Sunday Service

Category: Sunday Service

7th December 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 12 December 2025

Hello everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

May God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

30th November 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 5 December 2025

Hello everyone,

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

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

SUNDAY 30th NOVEMBER

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

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

ROMANS COURSE

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

CHRISTMAS MARKET & CAROLS IN THE PARK

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

SUNDAY 7th DECEMBER

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

COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE

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

CAROLS IN THE CENTRE

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

CHARITY OF THE WEEK

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

May God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225

07903 644609

23rd November 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 28 November 2025

Hello everyone,

Tomorrow, Saturday 22nd November, is our Christmas Fayre in the Church Hall from 11am to 1pm. Please do come along and encourage family and friends to join you.
We have a good range of stalls, including the cake stall and cafe (where you can sit down and chat with friends and visitors), teddy and bottle tombolas, games and books, as well as an exciting range of stalls in the Christmas Market selling a whole range of things including Christmas decorations, candles, jewellery, bags, jams, chutneys, knitted goods and cards.
Parking is always difficult, but if you are able to park behind the vicarage (obviously not if you have restricted mobility) that will leave the limited spaces in the Church Car Park for those who might not come in if they can’t park close by.

SUNDAY 23rd NOVEMBER
9am HOLY COMMUNION at Rockingham
10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s. There will be ENERGIZE groups for children who will continue rehearsals for the NATIVITY, so it would be great to see a good number of children again. The service can be watched on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/live/uYlwNTWodqs?feature=share
6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s.

ROMANS COURSE
The ROMANS COURSE continues on Wednesday morning at 10.30am and evening at 7.30pm, both groups meeting back in the church. In the meantime don’t forget the “homework”, to read Romans chapter 12.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD – SHOEBOX APPEAL
Thank you to everyone who has packed a shoebox, either physically or online or donated items for one. This Sunday If you still have a shoebox at home please bring it to church on Sunday.

EASY FUNDRAISING
Sign up to support St Columba, Corby on the easyfundraising app today and we’ll get a £2 bonus! Using the easyfundraising app means you’ll raise free funds for us whenever you shop online this Black Friday and Christmas – at no extra cost to you. Simply go to:
https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/easyfundraising-app/?causeId=347499&utm_term=SE867

PRAYER TRIPLETS
Thank you to everyone who has signed up to be in a PRAYER TRIPLET. If you are waiting to hear who will be in your triplet I am sorry that has been delayed by Fayre preparations but I should be in touch next week.

SUNDAY 30th NOVEMBER
10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s with ENERGIZE groups for children who will continue rehearsals for the NATIVITY.
5pm ADVENT PRAISE at St Columba’s.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK: Northamptonshire Health Charity
We will be hearing more in the service on Sunday about this charity that St Columba’s are supporting this year. Our donation will go towards providing gifts for patients in hospital on Christmas Day as well as Festive treats for staff working that day.

HOPE FROM ABOVE NEWS
Here is the latest Prayer Bulletin from HFA which includes praise and prayer news from Tim & Carol Derbyshire.

May God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

16th November 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 21 November 2025

Hello everyone,

This Sunday we have the last sermon in our Autumn series looking at Spiritual Warfare, and the children will begin thinking about the Nativity. The Romans Course continues on Wednesday, and the Christmas Fayre is next Saturday, 22nd November. More about all those below. There is also information about the Shoebox Collection, a reminder about our Prayer Triplet scheme and our Charity of the Week.

SUNDAY 16th NOVEMBER
10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with the final sermon in our series looking at Spiritual Warfare. There will be ENERGIZE groups for children who will be starting rehearsals for the NATIVITY which will be on Sunday 21st December, so it would be great to see a good number of children joining in. The link to watch this service on YouTube is here:
https://youtube.com/live/5fNaSPLlm3g?feature=share
6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s.

ROMANS COURSE
The ROMANS COURSE continues on Wednesday morning at 10.30am and evening at 7.30pm, both groups meeting back in the church. In the meantime don’t forget the “homework”, to read Romans chapter 9-11.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Our Christmas Fayre is on Saturday 22nd November from 11am, that’s NEXT SATURDAY! Please can you:
– Put the date in your diary, plan to be there and invite friends and family to come along
 – Sign up to help before (on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning), during and after the Fayre – the more the merrier.
 – Make a donation for the Bottle Tombola or Book Stall or plan to bake a cake for the Cake Stall.
The Fayre is not only a means of raising money for the church but also, and perhaps more importantly, an opportunity for us to invite people who do not regularly come to church to meet with us. Some people come to the Fayre every year, but never to church, so please do support this special event.

SUNDAY 23rd NOVEMBER
9am HOLY COMMUNION at Rockingham
10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s. There will be ENERGIZE groups for children who will continue rehearsals for the NATIVITY, so it would be great to see a good number of children again.
6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD – SHOEBOX APPEAL
Thank you to everyone who helped with the Shoebox Collection last week. It is not too late to bring your shoebox to church, and if you have not started yet the instructions are below, together with other ways you can get involved:

Pack a box – you can collect an empty box from church with a leaflet telling you what can and cannot go inside (see also the list below), then make sure you return it to church, by next Sunday 23rd 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 in addition 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.

EASY FUNDRAISING
Sign up to support St Columba, Corby on the easyfundraising app today and we’ll get a £2 bonus! Using the easyfundraising app means you’ll raise free funds for us whenever you shop online this Black Friday and Christmas – at no extra cost to you. Simply go to:
https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/easyfundraising-app/?causeId=347499&utm_term=SE867

PRAYER TRIPLETS
We are encouraging 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 there is a sign up sheet in church, or you can simply email ianpullinger@btinternet.com, to indicate that you would like to join a PRAYER TRIPLET. If you know the people you would like to be with you can write in their names OR you can say you would like to be in a Triplet with others and ask to be linked up.
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. 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.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK: thirtyone:eight OUR SAFEGUARDING CHARITY
Again this week we have a charity that is not one we support financially, but is one we make use of. thirtyone:eight are the organisation who provide safeguarding checks for everyone in the church who works with children or vulnerable adults and as this Sunday is Safeguarding Sunday we thought it would be a good idea to make them this week’s charity.
thirtyone:eight are a Christian organisation, inspired to ‘speak out on behalf of the voiceless, and for the rights of all who are vulnerable’ as it says in Proverbs 31:8 from where they get their name.
They write: “Defending the rights of vulnerable people is integral to Christian faith and teaching. Sadly, the church hasn’t always done this well. But we have a chance to change that. We are already seeing many churches take the responsibility to safeguard those in their care seriously” including St Columba’s. “That’s why the theme of Safeguarding Sunday this year is – Action speaks louder! It’s time to move beyond just talking about creating safer places, and take action towards doing it!”

May God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

9th November 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 15 November 2025

Hello everyone,

This Sunday we remember those who have died in the service of our country in the two World Wars and in the conflicts since. Our services, at St Columba’s and St Leonard’s, will both reflect these themes. Looking forward the Romans Course resumes on Wednesday, the Ladies Afternoon Tea is on Friday and the Christmas Fayre is only a fortnight away. More about all those below. There is also a request for help next week with the Shoebox Collection and, with Black Friday and Christmas coming, a reminder about easyfundraising and how you can give to St Columba’s at no cost to yourself! But before all of that a reminder about our Prayer Triplet scheme.

PRAYER TRIPLETS
We are encouraging 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 there is a sign up sheet in church, or you can simply email ianpullinger@btinternet.com, to indicate that you would like to join a PRAYER TRIPLET. If you know the people you would like to be with you can write in their names OR you can say you would like to be in a Triplet with others and ask to be linked up.
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. 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 and we will be asking people if this is something they would like to receive some training for before deciding if they would like to be part of the team.

SUNDAY 9th NOVEMBER
10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with the TWO MINUTE SILENCE for REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY and a sermon reflecting on themes of Remembrance. There will be ENERGIZE groups for children and young people, also thinking about Remembrance, and for those who can’t be in church the service will be available on Youtube here:
https://youtube.com/live/Xj8iTxOeiJg?feature=share
10.45am MORNING WORSHIP at St Leonard’s, Rockingham. Another service including the TWO MINUTE SILENCE for REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY, made more poignant because it happens around the War Memorial in Rockingham church, listing the men from the village who gave their lives in the two World Wars.
6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s.

ROMANS COURSE
The ROMANS COURSE resumes on Wednesday morning at 10.30am and evening at 7.30pm, both groups meeting back in the church. In the meantime don’t forget the “homework”, to read Romans chapter 8, one of the greatest chapters in the Bible, and if you have not been to the course yet this would be a great week to join.

AFTERNOON TEA
The Ladies Afternoon Tea meets again on Friday 14th November at 3pm in the Church Hall for tea, sandwiches, scones, cakes and good conversation. All ladies are welcome.

SUNDAY 16th NOVEMBER
10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with the final sermon in our series looking at Spiritual Warfare. There will be ENERGIZE groups for children who will be starting rehearsals for the NATIVITY on Sunday 21st December, so it would be great to see a good number of children joining in.
6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Our Christmas Fayre is on Saturday 22nd November from 11am, that’s just two weeks away! Please can you:

• Put the date in your diary, plan to be there and invite friends and family to come along                       
• Sign up to help before (on Friday afternoon), during and after the Fayre – the more the merrier.
• Make a donation for the Bottle Tombola or Book Stall or plan to bake a cake for the Cake Stall.

The Fayre is not only a means of raising money for the church but also, and perhaps more importantly, an opportunity for us to invite people who do not regularly come to church to meet with us. Some people come to the Fayre every year, but never to church, so please do support this special event.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD – SHOEBOX APPEAL help required at church this week
Please note that, in addition to packing shoeboxes (see below) we need volunteers to be in church on MONDAY and FRIDAY between 9am and 1pm to receive boxes from other people. James will be putting together a rota so please speak with him, or email ianpullinger@btinternet.com, if you can help.

You can also still help with the SHOEBOX APPEAL in the following three ways:
Pack a box – you can collect an empty box from church with a leaflet telling you what can and cannot go inside (see also 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 in addition 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.

EASY FUNDRAISING
Sign up to support St Columba, Corby on the easyfundraising app today and we’ll get a £2 bonus! Using the easyfundraising app means you’ll raise free funds for us whenever you shop online this Black Friday and Christmas – at no extra cost to you. Simply go to:
https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/easyfundraising-app/?causeId=347499&utm_term=SE867

CHARITY OF THE WEEK: ROYAL BRITISH LEGION
Unusually this week’s charity is not one that St Columba’s give to financially, but is one that almost every one of us will have given to when we bought a poppy over the last couple of weeks. Their work, and that of other forces charities, supports those who have served our country and they need our prayers as well as our money. This is how the Legion describe their work:
“We provide lifelong support to serving and ex-serving personnel and their families. Our support starts after one day of service and continues through life, long after service is over. From providing expert advice and guidance, to recovery and rehabilitation, through to transitioning to civilian life – we can be by their side every step of the way. And it’s not just members of the Armed Forces but their families too. If there is ever a reason we can’t help, our vast network will mean that we know someone who can.”

May God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

2nd November 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 8 November 2025

Hello everyone,

Once again an early email so you can take in all the news about the many different events that are coming up, including the Online Light Party tomorrow (Friday 31st), as well as signing up, by emailing ianpullinger@btinternet.com if you like, to be in a Prayer Triplet or to help at the Christmas Fayre. More details of all these, and more, below.

LIGHT PARTY
Unfortunately we are not holding a Light Party at St Columba’s on 31st October, 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/

They will 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.

PRAYER TRIPLETS
We are encouraging 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 there is a sign up sheet in church, or you can simply email ianpullinger@btinternet.com, to indicate that you would like to join a PRAYER TRIPLET. If you know the people you would like to be with (some are already in such groups so you can write in their 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 a recent sermon and Sheila shared her experience of being in a Prayer Triplet last Sunday – do speak with them if you missed what they had to say. 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. 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 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. The service will be available on YouTube here: https://youtube.com/live/BPhhe2FmcrE?feature=share
6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s.

ROMANS COURSE
The ROMANS COURSE has a break this week, partly so that people can enjoy the Fireworks! The morning and evening sessions will meet again on Wednesday 12th November. In the meantime don’t forget the “homework”, to read Romans chapter 8, one of the greatest chapters in the Bible.

SUNDAY 9th NOVEMBER
10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with the TWO MINUTE SILENCE for REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY and a sermon reflecting on themes of Remembrance. There will be ENERGIZE groups for children and young people.
10.45am MORNING WORSHIP at St Leonard’s, Rockingham. Another service including the TWO MINUTE SILENCE for REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY, made more poignant because it happens around the War Memorial in Rockingham church, listing the men from the village who gave their lives in the two World Wars.
6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Our Christmas Fayre is on Saturday 22nd November from 11am, that’s just three weeks away! Please can you:
Put the date in your diary and plan to be there
Sign up to help before (on Friday afternoon), during and after the Fayre – the more the merrier.
Make a donation for the Bottle Tombola or Book Stall or plan to bake a cake for the Cake Stall.
The Fayre is not only a means of raising money for the church but also, and perhaps more importantly, an opportunity for us to invite people who do not regularly come to church to meet with us. Some people come to the Fayre every year, but never to church, so please do support this special event.

PARISH GIVING SCHEME
People who use the Parish Giving Scheme will have had a couple of emails recently, first to advise that their website is closed, and should be up and running again any time now, and second that Direct Debits will now appear on bank statements as being from PGS rather than Parish Giving Scheme. Some banks have contacted customers to advise them of this change, which is an administrative exercise and you don’t need to take any action. If you have concerns please speak with Justin, our Treasurer, or myself, or phone PGS on 0333 002 1260 or email: info@parishgiving.org.uk.

CHARITY OF THE WEEK: ENVISION PROJECT, CORBY
We asked for suggestions of charities to support and Lydia McShefferty suggested the Envision Project. This Project provides medium term accommodation for people who are rough sleeping or at risk of rough sleeping. The Project aims to address barriers to long term housing and move residents into what they hope is their ‘forever’ home.

While staying with the Project individuals receive support tailored to their unique needs provided by staff and volunteers who help with:

• Managing debt and budgeting
• Accessing training, education, or employment opportunities
• Navigating the homelessness application and housing pathway
• Addressing physical and mental health concerns
• Developing everyday life skills like cooking, cleaning, and paying bills
• Connecting with addiction recovery networks and services
• Finding and furnishing suitable accommodation

Even after someone leaves their accommodation they continue to offer support to help their former residents maintain their new accommodation. The aim is to ensure that individuals not only find a place to live but are able to keep it, thrive in it, and feel secure in their future.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD – SHOEBOX APPEAL
You can help with the SHOEBOX APPEAL in one of three ways:
Pack a box – you can collect an empty box from church with a leaflet telling you what can and cannot go inside (see also 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 in addition 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.

HOPE FROM ABOVE
Following the visit of Tim and Carol Derbyshire a couple of weeks ago here is the latest Prayer Update from Hope From Above.

May God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

26th October 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 30 October 2025

Hello everyone,

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.

May God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

19th October 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 25 October 2025

Hello everyone,

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

Best wishes to all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

12th October 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 18 October 2025

Hello everyone,

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.

Best wishes to all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

5th October 2025

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 12 October 2025

Hello everyone,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best wishes to all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609