30 Northumberland Square | North Shields | NE30 1PW
Weekly Update #22: Sunday 16th August 2020
From the Minister – St Columba’s Masked Movers and Makers in Action
As part of the preparations for recommencing worship in our church building, on Monday evening a team of volunteers moved all the chairs from the church, upstairs to the Lishman Hall. Then, on Tuesday, a team of markers and measurers set out the worship area. Thanks to all who took part in this and other work.
Trevor
Prayer
‘If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, “Move” … and it will move.’ (Matthew 17:20)
God, plant a seed of faith within us, so that we can do great things for you,
In this world and in your Church.
Amen.
Worship in the church buildings for Sunday 23rd August – BOOK YOUR PLACE!
There are two Sunday services on our building, one at 10.00 a.m. and one at one at 11.15 a.m. The content of each service is the same, lasting for approximately thirty minutes. Up to thirty people are allowed at each service.
To be able attend you must contact Alison Drew between Monday morning and midday on the Friday in the week before the service. (Contact details below.)
Please note, the government requires that you must wear a face covering when taking part in worship in England.
We also intend to record the service and make it available to those unable to attend at this time: further details to follow.
Jesus gets approached by a woman from the region of Tyre and Sidon. She’s from the area where Syria came to the sea at that time. She’s comes to Jesus because she fears for her daughter’s life. Today, many Syrians (and their children) are in fear for their lives, fleeing by land and sea. After a challenging discussion Jesus gives her what she and her child need. I wonder what sort of answer Syrian parents and children expect from followers of Jesus today when they seek their help?
For further reflections and prayers relating to the readings, including about listening to what outsiders are saying, click here.
“Ambition for North Shields”
North Tyneside Council have produced proposals for regenerating the town centre under the banner ‘Ambition for North Shields’. This includes further developing Northumberland Square and creating a distinct route to Fish Quay via pedestrianisation of the northern end of Howard Street. All this might lead to increased footfall past our church building.
Your invitation to join with members of Saint Columba’s, folk from around the URC and others, in the annual Holiday Forum of fun, faith and fellowship. This year the theme is Global Pandemic, Global Church. To see the range of activities on offer and to register, go to this link.
Online Prayer Gathering on Sundays at 6.30 p.m.
A thirty-minute opportunity for prayer together and hand it all to God, including learning a shared signed-response to some prayers.
PLEASE NOTE: There will be no online prayer gathering today or on Sunday 23rd August. Meetings will resume on 30th August.
Thereafter, meetings will take place on the last Sunday of each month. (We are also planning to introduce an evening worship event on Zoom on the first Sunday of each month.)
Bible Exploration Meetings
Bible exploration meetings are taking a break for August, returning in September.
Keeping in Touch
We will keep in touch with each other. Elders will have a list of members and friends to contact each week, both to provide information and to ensure that people are safe and well. You can contact your designated Elder, the Minister, or Church Secretary.
Your invitation to join with members of Saint Columba’s, folk from around the URC and others, in the annual Holiday Forum of fun, faith and fellowship. This year the theme is Global Pandemic, Global Church. To see the range of activities on offer and to register,