Intimations for the week commencing: 11 October 2026.
Welcome, to Blackhall St Columba’s Church. This intimation sheet is for Sunday 11 October 2026. Please also check the website and social media for all that is happening. All are welcome at all our services whether in person or online.
INTIMATIONS
Changes in Intimations Procedure – henceforth any intimations that individuals or organisations wish displayed on this sheet should send them to our new Church Administrator, Karen Harris, at: secretary@blackhallstcolumba.org.uk no later than 10am on the Thursday morning.
Annual Leave – please note that Fergus will be on annual leave from Monday 12 October to Sunday 26 October inclusive. Anyone requiring urgent pastoral care should get in touch initially with the Pastoral Care Team via their elder or the Session Clerk.
Harvest Festival Donations – Thank you for your kind donations of fruit and vegetables for the Service to celebrate Harvest. After the service these items will be donated to Fresh Start.
Cold Harvest Lunch - Sunday 11 October:
This will follow the Harvest Service and take place in the large hall at 12 Noon. It will be a wonderful way to share what the Lord has provided with friends old and new.
Romans Study – The Connect Study of Romans will continue at 6pm on Sunday 11 October 2026 in the sanctuary at Blackhall St Columba’s. All are welcome and there is no requirement to have attended previous evenings.
Blackhall Bulletin Deadlines – The deadline for the November/December issue Sunday, October 25th
Kirk News Deadlines – the deadline for the November issue of the Kirk News is the 15th October 2026. The February 2027 issue of the Kirk News deadline is the 15th January 2027. This may be subject to change.
OUTREACH ADVERTISED EVENTS
Tuesday Topics – These take place once a month in the Small Hall at 7:30pm, all are welcome (£3 per meeting or annual subscription £20):
• 3 Nov - Faraday Base Antarctica 1981 – 1984, Dave Burke.
• 1 Dec – Tiger Introductions & Breeding at Edinburgh Zoo, Andrew Laing.
PEACE Services – We invite you to join us at 12 Noon on the following dates to enjoy a short period of worship followed by a soup lunch:
• 14 October Journey to the Pulpit, Rev Derek Munn.
• 28 October Pilgrim Journey to Assisi, Margaret Brown.
Festival of Flowers - Friday 30 October to Sunday 1 November:
Blackhall St Columba’s Church will host a Festival of Flowers in support of the ‘Tour de 4’ cycle event, the brainchild of Sir Chris Hoy, which was set up following his diagnosis with Stage 4 cancer in 2023. Proceeds from the Festival will be distributed among five cancer charities nominated by the ‘Tour de 4’: Prostate Cancer UK, Breast Cancer Now, Maggie’s, Cure Leukaemia and Macmillan Cancer Support.
The Festival of Flowers including refreshments, live music & crafts will be held in Blackhall St Columba’s Church on:
- Friday 30th October 10:00 - 18:00
- Saturday 31st October 10:00 - 18:00
- Sunday 1st November 14:00 - 17:00.
Entry is free, but donations would be appreciated.
WATCH Committee Christmas Fair -2-4pm - Saturday 28 November:
The annual Christmas Fair will take place once again in the church building with all the favourite stalls like the book stall and the home baking stall along with the popular hampers and the tearoom etc. Come along and support our marvellous committee which is raising funds this year for Parkinson’s Disease UK. Please refer to the church website for more details nearer the time.
Movies @ St Columba’s - Sunday 6 December:
Join us at 6.30pm for a modern classic Christmas movie, ‘Elf’ (PG). This feel-good movie is a family favourite and stars Will Ferrell as Buddy the Elf, a human raised by Santa’s elves. Please feel free to dress (up) as you wish. We defy you not to leave smiling and with a spring in your step.
Seasonal refreshments will be served. there is no charge but donations to cover costs will be gratefully received.
Nativity Trail - Thursday 17 & Friday 18 December: (times TBC nearer the time)
This year our ‘Nativity’ is going to look a little different. We will be staging a performance called ‘It was on a Starry Night’ in the sanctuary each evening at 5.30pm. As well as our joyful, musical performance of ‘the greatest story ever told’, there will be an escape room for children aged 8 upwards, a tearoom and our wonderful biennial Christmas Tree Festival. What a fantastic way to help us all prepare for the big day itself! Shona.
OTHER CHURCHES / EVENTS
Trafalgar Service – On Saturday 17 October 2026, there will be an Inaugural Trafalgar Service, marking the battle of Trafalgar, held at Calton Hill in Edinburgh. A number of dignitaries have been invited and Fergus has been asked to lead the service. All are welcome.
Christian Aid Art Sale – 29 to 31 October 2026. Edinburgh New Town Church, 13 George Street, will be hosting a Christian Aid Art Sale. A variety of artist will have their work for sale, including art from Joan Musgrave, whom some of you will remember from this congregation. All proceeds will go to Christian Aid.
• 12 Noon – 5pm Thu 29 & Fri 30
• 10am – 4pm Sat 31