30 Northumberland Square | North Shields | NE30 1PW Weekly Update #249 – Sunday 11th May 2025
From the Minister Weather Outlook Uncertain as it’s Christian Aid Week
When people express shock that it’s very warm for May and/or that it’s very cold for May I just smile. I know that neither heat nor cold is unusual in May because that’s when Christian Aid Week takes place. In previous years I have stood on the street shaking a collecting tin on behalf of Christian Aid. In some years I have been comfortable wearing tee shirt and shorts. In others overcoat, scarf and large umbrella have failed to keep me warm and dry. This year’s Christian Aid Week (11-17 May) highlights the experience of farmers in Guatemala, such as Aurelia, pictured above. They face problems with the weather that go far beyond the usual seasonal variations, Climate change is bringing them gruelling heatwaves, savage storms, and unpredictable growing seasons. Partnering with “Congcoop”, Christian Aid helps provide specialist agricultural training to farmers like Aurelia so that she can produce crops better suited to changed conditions. Founded by British and Irish churches, Christian Aid has been working with our neighbours around the world for eighty years now, seeking dignity and justice for all through combating poverty, and it continues to be worthy of our support. Trevor Image: www.christianaid.org.uk
View the Christian Aid Week 2025 video click here.
If you wish to donate to Christian Aid Week, you can use the envelopes available at church or you can do so online click here.
Prayer for Christian Aid Week 2025 Lord, you are faithful to your promises. Through the Spirit you bless us with abounding hope. When power seeks to silence justice, give us the courage to raise our voice. When an end to poverty seems far off, renew our faith in your kingdom come on earth. When our neighbour reaches out, inspire us to respond with overflowing love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Worship Sunday 11th May 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, and marking the beginning of Christian Aid week 2025 6.00 p.m. Churches Together Christian Aid Service at Church of the Holy Saviour, Tynemouth.
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,
Sunday 18th May 10.30 a.m. A service led by the Revd Dr Trevor Jamison.
Bible readings
Act 9:36-43 Peter raises Tabitha from the dead
Psalm 23 God is our shepherd, caring for us in all circumstances
Revelation 7:9-17 A vision of a multitude of people praising God
John 10:22-30 Jesus, the shepherd, promises eternal life to his sheep
Reflection on the Readings
Psalm 23 is so familiar that sometimes it’s possible not to pay attention to what you read, say or sing. This time around, when I re-read it slowly, I notice that there are two occasions of eating in the psalm. Firstly, God, the Shepherd, brings us to ‘green pastures.’ (23:2) Pasture is there for feeding, for eating. Then, secondly, the table is set by God (23:5) so that we can eat, even in challenging circumstances. Then in John 10 Jesus, portraying himself as shepherd, just as God is shepherd, declares that he provides what’s necessary to his sheep so that may live. (10:28) We need to be careful not to over-spiritualise what’s being said in these Bible passages. Yes, it’s true that God feeds us spiritually, and we need that to sustain us for ‘eternal life’ (10:28), but people also need to be sustained physically, with everyday food and drink, which God also provides for the world. This being Christian Aid Week, it’s good to remember that God supports and sustains us, both physically and spiritually. For us to be in God’s image, then, involves us trying to do the same for our neighbours.
Church Prayer Space – This week: Breakfast on the Beach
The church prayer space, available on Sunday and Tuesday mornings, allows for quiet reflection and prayer. This week, the risen Lord Jesus meets his disciples by the sea (John 21:1-14). Loving God, give us courage and strength, so that we can follow Jesus no matter what challenges, difficulties or hardships face us. Help us to listen out for your guidance, to be ready to try a different way. When we have faltered, help us to hear your words of forgiveness. Deepen our faith and trust. Amen. Image: Photo by CC
Church outreach project and “Open the Book” – volunteering opportunities There are opportunities to help out with two projects being organised by our Synod Pioneer Worker, Irene Frith. In the first, along with another Synod worker, Irene will be connecting fortnightly with children and families in Pearson Park, North Shields. She is looking for a couple of volunteers to prepare and service refreshments. Irene is also looking to bring together an Open The Book team, delivering school assemblies through imaginative Bible story telling. https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/get-involved/open-the-book/ Volunteers are needed to help with costumes and resources. You can find out more about what’s involved here.
Thank you to everyone who supported our recent curry lunch and quiz event. The sum of £325 was raised for church funds. Our next event will be the Strawberry Fayre on Saturday 7th June.
Next Update – Sunday 18th May
Trevor Jamison will edit the next Update. Please get your information to him by Tuesday 13th May.
Keeping in Touch
You can contact your Elder, the Minister, or Church Secretary.
When people express shock that it’s very warm for May and/or that it’s very cold for May I just smile. I know that neither heat nor cold is unusual in May because that’s when Christian Aid Week takes place. In previous years I have stood on the street shaking a collecting tin on behalf of Christian Aid. In some years I have been comfortable wearing tee shirt and shorts. In others overcoat, scarf and large umbrella have failed to keep me warm and dry. This year’s Christian Aid Week (11-17 May) highlights the experience of farmers in Guatemala, such as Aurelia, pictured above. They face problems with the weather that go far beyond the usual seasonal variations, Climate change is bringing them gruelling heatwaves, savage storms, and unpredictable growing seasons. Partnering with “Congcoop”, Christian Aid helps provide specialist agricultural training to farmers like Aurelia so that she can produce crops better suited to changed conditions. Founded by British and Irish churches, Christian Aid has been working with our neighbours around the world for eighty years now, seeking dignity and justice for all through combating poverty, and it continues to be worthy of our support.
To watch the morning service live, catch up with it later in the week, or view previous services,
There are opportunities to help out with two projects being organised by our Synod Pioneer Worker, Irene Frith. In the first, along with another Synod worker, Irene will be connecting fortnightly with children and families in Pearson Park, North Shields. She is looking for a couple of volunteers to prepare and service refreshments. Irene is also looking to bring together an Open The Book team, delivering school assemblies through imaginative Bible story telling.