Revd Dawn will already be familiar to many parishioners - and churchgoers - through her presence at local events, her contribution to the life of Topcliffe Academy, and her personal support and involvement in pastoral care for several local families.Our Churchwarden and PCC at St. Columba's are delighted that, as part of her training for ministry, Revd Dawn will join us in the New Year on a more formal basis, having accepted a temporary placement with us as Assistant Curate.Sadly, Revd Dawn broke her arm over the New Year, so her activities will be rather restricted until she has fully recovered. However she is making steady progress and is keen to be with us for as many events and services as she is able.We hope that she will enjoy her time with us and that her placement will be a fulfilling, happy and fruitful one.
Everyone is most welcome to come along to any of our services. Refreshments are served after every Sunday morning service and after Evensong. Do join us! Sunday 23rd February at 10.45 a.m. - Holy Communion [Second Sunday before Lent]Do join us for our service of Holy Communion, led by Rev Robert Williamson, with congregational hymns. There will be refreshments and a chance to chat after the service.Sunday 2nd March at 6.30 p.m. - Choral Evensong [Sunday next before Lent]All are welcome to join us for our monthly service of Evensong. Led by the choir, the service is taken from the Book of Common Prayer, with readings from the Authorized Version of the Bible (the King James Version). The congregation sings the hymns, and the choir will sing settings of the Psalm; the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis; the Preces and Responses; and a choral anthem. A glass of wine and nibbles will be available after the serviceWednesday 5th March at 7 p.m. - Compline [Ash Wednesday]The ancient office of Compline derives its name from a Latin word meaning ‘completion’ (completorium). It is above all a service of quietness and reflection before rest at the end of the day. Do join us for the first of our series of Compline services: a brief time of calm in the busyness of life as we prepare for the penitential season of Lent .N.B. The PCC has undertaken all relevant risk assessments in the light of Covid-19 guidance over the past 4 years, and these are reviewed regularly. All restrictions have now been lifted.In colder weather please dress warmly; the heating is on but the church is a large building. Please note that at Communion services we have reintroduced Communion in two kinds, i.e. sharing the chalice. If you have any problem with this do mention this to the sidesman or churchwarden before the service. Should you prefer not to receive Communion, do come to the chancel for a blessing, indicating this perhaps by keeping your hands to your sides. Everyone is most welcome, but if you have any doubts about coming to join us do please check here or contact John Phillips (01845 577034) beforehand for further information; every effort will be made to accommodate you. Access is not ideal, as the path is steep, but a temporary ramp can be provided for wheelchair entrance to the church; do let us know if you need this in place.THANK YOU - WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU.
I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39FUNERALSChristian funerals can take place in church, at the graveside or at the crematorium. Before the FuneralPreliminary meetings between the bereaved and the person taking the funeral (officiant) may be held by telephone or in person. If you have queries during our current vacancy, please contact the Area Dean, Revd Mary Rolls via the Inbox or email revmaryrolls@hotmail.com, or call the Churchwarden, Chris Hewlett on 01845 524426.Planning the FuneralThe officiant will explain what kind of service is available, and will discuss individual details and any special requests with the family. Any changes to the normal service will be explained by the officiant. During the Funeral Please follow the directions of the officiant and funeral director.After the FuneralIf you are organising the funeral of a loved one, we are acutely aware of what a difficult time this will be. We will do our best to explain any changes or delays that may be an inevitable consequence of any current restrictions, but we are here to support you and to ensure a Christian funeral and burial can still be provided. If planning to arrange a wake or other gathering after the funeral, please consult the officiant or funeral director regarding any current recommendations.If you have further queries during our current vacancy, please contact the Area Dean or the Churchwarden (see contact details above).I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
