30 Northumberland Square | North Shields | NE30 1PW Weekly Update #248 – Sunday 4th May 2025
From the Minister How Long Does Easter Last?
It feels like I had only recently finished off the Christmas chocolate when a load of Easter eggs appeared. Now I am going to have to tackle them (a nasty job, but someone has to do it), in the knowledge that from this Sunday there are only 235 days to go until Christmas Day, and the next lot of chocolate. How long does Easter last for? Is it all over by the day after Easter Sunday? No! Easter is a season, not just a day. It goes all the way to Pentecost Sunday (8th of June this year). So the resurrection emphasis is reflected in our worship each Sunday until then. That’s true of this week’s joint Sunday evening service with St Andrew’s URC, Monkseaton. It won’t just be about the tea, coffee and cakes (St Andrew’s tell me chocolate brownies are guaranteed – yes, more chocolate). We’ll have conversation and spirited debate about which three Easter resurrection hymns we should sing from a list of six possibles. Of course, the resurrection has happened, and its effect is for every day, not just for Easter Sunday, or a seven-week season. Every day of the year is a “little Easter” though it’s probably best not celebrate every one of them by eating yet another chocolate egg.
Lord Jesus, risen from the dead and alive for evermore, stand in our midst today and every day; speak peace to our hearts and minds; and send us forth into the world as your witnesses; for the glory of your name. Amen.
John R W Stott (altd)
Worship Sunday 4th May
10.30 a.m.A service led by Stephen Cook, North Shields Salvation Army (This Sunday, for those who wish to make a donation for the purchase of medical items for use in the Ukraine, a donation box will be available at the back of the church.)
6.30 p.m. Joint service with members of St Andrew’s URC, Monkseaton – at St Andrew’s – led by Louise Sanders and Trevor Jamison, featuring tea, coffee and cake, and discussion about our top Easter hymns.
Livestream of morning services from Saint Columba’s
To watch the morning service live, catch up with it later in the week, or view previous services,
10.30 a.m. A communion service, led by the Revd Dr Trevor Jamison, including ordination and induction of Elders for service at St Columba’s.
6.00 p.m. Churches Together Christian Aid Service at Church of the Holy Saviour, Tynemouth.
Bible readings
Act 9:1-6, (7-20) Saul of Tarsus encounters Jesus
Psalm 30 God’s anger is momentary, God’s favour is lifelong
Revelation 5:11-14 Every creature praises Jesus Christ
John 21:1-19 The risen Jesus appears to disciples at the lakeside
“With the End In Mind” is wonderful book about living and dying well. It is written by Katherine Mannix who spent her medical career working with people who have incurable advanced illnesses. The book cover features an image of a hand holding out a cup of tea. In the book, which tells many stories of people coming to the end of life, there are thirty-eight occasions where cups of tea are made and drunk. When we are facing a stressful experience we often resort to a familiar activity to help us cope, such as making a cup of tea. In John 21, Peter and other disciples have been through the arrest and death of Jesus, then encountered him as their risen Lord (21:14). To say the least this must have been psychologically stressful. In response, Peter takes refuge in the familiar: ‘I am going fishing.’ I imagine it was Andrew, James and John who were the first to respond, ‘We will go with you.’ (21:3) They were fishermen. It was who they were and what they did, so when things got stressful … Jesus uses their fishing as the means to a meeting: ‘bring some of the fish you have just caught.’ (21:10) In times of stress people might resort to prayer, either of the “please get me out of this, Lord” variety, or perhaps familiar words of a prayer learned by rote, such as the Lord’s Prayer. Maybe God will make use of them to meet with people in their time of need.
Church Prayer Space – This week: Jesus Appears to Disciples
This Sunday, the church prayer space allows for quiet reflection and prayer concerning the risen Jesus appearing to disciples in a room in Jerusalem, inviting them to look at his hands and feet, which display wounds from the cross. The space features praying hands, a reading (Luke 24:36-49), and a prayer: Gracious God, help us trust like the disciples, finding courage through the power of your Holy Spirit to live and share your love. Inspire us with your loving words “Peace be with you”. Renew our strength and our purpose through your peace. Amen.
Firefighters Memorial Day Weekend – Act of Remembrance, 4th May
You are invited to join others on the forecourt of Tynemouth Community Fire Station for an act of remembrance at 12.00 pm on Sunday 4th May.
Family Movie event at St Columba’s – Thursday 8th May at 4.00 p.m.
It’s family movie time in the Lishman Hall at St Columba’s, featuring an adventurous girl, sailing out on a daring mission to save her people (if you don’t know which movie that is then ask around!)
Moviegoers of all ages are invited to come along with family and friends to join others in enjoying the movie and accompanying refreshments.
For more information contact Irene: 0735 0397770.
Christian Aid Week events and opportunities – 11th-17th May
Envelopes for donations, which can be shared with family, friends and neighbours, are available in the church hall and church worship area.
Saturday 10th May – Fundraising coffee morning at Hawkey’s Lane Methodist Church. St Columba’s will be responsible for the cake stall. Please contact Shirley or Evelyn with your offers of donations of cakes and scones.
Sunday 11th May at 6.00 p.m. – Christian Aid Service at Church of the Holy Saviour, Tynemouth.
It feels like I had only recently finished off the Christmas chocolate when a load of Easter eggs appeared. Now I am going to have to tackle them (a nasty job, but someone has to do it), in the knowledge that from this Sunday there are only 235 days to go until Christmas Day, and the next lot of chocolate. How long does Easter last for? Is it all over by the day after Easter Sunday? No! Easter is a season, not just a day. It goes all the way to Pentecost Sunday (8th of June this year). So the resurrection emphasis is reflected in our worship each Sunday until then. That’s true of this week’s joint Sunday evening service with St Andrew’s URC, Monkseaton. It won’t just be about the tea, coffee and cakes (St Andrew’s tell me chocolate brownies are guaranteed – yes, more chocolate). We’ll have conversation and spirited debate about which three Easter resurrection hymns we should sing from a list of six possibles. Of course, the resurrection has happened, and its effect is for every day, not just for Easter Sunday, or a seven-week season. Every day of the year is a “little Easter” though it’s probably best not celebrate every one of them by eating yet another chocolate egg.
To watch the morning service live, catch up with it later in the week, or view previous services,
You are invited to join others on the forecourt of Tynemouth Community Fire Station for an act of remembrance at 12.00 pm on Sunday 4th May.
It’s family movie time in the Lishman Hall at St Columba’s, featuring an adventurous girl, sailing out on a daring mission to save her people (if you don’t know which movie that is then ask around!)
Envelopes for donations, which can be shared with family, friends and neighbours, are available in the church hall and church worship area.