30 Northumberland Square | North Shields | NE30 1PW
Weekly Update #29: Sunday 4th October 2020
From the Minister
So, how do you feel about the Ten Commandments? (They feature in today’s Old Testament reading.) Many have heard of them, though most are hazy about their content. Maybe we’re afraid to look closely in case we find out how many we are breaking! Perhaps we have a feeling they’re rather negative– too many “ thou shalt nots”. Take another look. Where a commandment says what not to do, ask what that also means you should do – the opposite of killing, for example, is bringing life. Then ask yourself what things constitute killing, or bringing life. Do that, and you find that these are not ten rules, but ten ‘words’, to get you thinking about and acting in healthy ways for living in God’s world.
Probably not what we are expecting from our organist on Sundays… Click here to watch the YouTube video.
Prayer
O God, your word is our command.
Teach us how to live rightly with you and with others.
Guide us, so that we might avoid what’s wrong, do what’s right,
And live abundant lives.
Amen
SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP IN THE BUILDING
At this point, as far as we know, new government restrictions on meeting socially in the North East of England do not affect gathering for worship, observing social distancing measures, as we do. We will place a message on the church website and Facebook page should our understanding change.
To be able attend to attend the 10.00 a.m. or 11.15 a.m. service, contact Alison Drew between Monday morning and midday on the Friday in the week before the service. (Contact details below.)
Please remember to follow the practices that keep you and others safe in worship.
And some special reminders:
if you have a cough or a sniffle, please don’tcome to church that Sunday
wear your mask over both nose and mouth at all times when in the building
NEW! SUNDAY EVENING WORSHIP ON ZOOM ON OCTOBER 4th AT 6.30 P.M.
We’re beginning to hold evening worship on Zoom on the first Sunday of each month. Worship will last for about 40 minutes and include online communion, so have bread and wine, or equivalents, ready if you wish to participate. Trevor Jamison will lead this month’s service on the theme, God’s Creation and God’s Law.
To take part online, click here when the time comes. By phone: 0131 460 1196 Meeting ID: 858 9304 5009 Passcode: 284835
‘A landowner planted a vineyard … then he leased it to tenants.’ (Matthew 20:33) People who heard Jesus speak this parable knew that it was to do with Israel – God’s vineyard (Isaiah 5:2). But the misbehaving tenants in Jesus’s parable did not stand for Jews in general, but for their leaders: ‘the chief priests and pharisees … realised he was speaking about them.’ (21:45) Anyone gifted the responsibility of leadership, in politics, work, church, home, or elsewhere, is being reminded not to ignore or misuse God’s gifts and call (and nor should anyone else).
Just a few more volunteers needed now
Thanks to those who have already made offers to support three areas of church life which are very important at this time. One person is exploring putting material for Weekly Update into its electronic format. Three people have made offers about hosting Zoom meetings. Our big need now is for help with recording and editing videos of worship so that those not in the building for services can also participate. If you, or someone you know, has some knowledge of video editing software or willingness to learn to use it, please get in touch. You would receive necessary training and ongoing support. To express an interest, find out more, or suggest a name, please contact Trevor Jamison or Mathew Hall.
Operation Christmas Child – your opportunity to fill a shoebox
Shirley McKay has ordered fifty Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes for anyone who would like to fill a box for a child. Either collect the box and return it to Shirley’s home, or Shirley will deliver to and collect from you. Boxes cost fifty pence and contain a list of suggested items: 0191 257 4687 or [email protected]
Alternatively, make a donation and Shirley will fill the box for you, or you can fill a shoebox online https://shoeboxonline.samaritans-purse.org.uk/
St Columba’s Coffee and Conversation –
Saturdays at 10.00 a.m.
Join the conversation on the day by clicking here.
Meeting ID: 889 0759 8393 Password: 261515
To join by telephone, dial this local rate number: 0131 460 1196
Don’t forget, you’re allowed to invite friends along to take part in the conversation!
Online Prayer Gathering – takes place on the last Sunday of the month
Our thirty-minute gathering to bring concerns to God in prayer. Next gathering Sunday 25th October.
Bible Exploration – Thursday 8th October at 7.15 p.m., led by Trevor Jamison
– The Psalms and Worship
To join online, click here when the time comes. Meeting ID: 813 5031 6262 Passcode: 062637 Phone: 0131 460 1196
Keeping in Touch – Your contact details
If your contact details (address, telephone or email) change please make sure to inform our Church Secretary Alison Drew.
You can contact your designated Elder, the Minister, or Church Secretary.
So, how do you feel about the Ten Commandments? (They feature in today’s Old Testament reading.) Many have heard of them, though most are hazy about their content. Maybe we’re afraid to look closely in case we find out how many we are breaking! Perhaps we have a feeling they’re rather negative– too many “ thou shalt nots”. Take another look. Where a commandment says what not to do, ask what that also means you should do – the opposite of killing, for example, is bringing life. Then ask yourself what things constitute killing, or bringing life. Do that, and you find that these are not ten rules, but ten ‘words’, to get you thinking about and acting in healthy ways for living in God’s world.
Bible readings for Sunday
Shirley McKay has ordered fifty Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes for anyone who would like to fill a box for a child. Either collect the box and return it to Shirley’s home, or Shirley will deliver to and collect from you. Boxes cost fifty pence and contain a list of suggested items: 0191 257 4687 or 