Weekly Update #251 – 25 May

St Columba’s United Reformed Church

30 Northumberland Square | North Shields | NE30 1PW
Weekly Update #251 – Sunday 25th May 2025
The baptism of Lydia

Image: The Baptism of Lydia, by Marie Ellenrieder, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.

Worship      Sunday 25th May

10.30 a.m.    A service led by the URC Northern Synod Moderator, the Revd Kim Plumpton.

6.30 p.m.      A service led by Dr Ann Sinclair, of St Andrew’s URC, Monkseaton.

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,

Click here.

Sunday 1st June

10.30 a.m.    A service led by Liz Morrell.

Bible readings                  Sixth Sunday of Easter

Acts 16:9-15                       Paul’s vision to take the Gospel to Macedonia.
Psalm 67                            Let all the peoples praise God for God’s blessings.
Revelation 21:10,22-22:5   A vision of the holy city, whose light will come from God.
John 14:23-29                    Jesus will leave his peace, and God will send the Spirit.
John 5:1-9                          Jesus heals a man by the pool on the Sabbath.

You can read the Bible passages online at https://www.biblegateway.com/.

News and Notices 

Slimline Weekly Update

We are trying a shorter Update, as this may be more manageable to produce in future.  Do give your comments to Alison Drew.

Minister Away

Trevor Jamison is away until Monday 2nd June. Please contact the Church Secretary if you have a significant and urgent concern in the meantime.

The Lost Phone

Brenda S thanks everyone for their concern; she has now found her phone.  All’s well that ends well.

Christian Aid Week envelope donations

Thank you to you all for your very kind donations.  The amount of £530.55 has been raised for the work of Christian Aid.  Well done!

Church Prayer Space – This week: A new commandment

The church prayer space, available on Sunday and Tuesday mornings, allows for quiet reflection and prayer.

This week John 13: 31 – 35.

globe and crossGracious God,
May we find renewal in our relationships with family and friends.
Guide our thoughts to discern the needs of people in our lives.
May our love for one another kindle flames of joy and hope.
Thank you for those who are an example of your love and show their love to one another.
May the light and warmth of your grace inspire us to follow the way of Jesus Christ and serve you in your Kingdom now and forever.
Amen.

Image: LM.

Mike Elphick’s Funeral – Monday 2nd June

Mike and his late wife Jill Elphick were members of St Columba’s for many years, before moving to Northumberland in retirement.  He died on 9th April, aged 82.  A funeral service will be held at the Church of St John the Evangelist, Longhirst, at 1.30 p.m. on Monday 2nd June, followed by a committal at Felton Crematorium at 3.00 p.m. and a gathering to remember his life at Longhirst Village Hall at 4.00 p.m.  Family flowers only.  The family has set up a memorial page with lots of photographs and more details of his life.

HANDS – Wednesday 4th June

HANDS’ speaker on Wednesday 4th June will be Paula Bennett from Age UK, who will be speaking about services they offer, such as housing, befriending, benefits, dementia care.  This is an open meeting and members would like to invite anyone who wishes to come, to join them.

Family Movie Night – Thursday 5th June, 4.00 pm

Save the date for our next family movie night at St Columba’s: girl reunited with Maui ancestors to face a journey unlike any other! Come along with family and friends to enjoy the movie, with popcorn, snacks and drinks provided. Contact Irene Frith for more information on 07350 397770.

St Columba’s Strawberry Fayre – Saturday 7th June, 10.00 am – 4.00 p.m.

strawberriesCoinciding with the YMCA Picnic in the Park event in Northumberland Square,  St Columba’s will be running our Strawberry Fayre. At the same time, reflecting the North Shields 800 celebration, the church will  be open to visitors, featuring a Past, Present and Future exhibition. Volunteers needed: If you are available to steward, serve or bake please put your name on the lists on the hall noticeboard, or contact Norma. Also, items for the tombola (preferably wrapped) are sought – please contact Evelyn.

Image by Peter from Pixabay.

Messy Church – Sunday 8th June, 3.00–5.15 p.m.

See the flyer for full details.

Synod Clerk

As Trevor will be retiring from this role at the end of the Synod meeting in October, if you know of anyone who might be interested in this full time paid role, the Church Secretary can supply further details.

Next Update – Sunday 1st June

Andrew Atkinson will also edit the next Update.  Please get your information to him by Tuesday 27th May.

Keeping in Touch

You can contact your Elder, the Minister, or Church Secretary.

Minister: The Reverend Dr Trevor Jamison     Church Secretary: Alison Drew
minister.northshieldsurc@gmail.com               [email protected]
0191 290 1193         07896 899538                 0191 251 9774

Copyright © 2025 St Columba’s United Reformed Church, All rights reserved.

Registered Address:
St Columba’s United Reformed Church

30 Northumberland Square

North Shields, Tyne and Wear NE30 1PW

United Kingdom

St Columba’s United Reformed Church Charity is a registered charity in England & Wales, number 1164784.

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