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Relive
a favourite service and sermon from 2018 from this list of services
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of our 2017 services, covering up to Christmas Day 2017 click HERE
| 2018 | Topic and Theme | Monday
24
December
Christmas Eve | Christmas at St. Mungo's
 The birth of the new King - 11.30pm
The
Watchnight service continued our journey to the birth of Jesus using
story, scripture, video and praise. On the turn of midnight we lit the
final fifth Christ Child candle in the centre of our advent ring,
heralding the arrival of the saviour, this Christmas day. Full
Story with carols, talk and video
 Fourth Advent Family Service - 4.00pm
The
family service at 4.00pm on Christmas Eve attracted families with
children to hear and take part in the real story of Christmas and the
arrival of the baby Jesus. Led by Joan Cape we followed the journey to
the stable in Bethlehem through story, scripture, and song,
with Andrew Dunsire and Phoebe Middleton leading the
praise.
| Sunday
16
December | Christmas at St. Mungo's
 Third Advent Joy & Nativity Sunday - 16 December
 Our
third Sunday in advent started with Katie lighting the third candle,
followed by a short video explaining the meaning of Joy, where we we
explored the unique type of joy to which God’s people are called.
It’s
more than happy mood, but rather a choice to trust that God will
fulfill his promises.
We sang hymn 295 who would think, followed by a prayer and reading from the bible.
We then welcomed the players in our Pageant of Christ’s Nativity. which you can read and listen to the story. You can also listen to the full service below
John's
short sermon looked at those who are unable to experience the joy of
the birth of Jesus, not that they do not wish to, but they are
experiencing pain that crushes joy, be it physical or emotional pain.
| Sunday
9
December | Christmas at St. Mungo's
Second Advent Sunday - 9 December
 We
continued our journey through advent on Sunday 9th
December, The second advent candle, signifying peace, was lit by
Ruby Sprott from the congregation.
 During
the informal time
John explained what peace means in the bible. Using a short video
we looked at some Hebrew and Greek words. The word
“peace” is translated from the Hebrew word shalom
meaning peace in human relationships, but also “completeness
or
soundness.” Peace also comes from the Greek word Eirene, which
can mean national peace, peace between individuals or more likely,
coming from the Gospels "complete". you can see this video
John
opened the sermon with a short video clip which displayed how difficult
it can be to keep Jesus in the manger. The nativity scene in the stable
is played by children and depicts a young girl playing a sheep removing
baby Jesus for a cuddle. Not on my watch Mary, recovers the baby, only
for the 'sheep' to repeat the action, leading to a tussle. You can see
the video at
Whilst
a baby Jesus is not threatening, as he grows he says things we did not
expect. We heard that nowhere in the gospels does Jesus advocate
violence, teaching us to love our enemies. How does Jesus win our
alleigance? This sermon provides an answer.
| Sunday
2
December | Christmas at St. Mungo's
First Advent Sunday - 2 December
 Sunday
2nd December marked the first advent Sunday and our minister John
Urquhart invited Charlie from the congregation to light the first
candle, the Candle of Hope on our advent circle. We can have hope
because God is faithful and will keep the promises made to us. Our hope
comes from God.
 Our theme was judgment, which we all face at
the end of our lives. Christ died to take away the sins of many people
and come to save everyone who is eagerly waiting for him.
John used the
'informal time' slot in the service  taking us back to his childhood,
reverting to 'old tech' using a small model of a front door, which his
mother as a teacher used in her classes. He described the features with
handles, knocker, and inside bolts to keep it locked. On the top of the
door was an extension, though over the years it was worn but not unlike
a music stand on a piano. What could it be for? His mother used it in
class to  hold and display a card with a message. They were texts from
the bible, such a Jesus saying 'I am the door' meaning He is the only
door by which we may be saved and enter eternal life.
The sermon
continued this theme with God having faithfulness in everything that
Jesus taught, including patience to know that Jesus will return one
day. It was a long wait for the first visit of Jesus, so we also have
to have great patience.
During the offering the choir sang an introit 'Gabriels Message' (Hymn 285)
| Sunday
25
November |  When Faith is tested - 25 November
John
returned to the book of James and his teaching to pray when in times of
trouble. When trials come your way, look on it as an opportunity for
great joy. When faith is tested it has a chance to grow. Praise is a
way of not forgetting God in our lives. The sermon continued with James
and the role of church elders of the day, and the act of praying for
those ill or in serious trouble. We heard of the annointment with Olive
Oil for healing.
| Sunday
18
November | The rich and selfish - 18 November
 John
opened the theme for the service at the Informal Time with the story of
a brothers request to Jesus for a divided inheritance.
With
members of the congregation helping John tells us that Jesus told the
brothers to beware of greed. Then Jesus relates the story of the rich
man who had nowhere to store his harvest, and the response of
God. The sermon moves us from highlander Scotland to Canada, and
the business issues, recalling the book of James.
| Sunday
11
November | Remembrance: Armistice Centenary - 11 November
St.
Mungo’s welcomed over 200 people from the British Legion, our
armed forces, army and air cadets, Scouts Association, Girl Guiding,
Boys Brigade, and civil dignitaries, in addition to our normal Sunday
morning congregation. Sir Robert Clerk Bt, OBE, Lord Lieutenant of
Midlothian was representing Her Majesty the Queen.
This
Armistice Centenary service was particularly poignant falling on
the11th day of the 11th month, exactly 100 years from the signing
of the Armistice, bringing to an end over 4 years of WW1 hostilities.
The Rev John Urquhart led the service, with Penicuik Silver Band leading the music for the praise.
Full Story with hymns, colour presentation, readings, Act of Remembrance
| Sunday
4
November | Consequences of what we say - 4 November
 We
continued our journey through the book of James starting with a poem by
Dr. Malcolm Guite, chaplain at Girton College Cambridge, during the
'Informal Time'. Malcolm posed the question 'what if?' That simple
question that haunts all of us from time to time. His poem tests not
only your thinking but your vocabulary too.You can watch the video we saw.
 Malcolm
reflects on the least quoted saying of Jesus, which he thinks should be
inscribed across the door above the office of every politician, from
Matthew 12: 36.37. "But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
How
often do we regret some words we say, rather that they could be lost
forever, have never being said? We live with the consequences of what
we say.
In the sermon John continued with the last of James
teachings and how we speak, using the words of Paul 'speak the truth in
love.'
| Sunday
28
October | Jesus the Messiah? communion - 28 October
 For
the Informal Time, John took a look at the book of Mark. Using a video
we saw how Mark's gospel explores, in the first half, who  Jesus
is? Was he really the messiah? The second part of the gospel looks at
how He became the messianic king. Finally how Jesus brought the
two halves together.
You can follow that story here www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVRixfameGY
The sermon explained the act of passover, why and how it worked.
We
then celebrated communion, the sacrament of the Lord's supper In
observing Communion we are remembering Christ and all that He
has done for us in his life, death and resurrection.
| Sunday
21
October | Supporting those in need - 21 October
 John's Spotlight
during the service focussed on the display in the church of hats,
gloves, scarves, blankets and knitting for the Blythswood Care Shoebox
appeal. John
explained why, as Christians, we do this each year, following
our belief in Jesus who taught us to look after those who are weak and
poor.
During the Spotlight we  watched a video
prepared for us by Blythswood Care showing the places they go to in
this their 25th year of operation.
The
sermon continued with the book of James and Israel as the adultress,
meaning the worship of other gods, and how God set out to win Israel
back. How God continues to coax us today back to repentance.
| Sunday
14
October | Anger leads to Sin - 30 September
 John
took us back to our childhood and presented the video introduction to
Wacky Races, which brought a smile to many in the congregation, young
and old. We heard about the arch villain Dick Dastardly and his hound
Muttley, how they continually attempted to win the races by scurrilous
deeds against the others, usually coming undone in the attempt. See the video here
 Of
course John reminded us this was a cartoon, and real life is not like
that world at all. Presented with such cunning devilment in real life
what are we supposed to do. We can try to be like them, but God does
not like that. Pretend it doesn't matter, but it does matter. Getting
bothered and angry can result in doing something stupid yourself, and
lead you to sin and regret.
What happens if you report it to
those in charge, but they too are corrupt? Trust in the Lord, be
patient, and don't let it bother you when all goes well for others who
do sinful things. Do not be angry or furious as this will lead to sin.
The sermon continued with the book of James, exploring what kind of life we should live.
| Sunday
7
October | Harvest Thanksgiving - 7 October
St
Mungo's sanctuary displayed a wide range of foods on and around the
communion table at the front of the church on Sunday 7 October, all
donated by church members,and visitors for our thanksgiving service.
Margaret Webster announced the theme of our serviced 'End Hunger
Penicuik, as part of a wider UK campaign.
 John
explained the campaign to 'End Hunger' as a petition to raise the need
for changes in the Universal Credit system being rolled out which has
led to a significant increase in food poverty, which in turn is driving
an increase in foodbank use. St. Mungo's supports the charity Food
Facts Friends who have seen an increase to over 40 families a week
receiving food parcels,  help with finding other support agencies in
Midlothian, and friendship, as they struggle
in food poverty, whilst waiting for the Universal Credit system to
commence. The display in our church will go in part to Food Facts
Friends, and our sister North Church Foodstore.
 We heard from
the scripture readings how Jesus taught those with wealth, the rich,
must share their good fortune for the benefit of the poor in need, and
those falling on hard times. The sermon returned to James, the Lord's
brother, continuing the theme of the uses of wealth.
| Sunday
30
September | The
Parable of Prayer - 30 September
 John's
theme took Jesus's parable of prayer, always pray, never
be discouraged or give up. In our reading from Luke we heard Jesus's
parable, always to pray.
It is too easy to think God is only
for a Sunday, is not be bothered by individuals, only the big
things. Jesus tells us God is always listening, so you can cry out day
and night, though God may be slow to act.
John relates the story
of a story Jesus told his disciples, of a judge who could not be
bothered, not concerned with justice or the little people. The parable
is all about testing our faith, waiting on God's patience.
The service was followed by a short communion.
| Sunday
23
September | The
Power of the Tongue - 23 September
John continued the
letter of James where James explains what your life should look like,
and your church community, if you have welcomed the good news of Christ
into your life.
The
Spotlight talk featured Sarah Murphy from Equal Futures, a local
charity that aims to reduce social isolation for people with
disabilities, by recommecting communities and building social networks.
Full Story
The
sermon looked at James teaching on the use of our tounge, how
believing in Christ should have a profound influence on how you speak
and treat others. James examines out tongues, using three metaphors. A
bit in the mouth of horse, controlling it, a very small
rudder turning a very large ship, or a tiny flame setting on fire a
huge forest. Something very small having a big effect, for good or
evil. Words can have destructive power. Words can go places that sticks
and stones can never go.
| Sunday
16
September | Faith
without Action is Dead - 16 September
 John
continued our study of James, reminding us of the Apostles
Creed
in his All Age talk, and its relevance to real faith. A creed can
express and deepen our faith, but real faith is about
a
relationship with God. James told us that if our relationship
with God is real, then it should show itself through the
actions
that we do, then it is dead! Solemn words indeed. Our reading
from James highlighted that faith needs actions to prove it. It is of
little good to simply ask God to bless those who have no home or food
to eat, if no action is taken to help these poor souls. Faith
without actions is dead.
 John's
sermon opened with a video clip of C.S. Lewis book
the Screwtape Letters written by a senior demon named
Screwtape to his nephew, Wormwood (named after a star in Revelation), a
younger and less experienced demon, charged with guiding a
man "the patient" toward "Our Father Below" (the Devil /
Satan)
from "the Enemy" (Jesus). It highlights the paradox of the road which
can lead to heaven and the road leading to hell, and the dilema we
face. watch the video
Our
guest organist Graham McDonald played the music to lead our
praise
| Sunday
9
September | Compassion
Mercy Forgiveness - 9 September
 Taking
the parable of the unforgiving servant, John led the story, playing the
part of the unforgiving servant, aided by Ian Dickson playing the king,
and Bill Webster the second servant.
The story of
the parable
as told by Jesus and written in the book of Matthew, started with John
begging for mercy, unable to pay his 55 billion pound debt ( a slight
increase in Matthew's 10000 talents, once 2000 years of inflation are
taken into account!).
 Filled
with compassion for the servant, the king, Ian, showed mercy and wrote
off the debt. Delighted our servant, John, headed off and met a friend,
also a servant, who owed John 100 Deanrii (about 4 months wages), and
also unable to pay back the debt. Infuriated the unforgiving servant,
John, grabs the servant and hands him over to the authorities
to
be put in jail until he clears his debt. On  hearing
of this behaviour, the king immediately recalls the unforgiving servant
and sends him to jail for his lack of forgiveness.
The
sermon
took up the reading of the parable, read by Bob Jarmson, which recalled
Peter asking Jesus, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me,
and I forgive him? Until seven times?" Jesus said to him, "I don't tell
you until seven times, but, until seventy times seven. Therefore the
Kingdom of Heaven is like a certain king, who wanted to reconcile
accounts with his servants. Listen to how compassion, mercy, and
forgiveness are core attributes of a true Christian.
| Sunday
2
September | Love
your neighbour - 2 September
John opened the next
stage of our study of the apostle James talking about, and
using a video to explain what is meant by 'Love' .You can
watch the video for yourself.
 In our
second hymn 558 'Lord
I lift your name on high' we were taught the actions to go with the
words, John assisted by Joan Cape, leading from the front.
The
sermon opened with a story of the a man entering a church, dressed in
torn denims and barefoot, half way through the service. Finding nowhere
to sit he sat on the floor at the front of the church. The
minister stopped preaching. The church fell into silence. What did the
congregation do next? How we treat those that are rich, and those that
are poor are usually very different. James told us that God honours the
poor, He chose the poor people of this world to be rich in faith. Paul
said the same thing to the church in Corinth. Hear how this sermon
progresses.
| Sunday
26 August | Listening
to God - 26 August
 John
continued the study of the apostle James and listening to God. John
used James analogy of looking in a mirror and forgetting what we look
like. John produced an ancient style mirror. Unlike our modern mercury
backed glass mirrors, the ancients with no mercury or plate glass used
polished metal. This allowed only a dim reflection.
Using
a
model covered in tinfoil he showed the children what their reflection
looked like. not very accurate. With few places to see your reflection
it would have been very easy to forget what you look like. James said
to do what God's teaching says. If you listen and do nothing, it is
like looking in a mirror and going away, forgetting what you look like.
Those blessed by God look into God's perfect law making people free,
not forgetting what they heard.
 We also watched Fruitfulness on the Frontline
video, an introuction to the forthcoming Alpha Course.
A
short communion was held after the main morning service
| Sunday
19
August | Sin
Iniquity and Transgression - 19 August
 The All Age spot set the
scene using a video to explore the concept of “moral
failure” that underlies the important biblical word 'sin'.
You can listen or watch the video.
In the sermon John told us of a programme on midwives he had
recently seen and how 'childbirth' is used by James three times where
he talks about trials and temptations, and then the 'change' that God
makes in the person who believes in Jesus. John starts with the latter
and expands calling on additional passages from the bible to guide the
sermon.
Further Reading
| Sunday
12 August | Teambuilders
Holiday Club Family Service - 12 August
 St.
Mungo’s welcomed families and friends from the North and
South
churches to a family service that celebrated the completion of another
successful holiday club week. visitors were welcomed to the
church decorated with a full stadium of 'faces', on the
galleries,
pillars and walls.
Presented by the team
who led
the holiday club, held in the North Church, we were given an insight
and flavour of the content and activities that took place with the
children throughout the week.
Read the Full Story here
with links to talks, songs and videos presented during the service.
Alternatively click on the links below
| Sunday
5 August | Finding
security in God - 5 August
 John
opened the theme with the all Age talk, speaking about Abraham, hearing
God's call, going out into the world not knowing where he was going.
Living
in a tent all year round is not a holiday, an insecure place to live.It
may collapse at any moment.
Abraham was looking
toward the security in God, and trusting in him.
John
left us with the question, 'do we find security in God, or in other
ways?'
The
sermon explored the old testament, where God has a concern for the
downtrodden. Using the book of Psalms and Deuteronomy to explain God's
law, John took three strands, from Psalms where God is a
father
to the fatherless,  Deuteronomy
where God loves everyone and provides food for all, and that God
expects His people to be like him, extending love to others, strangers
and foreigners. Finally, taking today's reading from Psalm,
where
the poor person is portrayed as righteous and the rich person as
wicked.
We followed the letter of James, which we
started last
week, and his work of his church in Jerusalem, working with the poor.
John investigated the Psalms statement that all rich people are wicked,
re-evaluating our status in God's eyes.
| Sunday
29 July | How
to be good at life - 29 July
 John
used a series of videos to illustrate his theme of how to be good at
life, using the books of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes and Job, known as the
'wisdom literature'. The all age time used Proverbs to talk about
'wisdom' through the eyes of a teacher. Our reading from Proverbs built
on this story.
 In the sermon we saw Ecclesiastes, the
critic, who contradicts wisdom and makes life out to be
meaningless!
A dark and depressing story, where life is simply time and
chance. Fortunately the author in the story puts the story into
context.
Finally Job, who is accused of
'working the system' being
faithful to God only because he is rewarded. God strips him of all his
good life, and we hear how he copes with this rejection, how he can
always trust God's wisdom. You can see all three
videos by clicking on the link below
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLH0Szn1yYNeeKPNIy7YXjO3MGD8h8ifhr
John
then introduced us to the book of James, the leader of the first church
in Jerusalem, whose teachings were steeped in the wisdom books of the
Old Testament, and the teaching of Jesus. We will hear more about
James in future weeks.
Our short monthly
communion followed the morning service.
| Sunday
22 July | Follow
the Lord and you will be safe - 22 July
St.
Mungo's welcomed back Rev John Urquhart from his holiday in Peru.
 John
opened his theme with the All Age spot with the story of the man
building his house on hard rock. Jesus said that 'everyone
therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken
him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock'. John then had the
congregation join in the mantra 'The rain came down, the floods came,
and the winds blew, and  beat
on that house', and it didn't fall, for it was founded on the
rock. We heard of what happens to those who built on sand,.
where
it fell—and great was its fall.
The sermon
took the
reading from Psalm 73, relating the man whose faith was slipping and
nearly gone, noting that evil people seem to do so well. Does God hear
the cries of injustice from the oppressed in His creation? We
have to listen to Jesus and put his words into practice.
| Sunday
15 July | What's
Important to You? - 15 July
 St. Mungo's elder Joan Cape led the service Sunday 15 July , taking the theme 'What's important to you?'
Using
the All age spot Joan described what others have said is important,
while our congregation was asked to write down on a piece of
paper
what was important to them. Joan would come back to that later but
talked of the wide range of 'things' that people find important above
all others.
 Joan
started her sermon, describing the urge to win, using the
recent
Wimbledon and football world cup matches as examples. Joan then
reflected on the reading, read by Isabel Donachie, about the rich man
meeting Jesus, taken from Mark 10, where Jesus tells the man
to
give away all his 'things' and follow him. How difficult that
would be, and does Jesus really mean us to live in abject poverty and
live of others charity? There is a difference in looking after your
family and making sure they are safe, secure, and well fed, and
creating a life full of 'stuff' as Joan put it. We
don't need
all  this
'stuff' to enable us to follow in the way of Jesus and become
a disciple. But are we strong enough, unlike the young man in
the
story.
We then reviewed our own notes of
'importance'
that we wrote earlier an reflected how this aligned with the teaching
of Jesus and the love of God.
| Sunday
8 July | Hearing
the voice of God - 8 July
 The
Rev Stephen Manners led our service on Sunday 8 July. We were
introduced to the theme 'Hearing the voice of God' as Stephen asked us
all to talk amongst ourselves,and listen to what we heard at the same
time.
 When
he called 'stop' it became apparent that you cannot hear someone when
everyone is talking at the same time. We can however hear when talking
to one person only in a small group, though talking and listening at
the same time is unlikely to work either.
 If
you are hard of hearing, or listening to unusual dialects then this too
can hinder understanding, Stephen quoting his experiences as a minister
in Orkney. What helps us hear the voice of God speaking to us? The
bible helps us as does the Holy Spirit, but we have to make space to
listen to what they are saying.
 This
led on to the sermon where Stephen talked of Gideon's story and whether
what he was hearing was really God speaking, using the story of the
fleece. Could he trust God, was it really his voice? He was doubting as
what he was hearing was a really hard thing to do. All of us struggle
to hear God speak, and to obey. To do what He says, even if it is a
small thing.
 We
followed Gideon's story, obeying and following God's command, even
though he was afraid. There is a cost to all of us when we follow
Jesus. Stephen told of his dilemma when contemplating a move to a new
charge in Orkney. If we really believe in God we need to be telling
other people about Him, and sharing our knowledge of Jesus with others,
being
disciples.
| Sunday
1 July | True
Aliveness: Goodness for all - 1 July
 We welcomed Salvation Army Major Daniele Norton to
lead our service on Sunday 1 July.
For
the All Age spot Daniele told us of her work with the Salvation Army
before arriving in Scotland. As a translator working in France and
Belgium she travelled between Paris and Brussels. This involved
translations of Salvation Army public ministry from English to French,
and French to English, which was
a good grounding for moving to Scotland. Or was it? Daniele soon found
out that Scots have their own variation of the 'English' language,
resulting in some unexpected challenges when she arrived in Scotland.
There were however compensations, the kindness and welcome received
from the people. Starting as part time chaplain in the Edinburgh
Homeless and drop in centre, and time leading worship in a church in
Prestonpans.
Preparing for an event, not unlike
our recent
summer fair, Daniele was waiting in her office for a lady to arrive for
a meeting. Unknown to Daniele the lady had arrived, but in the church
hall. Each were waiting for the other to arrive. Only a few metres
apart, so close but so far. Eventually they met and enjoyed
each
others presence. Not unlike waiting for God to be with us, where we ask
God to be with us in our worship. But He is  there,
He is already there, we just have to be aware that He is there, and
believe He is there, just like Daniele was only a few metres from the
lady visiting. How could they benefit from each others presence, if
they were still waiting for each other. It is like us, we wait for the
Lord to come, but he is already here.
Daniele
started her
sermon comparing how many humans are plotting evil, versus our God
plotting goodness. How we try to persuade God to help us in our evil
deeds, to climb to the top of the pyramid, where we can dominate
others, or ask God to condemn or deprive, even kill those whom we wish
to overcome. She referred to a sermon from a service she attended from
John Urquhart 2 weeks previous, from Psalm 139, 'If only you God would
slay the wicked'. Continuing with the story of Jonah, how
he came
to love God for his steadfast love. We explored the effects of anger
and the plotting of harm against those we are in disagreement with. How
God can see the big picture and how small our disagreements are. True
'aliveness' is when we receive a blessing, and become a blessing to
others. 'Be blessed to be a blessing'. Are
we on that journey of faith?
| Sunday
24 June | The
Christian Aroma - 24 June
 The
theme focused on what aroma, or smell does a Christian have?
The Apostle Paul knew about aroma. It made a great vehicle to
explain the fragrance of Jesus. To some he is a delightful aroma. To
others he was the stench of death. This is the way Paul put it 'But
thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s
triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge
of him everywhere'. John's sermon looks at this
'aroma' in more detail.
 The
Spotlight on Scripture Union saw Agnes Haggart tell us of her
experience at summer camps in her youth. This led to a request to pray
for the SU camps this year, for 40 camps and 32 missions. 1100
youngsters are booked for these camps with 500 places still available.
Volunteers are always required, and Agnes can help find you a place for
your skills.
The service was followed by our monthly short
communion | Sunday
17 June | God's
Complete Knowledge and Care - 17 June
 Psalm
139 set the theme for the service on Sunday 17 June. John introduced
the theme through using a quote from Douglas
Adams Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, 'Space is
big. You
just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind- bogglingly big it is. I
mean, you may think it's a long way down the road to the chemist's, but
that's just peanuts to space'. Psalm 139 tells us how mind boggingly
big God is. But that God knows us intimately, everything we do, and
believe.
 In
the sermon we were reminded of the fear of government surveillance of
phone calls and emails, the loss of privacy. However God knows all of
our thoughts and actions, the good and bad, the 'dodgy' as well as the
decent. God is all knowing, all powerful, everywhere, omnipresent. John
took three examples of God's presence, breathtaking, uncomfortable, and
transforming.
| Sunday
10 June | Hallelujah
'What does it mean?' - 10 June
 John
put us on our mettle with a quiz at the All Age
spot, to
guess the title of a book from the opening lines, with quotes from
novels by Jane Austen, Dickens,
George
Orwell and others. This led on to Psalm 111, where we were introduced
to the term Halelujah, which would be covered in
the main sermon. For now we were asked 'What does it mean?'
After
a few responses we hit the right answer, 'Praise the
Lord'.
God is worthy to be praised, because he
has done great things for us.
 The sermon explored
Psalm
111 and three things we needed to know about it. The first we covered
in the all age spot, it starts with 'Hallelujah praise the
Lord',
secondly its an alphabetical Psalm, an acrostic. An acrostic is a poem
in which the first letter of each line spells out a word, message or
the alphabet. An acrostic can be used as a mnemonic device to aid
memory retrieval. We looked at a small chunk of the Psalm, which
contained hebrew letters (only 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet
compared to our 26). Thirdly, it is part of a set of two Psalms, 111
and 112. Together they form a Diptych, two poems which start the same
way and complement each other. A diptych is any object with two flat
plates attached at a hinge, e.g the standard notebook and school
exercise book of the ancient world was a diptych.
Listen to the sermon reflect
how this technique was used to present to the people how God
never forgets us.
| Sunday
3 June | Communion
Service - 3 June
 John
opened our communion service in the All Age spot with a
video explaning evil and humans, through atonement.
Starting
with the old testament method of animal sacrifice, purification to make
thing clean and forgiven. We heard how the prophet Isaiah predicted
that a king would come, but as a servant, who we know as Jesus. The new
testament talks of Jesus's death as purification. As we know Jesus's
death was not final, he rose from the dead, so breaking the power of
death and evil. He was the perfect sacrifice. (watch the video).
The
sermon told us about Moses, the snake and the pole and the
people
of Israel wandering in the desert. God was still caring for them in
this hostile place. But the people were dissatisfied with
their
situation. We heard how God gave his only son, not as a judge, but as
its saviour.
The Sacrament of the last supper was
then performed.
| Sunday
27 May | Trinity
Sunday - 27 May
 For
the Holy Trinity, Father Son and Holy Spirit, John opened with
the
question 'What do you think of when you think of the Holy Spirit's
work? Miracles, peace, teaching, guidance, healing were some of the
responses from the congregation. John explained that the Spirit
converts us to Jesus Christ, bringing new life where there was none
before. He brings us gifts that makes us more like Christ.
For
the sermon John related a conversation with a friend who was
a Jehovah's Witness, who, like Judaism,
Islam, or
Unitarianism, do not believe in the Holy Trinity. John went on
to explain the trinitarian format of our church services.
Using
a series of questions, such as 'is the Trinity scriptural'? He explores
how the early followers of Jesus had to rethink their
understanding of God. How God, the Son, and the Holy Spirit relate to
each other. What they are, and what they are not.
The service was followed by our short monthly communion.
| Sunday
20 May | Pentecost
- 20 May
 The
Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost. When
the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one
place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a
violent wind
came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were
sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that
separated
and came to rest on each of them. All of them were
filled
with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as
the
Spirit enabled them.
| Sunday
13 May |  Christian
Aid Week - 13 May
Christian
Aid Week supports those falling on hard times after natural and man
made disasters. The Spotlight related a story from the Haiti disaster,
through the eyes of Jocelyne.
John's
sermon reflected on the two earlier readings. From the Acts reading we
hear how the disciples felt following the betrayal
of Judas,
and how the others had run away when Jesus was arrested.
| Sunday
29 April | Tending
the Vine - 29 April
 In
the all age spot, John asked if we knew what a vine was,
relating
the story of a young boy who picked a bunch of flowers from a vine,
noticed that the flowers died the next day, but those on the vine were
still in bloom. Later he noted the grapes on the vine if plucked too
soon also died, but later they were delicious. John told us why the
fruit grew, nourishment, water and attachment to the vine.
Jesus
said to his disciples before going to the cross "I am the vine, and you
are the branches, if you stay joined to me you will have lots of
fruit." We explored what that meant. The vine theme continued in the
sermon, using more examples from the Bible. You can hear how vines
appear in Jesus's parables, and other stories, reaffirming
that
Jesus is the vine, without whom we can do nothing
spiritually.
Our service was
followed by the monthly short communion
| Sunday
22 April | The
Good Shepherd - 22 April
 The
all age spot opened with John asking if we were to be an
animal,
what would that animal be? Most chose a dog or a cat, or a
bird,possibly due to having one as a pet. Others were more unusual,
elephant, meercat, even a Vicuna (a camelind living in the high Andes).
John told us that there are no less than 400 references in
the
Bible to one animal, the sheep. There are also some 100 references to
shepherd. Humans are like sheep, with their good and bad qualities. We
go astray, and are often afraid. Sheep depend on the shepherd, and we
depend on Jesus, our shepherd.
This theme 'The Lord is my
Shepherd' was continued in both our praise and the sermon.
| Sunday
15 April | Miracles
and the Disciples - 15 April
 We
heard how Peter told the story of the whole of scripture, to explain to
people his testimony to Jesus. Starting with the allage spot we watched
and listened to a video of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, meeting
the snake. We all know the disaster that occurred when Adam ate the
fruit, but this video presentation explains it in a different
way.
The reading from Acts tells us more.
John's
sermon
started by relating a story of a mans visit to his GP doctor,
complaining that he could not understand the graffiti written on on his
house and was cross, asking if it had been the doctor who carried out
the deed! This raised a chuckle from the congregation. John continued
by explaining that miracles are signs, and how we have
to understand what they mean. He took the first
miracle of
the disciples on their own, without Jesus after his
crucifixion,
but with the Holy Spirit. We explore some of the miracles in the Bible
and how they are viewed. Listen to how this story progresses in the
sermon.
| Sunday
8 April | Low
Sunday - 8 April
 The
Sunday after Easter is often referred to as 'Low Sunday', a time when
we feel a little low after the activity of Easter and holy week. Using
a video John introduced his theme of not being 'low' this Sunday,
reminding us that Jesus appeared to His disciples after the
resurrection, showing them his wounds in his hands and side,
saying 'peace be with you'. We then shared
that peace
with one another, before John invited us to take out the
message
to our friends and neighbours. Jesus said 'I am with you always' ready
to help and support us.
The sermon continued the
reappearance
of Jesus to the Discuples and how they were scared of what was
happening. Jesus gave them confidence to go forth by 'breathing' on
them, as God did to give life to His creation. We hear the story of
Thomas, his doubts, and Jesus's response.
| Easter
Sunday
1 April | Easter
Sunday: He is Risen - 1 April
 Our call to worship and first hymn sang Allelluia!
Christ is risen. John told the story how the disciples heard the good
news, and how confused they were. We took the example of 'texting' on
our mobile phones as how we communicate today. How much faster
the good news would travel across the world
now. See the
video that
we played .
John's
sermon took us on a journey to catch 'pleasure', how difficult it is to
find and keep. We heard the dream of a stranger
seeking
pleasure without success, until he met a man, with wounds and scars who
told him, 'My ways are ways of pleasantness, and all my paths are
peace'. By following Christ we can know and find that elusive
pleasure.
Hear the full service to find
out how this resurrection story unfolds.
| Good
Friday
30 March | Good Friday - 30 March
 Good
Friday is the Friday before Easter Sunday. It commemorates the
execution of Jesus by crucifixion, a
day of mourning in church.
Our
service took the gospel of Luke to follow the journey to the cross.
Starting with the denials, read by Gordon Macdonald, we progressed to
the questioning read by Agnes Ovenstone, followed by the verdict read
by Ian Dickson, and the execution read by Margaret Webster.
John's address told us of Simon of Cyrene, returning
for the passover, but seized by the Roman Soldiers before celebrating
passover, and forced to carry Jesus's cross on the road to Calvary. It
was a hard and painful task. This Good Friday we remembered
Jesus' suffering and death on the cross, and what
this means for our faith.
| Thursday
29
March
Maundy
Thursday | Maundy
Thursday - 29 March
 The
Penicuik Churches Working Together team, saw Rev's Ian Cathcart, Lynsay
Downs, and John Urquhart lead our service celebrating the Last Supper
and washing of Feet.
Opening with the Gathering where we
heard of
Jesus and His disciples in the upper room. The Peruvian Gloria, was
followed by our first reading from Corinthians. The Hymn 'A new  commandment',
led into the reading from  John, before Rev Lynsay
Downs explained the significance of the washing of the feet.
We
listened to the Intercessions and the Peace, before singing 'Bother
sisters let me serve you'. The story of the last supper,
and the
communion, ending with the Lord's prayer. The congregation were then
invited to partake of Holy communion, after which we sang ' From heaven
you came'.The service culminated with 'The dismissal' before we
departed for the church.
| Sunday
25
March
Palm
Sunday | Palm
Sunday - 25 March
 John
related the story of Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem,
illustrating with a short video, which you can view as well.
For
the sermon we heard the story from the book of the prophet Jonah, and
the comic events to make a serious point. When God instructs him to go
preach to the city of Nineveh a terribly cruel place in
Assyria.
He sets out heading west by sea, the wrong direction as Nineveh is east
across land! Is Jonah running away from God? The story leads
to
Jonah ending up thrown into the sea and into the whale.
Are
you still with this story? Listen to how Jonah makes it to Nineveh, and
what he does next.
| Sunday
18
March | Confession,
Repentance, Rejoicing- 18 March
 John
opened the theme talking of two herds of reindeer who met and became
mixed up. How did the rendeer shepherds split them into their own herd,
seperating them out? They knew all their own by name. Jesus told a
similar story. The shepherd counting his sheep, not by number but he
knew each by name. When he discovered one, out of a hundred was
missing, he went out and searched for it, rejoicing when he found it.
This is how God regards us, rejoicing when every sinner repents and
returns.
 The
sermon took up the story again with the confession of Augustine of
Hippo of his sinful youth, to ensure his heart was tright with God.
Confession is at the heart of the Christian faith. When you know you
have failed and sinned, how do we pickup ourselves up? Speaking to God
in prayer enables us to share our problems and gain strength.
The service was followed by the Stated Annual
Meeting
| Sunday
11
March | Passover,
Pentecost and Feast of Shelters - 11 March
 John
introduced the three harvest festivals in the Old
Testament; passover (barley harvest) pentecost (wheat harvest)
and
feast of shelters, or Tabernacles. Sukkot in the Hebrew, (grapes and last of the harvest).
He
explained the last of these, recalling the booths or shelters
the
people lived in during the time they received the 10 Commandments at
Sinai and during the rest of the Exodus experience, as a reminder of
the time they were homeless when God delivered them from their enemies
and protected them. The sermon continues the theme of harvest
celebration, the joy of the harvest, followed by fasting and confession
of sins. Is this not the wrong way round? Joy before sorrow. All will
be revealed.
| Sunday
4
March | Starry
Nights and Voice of the Skies - 4 March
'The
heavens are telling the glory of God', was the opening to John's
all-age talk. Taken from the bible and Haydn's oratario 'Creation', we
were led into views of the night sky, to the Orion Nebula, thanks to
the Hubble Telescope. We were then looking at a much older view of the
sky, Van Goch's, 'The Starry Night', one way we can see the glory and
majesty of God. But there are other ways God speaks to us, through the
scriptures. God finally speaks to everyone through Jesus, the son whom
he sent.
 The
sermon continues the 'sky' theme, relating a tale from broadcaster John
Ebdon, looking through the window on a train in the 60's, entranced by
the beauty of the sunlit evening view, exclaiming 'Isn't that just
incredible!'. To which a fellow passenger replied, 'It certainly is.
British Railways cvan't of cleaned the windows for months!' One saw
only the dust, the other the glory through the dust. How do we know
about God's creation? through what we can see, and what we hear by his
holy word through scripture. We explore the paradox, the skies are
silent, but yet they still speak. Upwards we give glory to God, and
downwards God speaking to us. Listen to how this paradox
develops.
| Sunday
25
February | Nehemiah,
spiritual rebuilding - 25 February
 John
took Chesley Sullenberger to illustrate Jesus's teachings,
relating th eincident where Chesley as an experienced pilot was faced
with landing his aircraft on the Hudson River after it hit a flock of
geese, destroying the engines, just after takeoff. He knew others in
the plane would be praying, so he concentrated on using his training
and practice to land the aircraft. Like Jesus says, the one who hears
his Word, and puts it into practice, is like a wise man, who builds his
house upon a rock. When the difficult time comes, the wise person is
secure.
The sermon returned to Nehemiah, who
restored not only
the walls and gates of Jerusalem but also the faith of the people of
Israel. We hear of the scriptures, in the time before Jesus,
and Ezra the priest, who was asked by the people themselves to
rebuild them spiritually. How can we help people today to
rediscover a hunger and thirst for the God of the Bible and how it
applies to our lives today? Listen to hear how this can be
done.
The service was followed by a short communion
| Sunday
18
February | Nehemiah,
enemies try to destroy the plan - 18 February
 It
was not all plain sailing for Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of
Jerusalem. We heard in past sermons how God had spoken to Nehemiah,
with the king of Persia providing material and good passage, and the
community being convinced and inspired to start building the
wall.
But there were others determined to scupper the plan. John told us of
Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshem, and their plot of lies and deceipt to
discredit Nehemiah, and how they bribed others to do their 'dirty work'
for them. We hear how Nehemiah responded to each plot attempt.
Will he survive and succeed? Listen to the sermon to find out how it
all ends.
| Sunday
11
February | Nehemiah,
a problem in the community - 11 February
 John
returned to continue the story of Nehemiah, where he has to
confront a
problem in the community. Complaining amongst the different
groups of Jews due to their suffering and burdens, be that failure of
the crops, loss of land, or selling their families into debt slavery.
This was against the generosity for their fellow men that the prophets
taught. This inflamed Nehemiah, who saw the community being destroyed
from within.
 John
showed how Nehemiah gained promises from the priests and leaders, and
by shaking out his sash (before the advent of pockets),
throwing
his valuables on the ground, was a warning of what God would take away
if they did not keep their promises
Listen
as John tells us in his sermon, how Nehemiah approaches this problem. 
The
Faith Spot featured Elaine Jacobs talking about how an Alpha event
changed her life.
| Sunday
4
February | Jeremiah.
Hypocites, kings, and prophet - 4 February
 The
Rev Mike Fucella from nearby Biggar Kirk led our worship on Sunday 4
February, swapping places with our minister Rev John Urquhart. Mike
left the story of Nehemiah to tell us about the prophet Jeremiah, also
from the Old Testament.
Mike opened with his
all-age talk,
talking of hypocrites, and how in Jesus's time the term referred to an
actor. Using masks he tested our knowledge of who's who characters, and
their stock phrases. Jesus taught us not to be hypocrites, not to wear
masks to hide what we really are. With God we  do
not need to hide behind a mask, to be what we are, as He loves us just
as we are, always.
We
heard how the ministry of Jeremiah covered the
reign of
three kings of Judah, during the time after King Solomon when
the
nation was split, Israel in the north and Judah in the south.
Mike recalled the story of the book of Kings and Chronicles, exploring
the highs and lows, as written by Jeremiah. Listen to how Mike relates
the story.
| Sunday
28
January | Nehemiah
builds the wall - 28 January
 John
opened today's theme of continuing our journey with Nehemiah
with
a video interview about 'faith in the workplace', where the
interviewees discuss their faith and how it works in the
workplace. The readings described how Nehemiah's faith helped him
rebuild Jerusalems city walls, calling on God, and using the hands of
many people to build each section. John's sermon reflected on the old
testament reading, which is a list of who built what, and the
old
English language.
 Using the Battle of Maldon
in 991 the report
of which is also a list of who did what. The writings are more a 'Roll
of Honour' rather than a narrative story of what went on. This led to
God wishing to honour those who work for Him and fellow Christians. He
knows we make mistakes, how we are falable, but God never makes
mistakes.
We hear how Nehemiah, reaching
Jerusalem, with
the blessing of the King of Persia, reaches out to those who
can
help, using not the King's authority given to him, but that of God.
Listen
to how the full story unfolds for Nehemiah
The service was followed by a short communion
| Sunday
21
January | Nehemiah
the journey continues - 21 January
John
Urquhart continued the series on Nehemiah, by displaying a picture of  Churchill
to test our knowledge. Do we recognise this man? he asked. Most did,
though in fact it was Gary Oldman who plays Churchill in the movie
Darkest Hour. We heard of the fictitious scene where
Churchill travels in a tube train to hear what the people think, and
using that to add power and conviction to his speeches, and how
Nehemiah listens to the people of Judah too.
But
Nehemiah goes
further, praying to God asking which way he should go, and then
proceeds in faith. 'Wobbly' at first, he gains confidence as his faith
in God strengthens.
 The
sermon continued, exploring the
life of Nehemiah, the 'trusted' servant of the king. His fear that the
plan he approaches the king for resources, makes him feel vulnerable
and afraid. Will God help him? Listen to this sermon to see how
Nehemiah's fear is abated.
| Sunday
14
January | St. Mungo's day. Sunday - 14
January
 Rev
John Urquhart returned with a test of our knowledge of heraldry, in his
all age talk. Displaying the coat of arms of Penicuik, or Pen-Y-Coc. We
were reminded that it was St. Mungo's day in the Eastern [Orthodox}
Churches this very Sunday.
He followed with the
coat of arms of Edinburgh, and  surprised
as one of our congregation translated the latin motto. Unless you take
God into account, your work will all be in vain.
This
Sunday
we started on a short series on Nehemiah, who rebuilt the
walls of
Jerusalem. We hear how he approached the task and how God was a key
element.
| Sunday
7
January | Souper Sunday - 7 January
 St.
Mungo's was supporting 'Souper Sunday', a Church of Scotland
initiative, with the elders of our church leading the acts of
worship. There followed a simple
lunch of soup and bread.
Margaret
Webster led our service, supported by members and elders
of our church. The service was focused on the work of your
church
supporting the fight against HIV virus and the impact it has on many
lives across the world.
|
Penicuik: St. Mungo's Parish
Church (Church of
Scotland). Scottish Charity No SC005838
| |
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