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This feature on St. Mungo's website enables you to listen or download a recent service to either re-listen to a sermon at a service you were at, or to hear one from a service that you missed.

Includes prayers, and readings.

We hope you enjoy the experience.

Morning Services


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Relive a favourite service and sermon from 2017 from this list of services leading up to Christmas 2017.  The 2018 services can be heard HERE

To hear one of our 2016 services, covering up to Christmas Day 2016 click HERE

2017Topic and Theme
Sunday
24
December

Christmas
Eve
Christmas Eve at St. Mungo's - 24 December
Christmas Eve Sunday started with our morning service at 11am.

John took the theme 'courage of Mary' for his sermon, drawing on the work of Timothy Keller and his book 'Encounters with Jesus'. We were asked to think about Mary and her courage to think about what she had heard, to reason and consider how could the message from the angel be true. John explained the difficulties that Mary faced in being told what is about to happen. How Mary is open and honest with God about her uncertainties, before making herself ready, and committing to what will happen.
Advent Songcongregation
Hymn 315 Once in royal David's citycongregation
All-Age Talk Rev John Urquhart
Hymn 310  See him lying on a bed of strawcongregation
Luke 1: 26-45Neil Cape
Hymn 290  The race that long in darknesscongregation
Sermon 'The courage of Mary'Rev John Urquhart
Hymn 286  Tell out, my soulcongregation
Prayer of intercessionRev John Urquhart
Interlude during the collectionEileen Marchant
Prayer of thanksgiving and Lord's PrayerRev John Urquhart
Hymn 305 In the bleak midwintercongregation
Benediction three amencongregation
exit music Eileen Marchant


All-Age Christmas Eve - 24 December
Christmas Eve afternoon saw the Messy Church team put on the Christmas Story for all ages. Joan Cape led the service with help from Sheila Anderson, Margaret Webster, Rae Hunter and Olivia, to tell us the story of the journey to Bethlehem by Mary and Joseph and the birth of the baby Jesus. The story contains links to hear what happened during the live service at each stage.  Full Story


Watchnight Christmas Eve - 24 December
St. Mungo's played host to the Penicuik Churches Working Together (PCWT) watchnight service, welcoming members from both North and South churches to join us as we welcomed in Christmas Day and the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The choir opened the service with an introit of 'O come all ye faithful', following which the congregation sang
'Hark the Herald angels Sing'. John continued with an opening prayer, leading to the carol 'Love came down at Christmas' . There followed a reading from Isaiah, leading to the carol ' On Christmas night all Christians sing'.  Our New Testament reading was taken from Luke. John presented a short Christmas sermon which culminated just as the clock struck midnight. John lit the final Christ candle on the advent wreath, after which we wished each other a merry Christmas. A closing prayer was followed by 'O come all ye faithful'' and the benediction.
 
Introit O come all ye faithfulchoir
Hark the Herald angels singRev John Urquhart
Opening PrayerRev John Urquhart
Love came down at Christmascongregation
Isaiah Eric Marchant
On Christmas night all Christians sing'congregation
LukeIsabel Donnachie
SermonRev John Urquhart
Closing PrayerRev John Urquhart
O come all ye faithfulcongregation
Benedictioncongregation
exit music Eileen Marchant
Sunday
17
December
Third Sunday of Advent, and Nativity Play  - 17 December
The focus of today's service was the nativity play, a re-enactment of the birth of Jesus.
John also took the theme of 'peace' brought by the Roman Empire, through fear and slavery, and killing. He compared that to the peace brought by Jesus. It was Jesus who was the true saviour of the world, paying with His life to save us.

 
Advent Song & Hymn 318
Lord you
were rich beyond all splendour. 
congregation
Opening PrayerRev John Urquhart
Micah 5: 2-5aRev John Urquhart
Nativity Play   Read the Full Story HereSt. Mungo's players
TalkRev John Urquhart
Hymn 314  Child in a mangercongregation
Prayer of intercessionRev John Urquhart
Interlude during the collectionEileen Marchant
Prayer of thanksgiving and Lord's PrayerRev John Urquhart
Hymn 304 O little town of Bethlehemcongregation
Benediction three amencongregation
exit music Eileen Marchant
Sunday
10
December
Second Sunday of Advent  - 10 December
The advent theme of 'who is Jesus?' continued with John using the all-age talk to remind us of the real meaning behind the arrival of Jesus above the 'noise'  of all the adverts for Christmas gifts and bargains. He encouraged us all to invite people to join us each Sunday to worship God, using a festive video as part of the story.

The sermon took the readings from Isaiah and Romans to explain the meaning of Christmas, to understand who Jesus is. Taking us back into biblical times we recalled some of the history of that time, the injustices and idolotory and injustices experienced by the people. John then explores the influence of God and Jesus.   

Advent Songcongregation
Hymn 543 Longing for lightcongregation
Opening PrayerRev John Urquhart
All-Age Talk Rev John Urquhart
Hymn 279  Make way, make waycongregation
Isaiah 11: 1-10Mary Paterson
Romans 15: 4-13Sheila Haig
Hymn 473  Thy kingdom comecongregation
SermonRev John Urquhart
Hymn 320  Joy to the worldcongregation
Prayer of intercessionRev John Urquhart
Interlude during the collectionEileen Marchant
Prayer of thanksgiving and Lord's PrayerRev John Urquhart
Hymn A King on high is reigninigcongregation
Benediction three amencongregation
exit music Eileen Marchant


Sunday
3
December
First Sunday of Advent  - 3 December
John used the All Age talk to show how God gives people strength to complete tasks that appear beyond their own strength, using the  invention  of the architectural  'flying buttress' to explain.


The sermon continues with Matthews gospel 'in their weakness they were made strong, when they turned to God'.  The importance of ancestry in biblical times was of great importance and John explores Jesus's own ancestry, and family tree, through the gospel of Matthew.'Who is Jesus?'.
  
Hymn 273 O come, O come, Emmanuelcongregation
Opening PrayerRev John Urquhart
All-Age Talk Rev John Urquhart
Hymn 339  Sing of Andrew, John's Disciplecongregation
Jeremiah 33: 14-16Margaret Webster
Romans 1: 1-7Margaret Webster
Matthew 1: 1-24Rev John Urquhart
Hymn 472  Come, thou long-expected Jesuscongregation
SermonRev John Urquhart
Hymn 277 Hark the glad soundcongregation
Prayer of thanksgiving and intercessionRev John Urquhart
Interlude during the collectionEileen Marchant
Closing Prayer and Lord's PrayerRev John Urquhart
Hymn 477  Lo, he comes with clouds descendingcongregation
Benediction three amencongregation
exit music Eileen Marchant
Sunday
26
November
The Last of the Three Parables - 26 November
The sermon looked at the third parable in our series of accountability,  'the sheep and the goats', continuing the series which started with the wise and foolish young women, which talked about being ever ready. This was followed by the three servants, testing if we are faithful with what we have been entrusted with. The focus broadens this week to the nations and being accountable for their treatment to those who spread the gospel. Those who carry the gospel to others will at some point suffer.  We recalled the sermon from Mike Parker 'Who do you say I am', back in August. Listen to how this progresses and concludes.   

Hymn 449 Rejoice! The Lord is Kingcongregation
Opening PrayerRev John Urquhart
Informal TimeChristine Jackson 
Hymn 197  As we are gathered, Jesus is therecongregation
1 Corinthians 4: 1-5Christine Jackson
Matthew 25: 31-46Fiona Hutcheson
Hymn 28  Thy mercy, Lord, lie in the heavenscongregation
SermonRev John Urquhart
Hymn - Christ, who for our salvation came.congregation
Prayer of thanksgiving and intercessionRev John Urquhart
Interlude during the collectionEileen Marchant
Closing Prayer and Lord's PrayerRev John Urquhart
Hymn 459  Crown him with many thornscongregation
Benediction three amencongregation
Short monthly communionRev John Urquhart
exit music Eileen Marchant
Sunday
19
November
What has God entrusted to You? - 19 November
The sermon built on the earlier reading 'Parable of the Three Servants', using  the TV programme 'The Apprentice' to illustrate the story. Using three questions that come out of the story, starting with 'What has God entrusted to you?' Is it you time, responsibilities to your friends or family, the gospel, the good news about the Bible, a dream or a vision?
'What has God given you?'  Your talents, and how you use them. Listen to the sermon to see where this leads to.

Call to Worship Rev John Urquhart
Opening PrayerRev John Urquhart
All Age TalkRev John Urquhart
1 Thessalonians 5: 1-11Isabel Donnachie
Matthew 25: 14-30Gordon MacDonald
SermonRev John Urquhart
Prayer of thanksgiving and IntercessionRev John Urquhart
Closing Prayer and Lord's PrayerRev John Urquhart
BenedictionRev John Urquhart
Sunday
12
November
Remembrance Service - 12 November 
St. Mungo's once again hosted the British Legion Armistice service on Sunay 12 November, honouring those who gave their lives defending our freedon in all conflicts since the Great War.

The Rev John Urquhart introduced a short video 'The Poppy Story' relating the history and the background of the poppy that we all wear proundly at Remembrance. You can view this video

The sermon started with Rev John Urquhart showing a copy of a pocket sized Gospel of St. John, given to every soldier in the First World War, and what it meant to many, before exploring the readings we had heard from Debbi McCall and Sir Robert Clerk.
You can read the full story of the service Remembrance 2017

Call to Worship Rev John Urquhart
Hymn 160 Praise, my soul, the King of Heavencongregation
Prayer of confessionRev John Urquhart
Act of RemembranceAnnell Burns
Last postbugler
Lamentpiper
Reveillebugler
Hymn 161 O God our help in ages pastcongregation
The Poppy StoSunday
12
November
ry
video sound track
Amos 5: 21-24Debbi McCall
Matthew 25: 1-13Sir Robert Clerk
SermonRev John Urquhart
Hymn 486  Forgive our sins as we forgivecongregation
Interlude during the collectionPenicuik Silver Band
Prayer of intercession and Lord's PrayerRev John Urquhart
Hymn - Our home through every passing agecongregation
National Anthemcongregation
BenedictionRev John Urquhart
exit music Penicuik Silver Band

Sunday
5
November
God's mission, God's power. - 5 November
The All Age talk set the scene for this morning's theme. On display were over 500 knitted hats, gloves, scarves, and blankets. John explained how our practical love as Christians, reaching out to those with little cheer at Christmas, know that God loves them. A video showed us what happens to our knitting. Click to see the video

John started sermon started by showing us the picture restoration of 'Adoration of the mystic lamb' which hangs in Ghent cathedral. We see a section before and after, and see what the original looked like. This is what the new testament does, where we see a new picture of the old testament church and what we can learn from it. What we can apply to our church. John developed this mornings readings from Acts, first covering the discouraging items. Listen below to how the sermon story progresses.     

Wow - Hats Gloves for Blythswood Shoeboxes Christine Jackson
Call to Worship Rev John Urquhart
Hymn 352 O for a thousand tongues to singcongregation
Opening PrayerRev John Urquhart
All - Age talkRev John Urquhart
Hymn 791 Open your eyescongregation
Acts 11: 19-30, Acts12: 24-  Acts 13: 5Bill Webster
Matthew 28: 16-20Dorothy Paterson
Hymn 596 Breathe on me, Breath of Godcongregation
Sermon - God's mission. God's powerRev John Urquhart
Hymn 252 As a fire is meant for burningcongregation
Prayer of thanksgiving and intercessionRev John Urquhart
Organ Interlude  (Gigue - Handel)Eileen Marchant
Closing prayerRev John Urquhart
Hymn 112 God, whose almighty wordcongregation
Blessing and threefold amenRev John Urquhart
Organ exit music Eileen Marchant
Sunday
29
October
Commitment to Jesus. - 29 October
The theme of both the All Age and Sermon explored the difficulty in making our commitment to Jesus. There are so many other callings on our lives, important things we need to do. How do we make that commitment to follow Jesus? The scriptures offer help, from Paul and James and John.  Our sermon used stories from scripture to help us make our commitment decision.
A full holy communion, sacrament of the last supper followed.

Introit  - Holy Spirit, gift bestowerChoir
Call to Worship Rev John Urquhart
Hymn 130 Ye servants of Godcongregation
Opening PrayerRev John Urquhart
All - Age talkRev John Urquhart
Hymn 641 Seek ye first the kingdom of God congregation
Luke9: 51 - 62Sheila Haig
Hymn What is our mission in this placecongregation
Sermon - Commitment to JesusRev John Urquhart
Organ interlude (Pastorale -Leon BoellmannEileen Marchant
Prayer of thanksgiving and intercessionRev John Urquhart
Holy Communion - Sacrament of the Last SupperRev John Urquhart
Closing prayerRev John Urquhart
Hymn 740 For all the saintscongregation
Benediction Rev John Urquhart
Organ exit music  (All'Offertorio - D. ZipoliEileen Marchant
Sunday
22
October
Peter Restoration. - 22 October

We continued our theme with Peter. Starting with the All Age where we heard of Jesus leaving Jericho and the small man in a tree, Zacchaeus, the tax collector, public enemy number one, the most hated person! The people hoped Jesus would scold Zacchaeus. But he went to his house. Zacchaeus had come to hear Jesus, to repent his greed. 
John Urquhart then presented a dramatic monologue in the person of Peter as his sermon. Peter talks of his last times with Jesus, and how Jesus told Peter that before the cock crows he would fail and disown Jesus three times.  Listen to the full sermon. Click on the link below
Call to Worship Rev John Urquhart
Hymn 642 Ye that know the Lord is graciouscongregation
Opening PrayerRev John Urquhart
All - Age talkRev John Urquhart
Hymn 722 Spirit of God, come dwell within mecongregation
John 21: 1 - 25Agnes Ovenstone
Hymn 552 Oh, for a closer walk with Godcongregation
Sermon - Peter VIII: RestorationRev John Urquhart
Hymn 465 Be thou my Vision, O Lord of my heartcongregation
Prayer of thanksgiving and intercessionRev John Urquhart
Profession of Faith &Confirmation J. ArchibaldRev John Urquhart
Organ interlude (Fughetta in A - J.C. Kittel)Eileen Marchant
Closing and Lord's prayerRev John Urquhart
Hymn 644 O Jesus, I have promisedcongregation
Benediction Rev John Urquhart
Organ exit music  (Postlude - Leon Boellmann)Eileen Marchant
Sunday
15
October
Peter Crumbles - 15 October

We returned to the story of Peter, after the break for Thanksgiving, and were presented with a short video in the All Age talk. We watched and listened to the conflict Peter fought with, when he denied being a follower of Jesus, not once but twice.
The readings and sermon developed this story and how Peter came to terms with the denials he had made to the crowd, and how he faced his Lord Jesus, finding restoration and a new start. Listen to the service.

Call to Worship Rev John Urquhart
Hymn 153 - Great is thy Faithfulnesscongregation
Opening PrayerRev John Urquhart
All - Age talk.    Watch the videoRev John Urquhart
Hymn 533 - Will you come and follow me...?congregation
1 Peter 4: 12 - 19Fiona Hutcheson
Luke 22: 54 - 62Gordon MacDonald
Psalm 38 - Lord, will you turn from your angercongregation
Sermon - Peter crumblesRev John Urquhart
Hymn 482 - Come let us to the Lord our Godcongregation
Prayer of thanksgiving and intercessionRev John Urquhart
Organ interlude ('Offertoire' C.A. Chauvet)Eileen Marchant
Closing and Lord's prayerRev John Urquhart
Hymn 378 - Praise to the holiest in the heightcongregation
Benediction Rev John Urquhart
Organ exit music  ('Roundo' H. Purcell)Eileen Marchant
Sunday
8
October
Harvest Thanksgiving - 8 October

Call to Worship Rev John Urquhart
Opening PrayerRev John Urquhart
All - Age talkRev John Urquhart
Leviticus 19:1-2 and 9Dorothy Paterson
Galations 2: 6Eric Marchant
Sermon -ThanksgivingRev John Urquhart
Prayer of thanksgiving and intercessionRev John Urquhart
Closing and Lord's prayerRev John Urquhart
Benediction Rev John Urquhart

Sunday
17
September
Developing and Understanding - 17 September
John opened his sermon by showing how misconceptions can lead us down the wrong path. Using a personal story from John's childhood we were led into the story of how Peter and the crowd had misconceptions of the identity of Jesus. When asked by Jesus 'who do people say the son of man is?' the disciples reply they say 'some other prophet'. Though many people admire Jesus, and think well of him, their miconception is they do not realise that God is doing something special through Jesus.  
We hear how Jesus describes to Peter that he is the Messiah, but then tells
Peter not to tell anyone. This confuses Peter. Hear how this story unfolds, how Peter rebukes Jesus, as he cannot understand what he is being told.  
Christian Aid thanks congregation fo donationsJanis Hogg
Call to Worship Rev John Urquhart
Hymn 471 - To the name of our salvationCongregation
Opening PrayerRev John Urquhart
All - Age videoRev John Urquhart
Isaiah 52:  13 - 53; 12 Janis Hogg
Matthew 16: 13 - 28Christine Jackson
Hymn 405 - We sing the praise of him who diedCongregation
Sermon - Developing UndertandingRev John Urquhart
Hymn 402 - Take up your crossCongregation
Prayer of thanksgiving and intercessionRev John Urquhart
Organ interlude
Closing prayer  and Lord's prayerRev John Urquhart
Benediction Rev John Urquhart
Organ exit music

Sunday
10
September
Developing Faith - 10 September
John took the theme from Peter 3, exploring how we develop faith.

John talked with Margaret Webster in the All-Age talk, of her experience as a child with scarlet fever. How she had used prayer with Jesus, as she had been taught at Sunday School, to see her through her time of suffering.

John in his sermon told us how Jesus works with us, how we are challenged, when experiencing grief, and how Jesus can turn that desolation of grief, and heal us. He described the feeding the five thousand, where Jesus turned the problem around. Getting the people to buy the food, with Jesus taking the inadequate amount of food, all that they could afford, breaking it and making it sufficient for the crowd.

Further examples are presented, where asking God through prayer, will provide. Trusting God, as Simon Peter did when he saw Jesus walk on water, when they were fishing.

We should follow God's guidance, though it may be easier to remain where we are in our comfort zo
The theme of both the All Age and Sermon explored the difficulty in making our commitment to Jesus. There are so many other callings on our lives, important things we need to do. How do we make that commitment to follow Jesus? The scriptures offer help, from Paul and James and John.  Our sermon used stories from scripture to help us make our commitment decision.
A full holy communion, sacrament of the last supper followed. 
ne. The sermon concluded with a reflection.
Christian Aid Appeal for East AsiaJanis Hogg
Call to Worship Rev John Urquhart
Hymn 201 - Worship the LordCongregation
Opening PrayerRev John Urquhart
All - Age talk with Margaret WebsterRev John Urquhart
Acts 11:  1 - 4; 18 - 21 Bob Jarmson
Matthew 14: 13 - 36Isabel Donnachie
Sermon - Developing FaithRev John Urquhart
Hymn 518 - Lift up your HeartsCongregation
Prayer of thanksgiving and intercessionRev John Urquhart
Closing prayer  and Lord's prayerRev John Urquhart
Benediction 3 AmenRev John Urquhart
Sunday
3
September
Do not be afraid - 3 September
John introduced his theme using the All-age talk, with the help of a video clip depicting God speaking to Moses out of the burning bush on Mount Horeb. The story shows Moses overwhelmed, frightened and afraid, at hearing God and what he was being asked to do. His fear however was tempered by God telling Moses not to be afraid, as 'I am with you.'

The New Testament reading told us the story of Simon Peter, who, after fishing all night catching nothing, had faith in Jesus when asked to go out in the morning to fish in deeper water, even though he was not sure it would work. John analyses Luke's account of the incident. How Jesus changed His disciples into fisher of men. 


Call to Worship Rev John Urquhart
Opening PrayerRev John Urquhart
All - age talkRev John Urquhart
Isaiah 6:  1 - 8 Gordon MacDonald
Luke 5: 1 - 11Dorothy Paterson
Sermon - Do not be afraidRev John Urquhart
Prayer of thanksgiving and intercessionRev John Urquhart
Closing prayer  and Lord's prayerRev John Urquhart
BenedictionRev John Urquhart

Sunday
27 August
Who do you say I am? - 27 August
John welcomed the Rev Canon Mike Parker as guest preacher to the Sunday 27 August service. Mike's theme was Christianity in the Middle East, in particular Egypt, where he has worked in conjunction with the Christian community.

Mike set the scene for his All Age address. Egypt has seen a time of revolution, and
just as Egypt experiences a new start, stumbling at the moment, we here in St. Mungo's are embarking on a new start., What is important to us in our new start?

Mike focused on Christians in the middle east. Using young helpers, inluding David, Adam, Charlie, and Ester, from the congregation to display the Egyptian flag, the Egyptian pound, and a copy of the Egyptian bible.

Our friends in Egypt find it really important to understand who they are, their nation and nationality. They say Egyptians have three identities.
When they play football they are Africans. Sometimes they are middle easterners, and sometimes they are just Egyptians. 

A friend of Mike in Egypt for 25 years knows Arabic backwards, and makes papyrus. Mike brought scrolls and book  markers 'for you at a special price!' as they say in Egypt!

What the Egyptian Christians need to hear is Gods word. We saw a Bible in Arabic, reading right to left, and also in English, left to right, making a big book. Some words in blue and red. for their Muslim friends so they know what salvation, communion, fellowship, the cross mean. To hear that Jesus did not die but lives on. We recalled that Jesus had to flee Israel into Egypt, which is important to todays Egyptian Christians, setting the question Jesus asked 'Who do you say I am?'

Mike continued the Egyptian theme in his sermon, using a couple of videos to highlight the turmoil the country is experiencing as the Christians struggle to maintain their culture, under extreme pressures.

Listen to Mike's stories below.
Welcome to Rev Canon Mike ParkerRev John Urquhart
Call to Worship Rev John Urquhart
Hymn 36 - God is our refuge and our strengthcongregation
Opening PrayerRev John Urquhart
All - age talkRev Mike Parker
Hymn 527 - Lord make me servant of your peacecongregation
Exodus 1:  8 - 21 Neil Cape
Matthew 16: 13 - 20Joan Cape
Hymn 594 - Come Holy Spirit Comecongregation
Sermon - Who do you say I am?Rev Mike Parker
Hymn 424 - Blest be the everlasting Godcongregation
Prayer of thanksgiving and intercessionRev John Urquhart
Organ 'Interlude' Eileen Marchant
Closing prayer  and Lord's prayerRev John Urquhart
Mission and Praise - In Christ Alonecongregation
Benediction 3 AmenRev John Urquhart
Closing organ musicEileen Marchant
The service was followed by our short monthly communion, led by the
Rev John Urquhart.

Sunday
20 August
Whats in a name?" - 20 August
In the first full service led by the Rev John Urquhart, we opened with a Call to worship then Hymn 60 'Come, let us praise the Lord.'  John led into his 'all-age' talk with an opening prayer.

John started his 'all-age' talk by building a cardboard box. With the help of Gordon MacDonald he turned a flat, soft weak item into a strong useful box to carry things in. The apostle Peter was a bit like that. John told us the story of Peter, how Jesus changed his name from the unreliable Simon, and how Jesus would change, and shape him to make him strong, just like he can do with everyone of us. John would develop this theme as he embarks on a new series on the life of the apostle Peter.

Finishing John explained how we will start a 'wall of names' where our photograph and name will be available for all to see. No more trying to guess which name goes with that well known face we see every Sunday in church.

For the sermon John opened with a slide of John Noakes, mostly remembered for his time in Blue Peter. John recalled when John Noakes visited his boyhood home village in the highlands. Recalling his attempt to see his boyhood hero, at his hotel, then his awe in following him, unable to say anything to him. He then switched to two disciples of John following Jesus. When Jesus turned to them he spoke his first words. What were those first words we were asked? The disciples were star struck. Did they ask a profound question? Listen to the sermon to hear what happened, and what it means. We hear how difficult it can be to become a follower of Jesus.
Call to Worship Rev John Urquhart
Hymn 60 -Come, let us praise the Lordcongregation
Opening PrayerRev John Urquhart
All - age talkRev John Urquhart
Hymn 782 - Lord of  life, we come to youcongregation
2 Peter 1:  1-15Agnes Ovenstone
John 1: 29-42Sheila Haig
Hymn 453 - Christ, of God unseen the imagecongregation
Sermon - Whats in a name?Rev John Urquhart
Hymn 540 - I heard the voice of Jesus saycongregation
Prayer of thanksgiving and intercessionRev John Urquhart
Organ 'Interlude' C.A ChauvetEileen Marchant
Closing prayer  and Lord's prayerRev John Urquhart
Hymn 458 - At the name of Jesuscongregation
Benediction 3 AmenRev John Urquhart
Closing organ music 'Trumpet Voluntary' J.StanleyEileen Marchant
       
Sunday
13 August
Is our God "too small" - 13 August
Following the Rev John Urquhart Induction service on Thursday 10th August, our new minister was 'preached in' to his new charge by visiting minister and friend the Rev Shirley Fraser.

John opened the service, by introducing himself, as our new minister, to the congregation, some who were not at the induction service, but would remember him when he preached as sole nominee service at the end of April.

Handing over to Shirley, we opened with our Call to Worship, followed by Hymn 202 'Stand up and bless the Lord'.

With the Sunday School still on its summer break Shirley presented an 'All-age' talk. Recalling that John had arrived when he preached as sole nominee with a backpack containing goodies to show the children, Shirley apologised that she had no back pack, but did have a bag. What could be inside?

First out was a copy of the Edinburgh Fringe programme, packed with shows for everyone. Of particular interest was a play at Palmerston Place church, 'Questioning Aslan', an evening with C.S.Lewis. Those who have read any of the Lewis Chronicles of Narnia stories will know that Aslan is a lion in the stories. Shirley produced a soft toy lion, named Aslan, so the scene was set.

Referring to the Chronicles of Narnia where the children step through the wardrobe into another world, they meet Mr and Mrs Beaver who refer to Aslan. Who is Aslan? the children ask. He is of course the king, the lord of the whole wood replies Mr Beaver. Not a man, but a lion, the great lion. Is he safe? No. But he is good. Shirley would develop this theme of greatness and good later in her sermon.

Shirley told us that Rev Hugh Davidson's sermons were often questions, and followed the format asking 'Is our God too small'? What did we think the answer would be, if we asked the people of Penicuik?  Referring to our reading form Paul's letter to the Romans, where he describes what God really is. God is the source of many things, His grace and goodness, but Shirley focussed on God's patience and encouragement, or endurance. How patient God was when Moses was driven to distraction in the desert, keeping his faith in God. Are we thankful that our God is so patient with us?

At this time of new beginnings we at St. Mungo's made new promises at John's induction, including to follow and serve Jesus Christ, and we have to keep them.  

John returned at the end of the service to deliver the benediction.

Listen to how Shirley developed the theme and how we can move forward with John in our new beginning.

Welcome and IntroductionRev John Urquhart
Call to Worship Rev Shirley Fraser
Hymn 202 - Stand up and bless the Lordcongregation
Opening PrayerRev Shirley Fraser
All - age talkRev Shirley Fraser
Genesis 9:  12-17Isabel Donnachie
Romans 15: 1-13Janis Hogg
Hymn 755 - Be still and knowcongregation
Sermon - Is our God "too small"Rev Shirley Fraser
Hymn 286 - Tell out my soulcongregation
PrayerRev Shirley Fraser
Prayer of thanksgiving, and Lord's prayerRev Shirley Fraser
Hymn 192 - All my hope on God is foundedcongregation
Benediction 3 AmenRev Neil Dougall

Thursday
10 August
John Urquhart Induction Service  - 10 August
The Rev John Urquhart was officially inducted into his new charge at St. Mungo’s on Thursday August 10th at 7.00pm. The Rev Neil Dougall led the service with members of the Presbytery joined by a congregation with members of for all the Penicuik churches, and Craigmillar Park.

St. Mungo's church was filled with a congregation from across Penicuik, Edinburgh and beyond. Presbytery was well represented with the lead team consisting of Rev Neil Dougall who would lead the service and formal induction, Rev Anikȯ Schütz Bradwell, preaching the sermon, and John McCulloch, Clerk of the Presbytery of Lothian.

Click on Full Story to read about this happy occasion.

Welcome and Call to Worship Rev Neil Dougall
Hymn 113 - God the Father of Creationcongregation
Prayer of Approach to GodRev Neil Dougall
Matthew 7: 7-11Gordon MacDonald
Romans 12: 4-13Fiona Hutcheson
Hymn 559 - There is a Redeemercongregation
Sermon - Welcome to JohnRev Aniko Schutz Bradwell
The Apostles Creedcongregation
Hymn 485 - Dear Lord and Fathercongregation
Vacancy ReviewJohn McCulloch
Induction - Questions to John Urquhart Rev Neil Dougall
Explanation of the Formula  John McCulloch
Prayer of Induction and welcome to
Rev John Urquhart to St. Mungo's
Rev Neil Dougall
Questions to the CongregationRev Neil Dougall
Signs of Shared MinistryRev Neil Dougall
Charge to Minister and Congregation.
Prayers for others and ourselves
Rev Neil Dougall
Hymn 396 - And can it becongregation
Benediction 3 AmenRev Neil Dougall
Closing organ music - Off Beat Toccata
(Rosalie Bonighton)
Eileen Marchant
Sunday
30 July
Can we tell right from wrong?  - 30 July
Hugh preached his last sermon with us on Sunday 30 July, taking his theme from our New Testament readings earlier that  morning. We heard the parables of the Mustard Seed, the Yeast, the hidden treasure, and the prearl. Hugh took the parables Jesus used in His teachings to explore what our world is like today, and are the parables still relevant? Can we still learn anything from them?

Opening with the current role of business ethics, using the banking industry to highlight our approach to right and wrong. People no longer have absolute standards, everything being relative. We now expect to reach our own conclusions, using our own rules, abandoning the moral standards of our predecessors, ignoring the signposts that have provided guidance in the past.

If we abandon the teachings of these parables, how do we know if we are improving and lifting the right, rather than the wrongs of society.

Christians have always tried to follow scripture to provide principles to follow in identifying what is right, the 'rules for living'. The rule book approach favoured by the pharisee's was complex, strict and inflexible.

The alternative is to follow a more flexible approach, as in the commandments, the beatitudes, Matthew and Mark, and perhaps Christs 11th commandment, to love one another as Christ loved us, not that we love our neighbour as we love ourselves.

The sermon explores Paul's letters to identify love, knowledge and insight, as the key elements in a confusing landscape. How to look at the world through Christ's eyes, and following His teaching.   
Hymn 161 - O God, our help in ages pastcongregation
Opening Prayer and collectRev Hugh Davidson
Hymn 119 - O God, thou art the Fathercongregation
1st Kings 3: 4-14 Margaret Webster
Matthew 13: 31 - 33, 44, 45Bill Webster
Sermon - Can we tell right from wrongRev Hugh Davidson
Prayers of thanksgivingRev Hugh Davidson
Hymn 557 - O Love that wilt not let me gocongregation
Hymn 130 - Ye servants of Godcongregation
Benediction and 3 AmenRev Hugh Davidson
Organ Exit - Toccata in E minor (J. Pachelbel) Eileen Marchant

Sunday
23 July
Revelation, baffling or encouragement?  - 23 July
From last week’s sermon, taken from the first book of the Bible, Genesis, Hugh took the last book, Revelation, as the theme for his sermon this Sunday.

From the puzzles of Genesis, the Adam and Eve story, Kane and Abel, Noah and the flood, etc, it does not come close to the ‘weirdness’ of the Revelation of John.

To most readers the book of Revelation is somewhat baffling and impenetrable. Hugh explores the book, as written by the prophet John, on an island of the west coast of Turkey at a time when God's will was not being done, a disappointing world. The book is in fact a letter, addressed to seven churches on the Turkish mainland, and designed to be read aloud in these churches.

We hear of John’s vision of the regal throne room, the four priests that praise God day and night, the divine council of 24 ‘elders’, or rulers, the ‘government’ of heaven.  

Hear the full story as Hugh unlocks the book, and how we too are encouraged to follow God’s will.
Hymn 200 - Christ is made the sure foundationcongregation
Opening Prayer and collectRev Hugh Davidson
Hymn 608 - Spirit of truth and gracecongregation
Genesis 28: 10-19a Neil Cape
Revelation 4: 1 - 11Joan Cape
Hymn 268 - O God of Bethelcongregation
Sermon - Revelation, baffling or encouragementRev Hugh Davidson
Hymn 721 - We lay our broken worldcongregation
Prayers of thanksgivingRev Hugh Davidson
Organ interlude - Verso (D. Zipoli)Eileen Marchant
The Lord's prayerRev Hugh Davidson
Hymn 261 - Father, Eternal, Ruler of Creationcongregation
Benediction and 3 AmenRev Hugh Davidson
Organ Exit - Fugue in G minor (G. Lasceux) Eileen Marchant
Sunday
16 July
What is the point in being here?  - 16 July
Using the reading from Genesis, Hugh took us through the history of origins, addressing the questions asked throughout the ages, 'Why am I here?' and 'Who will remember me when I am gone?' 'Whats the point in being here?' This of course leads on to 'Why is anybody here? Why is anything here?'

Genesis explains why everything is here, namely that God has put us here, and the purpose for His creation. We are an important part of that. Ours is to understand why God put us here, even though it sometimes appears a challenging task. Could creation have been so much simpler? Why do we speak so many different languages? Would it not have been easier if we could all talk to each other in the same tongue?

Through the story of Abraham, and the children of Israel, Hugh walked us through some of the old testament stories, explaining the thinking of the authors of the books of Genesis, and Kings, showing how our weaknesses and frailties, similar to Abraham, Sarah, Isaac and Jacob, lying and cheating, which challenge us even today, every day.

Like the potter in Jeremiah who does not discard the failed pot, he returns the clay to start again until he achieves success. So too God, despite our weak and wayward traits, continues to remake us through the generations, to follow Him and become His faithful servant.
Hymn 104 - The Lord of heaven confesscongregation
Opening Prayer and collectRev Hugh Davidson
Hymn 188 - Thou hidden Love of Godcongregation
Genesis 25: 19-34 Margaret Black
St. Matthew 13: 1-9,  18-23Eric Marchant
Hymn 605 - Thanks to God congregation
Sermon - What is the point in being here?Rev Hugh Davidson
Hymn 192 - All my hope in God is foundedcongregation
Prayers of thanksgivingRev Hugh Davidson
Organ interlude - Gavotte en Rondeau
(J.F. d'Andriau)
Eileen Marchant
Hymn 270 - Put all your trust in Godcongregation
Benediction and 3 AmenRev Hugh Davidson
Organ Exit - Voluntary No5 Op6  (John Stanley)) Eileen Marchant
Sunday
9 July
Chaos,  Greed, and Sin  - 9 July
Hugh started his sermon by plunging us into chaos theory, causing a few startled looks, but cetainly grabbing everyone's attention. Something to do with random behaviour within systems governed by well known laws with known and predicatble consequences. So how does this fit in with todays scripture readings?

Gently easing us into the sermon Hugh took the example of weather forecasting, and just how difficult it is to predict when the climate is governed by well known laws of physics. Yet the weather seems to be a law unto itself, with a minor change in one part of the world creating a major upset somewhere else in the world. This led to exploring the root cause of the US mortgage crisis some 10 years ago, and the economic tornado that ensued. What really caused this? Was it the co
mplex financial mechanisms created by smart young financiers, to boost their own commission and bonuses, without a care for the consequence? In other words good old fashioned greed!

But are we not told that morally greed is a sin, often followed by unintended and unwelcome consequences? Now we can see where Hugh is going.

Does the Bible give us any guidance? Hugh explained how God assures us that while chaos is around us, it will not overtake the world. Order will be maintained, chaos will not engulf creation. We have been given the role to subdue unruly elements intent on creating chaos.

The story builds on the readings of Adam, Eve, and the snake, from Genesis and Matthew where Jesus preaches 'Come to me and Rest'.     
Introit - For the beauty of the earth Choir
Hymn 132 - Immortal, invisible, God only wisecongregation
Opening Prayer and collectRev Hugh Davidson
Hymn 694 - Brother, sister, let me serve youcongregation
Genesis 3: 1-24 Ian Dickson
St. Matthew 11: 25-30Dorothy Paterson
Hymn 540 - I heard the voice of Jesus saycongregation
Sermon - Chaos, Greed and SinRev Hugh Davidson
Hymn 272 - Father of peace, and God of love!congregation
Prayers of thanksgivingRev Hugh Davidson
Organ interlude - To a wild rose (E. MacDowell)Eileen Marchant
Hymn 535 - Who would true valour seecongregation
Benediction and 3 AmenRev Hugh Davidson
Organ Exit - Voluntary in C (anon) Eileen Marchant
Sunday
2 July
Expectations of God  - 2 July
Hugh took the story of Abraham from Genesis and his despair at his God who kept changing His mind. Surely God is supposed to be reliable, but how can you rely on anybody who says one thing yesterday, and the complete opposite today! God had raised Abrahams' hopes, providing a child for Abraham and Sarah, when they thought Sarah was well past child bearing age. When Isaac was born both were filled with a new hope.

Later God then asked Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac, plunging Abraham into the blackest hopelessness. Why was God so heartless? God often does seem inconsistent. He loves the world, but it is a loveless place. He urges us to pray to Him, but seems to often ignore them.   

He tells us that faith can move mountains, but seems weak compared to the world powers. Is there a disconnect between God and His creation? Hugh explores how Abraham came to terms with his bewiderment, and how he maintained his faith in God. We can all have our faith shaken in time of grief and trauma?

In the story of John the Baptist we heard how God sacrificed His own son Jesus to save the world, in the same as Abraham was asked of Isaac.  
Hymn 214 - New every morningcongregation
Opening Prayer and collectRev Hugh Davidson
Hymn 179 - Ye holy angels brightcongregation
Genesis 22: 1-14 Fiona Hutcheson
St. John1: 29-34Gordon Macdonald
Hymn 603 - For your gift of God the Spiritcongregation
Sermon - Expectations of GodRev Hugh Davidson
Hymn 559 - There is a Redeemercongregation
Prayers of thanksgivingRev Hugh Davidson
Hymn 153 - Great is thy faithfulnesscongregation
Benediction and 3 AmenRev Hugh Davidson
Sunday
25 June
Adventurous Faith  - 25 June
Matthew's new testament gospel reading was taken by Hugh as his theme, explaining the structure of Matthews gospel, from Jesus's birth to death. Focusing on chapters 24 and 25 when Jesus talked to his disciples about the future, after he had gone. The trials and tribulations the world would encounter, and to 'Be Ready'.

Exploring one of the criteria for admission to the kingdom of heaven, whether we are fit or unfit. Have we been adventurous with our faith? The story of the rich man entusting his wealth to three servants. Two invested wisely and grew the wealth, while the third buried his share in the ground. The two who took the risk were welcomed back into their masters home, the other thrown out.

We are blessed with the treasure of Christian faith, and not to bury it. We must take our faith out into the community, exposing our faith to other faiths, or those with none. Take risks; that way you will see it grow.  

He brought the message into our time, reflecting how our nation stands up to scrutiny, using the Grenfell Tower tragedy to illustrate his point.

Hymn 198 - Let us build a housecongregation
Opening Prayer and collectRev Hugh Davidson
Hymn 485 - Dear Lord and Father of mankindcongregation
Amos 2: 6 - 3:2Sheila Haig
St. Matthew 25: 31-46Agnes Ovenstone
Hymn 360 - Jesus Christ is waitingcongregation
Sermon - Adventurous faithRev Hugh Davidson
Hymn 537 - We do not hope to ease our mindscongregation
Prayers of thanksgivingRev Hugh Davidson
Hymn 609 - Come, living Godcongregation
Benediction and 3 AmenRev Hugh Davidson
Sunday
18 June
Love,  faith, hope, and endurance - 18 June
Hugh took the subject of Love as covered by Paul in his letter to the Corinthians which we had just heard, describing love as patient and kind, not jealous boastful arrogant or selfish, or gloating. There is no limit to its faith hope and endurance.

In these four verses from Paul, he lists 15 characteristics of love. Hugh went on to describe some of theses attributes using President Abraham Lincoln and his political rival, Edwin Stanton who treated Lincoln with contempt. How Lincoln reacted to this onslaught unfolds, displaying love as patient and kind.

Hugh continued about love and religious people, describing some terrible sermons he had sat through, and a few that he had given, which raised light laughter. Hugh referred to Lorimers Auld Scots translation, which we have heard before, to further illustrate the characteristics of love.

The sermon was followed by the baptism of Brodie Henderson.
Isaiah 55: 4-11Mary Paterson
1st Corinthians 13: 1-7Eric Machant
Sermon - Love, faith, hope, and enduranceRev Hugh Davidson
Baptism     - Brodie HendersonRev Hugh Davidson
Closing Prayers and the Lords PrayerRev Hugh Davidson
Sunday
11 June
Trinity Sunday - 11 June
Our Interim moderator, the Rev Yvonne Atkins, opened with a 'haunting question' - Who dreads Trinity Sunday More?  The preachers who have to explain it to the congregations, or the congregations who have to listen to those sermons?

Yvonne continued with several amusing scenarios, which raised a few laughs from the congregation.

When we had settled down Yvonne delved into the explanation of the Holy Trinity contained in the  creed of St. Athanasius, which has been used by Christian churches since the sixth century. It is the first creed in which the
equality of the three persons of the Trinity is explicitly stated. Expanding the incomprehensibility of this trinity where there are not three, Father, Son and Holy Ghost but one eternal and incomprehensible. 'Clear, as mud'? Asked Yvonne.

Using further analogies, taking the three states of water, ice, liquid and vapour, where all states are still water. Similarly the three petal shamrock is another example, three petals one plant. The sermon builds on these examples in an intriguing tale, that displays the enormity of the 'Trinity', and why we should praise this everlasting presence. 

Opening PrayerRev Yvonne Atkins
Romans 5: 1-5Neil Cape
John 16: 12-15Joan Cape
Sermon - Understanding the Holy TrinityRev Yvonne Atkins
Benediction and three AmenRev Yvonne Atkins
Sunday
4 June
Pentecost  -  Sunday 4 June
Pentecost is the day the Spirit descended upon the apostles, and on which, under Peter's preaching, so many thousands were converted in Jerusalem.

Hugh theme took the role of Banks, where money from those with surplus money on deposit is loaned to those requiring money for immediate needs, with the Bank gaining interest on the transaction. He then looked back some 500 years to medieval times, where a serious shortage of 'goodness' worried the populace. The medieval church taught members that being 'very good' you went straight to heaven, but if you were 'very bad' you went straight to Hell.

However if you were neither very good, or very bad you would be sent to 'purgatory' after death. Only when you paid off your lack of 'goodness' would you be raised to heaven. The medieval church came up with the idea of a 'Goodness' Bank, or 'Treasury of Merits'. Heaven was full of saints with an abundance of 'goodness', so why not allow people to 'borrow' some, through an act of piety or a 'monetary gift' to the church to ensure they would have enough 'goodness' to be raised directly to heaven after death.

A monk called Martin Luther in 1517 was very unhappy about this 'pay for goodness' system, which eventually started the major reform in the church that followed.
Pentecost explainedRev Hugh Davidson
Opening Prayer and CollectRev Hugh Davidson
Genesis 11: 1-9Isabel Donachie
Acts 2: 1-11Sandy Robertson
Sermon - Bank of GoodnessRev Hugh Davidson
Prayers of Thanksgiving Rev Hugh Davidson
Hymn 396 - And can it beChoir and congregation
Benediction and three AmenRev Hugh Davidson

Sunday
28 May
Ascension  -  Sunday 28 May
Hugh opened his sermon with ceilings of gothic cathedrals and the decorated bosses on the arches holding up the roof.  The designs can be sometime surprising, such as York Minster, where the bosses are decorated as simply two feet, viewed from below. This represents the ascension of our Lord, as witnessed by the disciples, where the soles of his feet would be all that they would see of Him as He dissappeared into the great blue yonder. It is of course somewhat comic, and strange to our ears. But back then the blue sky we looked up to was literally seen as the underside of the floor of heaven, so being lifted through it to Gods heaven seemed logical.

Our modern knowledge of the heavens puts a different understanding to this explanation. Hugh then explained the doctrine of the ascension, with the method being unimportant.

The act of Holy Communion, the sacrament of the last supper  followed the sermon.
Ascension explanationRev Hugh Davidson
Opening Prayer and CollectRev Hugh Davidson
Acts 1: 1-11Fiona Hutcheson
Ephesians 1: 15-23Ian Dickson
Sermon - Ascension then and nowRev Hugh Davidson
Act of Holy Communion Rev Hugh Davidson
Closing Prayers and three AmenRev Hugh Davidson
Sunday
21 May
Christian Aid  -  Sunday 21 May
We celebrated the end of Christian Aid Week by looking at the breadth of outreach the charity has achieved in over 60 years, and continues to achieve. In the service, led by the Elders, as our minister Hugh was still on 'sick leave', and our Sesion clerk, Sandy Robertson, who would normally lead, was also incapacitated.

We heard about, and watched a series of videos. These included  '60 years of Christian Aid', 'Theodor - the refugee who never forgot', a moving and touching story. Praise and scripture form the book of Acts, and the story of Nejebar and Noor, refugees from Syria, opened our eyes to the trauma and difficulties refugee's face in a foreign land unable to understand the language of these strangers, who are depsperately trying to help. A video 'The Refugee Crisis - The way forward' offered some ideas on how to resolve this problem. Our final video ' The song of Kingdom Come' allowed us to sing along to a song of uplifting hope.

click on the video links above to see the full story on YouTube.

Eric Marchant closed our service with a superb review of the mornings service, leaving us with much to think about. 
Update on Hugh and Sandy Gordon Macdonald
Setting the scene - Christian AidGordon Macdonald
Call to WorshipGordon Macdonald
Opening and Lord's PrayerAgnes Ovenstone
Reading - Acts 7  55: 60 Sheila Haig
Story of Nejebar & NoorJanis Hogg
Prayer of Thanksgiving Eric Marchant
Reflection of today's service Eric Marchant
The GraceEric Marchant
Sunday
14 May
I am the Way  -  Sunday 14 May
Sandy Roberston took the service on Sunday 14th as Hugh, who was suffering a bad cold the previous Sunday, was none the better. Only Hugh would send apologies for being unwell, so Sandy would send our best wishes for a speedy recovery back.  

Sandy took the theme of Jesus telling his disciples that 'I am th eWay to the Father'. His address to the children was all about questions questions, and how we need to be clear and concise to avoid imparting the wrong meaning which can ellicit an answer that is unexpected. He used this theme when talking about the morning reading from St.John, where Peter, Thomas, and Philip had difficulty in undertanding Jesus telling his disciples that He is the Way to the Father.    
 
Opening PrayerBill Webster
The CollectSandy Robertson
Childrens address - Questions QuestionsSandy Robertson
Reading - Proverbs 4: 10-19Janis Hogg
Reading - St. John 14: 1 Eric Marchant
Sermon - Iam the WaySandy Robertson
Closing PrayerMargaret Webster

Sunday
7 May
The Parable of the Shepherd  -  Sunday 7 May
The theme for Sunday 7 May followed the parable of the Shepherd, where Jesus tells us the difference between the Shepherd and the thief. Hugh took this parable relating it to the events of 40 years ago when the world went mad about  'markets'. If we reorganise the market then things will only get better! If only. The raft of changes rose to a status not short of 'divine', at least to those devotees of change.

One of the Lords memorable soundbites 'The sabbath was made for man not man for the sabbath', could be translated to 'The market was made for man, not man for the market'.

Financial markets and the uninhibited flow of capital became an absolute article of faith. Governments were convinced by Merchant Bankers, financiers, currency dealers, and the like to deregulate the market and trust the financiers to make the world a better place. We all know that some 10 years ago we arrived at the precipice of disaster. Why did it happen?

Hugh relates the need for man to be regulated, to prevent human irresponsibility and guarding against our own excesses. We need to be shepherded, otherwise the sheep run amok.
Opening PrayerRev Hugh Davidson
Reading - Ezekiel 34: 7-15Margaret Black
Reading - St. John 10: 1-10 Mary Paterson
Sermon - The need for man to be sheperdedRev Hugh Davidson
     
Sunday
30 April
New Minister voted a success -  Sunday 30 April
The
Rev John Urquhart used the readings from Peter and Luke, taking the role of Cleopas on the journey from Jerusalem to Emmaus with a friend, after the crucifixion and resurrection. He started as Jesus walked up to and spoke to them. Neither recognised Jesus and were baffled that this stranger knew nothing of what had happened in Jerusalem.

The story unfolds as the conversation continued, and how the deliverer everyone hoped for was also God's servant who suffered for our wrong doing.  John continued with a story of Justin, the pagan. Following his search to be a philosopher, and his discovery of God.  
Opening PrayerRev John Urquhart
Reading - Peter 1: 17-23Christine Jackson
Reading - Luke 24: 13-36 Sandy Robertson
Sermon - Road to EmmausRev John Urquhart
Sunday
23 April
Doubting Thomas - Weakness or Stength  - 23 April
The Rev Hugh Davidson's theme for this first Sunday following the Easter resurrection of Jesus was 'Doubting Thomas'. Was he weak in daring to doubt that Jesus had indeed risen from the dead, or strong, in that he dared to question the Lord and see for himself the holes in His hands and wound in His side?

He developed the morning readings with a story of how young children never seem to end their questioning, using a visit to the zoo to illustrate his point. Questioning is how we learn, and is a sign of strength, not taking for granted the prescribed wisdom of the day. Listen how the sermon develops doubt and faith, and how Thomas uses both, to spread the word of God far from the Holy Land.     
Opening PrayerRev Hugh Davidson
Reading - Isaiah 65: 17-25Neil Cape
Reading - John 20: 19-31 Joan Cape
Sermon - Thomas, weak or strong?Rev Hugh Davidson
Benediction and 3 AmenRev Hugh Davidson











Sunday
16 April








































Good Friday
14 April

























Monday
10 April
Easter Week Services at St. Mungo's
Easter Sunday 16 April
The Easter Sunday morning service, led by Rev Hugh Davidson, started with the reasons for our  Easter celebration, life over death, good over evil, love over hate, hope over despair, rejoicing in the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ from the dead. Christ is risen, risen indeed. Alleluia!

Our praise refected this resurrection day, supported by the readings from Corinthians and St. John.

Bill Webster read from Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, chapter 15: verses 35-50, where Paul talks of the difference between earthly bodies and heavenly bodies, mortality and immortality, weakness and strength, using Adam to ilustrate the difference between our earthly and heavenly bodies.

Margaret Webster continued with St.John chapter 20 verses 1-18, where John relates Mary Magdalene discovering the stone rolled back, and the Lord taken from the tomb, the disciples investigation, and Mary later meeting the angels, and seeing her Lord.

Hugh explored the readings starting with Paul's letter to the Corinthians where Paul describes the resurrection and Jesus as a new creation, and as the last Adam. How a crucified carpenter became a life giving spirit with a capacity to create us anew, and how to undersand it. He then related the early Christian behaviour, faced with persecution, and being thrown to the lions by their persecutors. How the Christians won, by praying for their persecutors, so defeating Caesar. The freedom to defy death itself is the freedom held out to each of us by the Easter gospel.

We continued with the celebration of Holy Communion, before closing with Hymn 419 - 'Thine be the Glory'.
Easter - Celebration of life over deathRev Hugh Davidson
Opening Prayer and setting the sceneRev Hugh Davidson
Corinthians 15: 35-50 Bill Webster
St. John 20: 1-18Margaret Webster
Sermon: A new creationRev Hugh Davidson


Good Friday 14 April

The Good Friday service tooked at St. Luke's account of our Lord's crucifixion. Through sermon reflection and song we reflected on that death.
God commends His love to us, that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.

Hugh's sermon compared the Rev Sydney Chambers, the fictional vicar of Granchester in Cambridgeshire, an ameteur sleuth, penned by author James Runcie, the son of Robert Runcie the late Archbishop of Canterbury in the 1980's, and how his 'who done it' stories are supposed to improve our memories, to solve the mystery.

What of the mysteries of God? Can they ever be solved? Why did Jesus die the death that He did? This is the mystery that confronts us every Good Friday.  Hugh explored the variety of solutions put forward over time, before drawing his conclusion. Listen to his sermon to find out how this 'mystery' unfolds.

Scene setting and opening prayerRev Hugh Davidson
St. Luke 23: 26-43  Jesus is Crucified Dorothy Paterson
St. Luke 23: 44-56   The Death of JesusDorothy Paterson
Sermon: The Mystery of GodRev Hugh Davidson
Closing PrayersRev Hugh Davidson

Monday 10 April

Following Palm Sunday, we continued the Easter Week on Monday 10th with the Rev Ian Cathcart leading the congregation at St. Mungo's. With members from all the other churches in Penicuik joining our own members Ian explored 'What type of Christian am I?' in his sermon. With each member of the congregation equipped with a piece of 'silver', and with support from Rev Ruth Halley, Rev Lynsay Downs and Rev Hugh Davidson, Ian used the extremes of Judas and Mary, both Christians, but at opposite ends of the spectrum, to show how we can journey toward the adoration that Mary reflected.
Listen again to the key elements of the service.
Call to worship, and setting the sceneRev Ian Cathcart
Opening Prayer Rev Ruth Halley
The LessonRev Lynsay Downs
What type of Christian am I ?Rev Ian Cathcart
Closing PrayersRev Hugh Davidson
Benediction and AmenRev Ian Cathcart
Sunday
9
April
Celebration of Gifts Praise Service  - 9 April
The Palm Sunday service took the theme 'Celebration of Gifts'. Led by Joan Cape with music provided by Graham McDonald on piano, Caroline Toms on Guitar and vocals, and Neil Cape on bass guitar. The service covered the use of our gifts from God and how we can use them. Joan interviewed a number of members to find out how they used their 'gifts'. The readings reflected how God wants us to use our gifts and talents in His name. A great selection of hymns were sung, and you can listen again to each part of the service.
Opening Praise - Majesty & HosannaPraise musicians
Prayers of Adoration and Thanksgiving Margaret Webster
Sing to the LordPraise musicians
Matthew 25: 14-30 (NIV)Fiona Hutcheson
This little light of minePraise musicians
Romans 12: 1-8 10,11Agnes Ovenstone
Our gifts interview with membersJoan Cape
Offer up my LifePraise musicians
Prayer for our GiftsJoan Cape
Take my life, LordPraise musicians
Closing prayers and To God be the GloryJoan Cape

Sunday
12
March
Genesis and God's grace  - 12 March
Hugh took the reading from Genesis chapter 12, and the introduction of Abraham, marking a significant point in the Old Testament, the change from pre-history to history. The first 11 chapters are known as the primeveal history, where we find the stories of creation, Adam and Eve, Kane and Able, Noah and the flood, the tower of Babel etc.

Whilst many include places recognisable, still on the map, with people just like us, there are others, e.g. Methusala, who lived many hundreds of years. Whilst the period is one of sin and moving further away from God, with the well deserved punishments forthcoming, the biblical writers did however record God's continual mercy, never giving up on His created people.  For God so loved the world, he gave His only son, not to pass judgement on the world, but that the world may be saved through Him.

Opening prayerRev Hugh Davidson
Genesis 12: 1-5 Ian Dickson
John 3: 1-17Dorothy Paterson
Sermon - Genesis and God's graceRev Hugh Davidson


Sunday
5
March
The meaning of  Lent  - 5 March
We welcomed back the Rev Hugh Davidson on Sunday 3rd March. Hugh explained in his talk with the children, the origins of Lent, why and when it occurs, what it means and what we should think about and do. His sermon took the Lord's prayer and the origins of 'trespass' an 'debtors',  and the rise in credit, which is just debt by another word.

Welcome, opening prayer, and collectRev Hugh Davidson
Childrens TalkRev Hugh Davidson
Joel 2: 1-2, 12-17 Bill Webster
John 8: 1-11Margaret Webster
Sermon - Trespass and DebtRev Hugh Davidson
Closing Prayer Rev Hugh Davidson
Sunday
26
February
If you love me, show me
The Rev Andrew Don theme took the first 10 chapters of Genesis to present every soap opera situation and story line, all the ills of the world, lies and deceit, murder etc. How you can find these chapters echoed across families in Penicuik, broken homes and families, hunger and poverty. Yet at the end of those chapters there is hope, as the rainbow appears. From the childrens talk to the closing prayer, the theme haunts us with tales of those fighting personal demons and what we can do, by taking the word and love of God to those crying out for help.
 
Prayers of ApproachRev Andrew Don
Childrens TalkRev Andrew Don
Isaiah 61: 1-2 Joan Cape
Matthew 28: 16-20Neil Cape
Sermon - If you love me, show meRev Andrew Don
Closing Prayer and Amen Rev Andrew Don
Sunday
19
February
Gods Love is unselfish, unending, and unconditional
The Rev Elisabeth Spence preached on Sunday 19 February taking the theme God's Love, and usiGods Love is unselfish, unending, and unconditional
ng the childrens talk, readings, and sermon, showed us how his love is unselfish, unending, and unconditional.
 
Call to worshipRev Elisabeth Spence
Opening PrayerRev Elisabeth Spence
John 15: 9-17 Fiona Hutcheson
1 John 5: 1-6Eric Marchant
Sermon - God's LoveRev Elisabeth Spence
Closing Prayers Rev Elisabeth Spence
Sunday
12
February
Decisions Decisions - Moving forward 
The Rev Ian Bird led our worship on Sunday 12 February and started his title theme with the children's talk. Recounting a trip to Lightwater Theme Park in North Yorks with his children some years ago he was presented with a 'Dare' from his son to ride the 'Hells Slide'. This slide started higher then the gallery in the church in a near vertical fall to the bottom. Decisions Decisions. Keep going and challenge the dare, or turn back to where he came from. This dichotomy was developed from the Joshua reading, where Joshua had to cross the River Jordan in spate, to reach the promised land. Easier to go back? Again in the Matthew reading where Jesus told the disciples to go everywhere and make men His disciples. Easier to go back? 

Opening PrayerRev Ian Bird
Joshua 1: 1-9 Gordon MacDonald
Matthew 26: 16-20Margaret Webster
Sermon - Decisions DecisionstRev Ian Bird
Closing Prayers Rev Ian Bird
Sunday
5
February
Salt and Light
The service on Sunday 5 February was led by Sandy Robertson and the Elders. The readings, poems, stories and sermon reflected the theme of  Salt and Light, taken from Matthews gospel.
 
Opening PrayerBill Webster
Iceman cometh (talk with the children) Sandy Robertson
Psalms112: 1-9 Agnes Ovenstone
Matthew 6: 13-20Ian Dickson
Ephesians 5: 6-14Eric Marchant
O, Light Invisible by T.S. ElliotGrodon MacDonald
Salt and Light (poetry in motion)Christine Jackson
To God be the Glory (Deborah Ann Berka)Carole Lough
Sermon - Salt and LightSandy Robertson
Closing Prayers Margaret Webster
Sunday
29
January
Why does God not answer our 'demands'
The Holocaust Memorial Day on Friday January 27th brought focus to the theme of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, where he wrote that 'Jews call for miracles' while 'Greeks look for wisdom', while we 'preach Christ crucified'.

This can be rendered as Jews demand action while Greeks ask for explanation. Hugh's sermon explored how we often 'demand' God 'do something' to save us, as in the death camps of the Nazi era. Why does God not answer our demands for help?

Opening PrayerRev Hugh Davidson
Micah 6: 6-8       Isabel Donachie
1st Corinthians 1: 18-31Dorothy Paterson
Where was God Rev Hugh Davidson
Prayers of Thanksgiving & IntercessionRev Hugh Davidson
Sunday
22
January
Simon and Andrew - fishers of men 
The gospel reading from Matthew we heard Jesus say to Simon and Andrew to come after Him and He will make them fishers of men.

We then turned to the story of 'Lord Hippo' and his overpowering need to gamble, with the inevitable consequences. Approaching his son, the 'Earl of Pottamus' to be bailed out merely served to fuel his gambling addiction. The increase in gambling is closely linked to poverty, as a quick way to riches, always hopeful of that 'windfall'. Being 'hooked' on gambling, or 'hooked' on Christ was explored, with the gift of hope He offers.       
Isaiah 9: 2-7                  - (Janis Hogg)
Matthew 4: 12-23          - (Fiona hutcheson
)
Fishers of men              - (Rev Hugh Davidson)

Sunday
15
January
The baptism of Jesus

The sermon took the gospel story from todays Matthew reading, where Jesus asked John the Baptist to baptise Him. Such was John the Baptist surprise, saying that he, John, needed to be baptised by Jesus. John's baptism was for repentance, but Matthew implies that Jesus was sinless, thus he could have nothing to repent.
Listen now to hear how this puzzle unfolds. 

Isaiah 42: 1-9               - (Dorothy Paterson)
Matthew 3: 13-17          - (
Isabel Donachie)
Jesus baptism              - (Rev Hugh Davidson)

Sunday
8
January

Do we really care about the truth?
After the 12 days of Christmas it is tempting for ministers of the church to offer their allegedly sage reflections on the past 12 months, and to make perceptive 'prognostications' about the year ahead. Hugh did resist the urge to follow type, though 2016 had produced  more material ripe for comment than any year he could think of.

There was however one topic he did take up, that of 'post truth politics'. The term is not just that politicians are 'economical with the truth', or the telling of clear 'untruths', but how it gets to the stage that nobody really cares if what we are being told is true or not!  'Brexit' is prime example. Does this mean that truth doesn't matter?  What is 'truth' was explored, going back to the time of Jesus, Pilate, and the parables used by Jesus. 

Isaiah 60: 1-6               - (Gordon MacDonald)
Matthew 2: 1-2             - (
Gordon MacDonald)
Do we care about truth  - (Rev Hugh Davidson)
Sunday
1
January

New Years Day
The Mystery of Christmas
We all know and love the Christmas story, the birth of Jesus. But for the first 300 years of the Christian Church the birth of Jesus was not acknowledged or mentioned. Easter,  the crucifixion and resurrection yes, but not His birth.

Hugh took us on journey to solve the mystery, 'Who is Jesus?' which is more intriguing  than you can imagine.

Isaiah 63:     7-9         - (Ian Dickson)
Matthew 2:  13-23       - (Christine Jackson)
Mystery of Christmas  - (Rev Hugh Davidson)

 
Penicuik: St. Mungo's Parish Church (Church of Scotland). Scottish Charity No SC005838