30 Northumberland Square | North Shields | NE30 1PW Weekly Update #219 – 29th September 2024
From the Minister Harvest Time! “Praise God for the harvest of orchard and field” is the first line in a hymn by Brian Wren. That’s all quite traditional, and there are fields close to North Shields. Given our location we might want to put in a word for the harvest of the seas in addition to that, but that’s hardly radical. The next verse of the hymn asks us to “Praise God for the harvest that comes from afar,” referencing foods packed and transported, which adds a more contemporary note. Then in succeeding verses we hear about the harvest that’s quarried and mined, the harvest of science and skill, and a harvest of mercy and peace, which the hymn writer expects our leaders to produce. How wide a view of harvest do we wish to take? In this country we’re centuries away from the time when most people made their living off the land, though we all still depend upon someone doing so. So it makes sense both to celebrate the harvest of the land (and seas) and the harvests associated with other activities and work as well. What remains constant in Brian Wren’s hymn, though, is that each verse begins, “Praise God for the harvest.” Whatever sort of harvest we are celebrating, don’t forget God who makes it possible in the first place.
Trevor
Prayer Lord, your harvest is the harvest of love; love sown in the hearts of people; love that spreads out like the branches of a great tree. Nurture our days with your love, water our souls with the dew of forgiveness, that the harvest of our lives may be your joy. Amen.
From a prayer by Frank Topping
Worship Sunday 29th September 2024
10.30 a.m. A service celebrating the harvest, led by Dr Andrew Graydon. During this service we will be accepting gifts for Nite Bite, a churches project in North Shields, offering a meal to those in need of one. This year, tins of soup, beans and meat, tinned fruit and cartons of custard are particularly sought, but all gifts are welcome.
6.30 p.m. A contemplative service on a harvest theme, led by the Revd Dr Trevor Jamison
Livestreamed Worship from Saint Columba’s
To watch the morning service live, catch up with it later in the week, or view previous services,
“The Responsibility Is Ours”: a service led by Trevor Jamison, focusing on Christian financial stewardship and the ongoing life of the church. See below for further details.
Bible readings
Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29 Elders are the answers to problems!
Psalm 19:7-14 God’s law is good and desirable
James 5:13-20 Prayer and supporting the sick
Mark 9:38-50 Don’t put obstacles in the way of people’s faith
‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Psalm 19:14) In some churches, after a hymn is sung and before the sermon commences, the congregation remains standing whilst the preacher recites these words from Psalm 19. These meditations of the heart (should) have been upon scripture, and out of that meditation, related to personal experience and the community setting, the preacher offers a “word” from God for the congregation. The Psalmist writes about ‘the law of the LORD’ – the stories, histories and regulations contained in the Hebrew scriptures. Often, we tend to think of “law” only in terms of rules and regulations, dos and don’ts. The Psalmist (and fellow Hebrews) see it more widely. Scripture is there to be pondered and interpreted, and that can be a joy. Yes, the rules can be helpful, enabling you to identify and avoid wrongdoing (19:11), but pondering and meditating how what was written then should be interpreted and acted upon now can be a revelation, a joy – as valuable as gold and as sweet as honey. (19:10)
Give to me, Lord, a thankful heart and a discerning mind, give as I play the Christian’s part, the strength to finish what I start, and act on what I find. Click here to listen.
News and Notices
Irene Dougal
The funeral service for Irene Dougal will take place at Tynemouth crematorium on Thursday 10th October at 11.15 a.m. The service will be conducted by Trevor Jamison.
Jim Carr
We share news of the death of Jim Carr, husband of the late Sylvia Carr. The funeral service will take at the cemetery chapel at Preston Cemetery on Monday 7th October at 11.00 a.m. The service will be conducted by Trevor Jamison.
The Responsibility Is Ours – Stewardship Sunday, October 6th
Everyone in the Saint Columba’s family is invited and encouraged to attend our special stewardship service on Sunday 6th October at 10.30 a.m. Come along to worship, and to listen and consider together matters of vital importance to our continuing shared church life.
Opportunity to visit Tynemouth Photographic Society
On Wednesday 2nd October at 2.00 p.m. HANDS are visiting Tynemouth Photographic Society in Howard Street for an illustrated talk on Old North Shields. Anyone interested in joining in with the visit will be most welcome.
Pie and Peas Lunch and Quiz – Saturday 19th October, 1.00 p.m.
Tickets are now on sale for another of our highly popular Pie and Pea lunches (plus quiz). Tickets cost £8.00 and are available from Norma.
Next Update – Sunday 6th October
Trevor Jamison will edit the next Update. Please get your information to him by Tuesday 1st October.
Keeping in Touch
You can contact your Elder, the Minister, or Church Secretary.
“Praise God for the harvest of orchard and field” is the first line in a hymn by Brian Wren. That’s all quite traditional, and there are fields close to North Shields. Given our location we might want to put in a word for the harvest of the seas in addition to that, but that’s hardly radical. The next verse of the hymn asks us to “Praise God for the harvest that comes from afar,” referencing foods packed and transported, which adds a more contemporary note. Then in succeeding verses we hear about the harvest that’s quarried and mined, the harvest of science and skill, and a harvest of mercy and peace, which the hymn writer expects our leaders to produce. How wide a view of harvest do we wish to take? In this country we’re centuries away from the time when most people made their living off the land, though we all still depend upon someone doing so. So it makes sense both to celebrate the harvest of the land (and seas) and the harvests associated with other activities and work as well. What remains constant in Brian Wren’s hymn, though, is that each verse begins, “Praise God for the harvest.” Whatever sort of harvest we are celebrating, don’t forget God who makes it possible in the first place.
To watch the morning service live, catch up with it later in the week, or view previous services,
‘Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable to you, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.’ (Psalm 19:14) In some churches, after a hymn is sung and before the sermon commences, the congregation remains standing whilst the preacher recites these words from Psalm 19. These meditations of the heart (should) have been upon scripture, and out of that meditation, related to personal experience and the community setting, the preacher offers a “word” from God for the congregation. The Psalmist writes about ‘the law of the LORD’ – the stories, histories and regulations contained in the Hebrew scriptures. Often, we tend to think of “law” only in terms of rules and regulations, dos and don’ts. The Psalmist (and fellow Hebrews) see it more widely. Scripture is there to be pondered and interpreted, and that can be a joy. Yes, the rules can be helpful, enabling you to identify and avoid wrongdoing (19:11), but pondering and meditating how what was written then should be interpreted and acted upon now can be a revelation, a joy – as valuable as gold and as sweet as honey. (19:10)
Tickets are now on sale for another of our highly popular Pie and Pea lunches (plus quiz). Tickets cost £8.00 and are available from Norma.