Sunday Service

Category: Sunday Service

18th December 2022

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 24 December 2022

Hello everyone,

Christmas celebrations are well under way at St Columba’s and St Leonard’s. We have had a busy week of school activities, with St Columba’s full for the Studfall Year 4 Christmas Service on Thursday. Those who came later that day to the Community Carol Service were treated to performances by Lodge Park Academy, Studfall Infants School and Woodnewton – a learning academy, which were all very special.

We also had an entertaining Christmas Family Service at St Leonard’s last Sunday and if you couldn’t make that (the weather was awful) then do join us in the Village Hall on Wednesday evening, when as well as being warm we will enjoy singing some favourite carols, accompanied by mince pies and mulled wine!

There are still lots of Christmas services to look forward to, and all the details are below. Please note that because tomorrow’s Nativity and Candlelit Carol Service are so much better live and in person we are not live streaming them. Do make a note of all these dates as there may not be an email coming out next Saturday, Christmas Eve.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES

Tomorrow, Sunday 18th December
10.30am Nativity Service at St Columba’s with the children presenting the traditional Nativity story and the young people a sketch to make us think.
6.30pm Candlelit Carol Service at St Columba’s. Because of this there will be no Prayer Meeting, and as the next two Sundays are Christmas Day and New Year’s Day the next Prayer Meeting will be on 8th January.

Wednesday 21st December
10.30am Wednesday Morning Communion at St Columba’s. It is a long time since we had a midweek Communion so I hope you will come along and support this extra Christmas service, especially if you are unable to come along to Communion services on Christmas Eve or Day. The sermon will be based on the material that we have been looking at in our Advent Fellowship Group which is not meeting this week. It will become an Epiphany Fellowship Group to finish the course on Wednesday 4th January.
7pm Carols, Mince Pies & Mulled Wine at Rockingham Village Hall

Christmas Eve
4.30pm Christingle Service at St Columba’s
11.15pm Midnight Communion at St Columba’s

Christmas Day
10am (note the time) Christmas Morning Communion for All Ages at St Columba’s
10.30am Holy Communion at St Leonard’s Rockingham

New Year’s Day
10.30am All Age Worship at St Columba’s.

IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR PARENTS
Please can all children and young people who are involved in the Nativity or Get Closer sketch please come to a dress rehearsal in church TODAY 17th December at 4pm for about an hour and a half. Then on Sunday 18th if they could be at church for 9.45am that will helpful.

PANTOMIME
As we look into the New Year the Great Easton Little Theatre Company are performing their 2023 Pantomime DICK WHITTINGTON in our Church Hall on Friday 3rd February at 7.30pm, Saturday 4th February at 3pm and Sunday 5th February at 3pm. Tickets cost £7 for adults, £5 for children or £20 for a Family Ticket for 2 adults and 2 children and can be purchased either after St Columba’s services or by replying to this email.

After the school services in church we ran out of copies of the Christmas Newsletter, but I am pleased to say that Steve has printed more so if you have not yet had one be sure to pick up your copy from the back of church tomorrow.

God bless

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

11th December 2022

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 17 December 2022

Hello everyone,

I have been carol singing in the town centre this morning with Christians from other churches in Corby. Apart form the cold it was good to be outside singing about the Saviour who is coming into the world and whose birth is the reason we celebrate Christmas! I have included again a list of Christmas services below, but can I draw your attention to two:

COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE – this Thursday 15th December at 6pm with choirs from Studfall Infants and Lodge Park Academy. It is great that the schools support this service, but we also need you to come along and support them, and especially to listen to their choirs sing in church. There will also be congregational carols so do come prepared to join in singing. Unfortunately this clashes with an event in Coronation Park, but as that is from 5.30-8.30 I would encourage church members to come to St Columba’s for an hour in the warm and then, if you wish, go down for the last hour in the park.

WEDNESDAY MORNING COMMUNION – on Wednesday 21st December at 10.30am. It is a long time since we had a midweek Communion so I hope you will come along and support this extra Christmas service, especially if you are unable to come along to Communion services on Christmas Eve or Day.

THIS WEEK’S SERVICES
We have a service of HOLY COMMUNION in St Columba’s at 10.30am on Sunday morning. There will also be ENERGIZE groups for children and young people who will be practising for the Nativity next week (see below). For those unable to be in church you can watch this service via this livestream link:
https://youtu.be/ETkJmiJxuJg

Also tomorrow we have a CHRISTMAS FAMILY SERVICE at St Leonard’s, Rockingham at 3pm and everyone is very welcome to join us for that.

Also this week we have our PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s on Sunday evening at 6pm, ALPHA in St Columba’s on Monday evening at 7.30pm and ADVENT FELLOWSHIP GROUP on Wednesday morning at 10.30am.

LODGE PARK CHRISTMAS DINNER
All those people who spoke with me about the Christmas Dinner at Lodge Park School are booked in and should aim to arrive at the school for 2pm with a good appetite ready for a school Christmas Dinner. Parking is limited to disabled drivers at the school but plentiful at the Sports Centre. If you have passengers with mobility issues it would be best to drop them at school and drive round to park.

CHRISTMAS SERVICES
Thursday 15th December
6pm Community Carol Service with school choirs and congregational carols at St Columba’s

Sunday 18th December
10.30am Nativity Service at St Columba’s with the children presenting the traditional Nativity story and the young people a sketch to make us think.
6.30pm Candlelit Carol Service at St Columba’s

Wednesday 21st December
10.30am Wednesday Morning Communion at St Columba’s
7pm Carols, Mince Pies & Mulled Wine at Rockingham Village Hall

Christmas Eve
4.30pm Christingle Service at St Columba’s
11.15pm Midnight Communion at St Columba’s

Christmas Day
10am (note the time) Christmas Morning Communion for All Ages at St Columba’s
10.30am Holy Communion at St Leonard’s Rockingham

IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR PARENTS
Please can all children and young people who are involved in the Nativity or Get Closer sketch please come to a dress rehearsal in church next Saturday 17th December at 4pm for about an hour and a half. Then on Sunday 18th if they could be at church for 9.45am that will be helpful.

PANTOMIME
As we look into the New Year the Great Easton Little Theatre Company are performing their 2023 Pantomime DICK WHITTINGTON in our Church Hall on Friday 3rd February at 7.30pm, Saturday 4th February at 3pm and Sunday 5th February at 3pm. Tickets cost £7 for adults, £5 for children or £20 for a Family Ticket for 2 adults and 2 children and can be purchased either after St Columba’s services or by replying to this email.

And finally big thanks to Steve producing a printed Christmas Newsletter – do make sure you pick up your copy from the back of church tomorrow with lots to inform and entertain.

God bless

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

4th December 2022

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 10 December 2022

Hello everyone,

First I must thank everyone who helped with our Christmas Fayre last Saturday, it was a great success with lots of people coming in, good conversations being had, even prayer amid the sale of raffle tickets! We also raised just over £800 for the church which was a magnificent total and something we could not have done without the hard work of everyone who helped in advance, at the Fayre or afterwards.

We are also grateful to the shops on Studfall Avenue who donated raffle prizes: One Stop, Pam’s Florist, Golden Tanning, Healthline Pharmacy, Studfall Chippy, Costcutter, Union of Barbers, High Street Bakery, Crust n’ Crumb and, on their first full day of being open, Rocky’s Local – thank you all.

As we look forward there is news below of our regular weekly groups, December’s Afternoon Tea (open to men as well as ladies this time!), invitations to Carol Singing in the Town Centre and Christmas Dinner at Lodge Park School, details of Christmas services, a notice about the Panto (oh no there isn’t, oh yes there is, etc) and an important message for those going to Spring Harvest next Easter; but before all that some prayer news:

PRAYER NEWS
Please pray for Margaret Freeland who is in hospital, no further details as I write but please keep Margaret in prayer.
Please also pray for Linda, Marie and William who all have medical procedures this month and who we will be praying for in our service on Sunday.
Let’s give thanks for the ministries of Steve and Sue Scholes who will be re-licensed as Reader and Lay Minister (Pastoral) in a service in Irthlingborough on Thursday afternoon.
Here is the latest Prayer Update from HOPE FROM ABOVE in Australia, and if you did not read it last week the latest prayer letter from M&H in North Africa is at the back of church.

SUNDAY’S SERVICE
We just have one service this Sunday, MORNING WORSHIP at 10.30am in St Columba’s church, with children and young people rehearsing for the Nativity and their Christmas sketch respectively, and it is not too late for children to grab a part so do come along on Sunday. For those who are unable to be with us in church the service can be watched via livestream by going to the following link: https://youtu.be/eYBDZGoZvFo

PRAYER MEETING
We will be gathering in St Columba’s at 6pm on Sunday for an hour of prayer so do come along if you are able and especially if you have anything that you would like us to pray about.

ALPHA and FELLOWSHIP GROUP
These groups meet as usual in St Columba’s this week, Alpha on Monday at 7.30pm and our Advent Fellowship Group on Wednesday morning at 10.30am

AFTERNOON TEA
This month’s afternoon tea is a Christmas Special and as a result is being opened up to include men as well as ladies! There will be tea, sandwiches and cakes to enjoy along with good company and conversation so why not come along on Friday afternoon at 3pm.

CAROL SINGING IN THE TOWN CENTRE
Christians in Corby are joining together to sing carols in the Town Centre, outside McDonalds, on Saturday 10th December, from 11am. Do come along and support this united church witness to our wider community.

LODGE PARK CHRISTMAS DINNER
Some of you will remember going to Lodge Park Academy for their Jubilee Celebration earlier in the year. Now they are inviting people for Christmas Dinner on Thursday 15th December at 2pm. This will be a full Christmas Dinner so my advice is not to have any lunch beforehand! Please let me know, either by replying to this email or in church on Sunday, if you would like to go as I need to give them numbers.

SERVICES FOR DECEMBER
We have lots of special services to look forward to so make a note of all the following:
Sunday 11th December
10.30am Holy Communion at St Columba’s
3pm Christmas Family Service at St Leonard’s, Rockingham

Thursday 15th December
6pm Community Carol Service with school choirs and congregational carols at St Columba’s

Sunday 18th December
10.30am Nativity Service at St Columba’s with the children presenting the traditional Nativity story and the young people a sketch to make us think.
6.30pm Candlelit Carol Service at St Columba’s

Wednesday 21st December
10.30am Wednesday Morning Communion at St Columba’s
7pm Carols, Mince Pies & Mulled Wine at Rockingham Village Hall

Christmas Eve
4.30pm Christingle Service at St Columba’s
11.15pm Midnight Communion at St Columba’s

Christmas Day
10am (note the time) Christmas Morning Communion for All Ages at St Columba’s
10.30am Holy Communion at St Leonard’s Rockingham

PANTOMIME
As we look into the New Year the Great Easton Little Theatre Company are performing their 2023 Pantomime DICK WHITTINGTON in our Church Hall on Friday 3rd February at 7.30pm, Saturday 4th February at 3pm and Sunday 5th February at 3pm. Tickets cost £7 for adults, £5 for children or £20 for a Family Ticket for 2 adults and 2 children and can be purchased either after St Columba’s services or by replying to this email.

SPRING HARVEST 2023
This is just a reminder to those who are going to Spring Harvest next Easter.

If you still have an outstanding balance to pay, we do need it by the end of this month if possible, by cash, cheque, bank transfer OR via the card reader at church (though please see James or Ian before doing so!)
If you have any questions, please speak to Miriam.

AND FINALLY
Please find here the latest Puzzles and Other Stuff from Steve.

God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

27th November 2022

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 3 December 2022

Hello everyone,

I am sending this week’s email out early as a reminder about our CHRISTMAS FAYRE this Saturday morning from 10am to 12.30. Please come along and support the Fayre, which I always think is not only an opportunity to make some money for the church, but also a great way of building relationships with people from our local community who support the Fayre but don’t yet come to church. It is not too late to offer to help on the day, or simply turn up and support our various stalls, including the craft stalls from outside of the church, and, of course, to enjoy a bacon roll from the cafe!

If you are driving to the Fayre please note there will be limited space in the car park as the stall holders and disabled visitors have priority. As well as parking in the Council car park on Dovedale Road you may be able to find a space behind the vicarage as the Nursery is not open on Saturdays.

This Sunday is Advent Sunday which is not simply the start of the countdown to Christmas, but is the day in the year when we reflect on the Lord’s second coming. This is something we affirm in the creeds, but don’t often think about, and Advent is a great reminder that we need to be ready to meet the Lord when He comes. There are HOLY COMMUNION services in St Leonard’s, Rockingham at 9am and St Columba’s, Corby at 10.30am. For those unable to attend in person the service from St Columba’s will be available as a livestream via the following link: https://youtu.be/C2BNfvaS240

Our children and young people will begin their preparations for the Nativity Service on 18th December this Sunday, so do encourage them all to come along and join in. As ever there will be a variety of speaking and non-speaking parts and Get Closer will be making us all think with a challenging sketch.

On Sunday evening there will be our regular PRAYER MEETING in church at 6pm to which everyone is welcome.

ALPHA continues on Monday evening in church at 7.30pm. It is not too late to join if you are interested. Do speak with Kevin of you would like to know more – 07512 822422

We had a good start to our Advent Fellowship Group last Wednesday and we will be meeting again in church this Wednesday at 10.30am. I do encourage others to join us as we continue to think about the events that led up to the birth of Christ, and how they relate to us.

Next Sunday, 4th December, we have a service of Morning Worship at St Columba’s at 10.30am and everyone is welcome.

There is a new letter from M&H at the back of church. We are not able to circulate this by email so please do take a minute over coffee after church and have a read.

And finally, a big thank you to everyone who packed a shoebox and those who waited in church to receive them. If you still have a box at home you can bring it on Sunday and James & Louisa will be able to take it with them to the collection centre.

May God bless you all in this Advent season,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

20th November 2022

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 26 November 2022

Dear Church

I’ve been away for a few days in Belfast as I went to my Uncle’s funeral, it was a sad time as it always is when people have to say goodbye to a much loved family member, but it was also an occasion of joy as his life was commemorated and indeed as people who don’t always get to see each other that often spent some time together, caught up on life and remarked and exclaimed on how much older everyone looked, how much children have grown up and who had the least hair – amongst the men at least! As Christians we do feel sadness at the loss of a loved one but live in the hope that we will be reunited again one day with them through our shared faith in Jesus. Even as it was good to share time together with my family I also look forward to the time we spend together as a church family and there will be lots to look forward to in these coming weeks. For this week though do take a look through the email and catch up on all that is going on.

THIS WEEK’S SERVICE
This Sunday is the last Sunday of the year. You might be thinking, hold on, there’s a whole month and a bit to go, and indeed you are right! This is not the end of the calendar year but the liturgical year, the year that the church uses to mark all the events of the church year, and we finish on the theme of Christ the King before moving into our new church year with the first Sunday of Advent on the 27th November.

But before we get to Advent we have the joy of celebrating Jesus as King, do come along as we join together to explore this very special Sunday – 10:30am at St Columba. For those unable to be there we will have a livestream of the service available and you can watch via this link: https://youtu.be/EjyTZNJeIvs

PRAYER MEETING
Our prayer meeting is on as normal at 6pm this Sunday at St Columba, do join us as we seek God in prayer together.

SHOEBOXES
Thank you to everyone who has donated a Shoebox for Operation Christmas Child, and to those who sat in church last week waiting for boxes to be dropped off. We are sorry for the confusion about dates, and while this Sunday is officially the last day it is possible for people to bring boxes to the Vicarage from Tuesday to Friday this week. If any boxes arrive in church on Sunday 27th they will be taken by James when he goes to the sorting centre – but after that it really will be too late!

FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
The groups completed the 9 A DAY course looking at the Fruit of the Spirit last week. The evening group are taking a break until the New Year (Tuesday 10th January to be precise) when they will meet again and decide what they would like to study next. The Wednesday morning group are continuing to meet and will be starting a new course with an Advent theme. Everyone is welcome to join them at 10.30 on Wednesday mornings until Christmas.

ALPHA
Our Alpha evening got off to a good start, as we explored the beginning of “Is there more to life than this?”, there was some great chat about what made us happy, what one question we would ask God if we could, and some tea, coffee and cake was consumed. It’s not too late to come along this Monday to St Columba at 7:30pm as we explore “Who is Jesus?”, all are welcome – if you have any questions at all do get in touch with me.

CHRISTMAS FAYRE
Next Saturday is our Christmas Fayre from 10.00am until 12.30pm and it would be great if you can all be involved in some way.
Thank you to those who have already offered to help, we could still do with a few more to help with Stalls and clearing up afterwards.
If you are helping to set up on Friday this will be happening from 5.30 – 6.45pm so there’s time for people to get home to watch the England match!
We need cakes for the cake stall, which can be brought to the hall Friday evening or as soon as possible after 9.00am on Saturday morning.
If you’re wanting to donate anything else at this stage we would appreciate more bottles for the Bottle Tombola, which can be taken to the vicarage from Tuesday onwards or Friday evening at the setting up session at the hall. For those who are not helping, please come and support our Fayre, bring your friends and families and spend some money, either cash or card will be welcome!
Any further information contact Miriam. Thank you very much.

NEXT WEEK’S SERVICES – SUNDAY 27th NOVEMBER
For the first Sunday of Advent there will be services of Holy Communion at St Leonard, 9am and at St Columba, 10:30am, let’s come together and as we start this Advent season looking forward to the hope and joy of the future to come in God.

I hope to see you at church tomorrow, have a great day, every blessing.

Kevin

01536 647727
07512 822422

13th November 2022

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 19 November 2022

Hello everyone,

On Friday I was at Lodge Park Academy where we observed the two minutes silence at 11am and I was able to share a few words and pray. It was a special time, not least as the Head Girl read the words of the song “Of arms and peaceful men” by David Dearlove. I have heard this many times but have always thought the words about those who “cannot rest when peace is torn by greed and tyranny” to be about the past. This year, with the war in Ukraine continuing, the words had a very modern ring to them. As we observe the silence on Sunday, let us, amid all the other thoughts in our heads, remember those in Ukraine who are, even now, giving up “their hope of Spring”.

THIS WEEK’S SERVICES
We have services for Remembrance Sunday, both including the two minute silence at about 11am, at St Columba and St Leonard’s tomorrow.
At St Columba the service is HOLY COMMUNION, starts at 10.30am and includes ENERGIZE groups for children and young people who will also be looking at the theme of Remembrance.
At St Leonard’s it is a FAMILY SERVICE starting at 10.45am and including the reading of names from the War Memorial.
(Editor’s note: Unfortunately, there is no livestream due to a fault with the camera.)

PRAYER MEETING
We will be meeting for an hour of prayer in St Columba’s at 6pm on Sunday evening, with an emphasis on issues of remembrance and peace this week.

ALPHA – Starting 14th November at 7:30pm in St Columba’s church
What is Alpha? It’s a series of weekly sessions where you can explore the Christian faith in a relaxed and welcoming environment. We’re going to be starting this Monday at 7:30pm and then breaking for Christmas before finishing in January – something interesting and fun to do during those cold winter nights! We’re doing the Alpha film series, which includes a video to watch and then allows us to chat about what we’ve just seen. You can share your thoughts about some of the big questions of life and we can explore the answers together. All of this accompanied by tea, coffee and cake. Why not have a look at the Alpha Film Series trailer and see if it’s for you? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fViYK_Xb3Wg

Please speak to Kevin (07512 822422) if you would like to know more or to sign up, although everyone is welcome to simply turn up on the night.

FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
After last week’s break we meet again on Tuesday evening at 7.30pm and Wednesday morning at 10.30am for the final session of our course on Christlikeness looking at the fruit of the Spirit, focussing on self-control this week. We will also be discussing what might come next…

SHOEBOXES
Two notices about OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD this week:

First there are just two weeks before all boxes need to be handed in so if you have not yet taken and packed a box, and you are able to, please do, and don’t forget the leaflet with important details about what can and cannot go in the box and a label to say if it is for a boy or girl and what age. Don’t forget Sunday 27th November is the final date boxes can be dropped off at church.

Second, St Columba will once again be open as a venue where boxes can be delivered by members of the public. We will be open from 9am to 1pm every day from Monday 21st November. If you are able to be in church for an hour or so that week there will be a sign-up sheet available tomorrow.

And if you need any inspiration to know why we are doing this just watch the film available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nePoQ-nv8fU

CHRISTMAS FAYRE – Saturday 26th November 10am – 12.30
Two weeks today St Columba’s Christmas Fayre will be under way and we still need more help. Please think if you can help run a stall on the day and if so either reply to this message or sign on the list at the back of church. Thank you to everyone who has brought in donations for the raffle or tombolas (bottle or teddy) – the boxes will be at the back of church for the next two weeks for any more contributions.

SUNDAY 20th NOVEMBER
Next Sunday there is a service of Morning Worship, with ENERGIZE GROUPS, at 10.30am in St Columba’s.

AND FINALLY
Here is the latest mini SCANS produced by Steve. These online productions contain lots to amuse, entertain and teach so do make sure you open the attached and have a good read.

God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

6th November 2022

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 12 November 2022

Hello again everyone,

I don’t know about you but I enjoyed the fireworks on Friday evening. The weather was perfect, and it was a good show, but I what I really enjoyed was the crowds of people all walking together to see them. How wonderful would it be of those crowds were walking, not to see a fireworks display but to worship God! Of course, some of us do have a slightly similar experience at Spring Harvest, where we have to queue to get in to worship, but what if it was people in our own town queueing to get into church. Let us pray that the Lord would send revival on his church and we would see scenes like that!

Last week was a busy week, with different activities in church every evening from Sunday to Thursday, including a Prayer Meeting, Light Party, PCC, Fellowship Group and Get Closer young people’s group. We should give thanks to God, not only that we are able to do all these things but that we have people wanting to do them as well as volunteers to help make them happen. Thank you if you were involved in any of them.

One decision of our PCC was that we will host a Christmas Lunch for anyone struggling with the cost of living and in danger of missing out on heat, food or company on Christmas Day. Please let me know if you would like to be involved in this and we will be having a meeting to plan the day. This is in addition to the offer made last week for people to have hot meals cooked for them and delivered to their door – if you know anyone who would benefit from this please let me know.

This coming week will be quieter, not least because Kevin and I are away on the Diocesan Ministers’ Conference. Please pray for us and all those attending. If you need to make contact with someone from church before Friday can you contact Janet, her number is at the bottom of this email.

SUNDAY’S SERVICE
This Sunday’s service is being led by members of Get Closer so do come along and support them. It is at St Columba’s at 10.30am tomorrow, and available to watch online via the following link from that time: https://youtu.be/YDH1zwyFufw

PRAYER MEETING
We will be gathering for prayer on Sunday evening at 6pm so do try and join us if you can, especially, but by no means only, if you have anything that you would like us to pray about.

FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
There will be no groups this week, but they will meet again on Tuesday 15th November at 7.30pm and Wednesday 16th November at 10.30am.

DEMENTIA DAY
This free day of inclusive fun is arranged by the Corby Dementia Friendly Community and is happening on Wednesday 9th November from 10am to 3pm at Corby Cube and includes lunch. It is for both those with Dementia and those caring for them. There is a leaflet on the notice board in church with more details.

AFTERNOON TEA
On Friday 11th November we look forward to our next Ladies Afternoon Tea in the Church Hall at 3pm. All ladies are most welcome to join us for tea, sandwiches, scones and cake, along with good conversation so please do invite any friends and neighbours along, especially anyone who would appreciate an hour or so in a warm place.

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY – 13th NOVEMBER
We have two services next Sunday morning for Remembrance. At St Columba’s there will be a service of Holy Communion at 10.30am, with ENERGIZE groups for children and young people, and at St Leonard’s, Rockingham a Family Service at 10.45am. Both will feature a two-minute silence at about 11am.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES
There are still plenty of empty boxes at the back of church, and the all-important leaflets that tell you what can, and cannot, go in them, so if you have not yet taken one, and you are able to fill it for a Ukrainian refugee child, please do take one. The deadline for returning boxes is Sunday 20th November so we have just 2 more weeks. Don’t forget to either put a donation in your shoebox or donate online, where you can also pay for a shoebox to be filled and sent on your behalf. You can watch a short film called “A Shoebox Prayer” by going to the following link: https://youtu.be/nePoQ-nv8fU

CHRISTMAS FAYRE – SATURDAY 26th NOVEMBER 10am -12.30pm
Our Christmas Fayre is in just three weeks’ time so I do I hope it is in all your diaries. We still need people to help on the day so please sign up if you are able, and the boxes are at the back of church for donations of Raffle Prizes and for the Bottle and Teddy Tombolas – big thanks to all who have donated so far.

ATTACHMENTS
Please find attached the latest SNIPPETS FROM THE SHIRES from Tim & Carol Derbyshire in Australia with Hope From Above, and also STEVE’S PUZZLES AND OTHER STUFF.

God bless you all,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

Janet Taylor 07908 603682

30th October 2022

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 5 November 2022

Hello again everyone,

Do read below details of all that is happening this coming week, including our LIGHT PARTY on Monday, a change to our FELLOWSHIP GROUPS, as well as information about HOT MEALS being available for people in need, details of our SUNDAY SERVICES and STEVE’S PUZZLES & OTHER STUFF.

But I must begin with some sad news. Eric Nicholas who was a regular at our Wednesday morning Communion services before Covid, and before that a member of the Church of The Epiphany and then St John’s, has died. His funeral will be at St Columba’s on Tuesday 1st November at 10am, followed by Cremation and then refreshments at the Silver Band Club. Everyone is welcome to come along and support his family at this sad time.

HOT MEALS
We have had a really generous offer from some church members to provide hot meals for anyone in our church family, or known to us, who is struggling with the cost of living, especially as the temperatures drop and the choice has to be made between heating and eating. If you need help, or know someone who does, please contact me and I will arrange for a meal (or meals if it is a family in need) to be delivered to your door.

SUNDAY SERVICE
We just have the one service on Sunday at St Columba’s, ALL AGE WORSHIP at 10.30am thinking about All Saints. For those unable to be in church the service can be watched by going to the following link from 10.30am on Sunday: https://youtu.be/HaHRryNtsvk

TRAIDCRAFT STALL
After the service there will be a TRAIDCRAFT STALL selling fair trade products including tea, coffee, chocolate, biscuits, and much more as well as a range of Christmas Cards to buy or order. Do have a browse, look in the catalogue, and think about the benefit you are bringing to people in developing countries by buying fair trade products direct from Traidcraft.

PRAYER MEETING
We also have our regular PRAYER MEETING at 6pm in church on Sunday – do come along with any prayer requests you have, for yourself or anyone you know.

LIGHT PARTY
Come and celebrate Jesus, the Light of the World, with us this 31st October, from 5:30pm-7pm. We’ll have a great set of crafts and activities to help us think about how light helps us in the world today and we’ll be exploring light space and quiet space and serving up some hot chocolate and marshmallows. Let’s shine together!
More information from Kevin, either at church tomorrow or by phone on 07512 822422

FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
Please note there is a change to our Fellowship Groups this week. Both groups will be meeting on WEDNESDAY 2nd NOVEMBER, at 10.30am and 7.30pm. This is to avoid a clash with PCC on Tuesday evening.

SUNDAY 6th NOVEMBER
We have a special ALL AGE WORSHIP next Sunday 6th November at St Columba’s at 10.30am.

PUZZLES AND OTHER STUFF
Please find here the latest edition of Steve’s Puzzles and Other Stuff. This comes with a warning that there’s some tough stories in this issue.

With best wishes,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

23rd October 2022

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 29 October 2022

Hello everyone,

I must say our Men’s Group Pub Night yesterday was a good rival to the Ladies Afternoon Tea last week – both were enjoyable times in good company with good food. It is great to be able to gather in social situations like this once again after the difficulties of the last two and half years.

As we all know one of the hardest aspects of the lockdowns were the restrictions on funerals, and so our MEMORIAL SERVICE at 5pm tomorrow afternoon is once again an opportunity for people to gather and remember loved ones, including those who you were not able to say a proper farewell to as well as people who passed away before Covid but are still very much in our hearts. Those families who had a funeral at St Columba’s over the last 12 months have had an invitation to this service, but everyone is welcome, both to remember loved ones and to enjoy fellowship with one another while we sing some well-known songs, light candles and share some refreshments together after the service.

SUNDAY 23rd OCTOBER
As well as the Memorial Service at 5pm we have two morning services tomorrow as follows:
9am HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham
10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with ENERGIZE groups for children and young people. This service is also available as a livestream by going to this link: https://youtu.be/bAArR08HTIg
Apologies that last week’s livestream was cut off during the service but fortunately Kevin recorded the whole service, including Linda’s sermon, and made it available on Monday. (Editor’s note: Links in the website do now link to this new version.)

PRAYER MEETING
Because of the Memorial service and refreshments after it there will be no Prayer Meeting tomorrow, but we will meet again next Sunday 30th October.

SHOEBOX APPEAL
Last Sunday James and Louisa launched this year’s OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD Shoebox Appeal with the news that all this year’s boxes will go to Ukrainian children, many living as refugees in countries that border Ukraine (see below for more news about Ukraine). There is a supply of boxes for you to collect in church, and the all-important leaflets that tell you what can, and cannot, go in them. Please do take a box (or more) and begin packing it. The deadline for returning boxes is Sunday 20th November so we have just 4 weeks.
You can watch this year’s Operation Christmas Child Campaign Film by going to the following link: https://youtu.be/QPBD2FPBiA8

UKRAINIAN REFUGEES
Last week I mentioned that Deanery Synod had a speaker from Peterborough Cathedral telling us about their scheme to help with the ongoing needs of Ukranian refugees. This was an excellent presentation informing us that there are still refugees who would like to come to this country, but they are unable to find homes. These are people still in Ukraine or neighbouring countries, not those who have been here for 6 months and need a new home. If you think you could help, or would like to find out more, there are leaflets about the scheme giving more information available in church or here:
https://www.peterborough-cathedral.org.uk/userfiles/Homes%20for%20Ukraine_A5%20Flyer_V2%20(lowres).pdf

FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
We continue with our weekly meetings looking at the fruit of the Spirit on Tuesday evening at 7.30pm and Wednesday morning at 10.30am. This week we are thinking about faithfulness, and everyone is welcome.

NEXT SUNDAY – 30th October
We have just the one service next Sunday: ALL AGE WORSHIP at St Columba’s at 10.30am. As mentioned above the PRAYER MEETING will also be happening at 6pm.

LIGHT PARTY – Monday 31st October, 5:30pm – 7pm
Children and Parents are invited to join us here at St Columba as we celebrate the Light of the World, Jesus! This year we’re going to do something a little different and we’ll be lighting up the church so come along and enjoy. We’ll have a great range of fun activities to do as well. Wear something bright, come along and enjoy our time together!

CHRISTMAS FAYRE – Saturday 26th November, 10am – 12.30pm
For our Fayre to be a success, we would really appreciate if you can get involved by volunteering:
Beforehand on the Friday evening setting up tables, Christmas Tree, etc;
Helping on one of the stalls on Saturday;
Clearing up afterwards.
If you are unable to volunteer, you can still be involved in any of the following ways:
Donate prizes for the Raffle – these can be placed in the box at the back of church
Donate bottles for the Bottle Tombola – these can be placed in the box at the back of church
Make cakes for the Cake Stall – these obviously can’t be brought in until the day!
Donate soft toys for the Teddy Tombola
INVITE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO COME
COME YOURSELF AND SUPPORT THIS EVENT!
Thank you very much, any questions please speak to Miriam.

AND FINALLY
Thanks to Steve for producing another PUZZLES AND OTHER STUFF which is attached to keep us informed and entertained. As Steve says it is always fascinating to discover information about people that you would never guess just by looking at them (see p.3).

God be with you all in this coming week.

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

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16th October 2022

By Justin Dyche in Sunday Service on 22 October 2022

Hello everyone,

I am about to set off for Peterborough to support some of our Lay Ministers who are being re-licensed by the Bishop in the Cathedral this afternoon. It is good to give thanks for the ministries of Janet, Linda, Rosie, David and William who are all being relicensed today as well as Steve and Sue who will be re-licensed later in the year, and to pray for them as they continue to minister among us. We should also give thanks for the ministry of Sheila Pender who is retiring as a Licensed Lay Pastoral Minister, although Sheila will still be active in many ways (including organising the Afternoon Tea which many of us enjoyed yesterday). The PCC decided to award Sheila the title of Lay Minister Emeritus, an honorary title in recognition of her years of service. You can read an archive article about Sheila in Steve’s Puzzles and Other Stuff.

THIS SUNDAY 16th OCTOBER
We just have one service at St Columba’s tomorrow: MORNING WORSHIP at 10.30am with ENERGIZE groups for children and young people. For those unable to be in church there will be a livestream available from 10.30 on Sunday by going to this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2AHf2RCjQes
Also tomorrow our PRAYER MEETING is at 6pm in church, and everyone is very welcome to join us for that, especially if you have anything you would like prayer about.

FELLOWSHIP GROUPS
Our Fellowship Groups continue to look at the Fruit of the Spirit and how we can be more like Jesus. This week our focus is on goodness. The groups meet at 7.30pm on Tuesday and 10.30am on Wednesday.

DEANERY SYNOD
Deanery Synod is a gathering of people from Church of England churches in and around Corby. Clergy like Kevin and me are always members and every church also elects representatives, ours are presently David, Steve and William, but the meetings are open to anyone. This Thursday, 20th October, we are thinking about the ongoing needs of Ukranian refugees with a speaker from Peterborough Cathedral who have a scheme to help them. If you are interested the meeting is at St Mary’s, Weldon with refreshments from 7.15pm. Do ask one of us if you would like a lift.

MEN’S GROUP
Our next men’s group (ROCK) is on Friday 21st October, arrive from 7pm and start at 7.30pm, in the church hall. It will have a pub theme…a pub quiz and pub food: pie, gravy, mash and peas. Because we are serving food we need to have numbers so please let us know if you are coming…via list at the back, email or text, but no later than Tuesday 18th October, that would be good. You are welcome to bring your own choice of beverage seeing that it’s a pub theme!

SUNDAY 23rd OCTOBER
We have three services next Sunday as follows:
9am HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham
10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s
5pm MEMORIAL SERVICE for all those we love but see no longer. This service is open to all and while those who have been bereaved in the last year will receive a special invitation (sorry if you have not had yours yet) everyone is welcome to attend and light a candle in memory of loved ones who have died.

RODGER CRAIG
It is two years since Mary’s husband Rodger died and as his funeral was in Covid times we are holding a special service in memory of Rodger on Friday 21st October, the second anniversary of that funeral, at 10.30am in church, followed by refreshments in the Hall. Please come along and support Mary in this service, and if you would like to share a memory of Rodger be prepared to do that.

HOPE FROM ABOVE
Please find here a Newsletter from Hope From Above. This is a longer read than the regular Prayer Updates that we receive so why not pour yourself a coffee and read about their worldwide ministry.

May God bless you all in this coming week,

Ian

01536 400225
07903 644609

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