30 Northumberland Square | North Shields | NE30 1PW
Weekly Update #56 – 25th April 2021
From the Minister Light at the End of the Tunnel
Along with, ‘we’re all in this together’, the most used phrase concerning the pandemic during this last year must be, ‘there’s light at the end of the tunnel’. For many people, the ‘tunnel’ of lockdowns and isolation has been a dark place. For some, a feeling of God’s presence, accompanying us through the tunnel has been a comfort and strength. Now, it looks like we will emerge from the tunnel at last. As we do we’ll need to be helpful and understanding towards one another. Just as we have had different experiences in the tunnel, we’ll have different feelings and experiences of emerging into the light – though it will be good to get there. Trevor
Prayer
Loving Shepherd, you know our names; you care for us.
When we face darkness and death, walk beside us.
When we hunger for your love, fill us with your presence.
When we are fearful, feed us at your table.
May we dwell in the house of goodness and mercy
all the days of our lives. Amen.
Our Elders will be meeting on Monday 26th April to look at responses to the survey of the of the congregation, and to make decisions about the format and timing for returning to worship in the building. More news to follow soon.
WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY via ZOOM and Phone
10.30 A.M. SERVICE
Led by the Reverend Jack Macadam
To join this Sunday’s morning service, online or by phone
When the time comes to join the service, click here,
Online URC audio service https://devotions.urc.org.uk/10.00 a.m. RadioRadio 4Sunday Worship 8.10 a.m. Television BBC2 Songs of Praise 1.15 p.m.
Note channel change DISCLAIMER: TV and Radio schedules can change, so check the timings are correct!
Bible readings for Sunday
(from the Revised Common Lectionary)
Acts 4:5-12 The one we killed is the one who saves us
Psalm 23 God is our shepherd
1 John 3:16-24 Obeying Jesus’s command to love one another
John 10:11-18 Jesus is our shepherd
‘The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand … sees the wolf coming and runs away.’ (John 10:11, 12) Shepherding is a tough business, as the hired hand that you can see fleeing this scene has found out. At first sight, it looks as though the shepherd is winning the fight, but Jesus says that he is a shepherd who gives his life for the sheep. So now it looks as if the wolves are about to win. Not only does Jesus lay down his life for the world, however, he also has ‘power to take it up again.’ (10:18) In this season of Easter resurrection we’re reminded that God has the power and love to shepherd us through even ‘the darkest valley’ (Psalm 23:4).
The strife is o’er, the battle done; Now is the Victor’s triumph won; O let the song of praise be sung: Alleluia!
Latin, 17th century, tr. Francis Potts (1832-1909)
We are sad to report the death of Dave Kay, a longstanding member of St Columba’s and send our prayers and sympathy to his family and friends. The funeral service is due to take place at Tynemouth Crematorium on Thursday 29th April at 12.45 p.m., conducted by the Reverend Trevor Jamison.
Holy Spirit Discussion Group Series – 6, 13, and 20th May
We will be having a three-session discussion group series on the Holy Spirit, in preparation for Pentecost (Sunday 23rd May). These will take place on Zoom, on Thursday evenings at 7.15 p.m. Further details will be in the next Update.
Church Magazine articles wanted by the end of the month!
Your articles for The Square, our church magazine, are wanted by April 30th, please. They should be 300 words or less in length, and sent to Val Hopper; [email protected]
St Columba’s Coffee and Conversation
on Saturdays at 10.00 a.m.
Meet friends for conversation and company, online or by phone.
Along with, ‘we’re all in this together’, the most used phrase concerning the pandemic during this last year must be, ‘there’s light at the end of the tunnel’. For many people, the ‘tunnel’ of lockdowns and isolation has been a dark place. For some, a feeling of God’s presence, accompanying us through the tunnel has been a comfort and strength. Now, it looks like we will emerge from the tunnel at last. As we do we’ll need to be helpful and understanding towards one another. Just as we have had different experiences in the tunnel, we’ll have different feelings and experiences of emerging into the light – though it will be good to get there. 
‘The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand … sees the wolf coming and runs away.’ (John 10:11, 12) Shepherding is a tough business, as the hired hand that you can see fleeing this scene has found out. At first sight, it looks as though the shepherd is winning the fight, but Jesus says that he is a shepherd who gives his life for the sheep. So now it looks as if the wolves are about to win. Not only does Jesus lay down his life for the world, however, he also has ‘power to take it up again.’ (10:18) In this season of Easter resurrection we’re reminded that God has the power and love to shepherd us through even ‘the darkest valley’ (Psalm 23:4).
Church Magazine articles wanted by the end of the month!