Jennifer and Bob win Wordsearch
Jennifer Hume and Bob McReath won the Wordsearch competition in the recent Church Newsletter. The Rev Dr John Stevenson presented the prizes before the service on Sunday 29th June. The service was ongs of Praise in Psalms and Paraphrases, using old Scot's composed tunes.

Farewell to Tom and Janet
After 54 years in Penicuik, Tom and Janet Smith said goodbye to St. Mungo's. The couple are heading south to Hampshire close to Tom's roots, being born near London. Tom was an Elder of the kirk for many years, and Janet a Sunday School teacher. Session Clerk Sandy Robertson wished them well at the service on Sunday 25th.

Water Rates Exemption
For many years, the Church of Scotland has enjoyed exemption from paying water and sewerage charges. The Scottish Government is proposing to abolish this exemption, which would put an extreme financial burden on St. Mungo's Church. To find out more, and the option to object please click here

News from 2007

Nativity Play
Similar to last year December 16 was a very special service. Not only the Nativity play presented by the Sunday School but a double  baptism as well. Once again the church was full of  parents and children to enjoy the events. [more]

Baptism - Karen & Lauren Ramsay
Craig, Karen and Lauren Ramsay had just flown in from Sydney Australia the night before, so the jet lag had yet to kick in. Craig was born and raised in Penicuik before moving to Australia three years ago. The family returned for the baptism and a Christmas and New Year family visit. [more]

Ian Tait Presentation
Ian Tait was presented with a plaque and bible at the Service on Sunday 2 December, after serving as Session Clerk to the St. Mungo's Kirk Session for 21 years. In that time he missed only one meeting. Sandy Robertson will take Ian's place from the beginning of January 2008 [more]

St. Andrews Night
St. Mungo's once again put on a grand supper and entertainment to celebrate St. Andrews night. Comedy, poetry, musical treats, and a sing song made this a night to remember. [more]

Service of Remembrance
The 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month fell on a Sunday in 2007, the first time since 2001, signalling the end of hostilities in World War One in 1918. Each year we celebrate those who gave their lives and those disabled by the ravages of WW1, WW2 and in all theatres of war since, including casualties of today's hostilities in foreign lands. [more]

Farewell to Ron
Sunday 30th of September 2007 signalled the Rev. Ron Smiths final service to the congregation of St. Mungo's. The service, which included nine year old Robyn from the Sunday School playing her violin and a presentation from the Sunday School. A surprise meal was also provided in the Church Hall. [more]

Baptism - Ethan Paterson
From Melbourne Australia, Ethan Paterson was baptised in St. Mungo's. Joining parents Campbell and Gaynor, with daughter Abby, were grandparents Jim and Mary Paterson. Family and friends filled the church with the sound of children. [more]

Hunter & Lass

Saturday May 26th was the culmination of a week of festivities in Penicuik as the Hunter and Lass, Paul Vallis and Jan Banks, led the rideout across the Pentlands. Watch the video of the gathering at the town hall, the drink from the Stirrup Cup and Hunter Paul Vallis blowing the horn to signal the start of the rideout to Sir Robert Clerks and then over the Pentlands to House O' Muir.

New Pulpit Fall
St. Mungo's received a new pulpit fall thanks to Church member and artist, Moira Dickson. Inspired by a monastery trip on a Canadian holiday, Moira designed and created the new fall which was dedicated and blessed on Easter Sunday [more]

New Elders Ordination Service
The Session and Congregation of St. Mungo's welcomed four new Elders. Janice Hogg, Christine Jackson, Dorothy Paterson, and Joan Traquair were formally ordained as Elders of the Church at the Service on Sunday 25 February. [more]

News from 2006

Last Baptism of 2006
It may have been the last day of the year, but it was a special day for Oliver Alexander Baker on Sunday 31st December. With mum and dad Alexa and Daniel, and elder sister Anna the family celebrated Oliver's baptism before leaving for Chicago. [more]

Nativity Play
The Sunday School presented the story of the Nativity on Sunday 17 December. This year the story took on a different slant as Joseph sets out to find wood for a fire to keep Mary and the baby Jesus warm in the cold stable at Bethlehem. Read the full story with pictures to see how Joseph got on and what wonderful rewards God provided for all of us to enjoy at this special time of year. [more]

Christmas Baptism
Sunday 17 December also celebrated the baptism of Sophie and Sam Harrison, twins to Karen and Martin. The Church was full of parents and children of the baptismal party, including two other sets of twins. The 17th was exactly 9 months to the date of Sophie and Sam's birth on 17 March.  [more]

Gideons International
Tom Bathgate delivered the sermon on Sunday 11th December. A member of the ministry of Gideons, he explained the work provided in 181 countries. Some 63 million bibles in 84 languages have been distributed by the Gideons, 878,000 in the UK and 88,000 in Scotland.  [more]

Baptism
Sunday 26 November welcomed Ethan Mark Greig Ritchie into the Christian faith through baptism.  [more]

St. Andrews night
Friday 2nd December was the annual St. Andrew's night celebration at St. Mungo's. A  full house audience of 80 enjoyed a great meal and a wide range of entertainment. With auld scots stories, country dancing, singing and a special guest. [more]

Festival of Flowers - Sat 24 and Sun 25 September
St. Mungo's was ablaze with colour from the amazing array of flower arrangements presented by the Penicuik Floral Art Club "Festival of Flowers". The Sunday congregation benefited from a "free treat", with a closing collection in aid of CHAS. Members of the eight Penicuik Cluster Churches met for the evening Praise Service, before the flowers were removed. [more]

Amy Ritchie Baptism
A very content but always aware Amy Jenny Caroline Ritchie was baptised on Sunday 14th. Parents Claire and Mark were married by the Rev. Ron Smith when he ministered in Falkirk. A great many relatives and friends made their way from the family home in Airth to be at the baptism. Father Mark was also celebrating his 30th birthday on the 14th, making it a double celebration. [more]

Abbey Marie Baptism
Abbey Marie joined the family of the Church on Sunday 7th August Sister Rebecca was also there with mum Diane and dad George to witness this special occasion. [more]

Double Baptism fills Church with Joy
After a few false starts baby Ruby Bee made it to the christening font, and was joined by young Thomas Ferguson to make this a great day for two families. Ruby's sister Grace and Thomas' brother Jack joined the mums, dads on Sunday 26 June . [more]

Sponsored Walk 2005
This years sponsored walk around Cademuir Hills on 4th June raised £834 for Church funds. Thank you to all who sponsored the walkers.
A dry start soon deteriorated into a wet lunch and an afternoon with the waterproofs on. But the spirits were always high as the walkers stepped out across the hills. [more]

Baptism with a difference
Choir member and regular worshipper Isabel Donachie was baptised on Sunday 10th April. A member of St. Mungo's since 1976 when she and husband Duncan moved to Penicuik. The Rev. Ron Smith led the baptism, with the Rev. James Ritchie the blessing.   [more]

Farewell to James and Metta
The Rev James and Metta Ritchie said there farewells at St. Mungo's on Sunday 10 April. Members since there move to Penicuik 20 years ago, they move into Edinburgh. The congregation wished them well for the future [more]

April Blessing
Callum Paul Logan received the Blessing of the Church on Sunday 3 April. Coincidentally the Logan family moved into Penisuik the same week that Ron took up the ministry at St. Mungo's, November 2004. The Sunday school promised to look after Callum when he is old enough to join them. [more]

Megan Butler Baptised
Megan Elizabeth Butler was baptised on Sunday 30 January. First child and daughter to Laura and David (in the foreground). The service had Megan fully absorbed in watching her family, and the bigger family of the congregation. A big family and friends turnout for this most important day for Megan. [more]

St. Mungo's Anniversary
This year is the 1392 anniversary of St. Mungo's death, on 13th January 613. St. Mungo was one of the most important characters in the Church in Britain in the 6th and early 7th centuries. He was active in central and southern Scotland, northern England and Wales, founding both Glasgow (where he is patron) and St Asaph's. [more]

News from 2004

Nativity Play
The Church was filled with mums, dads, granny's and granpa's for the Nativity play on Sunday 19th December. The 4th Sunday of Advent and only days to go before the big day, the celebration of the birth of Jesus. [more]

Preaching In
The Revs. Sheila and Graham Blount preached Rev. Ron Smith into his new charge at St. Mungo's on Sunday 28th November. Sheila normally ministers at Cupar in Fife, while Graham preaches at Falkirk. [more]

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

Bill takes last Service
The Rev. Bill Brown preached his last service to the St. Mungo's congregation on Sunday 21st November. His children's address looked back at all the lessons learned and a gift was presented to Bill by the Children. Long Service, 30 year, certificates were presented to Elders Ian Dickson and James McMillan, and a special certificate to Church Officer Len Cox [more]

Sponsored Walk 2004
October 9th May have been the opening of the Scottish Parliament, but 20 of our members struck out round the milky law to secure more cash for the Church funds. This year took us from Westloch to Eddleston and back. [more].

Jacob and Esau - a story of jealousy
The children's story on Sunday 3rd October had two of the boys acting out the story of Jacob and Esau. A classic from the book of Genesis this age old story tells how Jacob tricked Esau into selling his rights as the first born son to him, and later deceived their father Isaac into thinking he was Esau and receiving his blessing [more].

Winners Receive Prizes
The Newsletter competition, testing knowledge of the Bible won Sheila Haig and Helen Rankine the top prizes. Both were presented with their prizes at the Sunday 11th July service. [more]

Names on the door
The address to the Sunday School children on 9th of May had the children, and the Rev Bill Brown, walking briskly round the Church. Why? To show the Children all the plaques with the names of people who worshipped in St. Mungo's many years ago. [more]

Triple Baptism
A busy time on Sunday 7 March, as three young members joined the Christian church through baptism. The Rev Bill Brown baptised Gareth Andrew Falconer, sister Kayleigh Janet Falconer and Brian Kenneth James Wilson.
A warm welcome was also extended to the Grandparents, God parents and all the family members. For a full size picture [click here].

Welcome back to the Children
How does a one winged wooly penguin make the Sunday School jump for joy? The morning story to the children, welcoming them back for the new year  will tell you the answer. A story with a message for all of us, not only the children [more]

Sponsored Walk 2003
Ten stalwarts and two dogs gathered outside our church for this years sponsored walk. Starting in Peebles the route took us on the Tweed river walk, by Neidpath to Lynn Station and back, with photos [more]

News from 2002

Nativity Play
The Sunday School once again did the congregation proud with their presentation of the that age old story of the Nativity. Siân Tweedale provide musical interludes to make this a year to remember. [more]

Shifting Sands
What do you do with a pile of chippings that appears at your gate? See how the squad managed to move 3 tons of stones from the gate of St Mungo's to make an easy path to the door of the church [more]

St. Andrews night
Around 50 people turned out to join the fun and entertainment on Friday 29 November for St. Andrews Night. [more] 

Sponsored Walk along the Tweed
19 hardy walkers turned out for the 2002 sponsored walk on Saturday 8 June. After a week of rain the heavens parted and the sun shone through to lift out hearts, and feet, making a great day out. Going to plan was not one of the strong points, giving organiser Ian Dickson a few headaches! [more] 

Chalices Head West
The recent sale of St. Mungo's silverware has not been a loss to the service of God, indeed the smaller pair of George II Scottish Silver communion cups (1731), have found there way to Toronto, and are in regular use as consecrated vessels. [more]

News from 2001

Sponsored Walk 2001
Bracing the sea air by the golf course at Gullane, our group of sponsored walkers raised £1370 for church funds. Pam Shanks once again led the team along the shores of the Forth and the coastline to Aberlady [more]

Millennium Project
To celebrate the new millennium, St Mungo's received a facelift. A new paved front area incorporating the millennium cross was completed in August 2001. [more]