30 Northumberland Square | North Shields | NE30 1PW
Weekly Update #26: Sunday 13th September 2020
From the Minister God’s bringing life…
During September many churches around the world are marking Creation Time, celebrating God’s creation in worship and prayer. Even in these times of world-wide disruption we are asked to recognise another, bigger, universe-wide reality, which God has created and continues to sustain. A recently released worship song from Australia, captures that concept, acknowledging difficult realities, whilst still encouraging us to work with God to make this world into a garden that’s both peaceful and fruitful for everyone:
We’re making a garden, We’re working the ground … On earth, God’s planning a garden … Come join the work, God’s bringing life, God’s bringing life.
Photo: NASA
Trevor
To listen to the worship song, Garden, written by Mikali Anagnostis,from Leichhardt Uniting Church (Australia), click here.
Prayer
Give me vision, O God, to see universe as you see it.
Give me love, O God, to love the world as you love it.
Give the strength, O God, to do your work on earth.
Amen.
Worship in the church buildings – WHAT WE NEED TO DO TO STAY SAFE
When coming to worship in our building, we must adhere to the measures we have put in place for your safety and the safety of others. So, whilst normally, as a church, we are reluctant to instruct people what to do, in the current situation …
you must have your mouth and nose covered at all times with a mask or equivalent (which is also a legal requirement)
you must follow the directions of the stewards
we fill chairs from the front to avoid people crossing paths (so we can’t pick and choose where to sit)
you remain in your seat for the whole service, placing nothing on the floor
after the service, cross the road into the square or into Norfolk street before stopping for conversation, otherwise people cannot exit the building safely
BOOK YOUR PLACE FOR SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP!
There are two Sunday services in our building, one at 10.00 a.m. and one at one at 11.15 a.m., each lasting for approximately thirty minutes.To be able to attend you must contact Alison Drew between Monday morning and midday on the Friday in the week before the service. (Contact details below.)
You can read this Sunday’s sermon from Trevor Jamison here.
DISCLAIMER: TV and Radio schedules can change, so check the timings are correct!
Bible readings for Sunday
From the Revised Common Lectionary
Exodus 14:19-31 A people escape the sea, but an army is destroyed in it
Psalm 114 God is the God of both sea and the land
Romans 14:1-12 When believers disagree about how to live in the world
Matthew 18:21-35 Jesus tells a story about an unforgiving servant
‘For some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables.’ (Romans 14:2) As the husband of one vegetarian and a parent of another I had better write carefully here! Actually, the dispute among Christians in Rome hundreds of years ago was not about vegetarianism but about food previously used in pagan rituals. Was it ok for a Christian to eat that? Some said ‘yes’, and some said ‘no’. Paul said that disagreements are no reason to despise others, and actions are judged (by God, not us) on the basis whether they are intended to honour God – a good rule of thumb for all areas of life, not just concerning what we eat (or not).
The Church Magazine Returns!
Plans are underway for the return of our church magazine. The emphasis will be on news stories from the life of people associated with the congregation. We hope to publish the first issue in mid-October. At this time, our editors, Valerie and Catherine, would particularly welcome stories about what has helped you keep going during recent months. These can range from a short sentence up to a maximum of 300 words, and should be sent to [email protected]
or [email protected].uk by Monday 28th September.
St Columba’s Coffee and Conversation –
Saturdays at 10.00 a.m.
Join the conversation on the day by clicking here.
Meeting ID: 825 1824 3597 Password: 256497
To join by telephone, dial this local rate number: 0131 460 1196
Don’t forget, you’re allowed to invite friends along to take part in the conversation!
Online Prayer Gathering – last Sunday of the month
at 6.30 p.m.
Next gathering September 27th.
Bible Exploration Meetings
Bible exploration meetings will be returning later in September.
Keeping in Touch – Your contact details
If your contact details (address, telephone or email) change please make sure to inform our Church Secretary Alison Drew.
You can contact your designated Elder, the Minister, or Church Secretary.
‘For some believe in eating anything, while the weak eat only vegetables.’ (Romans 14:2) As the husband of one vegetarian and a parent of another I had better write carefully here! Actually, the dispute among Christians in Rome hundreds of years ago was not about vegetarianism but about food previously used in pagan rituals. Was it ok for a Christian to eat that? Some said ‘yes’, and some said ‘no’. Paul said that disagreements are no reason to despise others, and actions are judged (by God, not us) on the basis whether they are intended to honour God – a good rule of thumb for all areas of life, not just concerning what we eat (or not).