ScotThoughts

Kieran Hodgson praises Schnittke's Russian choral music. Robert MacFarlane enthuses over mountain scenery. Kenneth Steven reads two of his Iona poems. Mary Haddow marvels about space flight. MUSIC 1. JESUS CALLS US O'ER THE TUMULT - St Michael's Singers. 2. O for a closer walk with God - Edinburgh University singers.

Matthew Rodger analyses Revenge, looking at Sampson, and the stoning of Steven, and the conversion of St Paul.

Jamila Gavin talks about the Foundling Hospital supported by Handel. Alan Sorensen tells us to lighten up! Clare Balding goes for a ramble on Iona. Mary Haddow tells us about a remarkable Scots woman called Jane Haining. MUSIC 1. Cathedral Singers - Christ is the world in which we move. 2. Sheffield Celebration Choir - Make me a channel of your peace. 3. Wild Goose Collective - I will sing a song of love. 4. Graham Kendrick - For this I have Jesus.

Cherith Nixon explores the attitude of Jesus towards children. John Timpson describes his experiences with over 90 foster children. Mary Haddow recommends the process of Giving Forward. Alan Sorensen explains how we receive guidance. MUSIC 1. PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY, THE KING OF CREATION . 2. Brother, let me be your servant. 3. The Hudson-Taylors - The Lord bless you and keep you.

Matthew Rodger encourages us in our Faith Journey.

Rev Matthew Rodger discusses the problem - Why does God allow suffering in the world?

1. Juli Wilson-Black delights in Perthshire's Big Tree Country. 2. Kenneth Steven extolls Coll and Celtic Christianity. 3. Mary Haddow examines the problems of the Tower of Pisa. 4. Malcolm Guite reads his poem about Saint Columba, Colum Cille. 5. Cherith Nixon celebrates God's creativity. MUSIC 1. All Souls Musicians - You shall go out with Joy. 2. Joanne Hogg - Here is love, vast as the ocean. 3. Graham Kendrick - The Servant King.

Rabbi Jonathan Romain describes his reasons for supporting Assisted Dying. Larry Gentis is Moses for the last time. Malcolm Guite reads his poem about Bliss, based on George Herbert's poem. Mary Haddow takes the story of Blondin to illustrate the importance of belief and trust in God. MUSIC 1. VANGELIS - Chariots of Fire. 2. Pete Seeger - Turn, turn, turn. 3. The Choir Boys - "In Paradisum" from Faure's Requiem. 4. Salvation Army Choir - Trust in Jesus. 5. Sheffield Celebration Choir - If we walk with the Lord.

Karl Weidner explains how God uses his servants, even though they are initially unwilling!

Rachael Wood analyses the story of Philip explaining the Good News to the Ethiopian eunuch.

Ginnie Wilkie reads a sermon by Canadian Mariko Ogasawara about an example of grace in action.

Rabbi Jonathan Romain talks about his work as an Agony Uncle. Jeremy Irons reads Psalm 92. Ernie Rea introduces a poem about Belsen. MUSIC 1. Cambridge Singers - the Lord bless you and keep you 2. Maddy Prior - The God of Abraham Praise. 3. City of Chester Male Voice Choir - Sweet the work my god and King. 4. Darlene Zschech - My Jesus my Saviour.

Malcolm Guite reads his version of Psalm 23. Simon Warrack talks about his work as a stonemason, restoring ancient artifacts. Mary Haddow tells a story about the value of paintings.

Julia Blackburn explains her love of music to Michael Berkeley. Larry Gentis talks about Moses' wife's bread. Philip Noble encourages us to be more honest.

Karl Weidner gives a clear explanation of the response we should make to the offer of God's Grace.

Matthew Rodger explores the Sermon on the Mount.

Malcolm Guite reads a meditation based on Psalm 25. Mary Haddow explains the significance of the gifts brought by the Magi. Philip Noble encourages us to Be Still. MUSIC 1. And can it be - St Michael's singers 2. As with gladness men of old - Wells Cathedral choir.

Michael Berkeley talks to children's author Francesca Simon. Matthew Rodger describes the best way of being a witness. Larry Gentis is Moses in the wilderness. Philip Noble advises us not to jump to conclusions. MUSIC 1. Lord for the Years 2. Great is your faithfulness - Alastair Macdonald 3. God so loved the world - Coventry Chorale 4. I don't know about tomorrow - Gaithers Homecoming Friends

The three Vicars celebrate Christmas. Ian Myerscough enjoys a poem by Christina Rosetti. Mary Haddow talks about "The Peace Child". Ian Rose looks into the history of Wenceslas. Philip Noble takes an illustration from people's pets. MUSIC 1. Joy to the World - Cambridge Singers conducted by John Rutter. 2. For unto us a child is born - Academy of St Martin in the Fields conducted by Neville Marriner.

Matthew Rodger explains how Isaiah reassures the Jewish people that there is still Hope, even when they are in exile.

Three Vicars talk about difficult situations over Christmas. Ronnie Archer-Morgan explains how he overcame his early problems. Larry and Judy Gentis show the Innkeeper's accommodation problems. Ian Rose reminds us of God's Everlasting Arms. Philip Noble tells us to look for Miracles in unexpected places. MUSIC 1. Like a candle flame - St Michael's Singers 2. While Shepherds Watched - Grosvenor Chapel Choir, Mayfair. 3. Away in a Manger - St Paul's Cathedral Choir. 4. Infant Holy - Ikos

Matthew Rodger says that, since we have received the Light at Christmas, it is our duty to spread the Light to others.

Larry Gentis describes the horrible consequences of blasphemy. Three Vicars examine different ways of enjoying Christmas. Ian Rose has a tale about a Budgie. Philip Noble recommends being still in order to find God. MUSIC 1. Norwich Cathedral Choir - The First Noel. 2. Albion Christmas Band - While shepherds watched & Sweet Christmas Bells. 3. Maddie Prior - Angels from the Realms of Glory.

Three Vicars: Christmas Part 2. James Runcie talks to Michael Berkeley. Ian Rose uses the metaphor of Caterpillars changing into butterflies. Philip Noble tells us not to be downhearted. MUSIC 1. Dunedin Consort - "O thou that tellest good tidings" from Handel's Messiah. 2. Alexander Armstrong - "In the bleak midwinter". 3. Maddy Prior and the Carnival Band - "While shepherds watched". 4. Clifford Hughes - "Child in the manger".

Three vicars, Giles Fraser, Kate Bottley and Richard Coles, discuss Christmas. Elaine Brown brings Psalm 91 to life. Matthew Rodger wonders which way to go. Michael Berkeley interviews Psychotherapist Gwen Adshead. Ian Rose confesses to feeling worthless. MUSIC 1. Dave Clifton and Ikos - O Come, O come Immanuel. 2. Prom Praise - Safe in the shadow of the Lord. 3. Robert Coaches - Will you come and follow me? 4. Joanne Hogg - I wonder as I wander. 5. Graham Kendrick - How much do you think you are worth?

(a) Ready for Christmas? (b) Ready for the Second Coming?

Fraser Penny suggests that we should treat everyone equally.

Larry Gentis on Moses' sister Miriam. Elaine Brown on Praying. Matthew Rodger on Helping. Ian Myerscough on Grace and Truth. Ian Rose on Acceptance. MUSIC 1. Treorchy Male Voice Choir - Guide me O thou Great Jehovah 2. Scottish Festival Singers - Courage brother do not stumble. 3. Brother let me be your servant. 4. Charlie Lansborough - Some people say. 5. Sovereign Grace Musicians - Turn your eyes upon Jesus. 6. Daniel O'Donell - Softly and tenderly, Jesus is calling

Katherine Rundell talks to Michael Berkeley about her book "Rooftoppers". Elaine Brown tells us where to leave our Worries. Ian Myerscough explains where he he gets his Impressions of Jesus. Ian Rose advises us to Enjoy the Now. MUSIC 1. Susan Boyle - Make us a channel of your Peace. 2. Ella Fitzgerald - God will take care of You. 3. Jen Johnson - Come to Me.

Matthew Rodger asks us to think about our place in the Universe, with a quotation from Alexander Pope.

Rev Matthew Rodger expounds 2 Samuel 23 about King David's dying words.

Robert Nicol's talk "The day thou gavest Lord". Elaine Brown's Thought "You're Kept" based on Psalm 121. Ian Myerscough explains "The Word became flesh". Ian Rose says "Go to God". MUSIC 1. Scottish Festival Singers - The day Thou gavest Lord has ended. 2. Selah - No matter what, He will hold me fast. 3. Kingsways voices of worship - From Heaven you came. 4. Isla Grant - He walks with me

Adrian Plass talks about the Father's love. Anne Glenconner explains to Michael Berkeley how she coped with the difficulties in her life. Larry Gentis continues his tale of rebellion amongst the people of Israel. MUSIC 1. Edinburgh University Singers - Christ Triumphant, ever raising 2. Kingsway Voices of Worship - I shall not want 3. Daniel O'Donnell - Footsteps

Matthew Rodger explains that there is a reason for our sadness.

Robert Nicol based his funeral address for Brian Morrison on the hymn "The day thou gavest Lord has ended".

Adrian Plass talks about a Job for Life. Kat Arney explains the fascination of Cancer and Genetics. Larry Gentis , as Moses, faces rebellion from the people of Israel. MUSIC 1. Chester Cathedral Choir - As the Deer Pants for the water. 2. Guy Penrod - What a friend we have in Jesus. 3. Clifton Cathedral Choir - O God you search me and you know me. 4. Jim Reeves - the evening prayer.

Adrian Plass imagines Heaven. Michael Moseley recommends Meditation for the good of our health. Ian Myerscough explores John's Gospel. MUSIC 1. Come people of the Risen King - Stuart Townend 2. Dear Lord and Father of mankind - City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra Chorus

Adrian Plass examines the advantages of Giving. An Afghan refugee explains how he became a well qualified Doctor. Ian Myerscough looks at John's Gospel in detail. MUSIC 1. St Michael's Singers - Take my life and let it be. 2. Brother let me be your servant.

Matthew Rodger applauds the faithfulness of Daniel and his friends in Babylon, in spite of all the difficulties they faced.

Adrian Plass advocates Cuddling the Kids. Osman Yousefsada recommends embracing different versions of Islam. Matthew Rodger shows how Generosity pays off. Leolio describes the work of Fear fund. MUSIC Coventry Chorale choir - God so Loved the World - from Stainer's "Crucifixion". Alistair MacDonald - the Selkirk Grace.

Dr Clare Marx appreciates all the people who have been kind to her. Kenneth Steven explores the island of Staffa and Fingal's Cave. Iain Ramsden talks about Trusting God. MUSIC Choir of St George's Chapel Windsor - All Creatures of our God and King

Matthew Rodger encourages us to focus on the source of true happiness.

Matthew Rodger uses a story from O'Henry to illustrate how vulnerable we all are.

Adrian Plass talks about Decay and Renewal. Ernie Rea examines the plight of the Uyghurs in China. Kenneth Steven describes the delights of Jura in the Hebrides. MUSIC 1. Guide me O Thou Great Jehovah - Treorchy Male Voice Choir. 2. Christ be our Light - Frank Brownstead Choir. 3. He will hold me fast - Selah

Stephanie Shirley tells Michael Berkeley about her successful career in business and philanthropy. Adrian Plass has thoughts about being lifted by Love. The Holy Island in the Outer Hebrides is described by Kenneth Steven.

Adrian Plass sympathises with the victims of Sarcasm. Ernie Rea talks to enthusiastic Young members of different faiths. Kenneth Steven explores the island of Barra in the Outer Hebrides. MUSIC 1. Cambridge Singers - For the beauty of the earth - John Rutter. 2. Sarah Lacy - How deep the father's love for us - Stuart Townend. 3. Daniel O'Donnell - Softly and tenderly Jesus is calling.

Matthew Rodger examines the motivation for leading a satisfying life.

Matthew Rodger stresses the importance of preparing in advance for Holy Communion.

Kenneth Steven describes the features of Mingulay in the Outer Hebrides. Philip Noble encourages us to see the signs all around us. Adrian Plass says he has a fear of Landing! Mary Haddow tells the story of Greyfriars Bobby. MUSIC 1. Prom Praise - Safe in the shadow of the Lord. 2. Bernadette Farrell - Christ be our Light. 3. Robert Coaches - Will you come and follow me.

Richard Holloway talks about his family and his faith. Philip Noble suggests that we should appreciate what is around us a bit more. Larry Gentis shows how upset Moses was by the disloyalty of his brother and sister. MUSIC 1. Cliff Richard - The Faithful One 2. Chris Bowater - Here I am 3. All Soils Singers - I'll go in the strength of the Lord

Matthew Rodger encourages us to be ready for the unexpected.