Pitlochry Church of Scotland Sermon-Cast

Mark expands on today's' readings about commanding.

Mark unravels the deeper meanings of Jesus's third appearance to the disciples.

Ginnie adds to the reading we heard today.

Mark muses on how more attention is given to the doubter, Thomas, than to Jesus himself.

Sorry. No recording of the Easter Sunday service. 

No sermon, for the joint service, but the readings progress from entry into Jerusalem to Jesus's crucifixion.. Reading details:-      The entry into Jerusalem and cleansing of the Temple      St. Matthew 21: 1 – 17              The anointing at Bethany      St. Matthew 26: 6 - 16               The Passover Meal and Last Supper      St. Matthew 26: 17 - 30             The Betrayal and arrest in Gethsemane      St. Matthew 26: 31 - 56             At the house of Caiaphas      St. Matthew 26: 57 - 75             Jesus  before Pilate      St. Matthew 27: 1 – 2, 11 - 31         Jesus is crucified      St. Matthew 27: 32 – 50, 57 – 61           God’s Love for us      St. John 3: 16 – 21              

Mark describes his visit to the tomb of Lazarus, and goes on to discuss the questions the Bible story raises.

Mark refers to the role that mothers play in the Bible and the Church..

Mark points out the cultural significances of the meeting between Jesus and the woman at the well, as described in today's New Testament reading..

Mark relates the art of Chiaroscuro, (light and dark), to today's reading of John 3 v 1-17, that tells of Jesus's conversation with Nicodemus.

In the first part Mark talks of the history around the creation of the English translations of the bible. In the second part he addresses the differences between our modern interpretations of time and the more flexible meanings to the phrases often seen in the bible. .

Mark discusses the different views of Transfiguration.

Mark describes how the reference to Salt would have had deeper significance in biblical times.

Mark expands on Makarios - Blessed,  and the Beatitudes.The Beatitudes3 ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit,    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.4 Blessed are those who mourn,    for they will be comforted.5 Blessed are the meek,    for they will inherit the earth.6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,    for they will be filled.7 Blessed are the merciful,    for they will be shown mercy.8 Blessed are the pure in heart,    for they will see God.9 Blessed are the peacemakers,    for they will be called children of God.10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,    for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.11 ‘Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Mark talks of how Jesus collected his disciples.

Ginnie highlights the additional features of a painting of John the Baptist.

Margaret introduces slides and music, and then explores the themes of the psalm.Psalm 29A psalm of David.1 Ascribe to the Lord, you heavenly beings,    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory due to his name;    worship the Lord in the splendour of his[a] holiness.3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;    the God of glory thunders,    the Lord thunders over the mighty waters.4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;    the voice of the Lord is majestic.5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;    the Lord breaks in pieces the cedars of Lebanon.6 He makes Lebanon leap like a calf,    Sirion[b] like a young wild ox.7 The voice of the Lord strikes    with flashes of lightning.8 The voice of the Lord shakes the desert;    the Lord shakes the Desert of Kadesh.9 The voice of the Lord twists the oaks[c]    and strips the forests bare.And in his temple all cry, ‘Glory!’10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;    the Lord is enthroned as King for ever.11 The Lord gives strength to his people;    the Lord blesses his people with peace.

God speaks to all.

Mark illustrates how words can have different meanings..

The song of the 12 days of Christmas, and Mark's alternative version. The last verse:- At the twelfth hour of Christmas,the world in darkness lay:(12)  Wise men came seeking,(11)  a bright star was shining,(10)  while folk were sleeping,(9)    out on the hillsides,(8)    shepherds were watching,(7)    all Heaven blazing,(6)    Angels were singing -(5)    Peace on Earth!(4)    For on Christmas day,(3)    In Bethlehem,(2)    cradled in a stall, (1)    the baby Jesus was born. 

Mark explains how the shepherds can be seen as the first evangelists.

2025 watch night reflection. Mark introduces us to the travels of a baby Jesus, part of a nativity scene.

Full service of lessons and carols.

Mark talks of the likely reality of the first Christmas for Mary.

Mark introduces  Symeon Shimin's  mural "Contemporary justice and the child", and selects cameos to talk about.(Apologies for late publishing, I was away).

First Sunday in Advent. Mark gives examples of waiting with reference to Advent

Mark notes that this is the last Sunday of the liturgical year, and how kingship is here and now.

Ginnie's talk illustrated her pilgrimage following some of Paul's travels around the Mediterranean.

Peace, perfect peace

Mark explains some of the nuances in the story of Zacchaeus.

Mark explains the deeper significance of the parable of the harvest of corn and tares.

Talk presented by the Worship Group.  The order is Deborah, Namaan’s slave girl, Esther and the Samaritan woman. 

Sermon for 5th October. No recording for 28th Sept., joint Service in Blair Atholl

How the value of a common material changes depending upon its usage.

Building up

God molds like the potter, and completes what is needed.

Seating order and humility.

Rosa stayed sat on her seat, and inspired a subsequent email.

Based around Luke 12, verses 49-56.

The worhship group reflect upon the many ways in which music is important.

Mark explains the meaning of some of the Lord's Prayer.Note, there is no recording of the sermon of the joint service held in Blair Atoll & Struan on 27th July

Mark comments on how different people see the story of Martha and Mary,.

Mark reminds us of the full significance of the participants in the familiar story of the Good Samaritan.

Mark discusses the concepts behind Sheilaism..

Funeral service held for Margaret Rose on 1st July 2025

Mark explains the cultural significance of the excuses given in the examples of Luke 9:57-62

Mark reviews Luke's telling of how Jesus restored a demon possessed man, and explains its deeper significance to people of that time.

Mark illustrates his sermon with observations from Van Gogh

Mark's Sermon for the 8th June 2025. The transformations of Pentecost.

What goes up, must come down.There is no recording of the combined service held in Blair Atholl on the 25th May