These are difficult times indeed, but we should see them as an opportunity and not as a threat. The virus may attack our body but, as I shared on Sunday, our hope of heaven is a gift from God that cannot be taken away from us.
I also shared on Sunday how important it is that we follow all the advice given to us and that now includes that we do not meet together for worship. The Archbishops’ letter (for full text please click here) explains that “our usual pattern of Sunday services and other mid-week gatherings must be put on hold”. This means that there will be NO more services at church until further notice, including the Wednesday morning service tomorrow that I had indicated to some people earlier today would still be happening.
However this does not mean that church is going away, we just have to do church differently. I am looking at different ways in which people can engage in some form of worship with people from our church family, these include holding Morning Prayer by Skype, posting a “Thought for the Day” on our website and hopefully recording a sermon that you will be able to watch at home, bringing a familiar face into your living room alongside the many other voices at this time.
We will also, and most importantly, be introducing some phone support, which will involve someone from church calling you to bring news of our church family, to make sure you are well and to ask if there is anything that you need, or indeed that you can offer. Messages will be sent back to me to be shared round the church family, we would hope to be able to call most of the church family to prayer if someone was seriously ill for example. We also hope that if you need anything you will ask, people have offered to help so please don’t struggle or be in need.
In accordance with the Archbishops’ letter I hope the church will be open each day for private prayer at a time to be decided. While we cannot meet to worship the Food Bank will still operate for the time being. It may be that extra helpers will be required, if that is the case we will share the news and how you can help. Donations of food can be left at the back of church as usual if you have a key or brought to the Vicarage if not.
Please do stay in touch with the Lord in prayer, and with us through the phone (my number is 01536 400225 – please do use it) and in any other way you can.
May the Lord God almighty watch over you and all those you love at this time,
There are three important notices this week, the first two do rather fall into the Good News and Bad News categories, the third is exciting and important:
1. The CLOCKS GO BACK on Sunday – so you have an extra hour in bed! That’s the Good News.
2. The Bad News is that there is a gas leak in church which means the supply has been disconnected so there is NO HEATING in CHURCH. Please therefore wrap up warm on Sunday!
3. PRAYER TRIPLETS We have been thinking about how we can better provide Pastoral Care to members of the church family, especially now there are not many homegroups which have provided a first point of contact for those who are members. One idea is to encourage everyone in the church family to join a PRAYER TRIPLET, that is a group of between 2 and 4 members, that meets, either in person or online, as frequently as the group decide, but who will be able to mutually support one another. When there is a need for increased support anyone can contact one of the Prayer Network Co-ordinators who will be able to mobilise prayer or practical help as necessary.
As a first step we are going to have a sign up sheet, on which people can indicate they would like to be in a PRAYER TRIPLET and if they know the people they would like to be with (some are already in such groups so it will just be those names) OR you can say you would like to be in a Triplet with others and ask to be linked up. Linda mentioned something of her experience of being in such a group in last Sunday’s sermon, and Sheila will be sharing something on Sunday. Praying together is a powerful way of supporting one another and the wider church, and we have certainly seen answers to prayer over the last year or so. If you don’t feel comfortable praying out loud you can still be in a triplet, sharing news for prayer and praying silently for the others.
Alongside this we are re-introducing PRAYER MINISTRY after Sunday morning services. Please listen out for news of when that will be available.
SUNDAY 26th OCTOBER 9am HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham. Everyone is welcome to this quieter service, why not try it out if you can’t make either of the services at St Columba’s today, although I can’t promise it will be any warmer! 10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s with another sermon about spiritual warfare, this time looking at the Armour of God. There will be ENERGIZE groups for children and young people. This service will be available to watch as a livestream here: https://youtube.com/live/ENdzbx2-oqs?feature=share 5pm MEMORIAL SERVICE at St Columba’s when we remember those we love but see no longer. Everyone is welcome to this service, whether you were bereaved recently or many years ago. There is an opportunity to light a candle in memory of your loved one, to hear comforting words from Scripture and familiar hymns and songs, as well as to pray. As a result of the Memorial Service there will be no Prayer Meeting this week.
ROMANS COURSE The ROMANS COURSE continues on either Wednesday morning (10.30am) or evening (7.30pm). Do join us even if you have not been to any of the sessions so far – you will learn so much. While writing this message I have been dunking a Hob Nob – those of you who were there this week will know why! Please note after this week there will be a week off with no meetings on Wednesday 5th November. The course will resume on Wednesday 12th November.
LIGHT PARTY Unfortunately we are not holding a Light Party at St Columba’s on 31st October this year, but there is the opportunity to join an ONLINE LIGHT PARTY organised by Spring Harvest and hosted by Martha Shrimpton (Head of Big Start at Spring Harvest). This will be available on the Spring Harvest YouTube channel on Friday 31st October: https://essentialchristian.cmail19.com/t/r-l-tkgihud-budjtplrk-h/
Together, we’ll explore how we can shine as light in our world during what can sometimes feel like a dark season. Why not join them – just click on the link above.
SUNDAY 2nd NOVEMBER 10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP at St Columba’s with contributions for the children and, I understand, mention of “The Traitors” so do come along. 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s.
CHARITY UPDATE The PCC decided at the meeting earlier this month and through a survey of members that we would donate to the following charities this year. The total of £7,000 is 10% of our Stewardship income, and follows our longstanding commitment to give this amount away each year: M and H with CMS in North Africa: £1500 Tim and Carol Derbyshire with Hope From Above: £1500 “It’s Your Move” books for children moving to Secondary School from Studfall Juniors, Rockingham Primary and Woodnewton a learning academy: £594.50 Hope Into Action (a final payment to the charity that helped run the house we administered): £658.05 Spring Harvest Subsidy: £300 World Vision: £612 Home Start, Corby: £612 Northamptonshire Health Charity: £612 Envision Project, Corby: £612
THIS WEEK’S CHARITY: OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD – SHOEBOX APPEAL Operation Christmas Child is a hands-on way for you to bless children in need across the world by filling shoeboxes with toys, personal care items, school supplies, and fun gifts. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan’s Purse partners with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations. Please pray for all the shoeboxes being packed in this country and for the arrangements being made to ship them around the world. Give thanks for the generosity of donors and pray for the children who receive the boxes and, along with the box, a book and teaching about Jesus. As well as praying there are three ways you can help with the Shoebox Appeal: Pack a box – you can collect a box from church with a leaflet telling you what can and cannot go inside (see the list below), then make sure you return it to church by Sunday 16th November. Bring an Item – if you can’t manage to pack a whole box just bring an item or two to church and they can be added to others to pack a whole box. Items must be at church by Sunday 16th November and can be small toys, school supplies, personal care items BUT NOT toothpaste, sweets, lotions & liquids; used or damaged items; war-related items (e.g. toy guns, model soldiers, military vehicles); seeds, gum, chocolate or food items; religious or political literature; medicines, aerosol cans, knives, sharp or fragile items. Donate to pack a box online by going to: https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/shoebox-online
When you pack a box you will be asked to pay £5 towards the cost of sending it to the destination and also to contribute to “The Greatest Gift” a teaching programme for children who receive shoeboxes telling them about Jesus. If you would like to see these books there are samples on the Shoebox table at the back of church.
CHRISTMAS FAYRE Our Christmas Fayre is on Saturday 22nd November from 11am, that’s just four weeks away! Please can you: Put the date in your diary and plan to be there Sign up to help – the more the merrier Make a donation for the Bottle Tombola or Book Stall or plan to bake a cake for the Cake Stall.
After last week’s very late email I am sending this one early because I am spending Friday night and Saturday away with nine young people, all boys, at the Frontier Centre near Irthlingborough for 24 hours of fun, food, faith and football! Please pray for us.
I am pleased to say that John Pender is coming home today, so please pray for him as he adjusts to that after a stay in hospital and for the last seven weeks at Thackley Green.
Do keep reading as there is news below of our annual Memorial Service, the Shoebox Appeal and our Christmas Fayre…
SUNDAY 19th OCTOBER 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with Linda preaching the next in our series of sermons looking at Spiritual Warfare. There will be ENERGIZE groups for children and young people and service can be watched on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/live/079JEnetLCM?feature=share 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s.
ROMANS COURSE The ROMANS COURSE continues on either Wednesday morning (10.30am) or evening (7.30pm). Do join us even if you have not been to any of the sessions so far – you will learn so much.
SUNDAY 26th OCTOBER 9am HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham. Everyone is welcome to this quieter service, why not try it out if you can’t make either of the services at St Columba’s today. 10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s with another sermon about spiritual warfare, this time looking at the Armour of God. There will be ENERGIZE groups for children and young people. 5pm MEMORIAL SERVICE at St Columba’s when we remember those we love but see no longer. Everyone is welcome to this service, whether you were bereaved recently or many years ago. There is an opportunity to light a candle in memory of your loved one, to hear comforting words from Scripture and familiar hymns and songs, as well as to pray.
CHARITY UPDATE There will be more news about the outcome of the PCC discussion of charitable giving soon. I have been asked to pass on thanks from the FOOD BANK for our Harvest donations which amounted to 119.4kgs. Please also see below about the Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Appeal. This week’s charity is M and H who visited us in August before returning to North Africa. There is an article about them in the latest CMS magazine which I will copy and put up at the back of church. They are also the subject of today’s prayer in the CMS Prayer Diary which I have copied here: Praise God for M and H who serve remote communities in North Africa. M writes: “Walking with friends and neighbours through difficult times can mean carrying heavy burdens with them, yet if we do not walk through this and be the light of Jesus, who will?” Pray for encouragement for them in their work of discipling local Christians, sharing Jesus with people and leading trekking groups. As they sow seeds in the lives of people around them in many different ways, pray for God to soften hearts and cause faith to grow.
OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD – SHOEBOX APPEAL It is that time of year when our thoughts turn to packing shoeboxes. Operation Christmas Child is a hands-on way for you to bless children in need across the world by filling shoeboxes with toys, personal care items, school supplies, and fun gifts. The mission of Operation Christmas Child is to demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way to children in need around the world. Through this project, Samaritan’s Purse partners with the local church worldwide to share the Good News of Jesus Christ and make disciples of the nations. There are three ways you can help: Pack a box – you can collect a box from church with a leaflet telling you what can and cannot go inside, then make sure you return it to church by Sunday 16th November. Bring an Item – if you can’t manage to pack a whole box just bring an item or two to church and they can be added to others to pack a whole box. Items must be at church by Sunday 16th November and can be small toys, school supplies, personal care items BUT NOT toothpaste, sweets, lotions & liquids; used or damaged items; war-related items (e.g. toy guns, model soldiers, military vehicles); seeds, gum, chocolate or food items; religious or political literature; medicines, aerosol cans, knives, sharp or fragile items. Donate to pack a box online by going to: https://www.samaritans-purse.org.uk/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/shoebox-online When you pack a box you will be asked to pay £5 towards the cost of sending it to the destination and also to contribute to “The Greatest Gift” a teaching programme for children who receive shoeboxes telling them about Jesus.
CHRISTMAS FAYRE Our Christmas Fayre is on Saturday 22nd November from 11am, that’s just five weeks away! Please can you: Put the date in your diary and plan to be there Consider offering to help – the more the merrier Think about making a donation for the Bottle or Teddy Tombola More details in the coming weeks.
AND FINALLY If anyone is in need of a MOBILITY WALKER, or knows someone who is, there is one available for FREE. Please see this photo and contact Jim Hare either at church or by email to: jimhare64@googlemail.com
I am sorry for a very late email this week. I wanted to make sure that something was sent out before tomorrow, not least so that the YouTube link for tomorrow’s service was available for those who need it. I have also listed the upcoming events, more details about all of them next week.
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 hear 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 but not young people this week as they will be staying in church. This service will be available to watch on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/live/sX6u-MOPvpA?feature=share 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.
ROMANS COURSE This continues to meet in church on Wednesday morning (10.30am) and evening (7.30pm) sessions, and everyone is welcome.
SUNDAY 19th OCTOBER 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with the next in our short series of sermons looking at Spiritual Warfare. 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s
CHARITY OF THE WEEK – TIM & CAROL DERBYSHIRE and HOPE FROM ABOVE Tim and Carol are with us this weekend and this is their latest prayer letter. Please have a read and pray for them.
SHOEBOX APPEAL Please note that we will be collecting shoeboxes again this year and now is the time to be purchasing gifts to pack into your box. As well as packing a box yourself you can buy single items to be included in a communal box. More details next week.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
