23rd June 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 29 June 2024

Hello again everyone,

I am pleased that the weather has improved just in time for our VICARAGE TEA PARTY on Sunday afternoon from 3pm. More details are below but do please come along and share in this special time together.

1,2,3,4,5 CHURCH FINANCE UPDATE
Last week I revealed that our church income looks as if it will be almost £12,345 less than our expenditure. This is a significant amount and a situation that we felt needed to be addressed immediately and so we launched a 1,2,3,4,5 point strategy. The first point was revealed last week:

1. PRAYER – please can everyone connected with St Columba’s pray about this situation, if possible at 12.34 for 5 minutes (12,345 the amount of our shortfall). Obviously if you can’t pray at 12.34 please try and find another five minutes in your day to bring this situation to the Lord and to ask what your response might be…
   Today I can reveal the second point:
2. GIVE WHAT YOU CAN NOW – because everyone’s circumstances are different it is impossible to say what you should give. One off gifts of £123.45 would help, but even better would be increases in weekly/monthly giving, perhaps 12.345% more! As we only have six months left in the year it feels like a huge mountain to climb, but climbing a mountain always starts with the first step, and I must thank the people who have already given.
   The third point will be revealed next week.

SUNDAY 23rd JUNE
There are two services on Sunday:
9am HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham
10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s with ENERGIZE groups for children.
Tim and Carol Derbyshire will be with us for both these services, sharing why they are in the UK for an extended period of time, the difference Jesus makes to our world view, the need to proclaim the gospel to others and the importance of prayer, which fits in very well with our Year of Prayer.
I am sorry the livestream cut off half way through the service last week. There will not be a livestream of tomorrow’s service because of the sensitive nature of some of the people and places Tim and Carol may speak about.

VICARAGE TEA PARTY
We also have a VICARAGE TEA PARTY tomorrow, Sunday 23rd, starting at 3pm. As well as enjoying cakes and drinks, conversation and games, there will be the opportunity to meet with Tim & Carol and find out more about their work. With the good weather forecast to continue this will be held in the Vicarage Garden, you can use either the side gate by the garage or knock on the front door. We would love to see you there.
We will have a TIME OF PRAYER at the end of the TEA PARTY rather than our regular meeting in church, so do be sure to join us if you you would like to pray, or stay on if you have never been to the Prayer Meeting and wonder what it is like.

GENERAL ELECTION HUSTINGS
Tresham College on Oakley Road will be hosting a hustings event for candidates standing in the upcoming General Election for Corby on Monday 24 June from 4-6pm. All candidates have been invited to attend to answer questions from the local constituency on what matters to them.
Please click the link to book a free seat in the audience for the Question Time style event: www.eventbrite.co.uk

UNSUNG HERO film at Savoy Cinema this week
A number of people from church went to see this film last week and thoroughly enjoyed it. It tells the true story of David Smallbone who, when his music company collapses, moves his family from Australia to the States, searching for a brighter future. Struggling to make ends meet, the couple soon realize the talents of their children, who would go on to become two of the most successful acts in contemporary Christian music.
You can watch it on the following days and times:
Tuesday 8pm
Wednesday 11am (parent & baby screening) and 8pm

SUNDAY 30th JUNE
There is just one service next Sunday:
10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s with ENERGIZE groups.
We will once again have the PRAYER MEETING in church at 6pm.

STEVE’S PUZZLES AND OTHER STUFF 115
In this issue… a remarkable trail of how a Sunday School teacher in 1858 chased up a missing boy – led him to Christ (DL Moody) – he then led millions – one of whom led someone else… who led someone else….who then led someone else… all the way to Billy Graham who led at least two million to Christ – all thanks to that one man who cared enough for one missing boy. Each of us is called by God to be a simple cog in His wheel… and we may never know who we are blessing down the years. You may be the one person who brings someone to church who God will use to cause an avalanche of blessing. Don’t let anyone put you down – God loves you and has chosen you. There are a lot of funny anecdotes in this issue some of which I have compiled from back numbers of SCaNS – one urging us to keep a notebook of sayings, sermon points, things we hear maybe on TV or at work which gets us thinking that we don’t want to forget. As is my tradition, mags will now be fortnightly during the summer until September, with a new SCaNS in two weeks.

I look forward to seeing you at the VICARAGE TEA PARTY on Sunday,

Best wishes,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

16th June 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 22 June 2024

Hello again,

I am pleased to say that Kath Wade is much better than this time last week and may even be discharged from hospital this weekend. Thank you for all who prayed for Kath, Trevor and their family – please give thanks to God for answering prayer and continue to pray for a complete recovery.

Less encouraging is the news we heard on Tuesday at a Finance Committee meeting where our Treasurer, James, reported that as things stand, almost half way through the year, we look as if our income will be almost £12,345 less than our expenditure. This is a significant amount and a situation that we felt needed to be addressed immediately and so we have a 1,2,3,4,5 point strategy. These five points will be revealed over the next five weeks, both in these emails and in Sunday services, beginning today with:

1. PRAYER – please can everyone connected with St Columba’s pray about this situation, if possible at 12.34 for 5 minutes (12,345 the amount of our shortfall). Obviously if you can’t pray at 12.34 please try and find another five minutes in your day to bring this situation to the Lord and to ask what your response might be…
2. will be revealed next week.

SUNDAY 16th JUNE
We have just the one service on Sunday: 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with ENERGIZE groups for children and young people.
There will also be a PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s at 6pm on Sunday when one of the topics will no doubt be our financial challenge.

UNSUNG HERO film at Savoy Cinema this week
This film tells the true story of David Smallbone who, when his music company collapses, moves his family from Australia to the States, searching for a brighter future. Struggling to make ends meet, the couple soon realize the talents of their children, who would go on to become two of the most successful acts in contemporary Christian music.
You can watch it on the following days and times:
Saturday 8.40pm
Sunday 8.10pm
Monday 2.30pm and 8.40pm
Tuesday 2.30pm
Wednesday 11.30am (silver screen), 2.30pm and 8.40pm
Thursday 2.30pm and 8.40pm

SUNDAY 23rd JUNE
There are two services next Sunday:
9am HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham
10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s.
Tim and Carol Derbyshire will be with us for both these services, sharing why they are in the UK for an extended period of time, the difference Jesus makes to our world view, the need to proclaim the gospel to others and the importance of prayer, which fits in very well with our Year of Prayer.

VICARAGE TEA PARTY
We will also have a VICARAGE TEA PARTY on Sunday 23rd starting at 3pm. As well as enjoying cakes and drinks, conversation and games, there will be the opportunity to meet with Tim & Carol and find out more about their work. We will move this to the Church Hall if the weather is not looking good so one way or another it will go ahead.

GENERAL ELECTION
Don’t forget to pray about the General Election. The CARE Prayer Diary continues and can be found on CARE’s General Election website engaGE24:
https://care.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=4cac2598c12e2df2b412ce6f4&id=b8b701c040&e=06fd42ddb3
where you can also find an interactive quiz that helps you identify which party best reflects your priorities. This will have been updated following the launch of the Party manifestos this week.

One other point about the election. Don’t forget that you need PHOTOGRAPHIC IDENTIFICATION to vote. A list of acceptable documents is on your Poll Card and includes Passport, Driving Licence and Older Person’s Bus Pass. If you don’t have any of the listed documents you can apply for a Voter Authority Certificate online at https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-photo-id-voter-authority-certificate before 5pm on 26th June. If you need help with this please ask me and I can arrange this.

MINI SCANS 42
Please find here the latest mini SCaNS. Steve writes: “This is linked to the forthcoming Olympics and the last war with two amazing stories. One of a friendship that developed between black athlete Jesse Owens at the 1936 Olympics and German athlete Lutz Long who would be sent off to war as the enemy three years later. Ironic, really, because the US was still anti-black and segregated, and Luz was your classic blond German. Despite his achievements as a national hero, Owens was still a black man in a deeply divided and racially segregated United States. He faced discrimination and aggression when he returned home. Even as a gold-winning Olympic athlete, he wasn’t allowed to ride in the front of a bus. President Roosevelt never publicly acknowledged Owens’ triumphs—or the triumphs of any of the 18 African Americans who competed at the Berlin Olympics. Luz disagreed with Hitler’s policies and became Owens’ close friend. Though separated after the Games, Owens and Luz wrote to each other regularly. I have included his very moving final letter, when he knew he was likely to die in battle. From it, it is clear that Luz had found God simply through Owen’s simple witness of kneeling to pray at the games, and no doubt their letters. Then there are another two amazing old ladies (!) (I seem to be collecting them) who helped Jewish refugees escape Hitler in a very imaginative way – one of whom wrote 125 Mills and Boon romances! Lots of other puzzles and fun things to enjoy.”
Thank you Steve.

God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

9th June 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 22 June 2024

Hello everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

With best wishes to everyone,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

2nd June 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 8 June 2024

Hello everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

With best wishes to you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

26th May 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 1 June 2024

Good morning everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

May God bless you all in the week ahead.

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

19th May 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 25 May 2024

Hello everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

12th May 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 19 May 2024

Hello everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With best wishes to you all for this coming week

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

5th May 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 11 May 2024

Good morning everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With best wishes to you all for this coming week

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

28th April 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 4 May 2024

Good Morning Everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

21st April 2024

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 27 April 2024

Hello everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609