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News and Events
St Columba’s Church, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3EL
May 2016
ST COLUMBA’S UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
CELEBRATING 125 YEARS ON DOWNING STREET
Contact details
Website www.stcolumbaschurch.org
Minister The Rev’d Nigel
Uden
(office) 514 389
(manse) 314586
Church Secretary &
Clerk to the Church
Meeting
Nicholas Morgan [email protected]
353 870
Church Secretary Yvonne Norgett [email protected]
264619
Church Treasurer Ian Strachan [email protected]
574 047
Director of Music Ian de Massini [email protected]
07801 234343
Church
Administrator
Elaine Barker Mornings only—Wednesday is
Elaine’s rest day
312 814
Hospital Visitor Hazel Morrison 244 947
Cambridge Voices Ian de Massini (contact details above)
From The Minister
May 2016
The church is at its best when it is true to itself and relevant to its time and clime; when it speaks out of a profound awareness of its historical background with an insightful understanding of the mores of its day.
I get the sense that that is what happened in the last quarter of the nineteenth century in our Fenland town. Scots, newly enabled to be part of the University of Cambridge without being compelled to attend Church of England services in college chapels, brought a commitment both to their Presbyterian heritage and to their adopted home and so established a distinctive community of faith to complement the churches already here. In 1879 St Columba’s was formed, and in 1890 the building of its premises commenced – premises that would be deceptively commodious enough to be prescient of Dr Who’s TARDIS. Thus began one hundred and twenty five years of Christian worship, witness and work that we are marking in 2016.
A decade or so ago the United Reformed Church adopted a strap-line (‘What’s one of those?’ the founding members would surely ask); a strap-line which I believe to be helpful for understanding what inspired people in the 1870s, and for informing us as we build on their foundations. Without suggesting the United Reformed Church is unique, the strap-line describes our denomination as amongst those who are ‘Christ’s people, transformed by the Gospel, making a difference’. In those three clauses I find a trio of characteristics that reflect what should be at the heart of any Christian Church:
‘Christ’s people’ suggests identity –
we belong to God through Christ;
‘transformed by the Gospel’ tells of our hope –
we are reconciled to God by the saving work of Christ;
‘making a difference’ encapsulates our purpose –
we accept the task of being reconcilers in a world
to which the work of reconciliation can be so life-giving.
Reviewing the life and work that has emanated from St Columba’s buildings over the first one hundred and twenty five years I find all sorts of evidence of such identity, hope and purpose. Space allows me to mention only a few, but I believe them to be telling examples of the good works of St Columba’s because of which we can justify celebrating the anniversary of when the buildings were opened on 7 May 1891.
First, the worship that has been offered without interruption on almost every one of seven and half thousand Sundays. The walls of the sanctuary are pregnant with prayer; more than a million words have been preached to break open the written word of Scripture, intimating the living Word, Jesus Christ; and music has swelled countless voices in songs of praise, of lamentation and of faith-filled trust. This has been a place where worship revealed our identity, hope and purpose. Moreover, today the same buildings do so for Cambridge Chinese Christian Church, too, and their leaders will be with us on 8 May.
Secondly – and I list these with no priority other than chronology – the initiative and gift of Mesdames Gibson and Lewis saw York Street Mission flourish in the name of St Columba’s for several twentieth century decades. Situated in Romsey Town it was the locus of missionary work in an area where ‘housing and the general amenities were far below the standard of other areas of the city’. (A Centenary Survey, R. Buick Knox, page 48) In 1979 R. Buick Knox observed that despite much devoted service by many people, ‘it can scarcely be said that the imprint of St Columba’s has been left on the area’. (page 52) The work ceased in 1974, having been delivered single-handedly for many years and ‘few from St Columba’s responded to … appeals for helpers…’. Now, in a very different era and world, through income derived from the visionary development of the site twenty years ago, the life of St Columba’s is sustained by York Street. In particular, our capacity to support a significant amount of charitable good work at home and abroad is way beyond what otherwise would be feasible. The missionary intention of the sisters is thereby uninterrupted, albeit in so different a manner. Identity, hope, purpose.
Thirdly, rooms at St Columba’s have made possible the work of the Group Therapy Centre. More than forty years ago a minister’s passion and the congregation’s catching of his vision led to a ‘drop-in’ facility for people recently back home after a spell in Fulbourn Hospital. Volunteers provided activities, fellowship and refreshments.
The centre hasn’t stood still since The Revd Ronald Speirs started it; it doesn’t tread water. It has become a respected charity, offering group work which is commissioned by the state sector to ensure the provision of talking therapies. The last decade’s global economic conditions are amongst the features of twenty first century life that have shaped what the centre needs to offer, and proved its worth, particularly when mental health provision continues to be something of a Cinderella. The continuing use of St Columba’s premises in this way is a rich fulfilment of the vision that saw a church built here one hundred and twenty five years ago and it is good that the Clinical Lead, Ruth Wyner, has accepted our invitation to attend the Thanksgiving Service on 8th May.
And fourthly, NightLite. This entirely up-to-date use for St Columba’s chapel would surprise the founding members – though I think revelling has always typified at least part of any university’s student body. Night Lite offers some practical help and non-judgemental care to those whose partying leaves them anxious, lonely or worse for wear. It doesn’t proselytise, though when given opportunity its volunteer staff are ready ‘to give an account of the hope that is in them’. (I Peter 3.15) From our central location this 10pm-4am ministry every Saturday night is a fine use of the premises that opened in 1891; it is an eloquent witness to our identity, hope and purpose.
I believe these four examples bear testimony to authentic and effective service to God’s mission which St Columba’s sanctuary, halls and rooms have resourced for a century and a quarter. It would, therefore, be a serious flaw in this article if it didn’t acknowledge the members, elders and managers, the staff and ministers, who in successive periods have spent and been spent in consistent demonstration of our identity, hope and purpose. To each of them – of you – heartfelt thanks are due, and to God alone be the glory.
Equally, however, this item would be seriously lacking if we who are St Columba’s today didn’t hear the same call that our founding mothers and fathers heard, to live out our identity, hope and purpose in ways that simultaneously honour our past, and are relevant to our current context and culture. To be reconciled to God and to each other remains an urgent need, the satisfying of which can be as thrilling for us and as pleasing to God as ever it was.
As we rejoice in the first one hundred and twenty five years of our unfolding story it is right to offer special acts of worship, to have special meals, to learn from erudite addresses, beautiful music and modern art, to visit Scotland where our patron saint was so key to early promoting of the Gospel, and to raise funds to support some outward-facing good work. At the same time, the anniversary is best celebrated when we allow the Spirit of God to renew us, energise us and use us for St Columba’s continuing evolution as Christ’s people, transformed by the Gospel, making a difference. I cannot believe that Professors Maxwell and Stuart, who were amongst those early and visionary petitioners to the Presbytery of London, intended to establish a new church that would then forever stand still. And nor do I believe that the living God is honoured if our only vision is to tread water. Twenty first century Cambridge is very different indeed from that of the nineteenth. As I have previously observed elsewhere, the church may not be called to change with the times, but it must change for them.
Sometimes I use a Benediction found in Prayers for Privileged People by Walter Brueggemann, who once upon a time sat in our pews whenever on study leave from America. I close with it now:
The news is that the wind of God’s Spirit is blowing.
It may be a breeze
that cools and comforts.
It may be a gust
that summons you to notice.
It may be a storm
that blows you
where you have never been before.
Whatever the Spirit is in your life,
pay attention to it …
and the blessing of God,
Father, Son and Spirit,
will abide with you always.
So be it.
Nigel Uden
Pastoral News
We pray for the church family in all its joys and concerns.
Lawrence Laidlaw
Moyra and Alastair Laidlaw wish to thank all those from St Columba's who came to Lawrence's memorial service at Emmanuel URC. Their presence was a support and comfort at this sad time.
Elizabeth Short
David and Daphne Thomas recently paid a visit to see Elizabeth Short. They found her in good spirits and she asked them to give her good wishes to all at St. Columba’s.
John Chaplin
John has now had his knee surgery and is recovering well at home.
Forthcoming Events
BOOK GROUP
The book group in May will be on Monday 9th May at 8 Brunswick
Walk (T. 350217). The book Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte.
BOOKSTALL
The next bookstall will be held on Sunday 29th May. If any members have contributions of books or CD's we should appreciate receiving them on or before this date. We are particularly looking for books for children aged between 5 and 10. Christine and Michael Russell
TUESDAY CLUB
The Tuesday Club in April will be held on Tuesday 10th May at 7.30pm at the home of Ailsa Buchanan - 4 The Brambles, Balsham. This is the AGM with a bring and buy stall.
Date/Month Time Event Additional Info
May
Sunday 1st 11.00am
12:10pm
2.00pm
Holy Communion
Social Hour
Cambridge Chinese
Christian Church
By The Minister
In the Gibson Hall
Monday 2nd BANK HOLIDAY
Tuesday 3rd 7.30pm Centre of
Cambridge
Churches’ Forum
In St Columba’s Chapel
Thursday 5th
(Ascension Day)
11.00am Midweek
Communion
Saturday 7th 6 for
6.30pm
125th Anniversary
Dinner
At Westminster College
Sunday 8th 11.00am
12:10pm
2.00pm
6.00pm
Celebration Service
Social Hour
Cambridge Chinese
Christian Church
The Minister
preaches at Corpus
Christi College
With the Moderator of
the General Assembly,
Mr John Ellis, and The
Minister
By The Minister
In the Gibson Hall
Monday 9th 7.30pm
8.00pm
World Church and
World Mission
Group
Book Group
At 147 Thornton Road
At 8 Brunswick Walk
Diary
Tuesday 10th 7.30pm Tuesday Club AGM
with Bring and Buy
At 4 The Brambles,
Balsham
Thursday 12th 11.00am Midweek Communion By The Minister
Sunday 15th
(Pentecost)
11.00am
12:10pm
2.00pm
7.00pm
Public Worship
Social Hour
Cambridge Chinese
Christian Church
Christian Aid Week
Service
By The Revd Dr David
Cornick
In the Gibson Hall
At St Luke’s LEP
Monday 16th 7.30pm Elders’ Meeting In the Macalister Room
Thursday 19th 12.30pm Gibson’s Lunch Club In the Gibson Hall
Sunday 22nd 11.00am
12.10pm
2.00pm
6.00pm
Public Worship
Social Hour
Cambridge Chinese
Christian Church
Holy Communion
By Dr Augur Pearce
In the Gibson Hall
At Fulbourn with The
Revd Deborah McVey
Thursday 26th 11.00am Midweek Worship By The Revd John and
Elizabeth Whitehorn
Sunday 29th 11.00am
12:10pm
2.00pm
Public Worship
Social Hour
Cambridge Chinese
Christian Church
By The Minister with
Naomi Young preaching
In the Gibson Hall
Monday 30th BANK HOLIDAY
June
Sunday 5th 11.00am
12:10pm
2.00pm
8.00pm
Holy Communion
Social Hour
Cambridge Chinese
Christian Church
Referendum Hustings
By The Minister
In the Gibson Hall
At St Columba’s
Thursday 9th 11.00am Midweek Worship With Chris Wright
Saturday 11th 4.00pm 125 Lecture Recital With Prof Máire Ní
Mhaonaigh and
Cambridge Voices
Sunday 12th 11.00am
12:10pm
2.00pm
St Columba’s Day
Morning Worship
Social Hour
Cambridge Chinese
Christian Church
By The Minister with
The Very Revd Dr
Ian Bradley preaching
In the Gibson Hall
Monday 13th 8.00pm Book Group At 39 Haig Court
Lectionary
1st May
Readings
Acts 16.9-15
Psalm 67
Revelation 21.10, 22-22.5
John 14.23-29 or John 5.1-9
8th May
Readings
Acts 16.16-34
Psalm 97
Revelation 22.12-14, 16-17, 20-21
John 17.20-26
15th May PENTECOST
Readings
Acts 2.1-21 or Genesis 11.1-9
Psalm 104
Romans 8.14-17 or Acts 2.1-21
John 14.8-17, 25-27
22nd May TRINITY
Readings
Proverbs 8.1-4, 22-31
Psalm 8
Romans 5.1-5
John 16.12-15
29th May
Readings
I Kings 18.20-21, 22-29, 30-39
Psalm 96
Galatians 1.1-12
Luke 7.1-10
5th June
Readings
I Kings 17.8-24
Psalm 146
Galatians 1.11-24
Luke 7.11-17
12th June
Readings
I Kings 21.1-10, 15-21a
Psalm 5
Galatians 2.15-21
Luke 7.36-8.3
Congregational Lunch on Sunday June 12th
On Sunday 12th June there will be a joint Service with Emmanuel, at St Columba’s.
Afterwards we will share lunch together and hopefully some Members from Fulbourn URC can join us.
This is an advance notice that I will produce a sign up sheet for all three Churches in May.
We hope to have up to 100 people eating together in the large Hall.
Social hour, over coffee, will take place in the Gibson Hall as usual.
You will be contacted by your Elder for contributions of certain foods, and for names of willing helpers. We intend that all the tables will offer the same type of food and Vegetarian or Gluten free food will be available.
Kind Regards
Daphne, Alan, and the Catering Team
Christian Aid Week 2016
Christian Aid Week 2016 begins on Sunday 15th May with an Iona service at 7 p.m. at St. Luke’s Church, Victoria Road, Cambridge, CB4 3DZ. Parking is available off Stretten Avenue, to the north of the Church. The speaker will be Marie Lucchetta, who has much experience of working with Christian Aid. All are welcome!
Do watch out for the red envelope through your door, or if you are in Cambridge city, look out for the CA street collection on Wednesday 18th, Friday 20th and Saturday 21st. Please give generously to help some of the world’s poorest and most disadvantaged people. . .
To learn more about Christian Aid and Christian Aid Week, have a look at the website christianaid.org.uk.
Thank you very much,
Sheila Porrer
Romsey Mill Following last week’s talk by Neil Thompson from Romsey Mill, the churches in Cambridge have all received this appeal for volunteers.
Romsey Mill Charity Shop is in urgent need of volunteers, particularly on a Wednesday morning. No previous experience required as full training is given. Our Charity Shop raises vital funds every year towards our work with children, young people and families, and is an essential part of our presence in the community and the work that we do. If you are interested, or would like further information, please contact Terri Oxford (Charity Shop Manager) on 01223 506433 or Diane Hicks – [email protected] or 01223 213162
Letter of Appreciation from Christ Annointed Church, Ghana
Dear Rev. Nigel Uden,
Warmest greetings from the Chairman the Rev. Apostle D.C Addo and his team as well as the entire membership of the Christ Anointed Church to all the brethren of St Columbus Church in the UK.
Once again, I wish to use this medium to first acknowledge receipt of your kind cash donation of 1,400.00 Pounds remitted to the Children’s Ministry through Mrs. Victoria Ahulu and to also express our deepest appreciation to the St. Columbus Church for the extraordinary love showed to the Children and the Church as a whole.
Indeed, your support to the children’s ministry in this Church over the years has been very remarkable. This fact is well known to the generality of the members especially the children to the extent that, the name St. Columbus Church always evokes excitements among the church folks.
The arrival of this particular support through Mama Vic was very timely. The Children’s meeting place has been unbearably hot and stuffy for some time now due to protracted high weather temperatures. This has led to most of the children staying out of class during lesson periods. Secondly, lack of proper storage facility for their learning kits has resulted in rampant misplacement and disappearance of most of these kits. Moreover, the available seats have become insufficient for the growing number of children who throng the meeting Hall each passing Sunday.
With the coming of this fund therefore, we managed to buy and install two sets of split Air Conditioners to improve ventilation at the meeting hall. We also procured two sets of four-compartment metal cabinets to secure their learning kits. In addition 100 pieces of chairs and 50 pieces of tables were bought to augment the current number of 120, giving us a total of 220 chairs and 150 tables.
Please refer to the attached Pictures depicting the new state of the Children’s Meeting Hall after the installation of the new equipment.
It is now gratifying to note that the above interventions have brought about tremendous improvements in the Children’s Service. More children are now attending our Children Service Class. Children no more loiter about during lesson hours. More teachers are volunteering to teach now than before and there is enough seat for every one for now. The frequent loss of learning kits is now a thing of the past. The children are now very happy to sit down and learn.
Indeed, we cannot describe the joy and relief these dramatic changes in the Children’s Service have brought to us. Both the clergy and laity are truly appreciative of your kind gesture. Our sincerest prayer is that God will replenish those pockets and coffers where that help came from in hundreds and thousands folds.
God richly bless you.
Yours in the Lord
Rev. Apostle D. O. Kweku
(The General Secretary)
Fulbourn URC
FULBOURN URC – SERVICES FOR MAY 2016
Please note that on the third Sunday morning of the month, the service will start at 9.30am.
1st 10.30am Morning Worship – The Revd Allen Morton
8th 10.30am Morning Worship – Bob Parkin
15th 9.30am Morning Worship with Holy Communion –
The Revd Nigel Uden
15th 5pm Breathing Space – Jenny Mashford
22nd 10.30am Morning Worship – Mary Whittle
22nd 6pm Evening Worship with Holy Communion –
The Revd Deborah McVey
29th 10.30am Morning Worship – The Revd Dr John Bradbury
THE WORD TOGETHER BIBLE STUDY GROUP AT FULBOURN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH
continues to meet monthly on Tuesday afternoons at 2.30pm usually on the 3rd Tuesday of the month.
Our next meeting will be on Tuesday 17 May.
All are welcome to this ecumenical group.
ADVANCE NOTICES
COFFEE MORNING
on
Saturday 4 June from 10am to noon
You are invited to a coffee morning at
3 School Lane, Fulbourn, CB21 5BH
In aid of Fulbourn URC
And
A PIANO RECITAL BY IAN DE MASSINI
FEATURING MUSIC BY BACH
on
Saturday 2 July at 3pm at Fulbourn URC
In aid of Fulbourn URC
Emmanuel
Saturday June 4th - for an open-to-all Cream Tea to celebrate the 90th
birthday of our Queen, and the life of ‘our’ 90+ year olds, whilst welcoming
passers by and offering hospitality.
Thursday June 16th - for another Film Night.
Following the pleasurable evening viewing and discussing 'Philomena' the
next occasion is planned. Details of the venue can be had from Nigel Uden,
Rosemary Johnston or someone who has been contacted privately via
church email. On advice directly from the Government Independent
Cinema Office the venue will not be publicised in print to make clear this is
not a public viewing and therefore does not require a licence. The title
chosen will be in the June newsletter. Suggestions have been made and more
are welcome.
Saturday July 2nd - for a German Barbecue
Forthcoming Lunchtime Recitals - 1pm at Emmanuel URC
Thu 5th May Helen Roche and
Mike Waldron
Piano and violin
Wed 11th May Clare Simmonds and
Henrietta Hill
Piano and viola
Wed 18th May Maire Carroll Piano
Wed 25th May Drew Steanson Piano
VOLUNTEERING AT THE FAIR SHARES CAFÉ,
Emmanuel United Reformed Church, Trumpington Street.
“Fantastic little café; what a find. Lovely food and lovely people.”
The Fair Shares Café has been open for lunches, snacks, mid-morning and
afternoon refreshments for many years. Run by the church in agreement with
Eddies (a local charity that has been supporting people with learning
disabilities in Cambridgeshire for over ten years) and staffed by volunteers
from the church, Eddies and others, it is open four days per week, 10.30am-
3pm.
There is always a need for more volunteers! Some work one full day each
week; some work for the two main lunch-time hours, 12-2pm; others volunteer
one day per fortnight – there is great flexibility and willingness to accept the
time that can be offered.
There are two areas of work: in the kitchen and front of house.
In the kitchen people prepare the food and bake cakes, dish up the meals,
wash up and generally help as directed by the full-time kitchen supervisor.
Front of house involves serving customers - meeting and greeting, taking
orders, delivering meals, making drinks, clearing and cleaning tables and, for
some, serving at the till; being a Christian presence for staff and customers
alike. There is always one key worker present front of house.
For all roles, basic training is supplied, but much is common sense.
The joys of volunteering in either setting are in working with other volunteers,
seeing people with learning disabilities grow in confidence, ability and
enjoyment; meeting a lovely variety of members of the public and cheerfully
welcoming them into the church, where there is usually an exhibition or
something else to encourage them into the worship space; offering a quiet,
reflective space away from the bustle of life; being part of a caring, enabling
team.
Why not come along for a meal and see if this might be for you?
Further information can be found on the website http://www.emmanuel-
urc.org.uk/cafe
Ring Ann Auger, Centre Manager, or David Clark 01223 351174
or email [email protected]
Apologies for the incorrect telephone number shown in this article in last months News
and Events (April edition).
Commitment For Life
ZIMBABWE
Christian Aid in Zimbabwe is working on finalising a Country Level Emergency Preparedness Plan, which will go a long way to help anticipate, cope and recover from shocks and hazards such as prevailing food insecurity. As the drought deepens in Southern Zimbabwe, they are supporting communities in dry areas to produce drought tolerant crops such as sorghum and rosella. In addition, the program continues to promote disaster risk reduction and preparedness among communities as well as conservation agriculture (conserving moisture in times of low rainfall). While these measures and other income generating activities are strengthening household resiliency, the severity of this year’s drought has had an adverse effect on whole communities too. Work has begun on finding markets for a variety of climate smart agricultural products, promoting entrepreneurship and empowerment of the marginalised. Prayers are much needed for this region. Guardian global development editor, Lucy Lamble, reports from Malawi and Zimbabwe where the drought is having a devastating effect.
CENTRAL AMERICA – Guatemala
Guatemala is a middle income country with flourishing industry and some areas of great wealth. It is the fifth highest exporter of coffee and sugar in the world and has the highest number of private aeroplanes and helicopters per head in Central America. But it has one of the lowest tax takes in the world . The Guatemalan government doesn’t have the resources to ensure children have enough to eat, that women don’t die in childbirth or to prepare for and respond to inevitable storms and floods. Seven percent of all children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition. Spending on education is also one of the lowest in the region, with expenditure focused on primary education. Many children leave school with only a basic level of education. Secondary schools are often too far away and the cost of travel is too high for those living in poverty.
The redistribution of wealth, through a progressive tax system, is essential for development and poverty eradication. National and international companies must accept their responsibilities and pay their fair share.
Linda Mead. - Commitment for Life | Programme Co-ordinator
St Columba’s Activities
A Social Hour takes place after Public Worship on Sunday mornings and provides an opportunity for the members of a scattered congregation to meet other members, friends, students and visitors over refreshments.
Interest in the Developing World is catered for, among others, by the ecumenical International & Social Affairs Christian Network (ISACN). St Columba's has a special relationship with Emanuel Presbyterian Church, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, with Christ Anointed Church in Krobo-Odumase, Ghana, with Bethel Presbyterian Church, Ola Estates, Cape Coast, Ghana, and (through Commitment for Life) with Christian Aid supported work in Central America. St Columba’s supports the Council for World Mission (CWM), the United Reformed Church's annual Commitment for Life appeal, Centre of Cambridge Churches, Churches Together in England (CTE) and the St Columba Group Therapy Centre housed in part of the Church’s premises.
The Tuesday Club, an informal meeting for the women of the congregation, meets monthly on a Tuesday evening at 7.30 pm from October to June.
Gibson’s Lunch Club is held on the third Thursday of each month in the Gibson Hall.
The Book Group meets monthly to share ideas on authors and books members have enjoyed.
A Traidcraft Stall selling fairly traded goods will be in the Gibson Hall every third Sunday of the month following the morning service.
The Church Choir sings at Public Worship from time to time. In 2006, a strong and enthusiastic nucleus of singers drawn from our own church membership became established. Membership of the choir is open to all, and attendance at the choral services and their attendant rehearsals is purely voluntary. Also, there are no auditions! If you would like to sing in the choir, simply turn up at one of the advertised rehearsals, ideally
contacting the Director of Music, Ian de Massini, on 0780 1234 343.
St Columba's is an open and inclusive church, and welcomes all.
The church was founded in 1879 as the Presbyterian church in
Cambridge and has continued since 1972 as a congregation of the United
Reformed Church, and the Church of Scotland chaplaincy to the
University of Cambridge.
St Columba's is also the home of the St Columba Foundation (Group
Therapy Centre), the Cambridge Chinese Christian Church, and the city-
centre home of Cambridge Voices.
The News and Events for June will be published on Sunday 29th May.
Please send items for inclusion to Elaine Barker
([email protected]) by Friday 20th May.
