30 Northumberland Square | North Shields | NE30 1PW
Weekly Update #19: Sunday 26th July 2020
From the Minister, well, not quite!
As Trevor is taking a well-deserved holiday, not in the Maldives I add, I have stepped into the breach for this week. Several of us have missed an eagerly awaited holiday, indeed many of us have been confined to our houses, but the time of freedom is nigh! Are we ready for it? Do we have the strength and confidence to step over the threshold to see how the world has changed? Is it a little scary perhaps? Paul writes in Romans 8: 28 “And we know that in all things God works for good in of those who love him…” and in v 31 “If God is for us, who can be against us?” It can be very difficult at times to believe these statements, when times are bad especially, but as Christians we can claim their truth and trust Him to look after us. Previously in v 26, Paul reminds us that the Spirit intercedes for us in our prayers and helps us in our weakness, so pray for His help and strength as you take ‘the first step’ outside. Remember to have your face mask with you, and be prepared for a different environment out there.
Father, help me face reality in the knowledge that there is nothing to fear when you are near. Thank you for your promised presence in every situation. May this wonderful truth hold me secure in times of worry, pain and loss. In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
In Genesis we read how Jacob wants to marry Rachel, in Matthew we read about a man planting a mustard seed, a woman mixing yeast into dough, a man hiding a treasure in a field, and a man finding a fine pearl. They were all looking forward to the future, all of them needed to make a sacrifice to achieve their goal, be it 14 years labour or a tiny seed. What are we prepared to sacrifice to gain the glory of God’s kingdom as it is described in Psalms and Romans?
For further reflections and prayers relating to the readings, including why Jesus taught using parables, click here.
St Columba’s Coffee and Conversation – Saturdays at
10.00 a.m.
Join the conversation on the day by clicking here.
Meeting ID: 856 7769 5074, Password: 667530
To join by telephone, dial this local rate number: 0203 051 2874
A thirty-minute opportunity for prayer together and hand it all to God, including learning a shared signed-response to some prayers.
For further information, contact Charlene Clark charleneclark@hotmail.co.uk
To join, when the time comes click here.
Meeting ID: 847 3451 8696 Password: 028882
Columba Conversations – from Thursday 18th June at 7.15 p.m.
The final discussion of the series of 6 relaxed conversations, led by Trevor Jamison, to (re)explore things we’re taught as children and might believe as adults. This week’s conversation is on Be(com)ing a Christian, on Thursday 30th July at 7.15pm
Meetings will be one hour long. To join the meeting, click on the link or telephone in.
If you can’t join in, don’t hesitate to contact Trevor to request a copy of the handout relating to the meeting
Important Information
Click here to view a notice about the re-start of our Sunday worship at St. Columba’s. Please read it carefully and if you have any questions about it contact your designated elder.
Bookings will be taken from the Monday preceding the Sunday service, i.e. Monday 10th for August 16th. Please indicate which service you wish to attend.
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.
