30 Northumberland Square | North Shields | NE30 1PW
Weekly Update #86 5th December 2021
From the Minister Two for the Prophets
Last week in church we lit the first of our Advent candles, with the theme of ‘hope for the future’. This Sunday we will light the second candle, with the theme ‘hope of the prophets.’
Many people equate prophecy with prediction, that is, about saying what’s going to happen in the future. That’s only partially correct, though.
In the Bible, prophecy first and foremost is about pointing to what God’s like and then pointing to what’s happening around us in the here and now: If God’s like that, and this what’s happening, here’s what God thinks, and what God’s likely to do about it.
An Advent prophet called John the Baptist said that God wants things to be radically better here on earth, and that God was sending someone to sort things out. The arrival of that person, Jesus Christ, is what’s worth celebrating this Christmas. Trevor
Image: Two Advent Candles Lit (NMc)
Prayer
‘Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways through the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son.’ (Hebrews 1:1)
O God, thank you for your prophets, and thank you above all that you have now spoken to us through your Son, Jesus Christ.
Amen.
WORSHIP AT ST COLUMBA’S THIS SUNDAY
10.30 a.m. ‘Advent Prophets’ – A Communion Service, led by Trevor Jamison
5.30 P.M. Remembering Others: A service to remember those associated with Saint Columba’s who have died during the previous twelve months. A reflective service, including communion, open to all, led by Trevor Jamison and John Drew. It will be followed by refreshments and conversation in the church hall.
Messy Church No messy church this Sunday. Hoping to be back soon in 2022
WORSHIP AT ST COLUMBA’S NEXT SUNDAY – DECEMBER 12th
Service led by Roberta Ritson, student minister, on placement with
St Columba’s
Bible readings for this week (from the Revised Common Lectionary)
Malachi 3:1-4 God is sending a messenger
Luke 1:68-79 Zechariah sings about the birth of the John the Baptist
Philippians 1:3-11 Live a life that overflows with love
Luke 3:1-6 John the Baptist prepares ‘the way of the Lord’
Luke chapter one contains two songs. The better known one is the Magnificat (1:46-55), sung by Mary, proclaiming the exaltation of the poor and the bringing down of the powerful. It often gets sung in hymn version by Timothy Dudley-Smith: Tell Out My Soul, the Greatness of the Lord. The second song is sung by Zechariah (1:67-79) in celebration of his baby son, John (the Baptist). Zechariah connects John’s future with prophets from Israel’s past (1:70). John, Zechariah say, ‘will be called the prophet of the Most High.’ (1:76) Prophets, like Malachi and others, point to what God’s doing in the world. John’s role is to point to someone – ‘the Most High’ – who is coming to do God’s work in the world; that is, John’s pointing to Jesus. What could you do to point people towards Jesus this Advent?
News and Notices
Michael Waugh
Our thoughts, sympathies and prayers are with his family, following Michael’s death, which occurred in November. The funeral service for Michael will take place at Tynemouth Crematorium on Thursday 9th December at 10.30 a.m., and is due to be conducted by the Reverend Trevor Jamison.
Meetings last 45-60 minutes.
The content – reading, conversation and prayer – is the same on both days.
Christmas Post Box
The annual Christmas post box is now in place in the church hall, enabling members to exchange cards, and giving them the opportunity to donate money saved on postage to a good cause. Cards will be sorted in a safe fashion and then be available for collection and distribution on Sunday 19th December.
Service in the Square, 10.00 a.m. Saturday 11th December
As usual, the Christmas market in Northumberland Square commences with a short carol service, with input from churches in North Shields, including music from the Salvation Army band. Please come along and add your voice to the singing.
Volunteer Stewards for Christmas Market Weekend
A big thank you to those who have responded to the recent email, asking for stewards to help with our” open-church” during the Christmas Market on 11th and 12th of December. Please sign up via the sheet in the church hall or contact Aileen or Norma.
Church Meeting minutes
The minutes of the Church Meeting which took place on November 23rd are available in the email version of the Weekly Update or can be obtained from Alison Drew.
Sleeping Beauty
To join with others in attending Tynemouth Priory Theatre’s pantomime, Sleeping Beauty on 14th January 2022 at 7.00 p.m., please book with Shirley, in person, by email, or by phone.
Tickets: Adult £8-00 Child £6-50
Keeping in Touch
You can contact your designated Elder, the Minister, or Church Secretary.
Last week in church we lit the first of our Advent candles, with the theme of ‘hope for the future’. This Sunday we will light the second candle, with the theme ‘hope of the prophets.’
The Tuesday group meets at church at 1.15 p.m.