The Rev. Ron Smith was officially inducted into the charge of St. Mungo's on Friday 26th November 2004. The formal service was led by Rev. Alison Mathieson, Moderator of the Presbytery of Lothian. A social evening followed offering refreshment and entertainment to some 100 plus visitors from Falkirk and 150 local congregation and Presbytery members

St. Mungo's was a busy place on Friday evening at 7.00pm. Representatives from the local Christian Churches and organisations along with members of Presbytery, visitors from Falkirk, together with the local Kirk session and congregation, gathered to formally hand the ministry of St. Mungo's to Ron Smith.

The service was opened by Rev. Alison Mathieson with "Great is thy Faithfulness", before extending a greeting to all those taking part.

Following a prayer, Les Tweedale read the first Old Testament lesson from Jeremiah 1; 4-10, with Rev. Bill Brown reading Psalm 139; 1-6. The new Testament reading from Luke 9; 57-62 was read by Jim Forbes.

Following Hymn SGP118 "Will you come and follow me, if I but call your name" the Rev. Anne Lithgow preached a sermon that reflected on "excuses" which we are all very good at. Accept the challenge, and do it now rather than put it off, perhaps forever, and miss the opportunity. As the Lord said to Jeremiah when he said he was too young to be a prophet, "Do not be afraid of them, for I will be with you, to protect you." For the Lord knows our every thought, "You see me whether I am working or resting, you know all my actions. Even before I speak you already know what I will say" as it is said in Psalm 139.

We must move forward, as Jesus reminds us in Luke 9 "Anyone who starts to plough and then keeps looking back is of no use in the Kingdom of God". With Ron's help and spiritual guidance, and our support, the family of St. Mungos will move forward into new and fresh waters with God at our side.

Ron took the Confession of Faith which was followed by the congregation reciting the Apostles Creed, before singing Hymn 16 "Brother, Sister, let me serve you. Ron then accepted the charge and took the hand of welcome from the Presbytery and the St. Mungo's Kirk Session.

The social event following the Service provided a wealth of home made refreshments for our visitors before David Hogg, who preaches to St. Mungo's congregation during the ministers summer holidays, welcomed Ron to the Parish. Iain Tait, the Session Clerk, made presentations to Tom Hogg as interim moderator and Rev. Bill Brown who has looked after our flock for the past 15 months or so. The welcome from neighbouring Clergy was mingled with entertainment drawn from the talents of the congregation.

Mrs Nora Summers, Session Clerk of Falkirk Old and St. Modan's Church, provided the address, and Gordon MacDonald the Vote of Thanks.

Ron took his first Service on Sunday 5th December