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| 2020 | Topic and Theme | Christmas Sunday Service - 27 December WELCOME to St Mungo’s. for
our Christmas Sunday Service. We continue our celebration of the birth of the
new born King. This service is online and in church, both starting at
11.00am.
This Sunday the Moderator of the Church of Scotland Rt Rev Martin Fair led our prayer and sermon.
An abridged copy of the service was
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121. listen to the audio service here
| Christmas Day Family Service - 25 DecemberWELCOME to St Mungo’s. for
our Christmas Day Family Service. Join us to celebrate the birth of the
new born King. This service was online and in church, both starting at
11.00am.
The Rev John Urquhart led our service. listen to the audio service here
| Christmas Eve Service: on line only - 24 DecemberWELCOME to St Mungo’s. for our watchnight Christmas Eve Service. Join us to welcome the birth of the new born King.
This short service was online only, starting at 11.45pm. The Rev John Urquhart led our service. listen to the audio service here
| Sunday Nativity Service: in church and on line - 20 DecemberWELCOME to St Mungo’s. for our Nativity Service. We are glad you can join us.
We continue our journey through advent, waiting for the birth of the Christ child. This Sunday theme will be 'Joy'
The Rev John Urquhart led our service.
| Sunday Service: in church and on line - 13 DecemberWELCOME to St Mungo’s. on this 3rd Sunday in Advent. We are glad you can join us.
We continue our journey through advent, waiting for the birth of the Christ child. This Sunday theme was 'Love'
The Rev John Urquhart led our service.
| Sunday Joint KIP Service: in church and on line - 6 DecemberWELCOME to St Mungo’s. We’re glad you can join us.
This Sunday we joined with Penicuik South and Howgate church, along with Penicuik North Kirk for our monthly joint service.
The Rev Peter Wood led our service, taking the theme 'Gladness and Generosity' from the Holy Habits programme.
An abridged copy of the service was
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| Sunday Advent Service: in church and on line - 29 NovemberWELCOME to St Mungo’s. We’re glad you can join us.
On this first Sunday of Advent we were also celebrating Holy Communion.
If you are joining us from home and would like to put aside some bread and wine
(or
something which would represent them), please retain them until the
appropriate part of the service and consume them reverently and
thankfully.
If you would rather not participate, you are equally
welcome to listen and enjoy spiritual communion with Christ and
‘feed on him in your heart by faith with thanksgiving’.
The Rev John Urquhart led our worship
An abridged copy of the service was
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| Sunday Service: in church and on line - 22 NovemberTHE STORY SO FAR
Jacob
has sent his sons, along with Benjamin, to Egypt, to deal with
Pharaoh's ‘man’. On the way home, Benjamin is arrested on a
trumped-up charge of stealing the man’s silver cup. Judah pleads
for Benjamin’s release, offering himself in his stead. Joseph,
overcome, by this change of heart, reveals himself to his brothers to
their amazement. He tells them: ‘it was not you who sent me here,
but God’.
Jacob is encouraged to come to Egypt, both by Joseph
and by God, where he lives for 17 years, and finally dies, giving
instructions to his sons where he is to be buried.
The Rev John Urquhart led our worship
An abridged copy of the service was
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| Sunday Service: in church and on line - 15 Novemberv
We
return to the story of Jacob and Joseph (Genesis 43). Last time, we saw
the culmination of the story, from the point of view of Joseph dealing
with his brothers. Today, we turn back a page or two, to read the
story’s puzzling twists from Jacob’s point of view. In
chapter 43, Jacob reaches a low point: but he still looks to God for
mercy and help, but sorrowfully and resignedly.
The Rev John Urquhart led our worship
An abridged copy of the service was
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| Remembrance Sunday: in church and on line - 8 NovemberThis
year Remembrance Sunday was rather different. For
safety reasons, and the restriction on 50 maximum in the chuch we
invited local
organisations to send representatives only. We could not have the
Silver Band and all the standards presented at the beginning. We did
have our regular congregation members, the bugler Anna Florence outside
the sanctuary to play Last Post and Reveille, and the piper to play the
lament, before the 2 minute silence
We put
together a different service than usual, with some things I’m
sure you’ll recognise. I hope it will give you an insight into
how the congregation at St Mungo’s worships week by week. Let us
worship God.
The Rev John Urquhart led our worship
An abridged copy of the service was
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
listen to the audio service here
2 Minute silence and Laying of Wreaths at the War memorial
 With
current restrictions there was no ceremony at the war memorial
this year. In the interests of safety we encourage our members,
organisations and the public to take a moment on their doorstep on
Remembrance Sunday and on the 11th November at 11 am for the two
minutes silence.
You can also pay your personal respects,
lay your wreath at the war memorial at a time of your choosing, [but
please avoid 11 am as per the guidelines on gatherings.].
The St. Mungo's video service above includes a 2 minute silence at 11.00am. | Joint Sunday Service: in church and on line - 1 NovemberThis
morning’s service is one of a series of joint services for the
Church of Scotland congregations in the town. This act of worship has
been prepared to allow us all to spend some time with God, knowing that
others are sharing in it.
We thank all involved in creating and distributing this service, and praise God for his unchanging character and unfailing love.
The
service was led by the Rev John Urquhart, with
contributions from Penicuik North Kirk, and Penicuik South &
Howgate.
An abridged copy of the service was
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| St. Mungo's Sunday Service & Communion - 25 October
We
continued to meet in our church this Sunday as well as online for those who feel uncertain about returning at this time.
Today, both online and in church services, we were celebrating Holy Communion. If joining online you may like to put aside some bread and wine (or
something which would represent them). Please retain them until the
appropriate part of the service and consume them reverently and
thankfully.
Theme for this service is 'Joseph, Prison to Prime Minister'.
The Story so Far
Last
time we saw Joseph he was in the king’s prison, where he gets to
know some of the king’s servants. He thinks this might help him
get out, but that plan doesn’t work—at least not
immediately.
 Much
later, the king has two troubling dreams: about seven fat cows and
seven gaunt cows, and seven healthy ears of corn and seven nasty,
withered ears of corn. The thin, unhealthy-looking things gobbled up
the healthy ones.
The king (that’s Pharaoh) calls together
all his advisers and tells them his dreams. They come up with nothing.
Then the king’s cupbearer remembers Joseph, who interpreted a
dream for him. He tells the king of a man with spiritual insight and
wisdom who was in prison with him. So, Joseph is fetched, shaved,
cleaned up and taken to Pharaoh.
Joseph denies that he himself can interpret dreams but says that God can give insight.
And
so, from the king’s dreams, Joseph tells him about the coming
seven years of plenty and the seven years of scarcity. He sketches a
14-year plan for Pharaoh— and suggests he’ll need someone
to execute it. “Don’t worry,” says Pharaoh,
“I’ve already thought of somebody: I’m appointing
you.” So, Joseph ends up as prime minister of Egypt, using his
administrative skills to bring life to people instead of starvation.
Meanwhile back in Canaan, things are looking grim for Jacob’s family….
The service was led by the Rev John Urquhart.
An abridged copy of the service was
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| Sunday Service: in church and on line - 18 October
We
continued to meet in our church this Sunday as well as online for those who feel uncertain about returning at this time.
The Story so Far
Joseph’s
brothers are fiercely jealous of him because he is his father’s
favourite and because of his God-given dreams that one he will rule
over them. They kidnap the teenager, throw him into a dry pit, and
eventually sell him as a slave to some nomadic traders. But God is with
Joseph and will bring him safely through all his troubles.
The service was led by the Rev John Urquhart.
An abridged copy of the service was
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| Sunday Harvest Service: in church and on line - 11 October
We
continue to meet in our church this Sunday as well as online for those who feel uncertain about returning at this time.
 Our
Harvest Thanksgiving service this year on October 11th was, as
everything else this year, different. We can't bring gifts or
produce of any sort but our Kirk Session has decided that making
donations to Christian Aid would be an excellent alternative.
Christian
Aid has been struggling for donations this year as their normal fund
raising week had to be cancelled but the need for help worldwide has
increased. Please help.
You can do so by putting money in the
Christian Aid collection bucket at the church door, or by going to the Christian
Aid fundraising page. Click on the Donate button here
An abridged copy of the service was
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| Joint Sunday Service: in church and on line - 4 October
We
continue to meet in our church this Sunday as well as online for those who feel uncertain about returning at this time.
We joined with Penicuik North Kirk (PNK) and Penicuik South and
Howgate (PSH) for our monthly joint service Our theme for this Sunday is 'Holy Habits', Misional discipleship as a way of life.
 You
are warmly invited to watch, listen and join in. The Rev
Graham Astles led our service. Rev Peter Wood followed up the Holy
Habits video in church at St. Mungo's
An abridged copy of the service is
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| St. Mungo's Sunday Service: in church and on line - 27 September
This
Sunday, some of you joining online you may like to put aside some bread and wine (or
something which would represent them). Please retain them until the
appropriate part of the service and consume them reverently and
thankfully.f us met in St Mungo’s once more, and
some joined us from home. Wherever you are we welcome you to St
Mungo’s, and glad you can join us to worship God
together.
Today, both online and in church services, we were celebrating Holy Communion. If joining online you may like to put aside some bread and wine (or
something which would represent them). Please retain them until the
appropriate part of the service and consume them reverently and
thankfully.
Theme for this service is 'Kidnapped'.
Jacob’s
son Joseph is hated by his brothers who are jealous of him because he
is his father’s favourite. They also hate him because of the
God-given dreams he has had, dreams that indicate that they will one
day bow down before him.
The stage is now set for a confrontation.
You
are warmly invited to watch, listen and join in. The Rev John Urquhart led our service
An abridged copy of the service is
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| St. Mungo's Sunday Service: in church and on line - 20 September
This
Sunday, some of us met in St Mungo’s once more, and
some joined us from home. Wherever you are we welcome you to St
Mungo’s, and glad you can join us to worship God
together.
Theme for this service is 'Joseph's Dream'.
After making peace with Esau, Jacob is now living in Canaan. He is economically rich but still an outsider in the land.
In
one of the most dramatic and disturbing chapters of Genesis,
Leah’s daughter, Dinah, is raped by the son of a local Canaanite
chieftain and held captive.
Her brothers, Simeon and Levi, take a
terrible revenge on the entire local male community. The rest of the
brothers grab everyone and everything remaining.
Jacob is once again left fearful for his life, but God speaks to him in his fear….
You
are warmly invited to watch, listen and join in. The Rev John Urquhart led our service
An abridged copy of the service is
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| St. Mungo's Sunday Service: in church and on line - 13 September
This
Sunday, some of us met in St Mungo’s for the first time
in a while, and some joined us from home. No matter where we are,
we can rejoice that all of us who trust in Jesus together form the
living stones of a spiritual temple for the living God.
Together we
are called to be a holy priesthood: we can offer praise and thanks to
God, through our worship and through our lives offered up in service to
God through Jesus.
Theme for this service is 'Dealing with soured relationships'.
Jacob has been mortally afraid of meeting Esau, his brother.
Today he is going to meet Esau for the first time in many years. Jacob,
fresh from an encounter with God, has changed in character and in what
he fears, having been blessed by God.
Now, he goes forward boldly to meet his brother. What will Esau’s reaction be?
You
are warmly invited to watch, and listen.The Rev John Urquhart led our service
An abridged copy of the service is
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| Penicuik Churches Together Sunday Service - 6 September
Join
us for the Penicuik Churches Together service when St. Mungo's joined
with Penicuik South Kirk and Howgate (PSH), St. James the Less, and
Penicuik North Kirk (PNK) for our
Sunday online service.
Theme for this service is 'Pruning for Growth'. Not only a gardening theme, but a look at our own lives.
You
are warmly invited to watch, listen and join in. The Rev Peter Wood and Rev Nick
Bowry led our service
An abridged copy of the service is
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| St. Mungo's Sunday Service: Jacob's story Part 4 - 30 August
Having
been told by God in a dream that it’s time to leave and go back
home, Jacob, true to his old form, packs up everything (family, farm
animals and so on) and leaves without telling Laban, who is
conveniently engaged elsewhere.
Jacob has another
unanticipated problem. Before he meets his brother Esau, he has a
seemingly hostile encounter with a strange figure who engages Jacob in
a desperate struggle in the darkness of night. What becomes
of Jacob?
Today we are celebrating Holy Communion
online. If you would like to put aside some bread and wine (or
something which would represent them). Please retain them until the
appropriate part of the service and consume them reverently and
thankfully.
If you would rather not participate, you are equally
welcome to listen and enjoy spiritual communion with Christ and
‘feed on him in your heart by faith with thanksgiving’.
Let’s worship God.
An abridged copy of the service is
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| St. Mungo's Sunday Service: Jacob's story Pt 3 - 23 August
We take up once more Jacob’s story in Genesis. The story so far….
Jacob
has fallen into the hands of Laban, his wily uncle who is keen to take
advantage of him. It is a lesson to Jacob who has always relied on
being more of a trickster than other people. Through his experience
Jacob is humbled and begins to look to God and God’s promises to
be with him. Now God begins to act for Jacob and his growing
family….
Let’s worship God.
An abridged copy of the service is
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| St. Mungo's Sunday Service: Jacob's story Pt 2 - 16 August
We continued the story in Genesis of Jacob and his troubled family life.
God is still working with them to shape them into the people he wants them to be.
Our
first hymn may seem both familiar and strange to many of us, but it
would be quite natural to many a Highland congregation and has a beauty
all its own.
Let’s worship God.
An abridged copy of the service was
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| St. Mungo's Sunday Service: Jacob's story Pt 1 - 9 August
We continued Jacob’s story. Jacob has run away to escape his
brother Esau’s anger, after cheating Esau of the rights and the
blessing of the eldest son.
In an encounter with God in a dream,
Jacob hears the promises, made by God to his grandfather and father,
repeated and affirmed, and Jacob swears an oath: ‘the Lord will be my
God’.
Jacob finally fetches up at his uncle Laban’s. It’s a new
beginning, but Jacob (and not only Jacob) will meet with sore
disappointment along the way. Even although God disciplines Jacob
through what happens, God is still faithful to his promises.
Let’s worship God.
An abridged copy of the service was
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| Joint Penicuik Church of Scotland Service - 2 August
St.
Mungo's joined Penicuik North Kirk, and Penicuik South with Howgate to
worship God together at 11.00am Sunday 2 August.
The
service theme 'Working with Young People' focused on the current
Holiday Club, when it had completed its 4th and penultimate week.
An abridged copy of the service was
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| St. Mungo's Sunday Service & Holy Communion - 26 July
The
congregation of St. Mungo's welcomes you, as always, to join our
worship this and every Sunday, online with us at this time. This act of
worship has been prepared to allow us to spend some time with God,
knowing that others are sharing in it.
The
service was led
by Rev John
Urquhart, and church members taking parts of
the service. prayers, readings, sermon and
praise.
This on-line service included our
monthly celebration of Holy Communion. If you wish, you could come
to watch and listen to the service prepared with some bread and
wine/juice to take at the point of communion.
The full video was supported by our dial in
audio service, no
internet connection
required 01968 700121
| St. Mungo's Sunday Service - 19 July
The
congregation of St. Mungo's welcomes you, as always, to join our
worship this and every Sunday, online with us at this time. This act of
worship has been prepared to allow us to spend some time with God,
knowing that others are sharing in it.
Order of Service
Full
video
See
footnote in the Order of Service, which includes the Gaelic
transcription of the last hymn 'The Celtic Blessing in Gaelic and
English', which was kindly provided by Dr. Emily McEwan, who is a
linguistic anthropologist in Halifax, Nova Scotia, to whom we give our thanks. | St. Mungo's Sunday Service - 12 July
The
congregation of St. Mungo's welcomes you, as always, to join our
worship this and every Sunday, online with us at this time. This act of
worship has been prepared to allow us to spend some time with God,
knowing that others are sharing in it.
The full video was
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| Joint Penicuik Church of Scotland Service - 5 July
St.
Mungo's joined Penicuik North Kirk, and Penicuik South with Howgate to
worship God together. We were looking at music and the visual
arts in Christian life. The service was led by the Rev John
Urquhart of
St. Mungo's, with members of all three church
congregations taking parts of the service, prayers, readings, and
reflections.
The full video was
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121.
| The Fourth Sunday after Pentecost Service - 28 June
The
congregation of St. Mungo's welcomes you, as always, to join our
worship this fourth Sunday of Pentecost, and every Sunday, online with us at this time. This act of
worship has been prepared to allow us to spend some time with God,
knowing that others are sharing in it.
The
service was be led
by Rev John
Urquhart, and church members taking parts of
the service. prayers, readings, sermon and
praise.
This on-line service included our
monthly celebration of Holy Communion. If you wish, you could come
to watch and listen to the service prepared with some bread and
wine/juice to take at the point of communion.
The full video was again be supported by our dial in
audio service, no
internet connection
required
| The Third Sunday after Pentecost Service - 21 June
The
congregation of St. Mungo's welcomes you, as always, to join our
worship this third Sunday of Pentecost, and every Sunday, online with us at this time. This act of
worship has been prepared to allow us to spend some time with God,
knowing that others are sharing in it.
The
service was led
by Rev John
Urquhart, and church members taking parts of
the service. prayers, readings, sermon and
praise.
The full video wasl again be supported by our dial in
audio service, no
internet connection
required
| The Second Sunday after Pentecost Service - 14 June
The
congregation of St. Mungo's welcomes you, as always, to join our
worship this and every Sunday, online with us at this time. This act of
worship has been prepared to allow us to spend some time with God,
knowing that others are sharing in it.
The service is led
by Rev John
Urquhart, and church members taking parts of
the service. prayers, readings, sermon and
praise. The full video is once again supported by our dial in
audio service,
| Joint
Penicuik Church of Scotland Service - 7 June
St.
Mungo's joins Penicuik North Kirk, and Penicuik South and Howgate to
worship God together. The service was led by the Revd Peter Wood of
Penicuik South and Howgate, with members of all three church
congregations taking parts of the service, prayers, responses,
readings, and reflections.
The full video was
supported by our dial in audio service, no internet connection required
on 01968 700121
| Pentecost Sunday & Holy Communion - 31 May
The
congregation of St. Mungo's welcomes you, as always, to join our
worship this  Pentecost and every Sunday, online with us at this time. This act of
worship has been prepared to allow us to spend some time with God,
knowing that others are sharing in it.
The
service was led
by Rev John
Urquhart, and church members taking parts of
the service. prayers, readings, sermon and
praise.
For the first time in our on-line services we introduced our
monthly celebration of Holy Communion. If you wish, you could come
to watch and listen to the service prepared with some bread and
wine/juice to take at the point of communion.
The full video was again supported by our dial in
audio service, no
internet connection
required | The Seventh Sunday of Easter Service: Ascensiontide - 24 May
The
congregation of St. Mungo's welcomes you, as always, to join our
worship this and every Sunday, online with us at this time. This act of
worship has been prepared to allow us to spend some time with God,
knowing that others are sharing in it.
The service was led
by Rev John
Urquhart, and church members taking parts of
the service. prayers, readings, sermon and
praise. The full video was once again supported by our dial in
audio service, | The Sixth Sunday of Easter Service - 17 May
The
congregation of St. Mungo's welcomes you, as always, to join our
worship this and every Sunday, online with us at this time. This act of
worship has been prepared to allow us to spend some time with God,
knowing that others are sharing in it.
The service was be led
by Rev John
Urquhart, and church members taking parts of
the service. prayers, readings, sermon and
praise. The full video was supported by our dial in
audio service, | Fifth Sunday of Easter Service - 10 May
This
service marked the start of Christian Aid Week. The usual events and the
envelope collecting won’t be happening this year. However, you
can still give a donation via their website:
We’ve also
just passed the 75th anniversary of VE day when the Second World War in
Europe came to an end. We remember those, today and then, who have
risked their lives to serve others and we give thanks for God’s
grace to us in difficult times.
The service was led
by Rev John
Urquhart, and church members taking parts of
the service. prayers, readings, sermon and
praise. The full video is supported by our dial in
audio service, no
internet connection
required
| Joint Penicuik Church of Scotland Service - 3 May
St.
Mungo's hosted the May monthly joint service, joining North Kirk, and
Penicuik South and Howgate to worship God together. The service was led
by Rev Graham Astles, with Rev John
Urquhart, Rev Peter Wood, and church members taking parts of
the service. prayers, readings, sermon and
praise. | Third Sunday of Easter at St. Mungo's - 26 April
The
third Sunday of Easter service at 11.00am online took
Luke's reading of Jesus encounter, on the road to Emmaus, meeting two
of the disciples after his resurrection. The service was led
by Rev John
Urquhart, with prayers, readings, sermon and
praise.
| Second Sunday of Easter at St. Mungo's - 19 April
The
Second Sunday of Easter service at 11.00am online was led
by Rev John
Urquhart, the service will include prayers, readings, sermon and
praise. | | Easter
Holy Week at Penicuik Churches Together 5 to 12 April |  | The Penicuik churches on-line services, Holy Week brought
together each church hosting one of the weekly services. Click on the links below for the on-line video recordings
Each
church held their own Good Friday, and Easter Sunday
services, with St. Mungo's on-line details being shoSecond Sunday of Easter at St. Mungo'swn below.
All
services were pre-recorded and can be watched at anytime. Click on the 'Hosted By' link to connect.
| |
| When skies are dark our faith is
tested - 29 March (Virtual Service)
 At
this time, none of us are able to attend church. This act of worship
has been prepared to allow us all to spend a few minutes with God,
knowing that other people are sharing in it with you.
It is
our first 'virtual' service during the self isolation 'lockdown' period
of the Coronavirus epidemic, we have tried to keep the format of our
service as close as possible to that you would enjoy in the church
every Sunday morning.
Join
us for our morning praise. During this self isolation phase of the
Coronavirus pandemic we have put together a morning service that you
can watch at anytime.
Click
on the link for a video response.
(close
the window with the video when finished to return to this page)
| Our Prayers for Help- 22 March
 We
have a coronavirus crisis here and now, but we are not
unique.
John's thought for today relates the dilemma Jehoshaphat, King of
Judah, faced when the Moabites and Ammonites invaded Judah from the
east at Ein-Gedi, after crossing the Dead Sea.
 He had a
choice, present himself as being in total control, even though he
wasn't. He was afraid.
Issuing
a general 'fast' the people headed west to Jerusalem, where the temple
was, with Jehoshaphat in the square, leading the people in prayer
seeking help from the God, asking Him to act. The king and the people
did not know what to do but were looking to God.
We
hear how we are not to be afraid, how the crisis will pass, as it did
for Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah. Read more in 2 Chronicles chapter 20.
The
Church of Scotland has sent out a call for a national day of prayer, to
individually place a candle in our window (carefully) at 7.00pm for one
hour, and pray for those vulnerable and in trouble, the decision
makers, as well as those in healthcare who are able to help.
Listen
to John's message or watch
his video message to us all at this difficult time, when our
faith is put to the test. |  Blue
planet, Living water- 15 March
Neil
intimated the changes in our worship format to comply with the hygiene
guidance during the current coronavirus epidemic, before welcoming
Fiona Devoy to lead our service. Fiona introduced herself, though many
of us will remember her visit last
June.
 For
the informal time
Fiona opened with a picture of our world, the blue planet, taken from
space. She  explained why blue, and just
how much of our planet is
water, 71% if you can't wait to find out. This led on to how little of
it is accessible for drinking. Only 2.5%, and only 1% of that
is
accessible. Many countries have real difficulties finding any drinking
water. Jesus gives us 'living water', clean refreshing water of life.
  Fiona's
sermon continued the theme 'Living water' where deserts are not only in
hot arid countries, but also cold countries where water is locked
underground or in thick ice. We can find ourselves in a wildeness due
to circumstances too, Fiona took this morning's reading as an example,
the
samaritan woman visiting the town well to draw water, and
a chance meeting Jesus on his journey from Judea to
Galilee,
who also stopped for a drink of water. They talk of the 'living water',
the gift of the Holy Spirit.
| Who we are and what we do - 8 March
 John
introduced Neil Cape at the informal time to tell us about a range of
helpful guide cards that are available to the congregation. Large
posters in the hall promote the cards, raising an awareness to everyone
who spots them, a starter point for discussion. Who we are?
What do we do? Midweek activities? Friends of St. Mungo's. Neil
explained what each card covers, and how they can be used in
conversation. As John summarised, they are a conversation starter.
 John
opened his sermon, referring to the 16th century Heidelberg Catechism,
a Protestant confessional document taking the form of a series of
questions and answers.
He took up today's reading from Romans
13, and St. Pauls words about
Christians and the state, as his theme. What does Paul think of Rome?
Was the crucifixion of Christ a miscarriage of justice? We hear of the
Pumpkinification of (the Divine) Claudius, a political satire on the
Roman emperor Claudius, the process by which dead Roman emperors were
recognized as gods.Paul, in Romans 13, details how to be a good person
and obey our leaders, be that a Caesar, or the Christian God.
| Christian
Unity & New Housing - 1 March
Penicuik north Kirk Praise Band leads the
singing.
St.
Mungo's congregation hosted a joint Church of Scotland service on
Sunday 1st March, welcoming members from Penicuik North Kirk,
South & Howgate Church, and Glencorse Church to the morning
service.
Leading our service was Rev Peter Wood, Pioneer & New Housing
Co-ordinator for Lothian Presbytery, and locum minister at Penicuik
South and Howgate Church. Leading our praise for the service were the
praise band from Penicuik North Kirk, Rev Graham Astles on drums,
singers Fiona and Alison, Eunice and Ricky on
guitars, and Malcolm on
piano, together with St. Mungo's resident organist
Eileen Marchant. Full
Story and pictures
| Lenten
Support - 23 February
 As Lent
approaches, starting with Ash Wednesday on the 26 February, John
introduced the Easter Reader, from the Scottish Bible Society. He
announced that your church will be handing them out next Sunday to all
visitors. It contains readings from the 1st March through to Easter
Monday. They ask 4 simple questions to ask ourselves:-
 What
jumped out at you the first time you read the reading?
Was
there anything difficult or troubling in the passage?
If
these were the only parts of the bible we had, what would we know about
God?
 How has God spoken
into our life as we've read this week. how will we respond?
We
can address these questions alone, or perhaps with friends.
In the sermon John referred to the two
readings, the first Elijah and Elisha from the Old Testament, pushed
apart by a fiery chariot, one being swept away in a tornado. The second
Jesus changes in appearance on the top of a mountain, talking
to two figures from the remote past. Are these stories legends, or do
we believe them?
We celebrated the sacrament of
the last supper during this service.
| The
Good Shepherd - 16 February
 Our
theme began with the Informal time, presenting a video on Psalm 23, the
Lord's my Shepherd, form the sheep view. How the shepherd looks after
and protects them, and wouldn't it be good if we had a shepherd, to
look after us.
Our readings tell us,
as elders in our
community, we can act as shepherds, and how we can spread the
word of God in our community.
 John
started his sermon looking at what makes a stradivarius
violin so special? What is the mystique  that makes it
so
sought after? Turning to the New Testament and pastoral
care, we hear the model is without doubt Jesus, who taught us to care
for others in need, so that they can find faith, or renew their faith
in Jesus.
Jesus is the Good Shepherd.
| The
Bread of Life - 9 February
 Last
week we heard of the feeding of the 5000, how God and Jesus made the
bread and fish feed the many. Today at the informal time John
introduced what Jesus meant when he said 'I am the bread of
life'.
What was he saying to the people of that time.
In
the sermon
we heard that some people think they, quite wrongly, are on
the
same wavelength as God.He is just like ourselves. Jesus it's true
shares our humanity, but he is greater than that.
 John
referred to the novel David Elginbrodde by George MacDonald,
1894
- 1905, a Scottish author, poet and Christian minister. He was
a
pioneering figure in the field of modern literature, and the
mentor of fellow writer Lewis Carroll.In his novel David Elginbrodde we
hear of an epitaph on a gravestone in a scottish graveyard
"'Here lie I, Martin Elginbrodde:
Hae mercy o' my soul, Lord God;
As I wad do, were I Lord God,
And ye were Martin Elginbrodde.'"
 It
shows God as fair minded, which is true. However is faith about keeping
on good terms with God? People were amazed by Jesus having fed the
5000, walking on water and other miracles. They saw it as a real Wow
factor. But Jesus plays this down, he is not interested in repeating
the story. Jesus was here to feed us food that endures for eternal
life.
| How
did Jesus feed the 5000? - 2 February
 For
the informal time John introduced an interactive presentation of Jesus
feeding the 5000 story, based on the book of 2 Kings. Member Bob
Jarmson played the man from
Baal Shalishah, the prophet Elisha, and  Elisha's
servant. John provided the
links to bring the story all together.
Baal Shalishah (pronounced Bayle Sha-lye-sha) arrived with 20 loaves of
bread, to the prophet Elisha. The servant questioned if that was enough
for 100 hungry men? Obviously not nearly enough. Elisha reminded the
servant that the Lord that there will be sufficient, and some left
over.
 John
continued the theme in the sermon, about a God that makes sure we have
enough, with a bit left over. We need to rely on the Lord. Jesus does
more with less, only 5 loaves, not 20, and 2 fish. John compares the
older story of Elisha with this newer one, using modern examples of
peoples concerns.
The service
was followed by a Soup and Bread lunch
| Reaching
God using Trypraying - 26 January
 John
reported at the informal time receiving a thank you from Trypraying for
the donation we collected last week,which helped them
to reach their fundraising target. We heard how the power of
the
Trypraying booklet has helped many people, enabling God to be
found through prayer, and the life changing impact that has had on
those people.
 The
sermon carried on from last weeks talk on the Psalmist. From
today's reading from Hebrews John asked who wrote it, and who was it
written to? We don't know who wrote it, only God knows. We do know who
It was written to, Jewish Christians, who had never met Jesus in his
earthly ministry.
We celebrated the sacrament of
the last supper through holy communion.
| The
power of Trypraying - 19 January
 John
talked about the Trypraying campaign, the success it has had over
previous years, with advertising on the side of buses probably the most
visible display to the public at large. For 2020 the
commitment to
continue this 'bus' publicity needs financial backing a soon as
possible. A collection / pledge was made available after the
service, and donations and pledges could  made on-line too. We heard Kirsty's story of how
Trypraying had changed her world. You can see her video story
John's
sermon drew a parallel with the earlier reading from Psalms, 'I waited
patiently for the Lord, he heard my cry for help'. Whilst preparing
this sermon John lost half the file on his computer, and regardless of
what he tried he could not recover it. The psalmist wrote how finding
himself in a horrible place, physically or mentally, he was waiting
expectantly for the Lord to hear his cries for help, his prayer. John
referred to the work of Donald Carson, a Canadian Reformed Evangelical
theologian,
writing about this psalm. When we go through difficult times our
horizons narrow, the world seems smaller as the problem takes over our
entire field of vision. When we come out the other end in the mercy of
God, we find our horizons expanding again as we stand on solid ground..
| Prayer,
only for emergency? - 12 January
 John
introduced the theme during the informal time, displaying the well
known 'break glass in emergency'. Sometimes its a button inside, or a
key. We also saw a version with hands in prayer. Is prayer only for
when an emergency arises? We hear  how scripture tells us that
we should
pray about everything, for each other, even when we don't feel it's an
emergency.
John
also introduced a new feature following the service. Two people will be
available to pray with you, whatever you would like to pray
about,
yourself, a friend, something that is troubling you.
 In
the sermon. John looked at how we were introduced us to Jesus by
Matthew. John the Baptist baptised with water to repent our sins, but
announced that the Messiah will baptise with the Holy Spirit and fire!
We  see a picture of a threshing
floor, where the wheat is separated  from
the husk. The second picture shows winnowing the grain. Here the grain
is tossed to allow the wind to blow away the husks and the grain falls
down to the basket. God is going to sift people, cleaning out
the
threshing area, bringing the wheat back into the barn.John explores
repentance, and what it means, referring to the message 'The end is
near'.
| New Year : a time for reflection - 5 JanuaryThe
first service of 2020 was held in the church hall, café
style,
grouped around tables, with tea and coffee available before we began.
Joan Cape led the service which reflected on the Christmas celebrations
we had all experienced, and what it meant to us. Joan
followed the
call to worship with the opening praise 'Angel from the realms of
glory' by setting the scene, and an opening prayer.
Christmas
is
a time for carols, and we continued with 'The first Nowell the angels
did say'. Joan then introduced us to the first of three stories, from
Matthew 2, presented using a video of the three wise men's
journey to Bethlehem, visiting king Herod.
 Joan
looks at this view of the birth of Jesus from Matthew and Luke's
gospels, and where the 'wise men' may have come from. We hear how the
baby Jesus was revealed to the world. Joan looked at two aspects of the
story, 'Why did these visitors come?' and 'What did they do
when
they reached their destination?'
After singing 'As
with gladness
king of old', Joan took up the second and third stories, neither from
the bible, though they featured the wise men. The first was  about
the Babushka, Russian for grandmother, who lived in a village where a
bright star was causing a stir. While interested, babushka was too
concerned about the work she had to do, cleaning ther house and the
like. Three kings arrived at her door with gifts asked babushka to come
with them. She was too busy and said she would join them in the
morning, when they were to leave. But next morning they had gone, she
was too late. Try as she might she would never find the Christ child.
Someone who didn't come when she was called.
 The
final story was about a fourth wise man, named Artaban, one of the
Medes from Persia. He arranged to meet the other three for the journey
to Bethlehem. He too carries gifts for the Christ child, a Ruby,
Sapphire and a Pearl. We hear about his journey and how he uses his
jewels. The ending is not what you might expect.
The
wise men
came journeying was sung unaccompanied, with Joan leading us. We spent
a short time sharing with one another experiences with our journey with
God. We watched a Graham Kendrick video of .What kind of greatness'.
Our
closing prayer was followed by 'In the bleak midwinter,' and th
eblessing.
A
great way to enter the new year, reflecting on the Christmas story and
our journey with
God.
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Penicuik: St. Mungo's Parish
Church (Church of
Scotland). Scottish Charity No SC005838
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