockingham – when you drive into the Castle grounds just tell the person at the kiosk that you are going to church. 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s
WEDNESDAY 16th JULY – BIBLE COURSE 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s
And for something completely different: SUNDAY 20th JULY – COMPANION DOG SHOW in Rockingham Village Hall and Grounds, with Pedigree and Novelty classes (£3 per entry). Dogs being entered need to arrive from 1pm and judging commences at 2pm.
CHARITY OF THE WEEK Please do continue to pray for Year 6 children as they prepare for their transition to Secondary School. In particular they have their Transition Days this coming week when they go to their new school. I will also be giving out Scripture Union’s “It’s Your Move” book for Year 6 children at Woodnewton, a learning academy on Tuesday morning. This book contains practical advice about moving to secondary school and testimony from Christian young people who have made the transition in previous years. If you know a child, maybe a neighbour or grandchild, who is in Year 6 but does not attend Woodnewton, Studfall or Rockingham Primary Schools please let me know and we can give you a copy of the book to present to them.
Details of events coming up in our church over the next week are given below, together with our CHARITY OF THE WEEK, Scripture Union’s book for Year 6 children moving to Secondary School in September.
SUNDAY 29th JUNE 10.30am MORNING WORSHIP this will be available on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/pF_sb2mLIE4?feature=share There are also ENERGIZE groups preparing for July’s All Age Worship – it is really helpful to have a good number of children present for this as it helps the All Age Worship go really well – remember in June when we had 33 children at All Age Worship! 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s
TUESDAY 1st JULY – St Columba’s PCC in Church
WEDNESDAY 2nd JULY – BIBLE COURSE 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s
SUNDAY 6th JULY 10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP at St Columba’s – children are welcome to this even if they can’t make the preparation time this coming Sunday. 6pm HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s
CHARITY OF THE WEEK Our Charity of the Week this week is Scripture Union’s book for Year 6 children moving to Secondary School in September. This is because St Columba’s present the Year 6 children at Rockingham Primary School, Studfall Junior Academy and Woodnewton a learning academy with a copy of this book, which not only contains practical advice about moving to secondary school, but also testimony from Christian young people who have made the transition in previous years. I will be making the presentations at Rockingham on Tuesday and Studfall on Thursday next week so please pray for all those children who will be receiving a copy. If you know a child, maybe a neighbour or grandchild, who is in Year 6 but does not attend one of these three schools please let me know and we can give you a copy of the book to present to them.
I am pleased to say I had a good time away in Scotland last week, although came back quite tired after lots more walking than I am used to, and some disturbed nights, both because of sleeping in a tent and also worry about my journey home – I will be sharing the story about that on Sunday morning. I am sending this out to remind people about the GAMES NIGHT tomorrow (Saturday) in the Church Hall. There are also details of all the other activities coming up in the next week.
I have listed all these at the start of this message and you can scroll down to find the details of any that interest you together with our CHARITY OF THE WEEK, the Children’s Society.
SATURDAY 21st June – 6pm GAMES NIGHT in St Columba’s Church Hall.
SUNDAY 22nd JUNE 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION with ENERGIZE groups at St Columba’s 3pm HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s
TUESDAY 24th JUNE – FINANCE COMMITTEE at St Columba’s
WEDNESDAY 25th JUNE – BIBLE COURSE 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s
SUNDAY 29th JUNE 10.30am MORNING WORSHIP with ENERGIZE groups preparing for July’s All Age Worship 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s
TUESDAY 1st JULY – St Columba’s PCC in Church
WEDNESDAY 2nd JULY – BIBLE COURSE 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s
Some more information about these events:
SATURDAY 21st JUNE – GAMES NIGHT in St Columba’s Church Hall. There will be nibbles available but people are invited to bring any drinks or extra snacks they want. This starts at 6pm and finishes at 8pm so it is a family friendly and fun time for all. Why not come along rather sit at home watching television?
SUNDAY 22nd JUNE 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with ENERGIZE groups for children and young people. The service will be available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/SivYZWRPzJ4?feature=share 3pm HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham 6pm PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s
WEDNESDAY 25th JUNE – BIBLE COURSE continues at 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s. Do come along if you can, even if you have not been able to attend the previous sessions.
SUNDAY 29th JUNE 10.30am MORNING WORSHIP with ENERGIZE groups 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s
CHARITY OF THE WEEK Our Charity of the Week this week is one that takes us back to Christmas (exactly 6 months away) and the Christingle service where we raise money for the Children’s Society. The Children’s Society Prayer is: Lord Jesus, thank you for the work of the Children’s Society who help us remember your heart for every child is home for the runaway, rest for the carer, family for the cared-for, provision for the disadvantaged and a full future for the disabled. May You guide their policies, bless their finances and strengthen their voice until we all protect and value every child. Amen.
WEDNESDAY 18th JUNE – BIBLE course continues at 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s. Don’t forget the Bible Reading Plan (Week 3).
SATURDAY 21st JUNE – GAMES NIGHT in St Columba’s Church Hall. There will be nibbles available but people are invited to bring any drinks or extra snacks they want. The time is to be confirmed, but it will be early evening making it a family friendly and fun time for all.
SATURDAY 7th JUNE till 7pm – Deanery 24 hours of Prayer in St Columba’s (started on Friday at 7pm)
SUNDAY 8th JUNE 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION with Roger Morgan and ENERGIZE groups followed by LUNCH 3pm HYMNS & CAKE FAMILY SERVICE at St Leonard’s, Rockingham 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s
SPRING HARVEST 2026 – Sunday 8th June is the deadline for asking Miriam about booking for next year’s Spring Harvest. Booking opens on Wednesday 11th June if you want to make your own reservation with Butlin’s.
WEDNESDAY 11th JUNE – BIBLE course 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s
FRIDAY 13th JUNE – LADIES AFTERNOON TEA in St Columba’s Church Hall at 3pm
SUNDAY 15th JUNE 10.30am MORNING WORSHIP with ENERGIZE groups 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s
WEDNESDAY 18th JUNE – BIBLE course 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s
SATURDAY 21st JUNE – GAMES NIGHT in St Columba’s Church Hall.
Some more information about these events:
SATURDAY 7th JUNE till 7pm – Deanery 24 hours of Prayer in St Columba’s (started on Friday at 7pm) Corby Deanery have organised this 24 hour prayer event. It is happening in St Columba’s and lasts until Saturday 7th June at 7pm. If you would like to participate for an hour you can book via this link: https://signup.24-7prayer.com/signup/e384ff/ You can either register on the 24/7 Prayer website or book as a Guest, either way allows you to book an hour long slot.
SUNDAY 8th JUNE We welcome our former vicar, ROGER MORGAN back to St Columba’s. Roger will be preaching and praying at our 10.30 service which will also include ENERGIZE groups for children and young people and the service will be available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/1EpKML3zCaI?feature=share After the service there will be LUNCH in the Church Hall to which all are welcome but especially those who knew Roger. Janet asks that if you are coming to the lunch please bring some food to share, prepared on a plate covered with cling film or foil, so that it can simply be uncovered and shared. Then after lunch simply take your dirty (and probably empty) plate away to wash! Also on that day there will be a “HYMN REQUESTS and TEA” FAMILY SERVICE in St Leonard’s, Rockingham at 3pm and a PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s at 6pm.
SPRING HARVEST 2026 I know most people reading this email will be familiar with Spring Harvest, but for those who are not it is a Christian Conference for all ages held at Butlin’s every Easter. We have been as a group from St Columba’s for several years and are planning to do so again in 2026 but there are some changes, and as a result there are three options people wanting to go might consider. All the details are on this document, printed copies of which will be available from Miriam or myself in church. Please ask either of us if you have questions and be ready to give your name to us if you would like to go in a group to Minehead or if you need information about how to book yourself in at Skegness (remember you can only book a room or apartment NOT as an individual but individuals can join the group going to Minehead). The booking lines open at 8am on Wednesday 11th June.
WEDNESDAY 11th JUNE – BIBLE course continues at 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s. Don’t forget the Bible Reading Plan (Week 2). Like the Lent Course there will be two meetings covering the same material, one at 10.30am and the other at 7.30pm. Both begin with refreshments. It doesn’t matter whether you come in the morning or evening, or if you switch depending on your availability. Do come along if you are new to the Bible, or if you have been reading it for years, there is sure to be something for everyone, and the discussion will be better with a range of experience.
FRIDAY 13th JUNE – LADIES AFTERNOON TEA in St Columba’s Church Hall at 3pm. All ladies are welcome to this monthly get-together for tea or coffee, sandwiches, cakes and conversation. No need to book simply turn up and enjoy this time together.
WEDNESDAY 18th JUNE – BIBLE course continues at 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s. Don’t forget the Bible Reading Plan (Week 3).
SATURDAY 21st JUNE – GAMES NIGHT in St Columba’s Church Hall. There will be nibbles available but people are invited to bring any drinks or extra snacks they want. The time is to be confirmed, but it will be early evening making it a family friendly and fun time for all.
CHARITIES OF THE WEEK I have listed two Charities to be our Charity of the Week over these two weeks, together with a link so you can find more information about them: This week, because Roger Morgan will be with us the charity he is associated with: ROOTED IN JESUS see https://mathetestrust.org/rooted-in-jesus/ for more information And week beginning Sunday 15th June: CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY see https://capuk.org/about-us for more information
I hope you are well, although, as last week, I am aware of several people who are not, and would ask you to pray for them, or better still join us to pray for them on Sunday evening at our Healing Service. On a positive note I am pleased to report that John Pender returned home on Wednesday after his stay in Spinneyfields. I am going away during next week so am including details of events over the next three weeks, including livestream links for the Sunday morning services at St Columba’s, so do keep this email handy. Once again I have listed all of the upcoming events at the start of this message and you can scroll down to find the details of any that interest you.
SUNDAY 1st June 10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP in St Columba’s, Corby 6pm HEALING SERVICE in St Columba’s.
WEDNESDAY 4th JUNE – BIBLE course begins, 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s
FRIDAY 6th JUNE to SATURDAY 7th JUNE – Deanery 24 hours of Prayer in St Columba’s
SUNDAY 8th JUNE 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION with Roger Morgan and ENERGIZE groups followed by LUNCH 3pm HYMNS & CAKE FAMILY SERVICE at St Leonard’s, Rockingham 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s
SPRING HARVEST 2026 – Sunday 8th June is the deadline for asking Miriam about booking for next year’s Spring Harvest. Booking opens on Wednesday 11th June if you want to make your own reservation with Butlin’s.
WEDNESDAY 11th JUNE – BIBLE course 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s
FRIDAY 13th JUNE – LADIES AFTERNOON TEA in St Columba’s Church Hall at 3pm
SUNDAY 15th JUNE 10.30am MORNING WORSHIP with ENERGIZE groups 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s
WEDNESDAY 18th JUNE – BIBLE course 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s
SATURDAY 21st JUNE – GAMES NIGHT in St Columba’s Church Hall.
Some more information about these events: SUNDAY 1st JUNE We have two services on Sunday, both at St Columba’s: 10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP – led by the children and with contributions from people who went to Spring Harvest this year to gather interest before we have to book for next year’s event (see below). This service will be available on Youtube at: https://youtube.com/live/kI2hyVIr9WE?feature=share 6pm HEALING SERVICE at St Columba’s – this quieter service is open to everyone but especially anyone who is seeking healing of body, mind or spirit, either personally or for someone else.
BIBLE COURSE I am pleased to say that the new Bible Course, published by the Bible Society, will begin at St Columba’s on WEDNESDAY 4th JUNE. Like the Lent Course there will be two meetings covering the same material, one at 10.30am and the other at 7.30pm. Both begin with refreshments. It doesn’t matter whether you come in the morning or evening, or if you switch depending on your availability. Do come along if you are new to the Bible, or if you have been reading it for years, there is sure to be something for everyone, and the discussion will be better with a range of experience. I am planning on placing a second order for copies of the guidebook that goes with the Course, but will not do that until after the first session on Wednesday. The price of these is £9.99. There is a Daily Bible Plan included with the book but everyone can access this summary for weeks 1 to 3.
FRIDAY 6th JUNE to SATURDAY 7th JUNE – Deanery 24 hours of Prayer in St Columba’s Corby Deanery have organised this 24 hour prayer event. It is happening in St Columba’s and starts on Friday 6th June at 7pm and lasts until Saturday 7th June at 7pm. If you would like to participate for an hour you can book via this link: https://signup.24-7prayer.com/signup/e384ff/ You can either register on the 24/7 Prayer website or book as a Guest, either way allows you to book an hour long slot.
SUNDAY 8th JUNE This is when we are looking forward to welcoming our former vicar, ROGER MORGAN back to St Columba’s. Roger will be preaching and praying at our 10.30 service which will also include ENERGIZE groups for children and young people and the service will be available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/1EpKML3zCaI?feature=share After the service there will be LUNCH in the Church Hall to which all are welcome but especially those who knew Roger. Janet asks that if you are coming to the lunch please bring some food to share, prepared on a plate covered with cling film or foil, so that it can simply be uncovered and shared. Then after lunch simply take your dirty (and probably empty) plate away to wash! Also on that day there will be a “HYMN REQUESTS and TEA” FAMILY SERVICE in St Leonard’s, Rockingham at 3pm and a PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s at 6pm.
SPRING HARVEST 2026 I know most people reading this email will be familiar with Spring Harvest, but for those who are not it is a Christian Conference for all ages held at Butlin’s every Easter. We have been as a group from St Columba’s for several years and are planning to do so again in 2026 but there are some changes, and as a result there are three options people wanting to go might consider. All the details are on this document, printed copies of which will be available from Miriam or myself in church. Please ask either of us if you have questions and be ready to give your name to us if you would like to go in a group to Minehead or if you need information about how to book yourself in at Skegness (remember you can only book a room or apartment NOT as an individual but individuals can join the group going to Minehead). The booking lines open at 8am on Wednesday 11th June.
WEDNESDAY 11th JUNE – BIBLE course continues at 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s. Don’t forget the Bible Reading Plan (Week 2).
FRIDAY 13th JUNE – LADIES AFTERNOON TEA in St Columba’s Church Hall at 3pm. All ladies are welcome to this monthly get-together for tea or coffee, sandwiches, cakes and conversation. No need to book simply turn up and enjoy this time together.
WEDNESDAY 18th JUNE – BIBLE course continues at 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s. Don’t forget the Bible Reading Plan (Week 3).
SATURDAY 21st JUNE – GAMES NIGHT in St Columba’s Church Hall. There will be nibbles available but people are invited to bring any drinks or extra snacks they want. The time is to be confirmed, but it will be early evening making it a family friendly and fun time for all.
CHARITIES OF THE WEEK I have listed three Charities to be our Charity of the Week over the next three weeks, together with a link so you can find more information about them: This week: OPEN DOORS see https://www.opendoorsuk.org/resources/prayer/ for more details including an online Prayer Diary Next week, because Roger Morgan will be with us the charity he is associated with: ROOTED IN JESUS see https://mathetestrust.org/rooted-in-jesus/ for more information And week beginning Sunday 15th June: CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY see https://capuk.org/about-us for more information
I hope you are well, although I am aware of several people who are unwell, which means our Healing Service in a week’s time is timely. That is just one of many events happening in the next couple of weeks and so I have listed all of them at the start of this message and then you can scroll down to find the details of any that interest you. The list is in date order:
SUNDAY 25th MAY 10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s, Corby – with children’s ENERGIZE groups during the service. 3pm HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham. 6pm PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s.
ASCENSION DAY SERVICE – Thursday 29th May at 7pm in St Peter & St Andrew, Corby
HALF TERM CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY MORNING – Friday 30th May from 10am to 12noon in the Church Hall.
SUNDAY 1st June 10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP in St Columba’s, Corby 6pm HEALING SERVICE in St Columba’s.
WEDNESDAY 4th JUNE – BIBLE course begins, 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s
FRIDAY 6th JUNE to SATURDAY 7th JUNE – Deanery 24 hours of Prayer in St Columba’s
SUNDAY 8th JUNE 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION with Roger Morgan followed by LUNCH 3pm FAMILY SERVICE at St Leonard’s, Rockingham 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s
SPRING HARVEST 2026 – Sunday 8th June is the deadline for asking Miriam about booking for next year’s Spring Harvest.
And now a few more details about each of the above:
SUNDAY 25th MAY We have two services on Sunday as follows: 10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s, Corby – with children’s ENERGIZE groups during the service and the service will be available to watch on Youtube via this link: https://youtube.com/live/t3Utvm_xJiE?feature=share 3pm HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham – just tell the person in the kiosk as you enter the Castle grounds that you are going to church. And at 6pm we will have our PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s.
ASCENSION DAY SERVICE Thursday 29th May is Ascension Day and there will be a Deanery Service in St Peter & St Andrew, Corby at 7pm. This is a good opportunity to gather with people from other Churches in Corby and the surrounding villages and to meet the new minister at St Peter & St Andrew, Revd Shakeel Nurmani.
HALF TERM CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY MORNING We have a special children’s activity morning on FRIDAY 30th MAY from 10am to 12noon in St Columba’s Church Hall. This is a SHOWSTOPPERS REUNION for all those children who came at Easter, but it is open to all Primary School age children, you don’t have to have been to Showstoppers to come along and join in the fun and games! No need to book in advance but parents dropping off children will need to complete a form before they leave.
NEXT SUNDAY 1st JUNE We have two services next Sunday, both at St Columba’s: 10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP – led by the children and with contributions from people who went to Spring Harvest this year to gather interest before we have to book for next year’s event (see below). 6pm HEALING SERVICE at St Columba’s – this quieter service is open to everyone but especially anyone who is seeking healing of body, mind or spirit, either personally or for someone else.
BIBLE COURSE I am pleased to say that the new Bible Course has now been published by the Bible Society and will begin at St Columba’s on WEDNESDAY 4th JUNE. Like the Lent Course there will be two meetings covering the same material, one at 10.30am and the other at 7.30pm. Both begin with refreshments. It doesn’t matter whether you come in the morning or evening, or if you switch depending on your availability. Do come along if you are new to the Bible, or if you have been reading it for years, there is sure to be something for everyone, and the discussion will be better with a range of experience. I now have copies of the guidebook that goes with the Course, so if you ordered a copy you can pick it up in church. The price of these is £9.99 and if you can pay this I will be able to make spare copies available to people who can’t afford this much. However because we ordered in bulk we received a discount and actually paid £8.50 so feel free to pay this.
FRIDAY 6th JUNE to SATURDAY 7th JUNE – Deanery 24 hours of Prayer in St Columba’s Corby Deanery have organised this 24 hour prayer event. It is happening in St Columba’s and starts on Friday 6th June at 7pm and lasts until Saturday 7th June at 7pm. Prayer requests for our Deanery can be sent to me, but if you would like to participate for an hour you can book via this link: https://signup.24-7prayer.com/signup/e384ff/ You can either register on the 24/7 Prayer website or book as a Guest, either way allows you to book an hour long slot.
SUNDAY 8th JUNE This is when we are looking forward to welcoming our former vicar, ROGER MORGAN back to St Columba’s. Roger will be preaching and praying at our 10.30 service and then there will be lunch in the Church Hall to which all are welcome but especially those who knew Roger. Janet asks that if you are coming to the lunch please bring some food to share, prepared on a plate covered with cling film or foil, so that it can simply be uncovered and shared. Then after lunch simply take your dirty (and probably empty) plate away to wash! Also on that day there will be a FAMILY SERVICE in St Leonard’s, Rockingham at 3pm and a PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s at 6pm.
SPRING HARVEST 2026 I know most people reading this will be familiar with Spring Harvest, but for those who are not it is a Christian Conference for all ages held at Butlin’s every Easter. We have been as a group from St Columba’s for several years and are planning to do so again in 2026 but there are some changes, and as a result there are three options people wanting to go might consider. All the details are on this document, printed copies of which will be available from Miriam or myself in church. Please ask either of us if you have questions and be ready to give your name to us if you would like to go in a group to Minehead or if you need information about how to book yourself in at Skegness (remember you can only book a room or apartment NOT as an individual).
CHARITY OF THE WEEK And finally, our Charity of the Week is Tearfund who we have supported for many years. Tearfund have found that working with and through local churches to transform communities out of situations of poverty has proven over and over again to be an effective and sustainable way to change people’s lives for the better. This week, we’d love you to pray with Tearfund for their vision of equipping 250,000 churches to become centres of transformation in their communities around the world. Here is the latest weekly prayer update from Tearfund.
There is lots this week including details of services, a Half Term Children’s Activity Morning (aka Showstoppers Reunion), opportunities for prayer and fundraising and information about SPRING HARVEST 2026 – please read this carefully and do ask any questions.
SUNDAY 18th May We have one service on Sunday as follows: 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s, Corby – with children and young people’s ENERGIZE groups during the service. This service will be available to watch on a livestream here: https://youtube.com/live/x-Zc-uIidDE?feature=share And at 6pm we will have the PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s.
EASYFUNDRAISING I heard this week that St Columba’s received £47.94 as a result of people choosing to do their online shopping through easyfundraising. This could be much more if everyone who shops online registered at easyfundraising.org.uk Once you have registered you just do your usual online shopping, anything from weekly grocery to holiday reservations, at the same cost that you pay now but St Columba’s will receive a small percentage which all adds up and doesn’t cost you a penny. It really is that simple, but do ask if you have any questions.
HALF TERM CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY MORNING We are planning a special children’s activity morning on FRIDAY 30th MAY from 10am to 12noon in the Church Hall. This will be advertised as a SHOWSTOPPERS REUNION to try and encourage all the children who came at Easter to join us, but it is open to all Primary School age children, you don’t have to have been to Showstoppers to come along and join in the fun and games!
SPRING HARVEST 2026 I know most people reading this will be familiar with Spring Harvest, but for those who are not it is a Christian Conference for all ages held at Butlin’s every Easter. We have been as a group from St Columba’s for several years and are planning to do so again in 2026 but there are some changes, and as a result there are three options people wanting to go might consider. All the details are on this document which we will be handing out to people who might be interested, but feel free to have a read so you can ask questions.
ROGER MORGAN’S VISIT – 8th JUNE We are looking forward to welcoming one of our former vicars, Roger Morgan, to St Columba’s on Sunday 8th June. After the service there will be a lunch for people who knew Roger in the Hall – listen out for details in church.
NEXT SUNDAY We have two services next Sunday as follows: 10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s, Corby – with children’s ENERGIZE groups during the service. 3pm HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham – just tell the person in the kiosk as you enter the Castle grounds that you are going to church. And at 6pm we will have the PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRAYER As well as our regular Sunday evening time of prayer there is another opportunity coming up. Corby Deanery are holding 24 HOURS OF PRAYER from 6pm Friday 6th June to 6pm Saturday 7th June in St Columba’s. More details of this and how you can join in will be available soon, but do come along, even if it is only for an hour, and join in the prayer.
BIBLE COURSE Thank you to all those people who ordered a guidebook to go with the new Bible Course that will be starting shortly. It is not too late to order a copy (£9.99 or less if we receive a discount for buying in bulk) so please let me know if you would like one. We don’t have a date for starting the course yet but expect it will be in the next couple of weeks.
CHARITY OF THE WEEK Please find here the latest newsletter from HOPE FROM ABOVE. There is lots of information to inspire your prayers so do have a read and pray for the different situations described.
I have heard from Sheila this morning that John Pender has been transferred to Spinneyfields Specialist Care Centre in Rushden for a time of rehabilitation following his fall last week. Thank you for your prayers and please do continue to pray for John to make a full recovery. Also on the subject of people needing prayer please remember Bruce Rae’s father who has been in hospital for the last three weeks with life threatening issues but he is now making slow progress, please pray that this progress continues and that he makes a good recovery.
MOVIE NIGHT Tonight is our movie night in church when we are showing Encanto at 6.30pm. There is no charge for admission but popcorn, sweets and drinks will be on sale (cash or card). Please do come along and support this evening. We are expecting some children from Showstoppers and some other visitors so it would be great to have a good number of our church family there to welcome them.
SUNDAY 11th May We have two services on Sunday as follows: 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s, Corby – with children and young people’s ENERGIZE groups during the service. This service will be available to watch as a livestream here: https://youtube.com/live/yXGScCjEhdE?feature=share 3pm FAMILY SERVICE at St Leonard’s, Rockingham – this service will be celebrating the 80th anniversary of VE Day and is open to all, just tell the person in the kiosk as you enter the Castle grounds that you are going to church. And at 6pm we will have the PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s.
NEXT SUNDAY We have one service next Sunday as follows: 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s, Corby – with children and young people’s ENERGIZE groups during the service. And at 6pm we will have the PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRAYER We had a wonderful time of prayer with people from the Northampton Call to Prayer last Tuesday and are looking forward to our regular Prayer Meeting again on Sunday evening at 6pm. However if that is not enough prayer for you then the Deanery are holding 24 HOURS OF PRAYER from 6pm Friday 6th June to 6pm Saturday 7th June in St Columba’s. More details of this and how you can join in will be available soon, but do come along, even if it is only for an hour, and join in the prayer.
LOOKING AHEAD We are going to start a new course in church looking at the whole Bible over just 8 weeks! This is written and presented by Andrew Ollerton of the Bible Society, who some of us heard at Spring Harvest, and we are just waiting for the new edition of the course to be published. In the meantime please book Wednesday mornings or evenings for the next couple of months to attend this new course. Also, if you would like to buy a copy of the course guidebook for £9.99 please let me know as it will be possible to obtain a discount if we order in bulk. Just email ianpullinger@btinternet.com and and I will order the book for you.
VISITORS I am pleased to announce that we have two special visitors in the next few months, so you may like to book these dates now: Sunday 8th June our former vicar Roger Morgan will be with us at the morning service to preach and pray with people. After the service those who knew Roger are invited to lunch in the Hall, more details later. Sunday 28th September Bishop John is going to be with us at our morning service. This is particularly special because it is John’s last Sunday in the diocese before he retires. We will have a lunch after the service to give John a “Corby Farewell” before he goes to the Cathedral for a more formal farewell in the afternoon. Again more details nearer the time.
PRAYER OF THE WEEK This week our prayer is more topical as we pray for Year 6 Students (11 year olds) who are taking their SATs this coming week. Please pray for them, especially young people in Studfall Juniors, Rockingham Primary and Woodnewton schools. These same young people will be receiving a copy of Scripture Union’s book “It’s Your Move” all about moving to Secondary School later this term, so please also pray that they would be open, not only to the practical information in the book, but also to the Christian testimonies shared there. We will be praying again for these children when the books are given out. Please also pray for older children taking GCSE, A level and other exams over the coming weeks.
Thank you for your prayers for the Church Commissioners meeting on Wednesday. They have decided to hold a hearing at which we will be able to speak and explain our position. No date has been fixed for this but I will let you know when this will be so you can pray for that hearing and for those who will have the opportunity to speak on behalf of St Columba’s.
I have a prayer request this morning for John Pender who fell yesterday and broke his elbow. John was kept in hospital overnight as his blood pressure was low, but is hoping that, following a change to his medication, he will be able to return home later today. Please pray for a quick healing of his elbow and that his blood pressure rises.
SUNDAY 4th May We have two services at St Columba’s on Sunday as follows: 10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP – with children leading us as we continue to celebrate the resurrection. This service will be available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/LQJxEPZYWUs?feature=share 6pm HOLY COMMUNION – can I encourage people to come to this service, where, as well as a quieter service of Communion, we will be reflecting on the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Because of the evening service there will be no Prayer Meeting on Sunday, but see the news below about a special prayer time on Tuesday.
CALL TO PRAYER A couple of years ago we hosted the Northamptonshire Call to Prayer and they are joining us again on Tuesday 6th May from 10am in St Columba’s. Please do join us for a time of prayer, thinking about St Columba’s as well as other churches across the county and beyond. The origins of this monthly gathering lie in a letter sent from Jonathan Edwards in Northampton, Massachusetts to ministers in Northampton, England in 1784. Much fruit followed, including the second Great Awakening in 1792 and the growth of the modern mission movement with William Carey leaving Kettering for India in 1793. Although the monthly meetings stopped, for 200 years, they restarted in 1996 and have been going ever since on the second Tuesday of the month. Everyone is welcome for this special time of prayer.
MOVIE NIGHT We are showing the Disney film “ENCANTO” in the Church on Saturday 10th May at 6.30pm. The film is FREE but there will be popcorn, sweets and drinks available to buy (not at cinema prices!). Everyone is welcome for what might be the first in a series of film shows.
NEXT SUNDAY We have two services next Sunday as follows: 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s, Corby – with children and young people’s ENERGIZE groups during the service. 3pm FAMILY SERVICE at St Leonard’s, Rockingham – this service is open to all, just tell the person in the kiosk as you enter the Castle grounds that you are going to church. And at 6pm we will have the PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s.
AFTERNOON TEA After a break in April because of Spring Harvest the Ladies Afternoon Tea is happening again on Friday 9th May at 3pm in the Church Hall. All ladies are very welcome for tea & sandwiches, scones & cake, good conversation and an inspiring talk.
LOOKING AHEAD Following the success of the Lent Groups we are planning on running a new course in the next few weeks. This will continue for 6-8 weeks before the summer holidays and then we will have a break before starting another course in the autumn.
PRAYER OF THE WEEK It may seem a strange time of the year to be praying for Samaritan’s Purse Shoeboxes, but as we start a second cycle of prayers for the charities St Columba’s supported last year it is their turn again. Please pray for all the children who received a shoebox last Christmas and for the opportunity they have had to attend “The Greatest Journey” – 12 fun and interactive Bible lessons, where they get the chance to discover who Jesus is and how to begin their own journey of faith. Pray that, as a result of those lessons, they will now know Jesus and want to follow Him – all because someone like you showed them love by sending (or helping to send) a shoebox of toys last Christmas.
