Rector’s Letter July 2025
James the Less Penicuik and St Mungo West Linton
Scottish Episcopal Churches
The Rectory
23 Broomhill Road
Penicuik
EH26 9EE
01968 678254
07950 607574
Rector.pandwl@gmail.com
24th June 2025
Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
Rector’s letter for July 2025
Personal Notes
Several members of St James attended a session quite a while ago on a relatively new missional tool, called ACORN. Acorn is a movement that seeks to connect Christians with the work God is doing in others through caring conversations. Acorn does this through missional discipleship, by intentionally choosing to go out into the world to try the acronym A-C-O-R-N;
Ask – ‘Lord, is there anyone beyond the church You want me to connect with today?’
Calls – When God Calls and reveals a person for us to get alongside,
we simply
Obey – and follow through by contacting them in any way appropriate.
We then just ask the person “How are you?” God is already there, with the other. Our job is to find out what God is doing and join God in that conversation. God then reveals deeper hurts, desires and opening for the Gospel.
Christians then frequently gather to disciple and encourage each other by;
Reporting what God has been doing in and through them, and by
Noticing together what God is up to and doing in the other person.
Christians are then encouraged to mentor other Christian friends in this way of life.
I have heard several individuals’ ACORN experiences of responding to God’s call to inquire about someone’s welfare, and the conversations that have flowed. By asking if the person could pray for them no-one has said no, even if they had no faith. In reporting back, we have added individuals to the prayer list that we pray through every weekday at Morning Prayer.
If you want to know more about ACORN there are a series of short videos that firstly describe the approach then each of the five steps. The first video (and the other five) on YouTube can be found at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTEnPfCC8ZQ&list=PLbMwomLRbv88mVdqDR82ry37PJqA4s_d-&index=7
If you wish to be part of an ACORN peer-to-peer group, to do the reporting and the noticing God, please let me know.
Last month I wrote about a presentation I watched by Rev Dr Neil Glover, a Church of Scotland minister. I have now read his book, ‘Finding our Voice: Searching for Renewal in the Mainline Church’, took lots of notes as I read, and have been discussing its contents with the ministry team and how it may help us in our mission and ministry in both Penicuik and district and West Linton and district. Over the summer I will bring together my thoughts and the comments and contributions of others, to open up the conversation and dialogue with members of each congregation.
At the Midlothian Volunteer Awards on 30th May, the late Lynda Smith was awarded – posthumously – the Service to the Community award. The applications from various voluntary organisations Lynda worked for and supported were submitted several months ago. The organisation making the award did not know of Lynda’s death, so clearly this was not an award made on an emotional basis, it was on the merits of all the volunteering that Lynda undertook.
The Penicuik Hunter and Lass week went well, the Penicuik Churches Together ‘Songs of Praise’ service was well received. We will repeat it next year. The West Linton Whipman and Lass week also went well, although I had to stand in for Rev Dr Tony Foley at the Installation as he was unwell. On the Saturday the church garden had tables loaded with lovely food and drink, to provide hospitality for any who wished to watch the horses riding out. The Sunday service in the marquee went well and was well received. The Sunday evening Taizé service was a nice time of quiet and calm praise, followed by lovely refreshments.
On the 6th of June I attended the General Synod of the Scottish Episcopal Church, to speak in support of my motion to add Eric Liddell to the church’s Calendar.. The motion was approved so his name will appear in the 2025/26 Calendar and Lectionary Guide, to be remembered on 21st February. You can find the annual calendar which includes all the people we remember here. There were a few negative comments about a lack of females added to the Calendar. The challenge for members of Synod, and for any others to make nominations for women. On 11th June we remembered Barnabas, one of my favourite characters in the New Testament. Barnabas was a his nickname, meaning ‘Son of encouragement’.
On the Saturday of General Synod also approved a motion that said Synod “affirms that transgender, non-binary, gender non-conforming and intersex people: are made in the image of God; are loved by God; should be accorded the same dignity, respect and rights as cisgender people; and can and should participate fully in the life, worship, mission and ministry of the Scottish Episcopal Church”. After a 90 minute debate the motion was approved with several votes against and several abstentions. I know some people may struggle with this motion, but I personally support it – not that I was a member of General Synod so didn’t have a vote. I refer to Paul writing in Galatians, asserting that no earthly and human-made boundaries should be a barrier to people becoming part of the community that follows the way of Jesus.
A reminder that the process to elect a new Bishop of Edinburgh formally starts the day after Bishop John retires at the end of August. The three meetings of the Electoral Synod are provisionally set for:
- 27th September 2025 (preliminary meeting with the Preparatory Committee)
- 7th February 2026 (meeting with the candidates)
- 14th February 2026 (meeting to elect a Bishop)
There is a prayer for the process of searching for a new Bishop, that we are asked to use in our own personal prayer life and in our services:
Living God, you walk with us in all seasons of life calling us to follow you with joy, hope and love as we share in your work of renewing the world; give us humility and discernment to hear your voice, that those discerning their calling and all involved in our bishop search may be encouraged in your ways and open to your creative Spirit. Amen.
Last October we chose to preach on the theme of prayer, and together we created a booklet with multiple ways to approach prayer. The Diocese were suitably impressed with the booklet, and I have been liaising with them to produce a version of it to be used as a more widely available resource. It has now been published. You can access it here. If you wish a printed copy of our booklet on prayer, let me know.
The Iona Community, of which I am a member, has published an A5 4 page leaflet about the situation in Israel/Palestine. It is called, ‘How Can I Help Palestinian People: Ten Top Tips’. If you wish to look at it and possibly download it, you can find it here.
Some of you will be aware that Misty had a freak accident on 16th June. In playing with one of her doggie friends her right leg fell through the grate in a drain and broke her rear right leg. She was operated on, on Tuesday, at the Dick Vet Small Animal Hospital and now had four plates in her leg holding it together. She is on house rest for two weeks as the wound heals and hopefully the bone starts to heal also. Then she will be allowed four very short walks a day for a few weeks before gradually increasing the length of them. The first week has been the highest risk of infection in the wound, so I have been keeping a very careful eye on her. So far, so good. My daughter Heather has agreed to act as Vet nurse when I go to Taizé, which means I can go away. I was considering staying at home but Misty’s recovery has been good and I feel I can leave her in my daughter’s capable hands. Many thanks for all the messages of support and prayers for Misty.
News and new things happening
Scripture Union Summer Club in Penicuik – 29th July to 4th August
Advance notice of the annual summer club for children. If you know any children that might want to join this summer club, do get in contact. It runs from 10.30 am to 1.30 pm each day.
Christian Aid Week – 11th to 17th May
I am awaiting to be advised how much was raised in this 80th anniversary year of Christian Aid by the churches in Penicuik.
St James’ Strawberry Tea – 14th June
Many thanks to all who contributed to the Strawberry Tea, and helped out on the day. A magnificent £727.46 was raised for church funds.
Bishop John’s Retirement Gift
There will be a presentation to Bishop John at the end of the diocesan service of Choral Evensong at St Mary’s Cathedral on 24 August 2025. The deadline for donations is Friday the 1st of August 2025. If you would like to contribute to a gift please contact Hannah Harcus (hharcus@dioceseofedinburgh.org) or make a BACS transfer, marked ‘BSHP25’ to the diocese’s bank account; details are as follows: Account Name: EDINBURGH DIOCESAN SYNOD
Sort Code: 00215170, Account Number: 60-01-73
Trinity Sunday, 15th June was also Music Sunday and almost the ‘end of term’ for the choir at St James. We celebrated the work of our choir and David, our organist and choir master.
Tuesday Afternoon Bible Study
We shall restart our Bible Study in September. A decision about what book to study will be made over the next month or so. Studying chapters 1 to 24 of Jeremiah that we studied in the Spring proved interesting gave an insight as to the message of the book. We may study the Book of Proverbs, but do let me know your recommendation.
Monday Study Group – Discussions on podcasts
I am suggesting we come together to listen to a number of podcasts about faith and the Bible, and discuss them, starting in September. More details to follow in August or September’s letter.
St James the Less Fellowship Lunch – July and August
The lunches will be bring and share lunches in July and August.
‘Wee Sing’ at St James – 3.30 pm on 31st August
I plan to hold a ‘Wee Sing’, where I will introduce some songs from the Iona Community, and we can rehearse them, then take a break for refreshments, before reconvening at 5pm for a service where we will sing the songs and share in prayer and scripture. I have held two of these at St Mungo’s in the past. If you wish to play an instrument or help lead the singing, please get in touch with me.
In Other News…
One of the greatest scholars of the Hebrew Scriptures, Walter Brueggemann died on 5th June at the age of 92. I had just ordered his book, ‘Chosen? Reading the Bible amid the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict’ when I heard the news. I bought his book, ‘Journey to the Common Good’ in January this year, and plan to take both with me when I go to Taizé, as some of my ‘retreat’ reading, which I should get time to do most afternoons at Taizé, and on the train journeys there and back. The other book I shall take, which I have had for 11 years but have only dipped into and not read cover to cover is Brian McLaren’s book, ‘We Make the Road by Walking: a year-long quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation and Activation. It may form a programme for our congregations to follow from the autumn.
Nick Bowry
Regular Activities
Ministry in Care and Nursing Homes
Cowan Court, Penicuik: We have been part of a rota with the other Penicuik churches, visiting Cowan Court on a Sunday afternoon for the last year. We visit Cowan Court about once every 5 or 6 weeks. Our next visit is on 8th June.
Aaron House, Penicuik: We are part of a rota with the other Penicuik churches, visiting Aaron House on a Wednesday afternoon at 2pm. As with Cowan Court we will visit once every 5 or 6 weeks. Our next visit is on 4th June. If you able to join the team offering this ministry, please let me know.
Whim Hall, Lamancha: We visit Whim Hall Care Centre on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month. Our next visit is on 12th June.
If you are interested in supporting this rewarding ministry by being part of the visiting teams then please let me know. Normally three of us attend each time, so we can support and guide people through the service and have a chat afterwards with whoever attends. We use a simplified form of the Liturgy for Reserved Sacrament and sing a few well-known hymns. Your prayers are welcome for this increased activity in and for members of our local communities.
Bible Study for all
We hold our weekly Bible study at 2pm on a Tuesday afternoon, online, for up to an hour and a half. We have a break for July and August.
We come together with the common aim of exploring the texts, understanding their context, and just as importantly, exploring how it speaks to us and how it informs us today. We enjoy exploring our different understandings and learning from each other. Please do join us, we are always happy to include more people.
Monday Study Night
Our Monday evening studies take a rest during Lent as we partake in the Lent course on a Monday morning. We break for July and August.
Faith Development ‘Faith Books’
When we have a fifth Monday in the month, we hold a discussion at 7.30 pm about a book as a way of introducing people to different authors which may pique an interest to read more of their work (or not!). In looking for new or used books, I have often used www.bookfinder.com I am sure there are other search sites that will help people find the books on our reading list. The books we shall be discussing in 2025 are:
30th June: ‘Making Sense of God’s Love: Atonement and Redemption’, by Lorraine Cavanagh (published by SPCK, ISBN 978-0-281-06403-8).
29th Sept: ‘A Rabbi’s Bible’ by Jonathan Magonet (published by SCM, ISBN 978-0-334-02506-1)
Morning and Evening Prayer
We meet online Monday to Friday at 9.00 am and at 5.30 pm. It is a good way to start and end our day, coming together for worship, with daily readings including the psalms; a good rhythm for worship in the Anglican tradition of saying the Daily Offices. Please do consider joining us.
If you wish to access the Daily Office liturgy with the daily scripture readings, go to the Provincial Website, www.scotland.anglican.org and place your cursor on the ‘Spirituality’ heading. A submenu appears and you can select the appropriate Daily Office from the right-hand side of the page.
I circulated the Daily Intercessions booklet we use by email on 26th February. If you would like a paper copy, please let me know.
Mid-week evening services on Zoom
On the first Wednesday of each month, at 7.30 pm, we hold a service of Prayers for healing online. If you wish someone or a situation to be prayed for, send an email to me or Marion Mather.
At 9pm every Wednesday evening we hold the service of Compline. Please do join us for this short service of calm and settling prayers before sleep.
Continuing our Mission: Leading Your Church into Growth Prayer
Each weekday morning, we pray for growth in our church. If you are not able to join us online for Morning Prayer at 9 am, can I encourage you to pray this once a day. The prayer is given below.
God of Mission, who alone brings growth to your Church,
send your Holy Spirit to give:
vision to our planning, wisdom to our actions, and power to our witness.
Help our church to grow:
in numbers, in spiritual commitment to you, and in service to our local
community, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
In Touch Magazine for St James the Less and St Mungo’s
In Touch is circulated to all on email and is issued in paper format to those who do not have email. The cost of a paper copy is £2 for an A4 version, and about £1.50 for an A5 version. We print a very limited number of paper copies to keep out costs down, and to reduce our consumption of paper. If you receive an email version but would also like a paper copy, please let Sue Owen know and we invite you to make a suitable donation (preferably by bank transfer rather than in cash) to cover the cost. The deadline for content to be submitted for the next issue is 3rd August 2025. I would like to encourage you to submit something for inclusion in the magazine, a poem, a review of a book or a film, an article on a subject of interest. If you wish to submit an article, please send them to intouch@stjamesthelesspenicuik.org
Financial giving to St James the Less or to St Mungo’s
If you are able, can I ask you to prayerfully consider setting up a recurring monthly payment to the church via on-line banking, to contribute financially on a regular basis. Details of the bank accounts are given below for each of the churches.
St James the Less:
Monthly donation by bank transfer (include your name in the reference line when setting this up – only the Treasurer knows the name of the donor). Bank details are: St James Episcopal Church Penicuik, acct no 17117264, sort code 80-22-60. If you wish to make a donation by cheque, please make out the cheque to ‘St James Episcopal Church Penicuik’.
St Mungo:
Monthly donation by bank transfer (include your name in the reference line when setting this up – only the Treasurer knows the name of the donor). Bank details are: St Mungo’s Vestry, acct no 00817851, sort code 80-09-39.
Ecumenical Relations and Community Involvement Work
The Penicuik Ministers continue to meet every month in the Storehouse for a chat. Once a month the Penicuik Churches Together (PCT) has a joint Sunday evening service. The schedule detailing where the services are each month is on the PCT website. http://penicuikchurchestogether.org.uk/ I continue to meet with Revd Dr Tony Foley to discuss joint services and matters of mutual interest, in West Linton.
Diocesan and Provincial Activities
I continue as the interim Pastor for Peebles and Innerleithen during their vacancy. Please pray for both congregations as they discern their futures and the profile of the person they wish to be called to lead them. I attended several meetings of the Diocesan Personnel Committee in June.
The Ministry Team
We continue to meet to plan for the coming months; planning services and faith development activities as well as exploring other aspects of what is offered to the congregations and to our local communities.
Zoom Links for Services
We have a regular pattern of services. Details of these are set out below. You can access them using the Zoom links.
Morning Prayer at 9 am, and Evening Prayer at 5.30 pm, Monday to Friday. (Zoom only)
https://zoom.us/j/6289561588?pwd=aGtNeE1ZM3l1Tkluckp3bVJtZkRHQT09
Meeting ID: 628 956 1588 Password: 040775
St Mungo, Holy Communion at 10.30 am on Sunday.
https://zoom.us/j/93417190423?pwd=K1ZoS0xKUWpRVENGTzFYL3NvakFHQT09
Meeting ID: 934 1719 0423 Passcode: 062021
St James the Less, Holy Communion at 10.30 am on Sunday.
https://zoom.us/j/92002197798?pwd=REp5NHQwVEdSd3A4a09lN1lHOUdnUT09
Meeting ID: 920 0219 7798 Passcode: 040775
1st Wednesday Evening Service at 7.30 pm (not July or August) (Zoom only)
https://zoom.us/j/96303841875?pwd=YmZiYkdNNzZJeWI5cmtZL2RLUWc1Zz09
Meeting ID: 963 0384 1875 Password: 040775
Wednesday Evening Compline at 9 pm (all year) (Zoom only)
https://zoom.us/j/95345457224?pwd=TDNoT20vR2dYMVQ5STdsS0lzR0dMQT09
Meeting ID: 953 4545 7224 Password: 040775
Zoom Links for Activities
‘Monday Evening Studies’ at 7.30 pm (Zoom only)
https://zoom.us/j/97670406222?pwd=WWUzL0dLNHdWdFJ0YVNnLzdvY2w2Zz09
Meeting ID: 976 7040 6222 Passcode: 202101
Use this link for Monday Evening Studies and the ‘Faith Book’ discussions.
Weekly Bible Study: Tuesdays at 2pm (Zoom only)
https://zoom.us/j/92510962481?pwd=L1hsaCtiWTh0ZFFib3N0WlluaVlaUT09
Meeting ID: 925 1096 2481 Passcode: 040775