Sorry for the very late email this week. Miriam and I have just arrived back from our holiday and so I am sending out a brief message with details of services and other things happening this week.
STEWARDSHIP REVIEW I have not checked how many Response Forms have come in, but if you have returned yours THANK YOU and if you have not yet returned yours there is still time, not least because I am aware that I have not yet handed out all the Stewardship Review Leaflets. The RESPONSE FORMS can either be placed in the box at the back of church, or given to the person who gave you the leaflet.
SUNDAY 31st AUGUST 10.30am BACK TO SCHOOL WITH GOD SERVICE at St Columba’s. This service will enable all of us, even if our schooldays are long past, to think and pray for children as they go back to school, and there will be lots for the children themselves to do to prepare them, so do come along if you are able. The service will be available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/tDBZthAPIAA?feature=share 6pm PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s
PCC Meeting St Columba’s PCC are meeting on Tuesday 2nd September at 7.30pm. Agenda etc to follow.
SUNDAY 7th SEPTEMBER 10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s with a sermon looking at the book of Philemon. ENERGIZE will be meeting again after the holidays for a New School Year Party! 6pm HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s
CHARITY OF THE WEEK – NORTHANTS HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST (NHCT) This local organisation was founded in 1955 with the object of raising funds to make grants to churches in Northamptonshire of all denominations for their “preservation, repair and maintenance, improvement, upkeep, beautification and reconstruction”. Rockingham have received several grants over the years to help with the cost of maintaining St Leonard’s, and St Columba’s are applying for a grant to help with the cost of our accessible WC and Servery. Please give thanks for the help NHCT are able to give to many churches, and pray for St Columba’s bid to be successful. We also raise money for NHCT (and our churches) through the annual RIDE AND STRIDE sponsored bike ride which is happening again on Saturday 13th September. Look out for requests for sponsorship from our cyclists because if we raise money in this way we are more likely to be successful with the grant application.
Thank you to everyone who has helped with the different activities that have happened recently, the International Food Fair, the visit by our CMS mission partners, and the Children’s Showstopper Summer Showcase. I am pleased to say that we can all now take a breath, as there is less happening in the next couple of weeks, before we begin again in September. Do look out for news of a new Wednesday Course in church and a new Alpha Course for those wanting to find out more about Jesus and His church – perhaps you know someone who might like to attend such a course, if they had an invitation from a friend like you!
Below you will find details of our services over the next couple of weeks, including a special BACK TO SCHOOL WITH GOD service on 31st August, and don’t think this is just for children, we can all play a part in supporting children and schools through prayer, so plan to join us then to find out how. There is also some prayer news, details of our CHARITY OF THE WEEK, one which allows us to introduce this year’s sponsored Ride and Stride, see below for more details, as well as a recap on our STEWARDSHIP REVIEW.
PRAYER NEWS A quick update on John Pender and Kath Wade, who both thank everyone for their prayers. Recently I wrote that Kath was making slow progress, not helped by an infection, and that has continued to be the case. Kath has seen a doctor and has more antibiotics so please pray these are effective in clearing up the infection and that Kath will be back to full health very soon. Kath has felt a bit better but has not been very cheerful so please also pray that Kath feels more uplifted. Recently John Pender had a cardiac arrest in hospital, from which he was not only resuscitated but, miraculously, he was told his heart did not suffer any damage. John also has a blockage in an artery that needs to be treated so please pray that this can happen sooner rather than later and that John would make a full recovery from this and his broken hip. I am sure Kath and John would be pleased to hear from friends at church, either by phone or a visit in person. Kath is at home and John is on Ashton Ward at KGH.
STEWARDSHIP REVIEW Our annual Stewardship Review has started with leaflets distributed last Sunday to some more church members. The Finance Committee are handing out copies of the leaflet, and are available to answer any questions you have about the financial needs of St Columba’s and how you can respond. The leaflet includes a RESPONSE FORM and I do encourage you to prayerfully consider your response before completing the form and returning it, either in the box provided or to the person who gave you the leaflet. I know there are many people who would not consider themselves active members of the church, and so you will not be receiving a leaflet, but that does not mean you are not welcome to give! If you would like to know more please email ianpullinger@btinternet.com and I can send you a form.
SUNDAY 24th AUGUST 10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s with a sermon from Rosie looking at Luke 14 v1, 7-14. There will be an activity for children at the back of church. This service will be available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/QLXyhBAm3mI?feature=share There is no Communion service at Rockingham today. 6pm PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s
SUNDAY 31st AUGUST 10.30am BACK TO SCHOOL WITH GOD SERVICE at St Columba’s. Please come along if you are a child going back to school, a parent or teacher, or just someone who cares about the children and young people in our church family, and the schools in our local community, and who wants to support them in prayer – and that should be everyone. 6pm PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s
CHARITY OF THE WEEK – NORTHANTS HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST (NHCT) This local organisation was founded in 1955 with the object of raising funds to make grants to churches in Northamptonshire of all denominations for their “preservation, repair and maintenance, improvement, upkeep, beautification and reconstruction”. Rockingham have received several grants over the years to help with the cost of maintaining St Leonard’s, and St Columba’s are applying for a grant to help with the cost of our accessible WC and Servery. Please give thanks for the help NHCT are able to give to many churches, and pray for St Columba’s bid to be successful. We also raise money for NHCT (and our churches) through the annual RIDE AND STRIDE sponsored bike ride which is happening again on Saturday 13th September. Look out for requests for sponsorship from our cyclists because if we raise money in this way we are more likely to be successful with the grant application.
I hope those of you who are going away over the next couple of weeks are blessed with time to relax and to enjoy God’s creation.
Thank you to everyone who has helped with the different activities that have happened in the last week, the International Food Fair, the visit by our CMS mission partners, and the Children’s Showstopper Summer Showcase. I am pleased to say that we can all now take a breath, as there is less happening in the next couple of weeks, before we begin again in September. Do look out for news of a new Wednesday Course in church and a new Alpha Course for those wanting to find out more about Jesus and His church – perhaps you know someone who might like to attend such a course, if they had an invitation from a friend like you!
Below you will find details of our services over the next couple of weeks, including a special BACK TO SCHOOL WITH GOD service on 31st August, and don’t think this is just for children, we can all play a part in supporting children and schools through prayer, so plan to join us then to find out how. There is also some prayer news, details of our CHARITY OF THE WEEK, one which allows us to introduce this year’s sponsored Ride and Stride, see below for more details, as well as a recap on our STEWARDSHIP REVIEW.
But before all that I will be taking part in a VJ DAY COMMEMORATION in Coronation Park tomorrow (Saturday) at 2pm. This is part of a Neighbourhood Family Fun Day which is running from 12noon to 5pm with Food, Games, Stalls, Family Challenges and Music, as well as the Commemoration. Lyn Buckingham has organised the Commemoration and writes: “we will be commemorating the 80th Anniversary of the ending of World War Two on VJ Day, please feel free to join us in commemorating this milestone, and if you have a story you would like to share of a parent or grandparent please do get in touch.”
PRAYER NEWS A quick update on John Pender and Kath Wade, who both thank everyone for their prayers. Last week I wrote that Kath was making slow progress, not helped by an infection, and that has continued to be the case. Kath saw a doctor today and has more antibiotics so please pray these are effective in clearing up the infection and that Kath will be back to full health very soon. Kath felt a bit better today but has not been very cheerful so please also pray that Kath feels more uplifted. After last week’s update John Pender had a cardiac arrest in hospital, from which he was not only resuscitated but, miraculously, he was told his heart did not suffer any damage. John also has a blockage in an artery that needs to be treated so please pray that this can happen sooner rather than later and that John would make a full recovery from this and his broken hip. I am sure Kath and John would be pleased to hear from friends at church, either by phone or a visit in person. Kath is at home and John is on Ashton Ward at KGH.
STEWARDSHIP REVIEW Our annual Stewardship Review has started with some leaflets distributed last Sunday to church members. The Finance Committee are handing out copies of the leaflet, and are available to answer any questions you have about the financial needs of St Columba’s and how you can respond. The leaflet includes a RESPONSE FORM and I do encourage you to prayerfully consider your response before completing the form and returning it, either in the box provided or to the person who gave you the leaflet. I know there are many people who would not consider themselves active members of the church, and so you will not be receiving a leaflet, but that does not mean you are not welcome to give! If you would like to know more please email ianpullinger@btinternet.com and I can send you a form.
SUNDAY 17th AUGUST 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with a sermon from David looking at Luke 13 v18-30. There will be an activity for children at the back of church. This service will be available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/Fx_douR1CeI?feature=share 6pm PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s
SUNDAY 24th AUGUST 10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s with a sermon from Rosie looking at Luke 14 v1, 7-14. There will be an activity for children at the back of church. This service will be available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/QLXyhBAm3mI?feature=share There is no Communion service at Rockingham today. 6pm PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s
SUNDAY 31st AUGUST 10.30am BACK TO SCHOOL WITH GOD SERVICE at St Columba’s. Please come along if you are a child going back to school, a parent or teacher, or just someone who cares about the children and young people in our church family, and the schools in our local community, and who wants to support them in prayer – and that should be everyone. 6pm PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s
CHARITY OF THE WEEK – NORTHANTS HISTORIC CHURCHES TRUST (NHCT) This local organisation was founded in 1955 with the object of raising funds to make grants to churches in Northamptonshire of all denominations for their “preservation, repair and maintenance, improvement, upkeep, beautification and reconstruction”. Rockingham have received several grants over the years to help with the cost of maintaining St Leonard’s, and St Columba’s are applying for a grant to help with the cost of our accessible WC and Servery. Please give thanks for the help NHCT are able to give to many churches, and pray for St Columba’s bid to be successful. We also raise money for NHCT (and our churches) through the annual RIDE AND STRIDE sponsored bike ride which is happening again on Saturday 13th September. Look out for requests for sponsorship from our cyclists because if we raise money in this way we are more likely to be successful with the grant application.
I hope those of you who are going away over the next couple of weeks are blessed with time to relax and to enjoy God’s creation.
Thank you for your prayers for Kath Wade and John Pender. Kath is making slow progress, not helped by an infection, but is able to testify that she “certainly know God has been with me”. John had his operation and is still recovering in hospital, he is progressing but feeling down. Please continue to pray for Kath and John to make full recoveries, and also for Trevor and especially Sheila, whose brother, who lived in France, passed away last Sunday.
Tomorrow is our INTERNATIONAL FOOD FAIR from 12 noon to 4pm There will be food from five different countries, UK, USA, South Africa, Pakistan and Morocco, available to buy as well as desserts and cakes. Everyone is welcome to drop in and buy food, you don’t need to have bought tickets in advance, and we hope people from the local community will join us, especially when they see the inflatable on the church lawn. Tickets cost £10 for all five meals, or £2.50 for one. Anyone who can help set up from 8am tomorrow is welcome, just come along to church.
STEWARDSHIP REVIEW Our annual Stewardship Review did not start last week but we are now all ready to go with leaflets ready to be distributed to all active church members. This year a member of the Finance Committee will hand you a copy of the leaflet, and then, either immediately or later, answer any questions you have about the financial needs of St Columba’s and how you can respond. The leaflet includes a RESPONSE FORM and I do encourage you to prayerfully consider your response before completing the form and returning it. I know there are many people who would not consider themselves active members of the church, and so you will not be receiving a leaflet, but that does not mean you are not welcome to give! If you would like to know more please email ianpullinger@btinternet.com and I can send you a form.
SUNDAY 10th AUGUST 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s when we have a preacher from CMS and there will be children and young people’s groups in the Hall for a special activity thinking about the world church. Unfortunately there will be no livestream this Sunday. 3pm TEA, CAKE & HYMNS at St Leonard’s, Rockingham. If you are coming to this service just tell the person at the kiosk that you are going to church. There will not be a Prayer Meeting this evening.
SHOWSTOPPERS SUMMER SHOWCASE – THURSDAY 14th AUGUST 10am This is a special summer activity morning for all children who were at Primary School last term, you don’t need to have been to the Easter Holiday Club to attend. No need to register in advance, just turn up, sign in, and join the fun with plenty of songs, games, crafts, and a new Bible story to learn.
SUNDAY 17th AUGUST 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with a sermon from David looking at Luke 13 v18-30. There will be an activity for children at the back of church. 6pm PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s
CHARITY OF THE WEEK – CMS The latest CMS Mission Partner’s Prayer Letter is available at the back of church and there will be an opportunity to hear first hand about the work of CMS in our service on Sunday morning.
Lots to look forward to over the next week or so and I hope those of you who are going away enjoy some relaxation and good weather.
Thank you for your prayers for Kath Wade. I am pleased to say that Kath had her operation on Thursday and arrived home late in the day, still in some pain which meant very little sleep last night – please pray for a better night tonight. Also pray for John Pender who had a fall on Wednesday and broke his hip, he is having an operation as I write, so please pray that goes well and he makes a full and swift recovery.
The summer holidays are proving to be a busy time here at St Columba’s as you will see from all the activities listed below. However there is one activity that is not happening this month, there will be no Afternoon Tea on Friday 8th August, but we do encourage everyone who would have been at the Tea to come along to the International Food Fair the next day.
STEWARDSHIP REVIEW Our annual Stewardship Review has also started and there are leaflets ready to be distributed to all active church members. This year we are hoping that a member of the Finance Committee will be able to hand you a copy of the leaflet, and then, either immediately or later, answer any questions you have about the financial needs of St Columba’s and how you can respond. The leaflet includes a RESPONSE FORM and I do encourage you to prayerfully consider your response before completing the form and returning it. I know there are many people who would not consider themselves active members of the church, and so you will not be receiving a leaflet, but that does not mean you are not welcome to give! If you would like to know more please email ianpullinger@btinternet.com and I can send you a form.
SUNDAY 3rd AUGUST 10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP at St Columba’s, which Jason, our potential new curate (from July 2026) and his family will be attending. There will be lots of activities in this service for children so it would be great to see lots of children in church. The service will also be available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/aG8B1feogPo?feature=share After the service, and our usual coffee, there will be a BRING YOUR OWN PICNIC LUNCH, which we have decided will have to be in Church Hall because of the weather forecast – but do still come. Please come along to this if you are not on holiday to give Jason an opportunity to get to know more of us. Don’t forget to bring your own lunch and cold drinks – we will provide tea and coffee as well as games. Please also still come to the International Food Fair (see below) the following week – it is not ideal having these two events less than a week apart, but various factors meant 3rd August was the best date for Jason and us. Then at 6pm we have our PRAYER MEETING in St Columba’s.
INTERNATIONAL FOOD FAIR Saturday 9th August 12 noon to 4pm Following the success of our first International Food Fair last summer we are having a second this year. Once again there will be food from five different countries available to buy as well as desserts and cakes. It is really helpful if people can buy tickets in advance so that the team have an idea of how many they are catering for, although the nature of this event is that people can just drop in and buy food, and it is therefore an opportunity to witness to the community. To help with this we have an inflatable that will hopefully attract people to the Fair. Tickets are on sale after church and cost £10 for all five meals, or £2.50 for one. Help will also be needed to set up from 8am on Saturday 9th August, please speak to Riaan if you can help with this.
SUNDAY 10th AUGUST 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s when we have a preacher from CMS and there will be children and young people’s groups in the Hall for a special activity thinking about the world church. 3pm TEA, CAKE & HYMNS at St Leonard’s, Rockingham. If you are coming to this service just tell the person at the kiosk that you are going to church.
SHOWSTOPPERS SUMMER SHOWCASE – THURSDAY 14th AUGUST 10am This is a special summer activity morning for all children who were at Primary School last term, you don’t need to have been to the Easter Holiday Club to attend. No need to register in advance, just turn up, sign in, and join the fun with plenty of songs, games, crafts, and a new Bible story to learn.
CHARITY OF THE WEEK – TIM & CAROL DERBYSHIRE with Hope From Above Here is the latest Prayer Letter from Tim and Carol so do have a read and pray for them.
Lots to look forward to over the next few weeks. I hope many of you will also be able to enjoy some time away, as I said last week…don’t forget to pack your Bible!
Please do pray for Kath Wade who went into hospital on Friday night as her pain had increased greatly. She has been admitted to a ward and is waiting for an MRI scan. Please pray especially that Kath’s treatment, and that of of so many others around the country, is not delayed by the doctors’ strike that is happening this weekend. As we enter the summer holiday season we would normally expect a pause in activity at church, but there is actually still lots going on over the next few weeks so do keep reading.
BIBLE COURSE We completed the Bible Course in church last Wednesday and will now have a break before a new course begins in the Autumn. I know some people were already on holiday last Wednesday and so missed the final part of the Bible Course, but you can catch up by going to: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/explore-the-bible/the-bible-course where you will need to create an account so you can watch any episode of the course as well as access the digital hub which was referred to many times during the course. This option is also available to anyone who missed out on attending the course in church.
SUNDAY 27th JULY 10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s with children and young people’s groups in the Hall preparing for next week’s ALL AGE service (when Jason, our potential new curate, and his family will be with us – see below). This service will be available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/u7jJM6Vwmdc?feature=share 3pm HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham. If you are coming to this service just tell the person at the kiosk that you are going to church. 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s
SUNDAY 3rd AUGUST 10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP at St Columba’s, which Jason, our potential new curate (from July 2026) and his family will be attending. This will be followed by a BRING YOUR OWN PICNIC LUNCH, hopefully in the Vicarage Garden, or the Church Hall if wet, in order to give them an opportunity to get to know us. Please come along to this if you are not on holiday and bring your own lunch and cold drinks – we will provide tea and coffee as well as chairs and garden games. Please also still come to the International Food Fair (see below) the following week – it is not ideal having these two events less than a week apart, but various factors meant 3rd August was the best date for Jason and us.
INTERNATIONAL FOOD FAIR Saturday 9th August 12 noon to 4pm Following the success of our first International Food Fair last summer we are having a second this year. Once again there will be food from five different countries available to buy as well as desserts and cakes. It is really helpful if people can buy tickets in advance so that the team have an idea of how many they are catering for, although the nature of this event is that people can just drop in and buy food, and it is therefore an opportunity to witness to the community. To help with this we have an inflatable that will hopefully attract people to the Fair. Tickets are on sale after church and cost £10 for all five meals, or £2.50 for one. Help will also be needed to set up from 8am on Saturday 9th August, please speak to Riaan if you can help with this.
SUNDAY 10th AUGUST 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s when we have a preacher from CMS and there will be children and young people’s groups in the Hall for a special activity thinking about the world church. 3pm TEA, CAKE & HYMNS at St Leonard’s, Rockingham. If you are coming to this service just tell the person at the kiosk that you are going to church.
CHARITY OF THE WEEK – CHRISTIAN CONCERN Christian Concern are a national charity who are passionate about bringing the love, justice, truth, freedom and hope of Jesus Christ to the heart of society. They believe that Jesus Christ is good news for society, as relevant today as he has ever been, and that a flourishing future is a future shaped around him. But they also know that it’s becoming harder to be a Christian in the UK today, so they work to make Jesus and his ways known, to protect the freedom to live and speak for him, through the work of the Christian Legal Centre, and to empower Christians to be compassionate and courageous ambassadors. They also communicate God’s truth in public debate, especially in the media (giving interviews on TV and radio and quotes for newspapers and online news sites) and politics (engaging with government policy, and working with parliamentarians and public officials).
Lots to look forward to over the next few weeks, and I know that for some that will include time away. If that is you then I hope you have a really good holiday and…don’t forget to pack your Bible!
Last week I met with Jason, a young man who is thinking about joining us as a curate in 2026. Jason and his family will be joining us in church on 3rd August and in order to give them an opportunity to get to know us we are going to have a Bring Your Own Picnic Lunch, hopefully in the Vicarage Garden, after church that day (we will be in the Church Hall if it is wet). Please come along to this if you are not on holiday. Don’t forget to bring your own lunch and cold drinks – we will provide tea and coffee as well as chairs and garden games. Please also still come to the International Food Fair (see below) the following week – it is not ideal having these two events less than a week apart, but various factors meant 3rd August was the best date for Jason and us.
Other events in the next few weeks are as follows:
SUNDAY 20th JULY 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s available to watch on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/HMgNQcNpxdo?feature=share There will be ENERGIZE groups for children and young people, and as this will be the last proper ENERGIZE until September they will be having an end of term party! There will be provision for the children every week during the summer holidays, so children are still very welcome. 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s
Also on Sunday SUNDAY 20th JULY – COMPANION DOG SHOW in Rockingham Village Hall and Grounds, with Pedigree and Novelty classes (£3 per entry). Dogs being entered need to arrive from 1pm and judging commences at 2pm.
WEDNESDAY 23rd JULY – BIBLE COURSE 10.30am (please note this will be in the Church Hall) and 7.30pm in the Church as usual. These are the last sessions of this course which has been a real blessing to everyone who has attended. We will have a break over the summer but look out for details of a new course starting in the Autumn.
SUNDAY 27th JULY 10.30am MORNING WORSHIP at St Columba’s with children and young people’s groups in the Hall preparing for next week’s ALL AGE service (when Jason and his family will be with us). 3pm HOLY COMMUNION at St Leonard’s, Rockingham. If you are coming to this service just tell the person at the kiosk that you are going to church. 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s
SUNDAY 3rd AUGUST 10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP at St Columba’s, which Jason, our potential new curate (from July 2026) and his family will be attending. This will be followed by a BRING YOUR OWN PICNIC LUNCH, hopefully in the Vicarage Garden, or the Church Hall if wet. See details above.
INTERNATIONAL FOOD FAIR Saturday 9th August 12 noon to 4pm Following the success of our first International Food Fair last summer we are having a second this year. Once again there will be food from five different countries available to buy as well as desserts and cakes. It is really helpful if people can buy tickets in advance so that the team have an idea of how many they are catering for, although the nature of this event is that people can just drop in and buy food, and it is therefore an opportunity to witness to the community. To help with this we have an inflatable that will hopefully attract people to the Fair. Tickets are on sale after church and cost £10 for all five meals, or £2.50 for one. Help will also be needed to set up from 8am on Saturday 9th August, please speak to Riaan if you can help with this.
CHARITY OF THE WEEK Home-Start Corby is a local charity based at Pen Green who recognise that parents find the early years of parenting a challenge at times. They recruit and train volunteers to support families with young children across Corby with a wide variety of support needs. It could be practical help with multiple young children, support around a child with a disability or simply an extra pair of hands at tea time! It might be emotional support for parents struggling with mental health problems, children with behavioural issues, family breakdown or separation issues. Please pray for their work, especially at the beginning of the summer holidays, a time of fun for many but a trial for others.
Lots to look forward to over the next few weeks, and I know that for some that will include time away. If that is you then I hope you have a really good holiday and…don’t forget to pack your Bible!
Details of events coming up in our church, at Rockingham and even on TV over the coming weeks are given below.
SUNDAY 13th JULY 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with ENERGIZE groups for children and young people. This service will be available to watch online here: https://youtube.com/live/KsRdnrDYGK4?feature=share 3pm FAMILY SERVICE with BAPTISM at St Leonard’s, Rockingham – when you drive into the Castle grounds just tell the person at the kiosk that you are going to church. 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s
TUESDAY 15th JULY – St Columba’s PCC in church
WEDNESDAY 16th JULY – BIBLE COURSE 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s
SUNDAY 20th JULY 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with ENERGIZE groups for children and young people. 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s
And for something completely different: SUNDAY 20th JULY – COMPANION DOG SHOW in Rockingham Village Hall and Grounds, with Pedigree and Novelty classes (£3 per entry). Dogs being entered need to arrive from 1pm and judging commences at 2pm.
Also on the subject of dogs I have had two emails from the producers of “Dogs Behaving Very Badly” asking if I can make appeals for two series they are about to film. The first is for families/couples/individuals who have young puppies, ideally 3 – 6 months old come August, to go through a new “Puppy Boot Camp”. Anyone interested in this needs to email puppy@avalonuk.com and one of the team will get in touch. Their second appeal is for dogs with any behavioural issues who would benefit from some training (and can I say, giving you the opportunity to share your faith on TV!) Filming for this would only take a couple of days and you can apply by email to dogs@avalonuk.com
WEDNESDAY 23rd JULY – BIBLE COURSE 10.30am (please note this will be in the Church Hall) and 7.30pm in the Church as usual.
CHARITY OF THE WEEK This week’s charity is our CMS mission partners and there is a new Prayer Letter available on the Notice Board at the back of church, either to read or to take away. You will be aware that we cannot share these letters online but I can say that we are looking forward to welcoming our mission partners next month to both our Sunday services on 10th August and to the International Food Fair (see below).
INTERNATIONAL FOOD FAIR Saturday 9th August 12 noon to 4pm Following the success of our first International Food Fair last summer we are having a second this year. Once again there will be food from five different countries available to buy as well as desserts and cakes. It is really helpful if people can buy tickets in advance so that the team have an idea of how many they are catering for, although the nature of this event is that people can just drop in and buy food, and it is therefore an opportunity to witness to the community. Tickets go on sale after church tomorrow and cost £10 for all five meals, or £2.50 for one. Help will also be needed to set up from 8am on Saturday 9th August, please speak to Riaan if you can help with this.
Details of events coming up in our church over the next week are given below.
SUNDAY 6th JULY 10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP at St Columba’s – when we will be looking at the Parable of the Good Samaritan, with lots of help from the children. Those unable to be in church can watch the service here: https://youtube.com/live/Ouf4LyQaMcE?feature=share 6pm HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s – a quieter service but one which everyone is welcome to, especially if you are not able to be in church for the morning service.
WEDNESDAY 9th JULY – BIBLE COURSE 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s
FRIDAY 11th JULY – LADIES AFTERNOON TEA in St Columba’s Church Hall at 3pm. Our monthly get together for sandwiches and cakes, tea and coffee and plenty of good conversation including a testimony about what Jesus has done in one of our lives.
SUNDAY 13th JULY 10.30am HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s with ENERGIZE groups for children and young people. 3pm FAMILY SERVICE with BAPTISM at St Leonard’s, Rockingham – when you drive into the Castle grounds just tell the person at the kiosk that you are going to church. 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s
WEDNESDAY 16th JULY – BIBLE COURSE 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s
And for something completely different: SUNDAY 20th JULY – COMPANION DOG SHOW in Rockingham Village Hall and Grounds, with Pedigree and Novelty classes (£3 per entry). Dogs being entered need to arrive from 1pm and judging commences at 2pm.
CHARITY OF THE WEEK Please do continue to pray for Year 6 children as they prepare for their transition to Secondary School. In particular they have their Transition Days this coming week when they go to their new school. I will also be giving out Scripture Union’s “It’s Your Move” book for Year 6 children at Woodnewton, a learning academy on Tuesday morning. This book contains practical advice about moving to secondary school and testimony from Christian young people who have made the transition in previous years. If you know a child, maybe a neighbour or grandchild, who is in Year 6 but does not attend Woodnewton, Studfall or Rockingham Primary Schools please let me know and we can give you a copy of the book to present to them.
Details of events coming up in our church over the next week are given below, together with our CHARITY OF THE WEEK, Scripture Union’s book for Year 6 children moving to Secondary School in September.
SUNDAY 29th JUNE 10.30am MORNING WORSHIP this will be available on Youtube here: https://youtube.com/live/pF_sb2mLIE4?feature=share There are also ENERGIZE groups preparing for July’s All Age Worship – it is really helpful to have a good number of children present for this as it helps the All Age Worship go really well – remember in June when we had 33 children at All Age Worship! 6pm PRAYER MEETING at St Columba’s
TUESDAY 1st JULY – St Columba’s PCC in Church
WEDNESDAY 2nd JULY – BIBLE COURSE 10.30am and 7.30pm in St Columba’s
SUNDAY 6th JULY 10.30am ALL AGE WORSHIP at St Columba’s – children are welcome to this even if they can’t make the preparation time this coming Sunday. 6pm HOLY COMMUNION at St Columba’s
CHARITY OF THE WEEK Our Charity of the Week this week is Scripture Union’s book for Year 6 children moving to Secondary School in September. This is because St Columba’s present the Year 6 children at Rockingham Primary School, Studfall Junior Academy and Woodnewton a learning academy with a copy of this book, which not only contains practical advice about moving to secondary school, but also testimony from Christian young people who have made the transition in previous years. I will be making the presentations at Rockingham on Tuesday and Studfall on Thursday next week so please pray for all those children who will be receiving a copy. If you know a child, maybe a neighbour or grandchild, who is in Year 6 but does not attend one of these three schools please let me know and we can give you a copy of the book to present to them.
