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 has broken her arm over the New Year, so the start of her placement will be a little delayed. We are very sorry to hear this bad news, and send her our very best wishes for a swift recovery. We all look forward to her joining us as soon 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.
We wish everyone a happy, healthy and peaceful New Year.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 26th January at 10.45am – Holy Communion [Third Sunday after Epiphany]Do join us for our service of Holy Communion, led by Rev Robert Williamson, with traditional hymns sung by the congregation. There will be refreshments and a chance to chat after the service.Sunday 2nd February at 6.30 p.m. - Choral Evensong [Candlemas]Do join us for our service of Evensong to celebrate Candlemas, the Presentation of Jesus in the temple. Led by the choir, and lit by candles, this 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 from the Short Service by Orlando Gibbons [1583-1625]; and the Stanford Motet Responses, created last year by David Hansell to mark the centenary of the death of Charles Villiers Stanford [1852-1924]. The choral anthem will be "Hodie Beata Virgo Maria" by Jacques Arcadelt [1507-1568]: "Today the blessed Virgin Mary presented the baby Jesus in the temple, and Simeon, full of the Holy Spirit, blessed God, saying: Now O Lord, according to thy word, let thy servant depart in peace". A glass of wine and nibbles will be available after the service. All are very welcome.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
