the Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving
A Service of Celebration and Thanksgiving for the life of Anne Freda MacKenzie
26 June 1938 - 5 June 2026
Augustine United Church, Edinburgh
Thursday, 25 June 2026 at 2.15pm
Conducted by Rev. Fiona Bennett
Minister, Augustine United Church
A video of the full service runs for 1 hour and 26 minutes, the first 15 minutes of which give time for people to gather. The video (which opens in a new page) begins with the welcome by Rev. Fiona Bennett and it can be found at:
drive.google.com/file/d/1hNAKrLAPV9723gx55W1_NjKB1o6wXiuE/view
If you need them, the words of each hymn appear on the screen so that you can readily join in with the congregation.
Meditation
From the falter of breath,
through the silence of death,
to the wonder that’s breaking beyond;
God has woven a way,
unapparent by day,
for all those whom heaven is fond.
From frustration and pain,
through hope hard to sustain,
to the wholeness here promised, there known;
Christ has gone where we fear
and has vowed to be near
on the journey we make on our own.
From the dimming of light,
through the darkness of night,
to the glory of goodness above;
God the Spirit is sent
to ensure heaven’s intent
is embraced and completed in love.
From today till we die,
through all questioning why,
to the place from which time and tide flow;
angels tread on our dreams,
and magnificent themes
of heaven’s promise are echoed below.
Words: John L. Bell (born 1949) & Graham Maule (1958-2019).
Order of Service
Welcome
Introit: Hail, Gladdening Light (CH4 219)
(pre-recorded solo, sung by Rachel Bennett)
Hail gladdening Light, of His pure glory poured
who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blest,
Holiest of Holies, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Now we are come to the sun’s hour of rest,
the lights of evening round us shine.
We hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit divine.
Worthiest art thou at all times to be sung
with undefilèd tongue,
Son of our God, Giver of life, alone:
therefore in all the world thy glories, Lord, we own.
Tune: Sebaste, John Stainer (1840-1901).
(please see note below and on back page)
[This 3rd century Greek hymn is found at No.612 in the 1953 Pica Edition of Congregational Praise, in the translation by John Keble (1792-1866). When Anne and her late husband Murdoch were teenagers, it was always sung as an introit at Sunday evening worship in Prenton Congregational Church, where they both grew up, and where they were married on 20 June 1964.]
Call to Worship
Hymn: Love Divine, all Loves Excelling (CH4 519)
Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heaven, to earth come down,
fix in us thy humble dwelling,
all thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation,
enter every trembling heart.
Come, almighty to deliver,
let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return, and never,
never more thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray, and praise thee without
ceasing, glory in thy perfect love.
Finish then thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see thy great salvation
perfectly restored in thee,
changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.
Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788). Tune: Hyfrydol.
Opening Prayer
Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, 11, 14 (read by Hana Đuherić)
For everything there is a season, and a Time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sow; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
God has made everything to suit its time. I know that whatever God does lasts for ever; there is no adding to it, no taking away. And God has done it all in such a way that everyone must feel awe in the presence of God. Amen.
Hymn: Spirit of God (CH4 600)
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind,
gentle as is the dove,
teach us the truth and help us believe,
show us the Saviour’s love.
You spoke to us long, long ago,
gave us the written word;
we read it still, needing its truth,
through it God’s voice is heard.
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind…
Without your help we fail our Lord,
we cannot live his way;
we need your power, we need your strength,
following Christ each day.
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind…
Words: Margaret V. Old (1932-2001).
Tune: Scottish folk melody (Skye Boat Song).
New Testament: John 15: 12-17 (read by Mary Comer)
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.”
Family Reflections
Hymn: Lord, for the Years (CH4 159)
Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,
urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way,
sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided,
Lord of the years, we bring our thanks today.
Lord, for that word, the Word of life which fires us,
speaks to our hearts and sets our souls ablaze,
teaches and trains, rebukes us and inspires us,
Lord of the word, receive your people's praise.
Lord, for our land, in this our generation,
spirits oppressed by pleasure, wealth and care;
for young and old, for commonwealth and nation,
Lord of our land, be pleased to hear our prayer.
Lord, of our world; when we disown and doubt you,
loveless in strength, and comfortless in pain;
hungry and helpless, lost indeed without you,
Lord of the world, we pray that Christ may reign.
Lord, of ourselves; in living power remake us,
self on the cross and Christ upon the throne;
past put behind us, for the future take us,
Lord of our lives, to live for Christ alone.
Words and Music: Timothy Dudley-Smith (1926-2024).
Reflection: Rev. Fiona Bennett
Hymn: Lord of all Hopefulness (CH4 166)
Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
Whose trust, ever child-like, no cares could destroy,
Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.
Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,
Be there at our labours, and give us, we pray,
Your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.
Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,
Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.
Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.
Words: J Struther (1901-1953). Tune: Slane – traditional Irish melody.
Thanksgiving Prayer (Kathleen Ziffo, Augustine United Church)
Hymn: You shall go out with joy (CH4 804)
You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace,
and the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you.
There’ll be shouts of joy, and the trees of the field
shall clap, shall clap their hands,
and the trees of the field shall clap their hands,
and the trees of the field shall clap their hands,
and the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
and you’ll go out with joy. (sung twice)
Words: Stuart Dauermann (born 1944). Tune: Roland T. Fudge (born 1947).
Celtic Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face.
May the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Benediction
Amen (sung)
[please remain seated at the end of the service, for a time of contemplation
while Mendelssohn’s ‘Oh for the wings of a dove’ is played]
Music before the Service
A selection of reflective music chosen by Augustine United Church
Music after the Service
Felix Mendelssohn, Oh for the wings of a dove
John Rutter (born 1945), All things bright and beautiful
John Cruger, harmonised Mendelssohn,
Nun danket alle Gott (Now thank we all our God)
Organ: Stephen Ziffo. Piano: Laurence Wareing.
Refreshments
Thank you for sharing with us in today’s celebration. Immediately
following the service, you are invited for refreshments downstairs in the
Mull and Studio rooms. There is a lift.
Donations
There will be an opportunity to make a donation when leaving the church. The proceeds will be distributed between Eco-Congregation Scotland and Fresh Start, charities chosen by Anne. Alternatively, you can make a donation through their websites below:
Eco-Congregation Scotland www.ecocongregationscotland.org Eco-Congregation Scotland is a grounded, faith-based movement of churches, congregations, and individuals across Scotland of all denominations. Since 2001, it has helped congregations to live out their beliefs through environmental action - in worship, in community life, in advocacy, and through meaningful partnerships.
Fresh Start www.freshstartweb.org.uk
Fresh Start is an Edinburgh-based charity that works directly with people who are moving on from homelessness, providing essential household goods and social support services to help them start a new chapter in their lives.
Notes Regarding the Introit:
Phos Hilaron (Φῶς Ἱλαρόν) is an ancient Christian hymn originally written
in New Testament Greek. Often referred to by its Latin title Lumen Hilare it has been translated into English as Hail Gladdening Light or O Gladsome/Joyous Light. It is the earliest known Christian hymn recorded outside of the Bible that is still in use today. The hymn is part of vespers in the Eastern Orthodox Church and also included in some modern Anglican and Lutheran liturgies.
The hymn is first recorded by an unknown author in the Apostolic Constitutions, which was written in the late 3rd or early 4th century AD. It is found in a collection of songs to be sung in the morning, in the evening, before meals, and at candle lighting. Phos Hilaron is to be sung at the lighting of lamps in the evening and so is sometimes known as the Lamplighting Hymn. Despite some of the words to the other three songs being from Scripture or in one case dated to around 150 AD, Phos Hilaron is the first to be considered an actual hymn in the modern sense. It is certainly the first complete example. It is far more rhythmic than the others and is divided into twelve verses varying between five, six, eight, nine, ten and eleven syllables a verse. St Basil the Great (329-379 AD) spoke of the singing of the Phos Hilaron as a cherished tradition of the church, the hymn being already considered old in his day (though some attribute the composition of the song to St Basil himself). The original melody, as used by the Greek Orthodox Church on the original text, is considered taxing on the voice as it spans almost two octaves, with the voice peaking on the words "Heavenly" and "the Father".
At that time in Jerusalem a lamp was kept perpetually burning in the empty tomb of Christ, its glow a symbol of the living light of Jesus. As Christians gathered to worship the hymn was sung and, in a tradition known as the lighting of the lamps, a candle lit from the lamp was brought forth from the tomb, its bright, solitary flame calling the church to celebrate the Risen Lord.
26 June 1938 - 5 June 2026
Augustine United Church, Edinburgh
Thursday, 25 June 2026 at 2.15pm
Conducted by Rev. Fiona Bennett
Minister, Augustine United Church
A video of the full service runs for 1 hour and 26 minutes, the first 15 minutes of which give time for people to gather. The video (which opens in a new page) begins with the welcome by Rev. Fiona Bennett and it can be found at:
drive.google.com/file/d/1hNAKrLAPV9723gx55W1_NjKB1o6wXiuE/view
If you need them, the words of each hymn appear on the screen so that you can readily join in with the congregation.
Meditation
From the falter of breath,
through the silence of death,
to the wonder that’s breaking beyond;
God has woven a way,
unapparent by day,
for all those whom heaven is fond.
From frustration and pain,
through hope hard to sustain,
to the wholeness here promised, there known;
Christ has gone where we fear
and has vowed to be near
on the journey we make on our own.
From the dimming of light,
through the darkness of night,
to the glory of goodness above;
God the Spirit is sent
to ensure heaven’s intent
is embraced and completed in love.
From today till we die,
through all questioning why,
to the place from which time and tide flow;
angels tread on our dreams,
and magnificent themes
of heaven’s promise are echoed below.
Words: John L. Bell (born 1949) & Graham Maule (1958-2019).
Order of Service
Welcome
Introit: Hail, Gladdening Light (CH4 219)
(pre-recorded solo, sung by Rachel Bennett)
Hail gladdening Light, of His pure glory poured
who is the immortal Father, heavenly, blest,
Holiest of Holies, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Now we are come to the sun’s hour of rest,
the lights of evening round us shine.
We hymn the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit divine.
Worthiest art thou at all times to be sung
with undefilèd tongue,
Son of our God, Giver of life, alone:
therefore in all the world thy glories, Lord, we own.
Tune: Sebaste, John Stainer (1840-1901).
(please see note below and on back page)
[This 3rd century Greek hymn is found at No.612 in the 1953 Pica Edition of Congregational Praise, in the translation by John Keble (1792-1866). When Anne and her late husband Murdoch were teenagers, it was always sung as an introit at Sunday evening worship in Prenton Congregational Church, where they both grew up, and where they were married on 20 June 1964.]
Call to Worship
Hymn: Love Divine, all Loves Excelling (CH4 519)
Love divine, all loves excelling,
joy of heaven, to earth come down,
fix in us thy humble dwelling,
all thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesus, thou art all compassion,
pure, unbounded love thou art;
visit us with thy salvation,
enter every trembling heart.
Come, almighty to deliver,
let us all thy life receive;
suddenly return, and never,
never more thy temples leave.
Thee we would be always blessing,
serve thee as thy hosts above,
pray, and praise thee without
ceasing, glory in thy perfect love.
Finish then thy new creation;
pure and spotless let us be;
let us see thy great salvation
perfectly restored in thee,
changed from glory into glory,
Till in heaven we take our place,
Till we cast our crowns before thee,
lost in wonder, love, and praise.
Words: Charles Wesley (1707-1788). Tune: Hyfrydol.
Opening Prayer
Old Testament: Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8, 11, 14 (read by Hana Đuherić)
For everything there is a season, and a Time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to throw away; a time to tear, and a time to sow; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace.
God has made everything to suit its time. I know that whatever God does lasts for ever; there is no adding to it, no taking away. And God has done it all in such a way that everyone must feel awe in the presence of God. Amen.
Hymn: Spirit of God (CH4 600)
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind,
gentle as is the dove,
teach us the truth and help us believe,
show us the Saviour’s love.
You spoke to us long, long ago,
gave us the written word;
we read it still, needing its truth,
through it God’s voice is heard.
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind…
Without your help we fail our Lord,
we cannot live his way;
we need your power, we need your strength,
following Christ each day.
Spirit of God, unseen as the wind…
Words: Margaret V. Old (1932-2001).
Tune: Scottish folk melody (Skye Boat Song).
New Testament: John 15: 12-17 (read by Mary Comer)
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. I do not call you servants any longer, because the servant does not know what the master is doing; but I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name. I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another.”
Family Reflections
Hymn: Lord, for the Years (CH4 159)
Lord, for the years your love has kept and guided,
urged and inspired us, cheered us on our way,
sought us and saved us, pardoned and provided,
Lord of the years, we bring our thanks today.
Lord, for that word, the Word of life which fires us,
speaks to our hearts and sets our souls ablaze,
teaches and trains, rebukes us and inspires us,
Lord of the word, receive your people's praise.
Lord, for our land, in this our generation,
spirits oppressed by pleasure, wealth and care;
for young and old, for commonwealth and nation,
Lord of our land, be pleased to hear our prayer.
Lord, of our world; when we disown and doubt you,
loveless in strength, and comfortless in pain;
hungry and helpless, lost indeed without you,
Lord of the world, we pray that Christ may reign.
Lord, of ourselves; in living power remake us,
self on the cross and Christ upon the throne;
past put behind us, for the future take us,
Lord of our lives, to live for Christ alone.
Words and Music: Timothy Dudley-Smith (1926-2024).
Reflection: Rev. Fiona Bennett
Hymn: Lord of all Hopefulness (CH4 166)
Lord of all hopefulness, Lord of all joy,
Whose trust, ever child-like, no cares could destroy,
Be there at our waking, and give us, we pray,
Your bliss in our hearts, Lord, at the break of the day.
Lord of all eagerness, Lord of all faith,
Whose strong hands were skilled at the plane and the lathe,
Be there at our labours, and give us, we pray,
Your strength in our hearts, Lord, at the noon of the day.
Lord of all kindliness, Lord of all grace,
Your hands swift to welcome, your arms to embrace,
Be there at our homing, and give us, we pray,
Your love in our hearts, Lord, at the eve of the day.
Lord of all gentleness, Lord of all calm,
Whose voice is contentment, whose presence is balm,
Be there at our sleeping, and give us, we pray,
Your peace in our hearts, Lord, at the end of the day.
Words: J Struther (1901-1953). Tune: Slane – traditional Irish melody.
Thanksgiving Prayer (Kathleen Ziffo, Augustine United Church)
Hymn: You shall go out with joy (CH4 804)
You shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace,
and the mountains and the hills shall break forth before you.
There’ll be shouts of joy, and the trees of the field
shall clap, shall clap their hands,
and the trees of the field shall clap their hands,
and the trees of the field shall clap their hands,
and the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
and you’ll go out with joy. (sung twice)
Words: Stuart Dauermann (born 1944). Tune: Roland T. Fudge (born 1947).
Celtic Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sunshine warm upon your face.
May the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Benediction
Amen (sung)
[please remain seated at the end of the service, for a time of contemplation
while Mendelssohn’s ‘Oh for the wings of a dove’ is played]
Music before the Service
A selection of reflective music chosen by Augustine United Church
Music after the Service
Felix Mendelssohn, Oh for the wings of a dove
John Rutter (born 1945), All things bright and beautiful
John Cruger, harmonised Mendelssohn,
Nun danket alle Gott (Now thank we all our God)
Organ: Stephen Ziffo. Piano: Laurence Wareing.
Refreshments
Thank you for sharing with us in today’s celebration. Immediately
following the service, you are invited for refreshments downstairs in the
Mull and Studio rooms. There is a lift.
Donations
There will be an opportunity to make a donation when leaving the church. The proceeds will be distributed between Eco-Congregation Scotland and Fresh Start, charities chosen by Anne. Alternatively, you can make a donation through their websites below:
Eco-Congregation Scotland www.ecocongregationscotland.org Eco-Congregation Scotland is a grounded, faith-based movement of churches, congregations, and individuals across Scotland of all denominations. Since 2001, it has helped congregations to live out their beliefs through environmental action - in worship, in community life, in advocacy, and through meaningful partnerships.
Fresh Start www.freshstartweb.org.uk
Fresh Start is an Edinburgh-based charity that works directly with people who are moving on from homelessness, providing essential household goods and social support services to help them start a new chapter in their lives.
Notes Regarding the Introit:
Phos Hilaron (Φῶς Ἱλαρόν) is an ancient Christian hymn originally written
in New Testament Greek. Often referred to by its Latin title Lumen Hilare it has been translated into English as Hail Gladdening Light or O Gladsome/Joyous Light. It is the earliest known Christian hymn recorded outside of the Bible that is still in use today. The hymn is part of vespers in the Eastern Orthodox Church and also included in some modern Anglican and Lutheran liturgies.
The hymn is first recorded by an unknown author in the Apostolic Constitutions, which was written in the late 3rd or early 4th century AD. It is found in a collection of songs to be sung in the morning, in the evening, before meals, and at candle lighting. Phos Hilaron is to be sung at the lighting of lamps in the evening and so is sometimes known as the Lamplighting Hymn. Despite some of the words to the other three songs being from Scripture or in one case dated to around 150 AD, Phos Hilaron is the first to be considered an actual hymn in the modern sense. It is certainly the first complete example. It is far more rhythmic than the others and is divided into twelve verses varying between five, six, eight, nine, ten and eleven syllables a verse. St Basil the Great (329-379 AD) spoke of the singing of the Phos Hilaron as a cherished tradition of the church, the hymn being already considered old in his day (though some attribute the composition of the song to St Basil himself). The original melody, as used by the Greek Orthodox Church on the original text, is considered taxing on the voice as it spans almost two octaves, with the voice peaking on the words "Heavenly" and "the Father".
At that time in Jerusalem a lamp was kept perpetually burning in the empty tomb of Christ, its glow a symbol of the living light of Jesus. As Christians gathered to worship the hymn was sung and, in a tradition known as the lighting of the lamps, a candle lit from the lamp was brought forth from the tomb, its bright, solitary flame calling the church to celebrate the Risen Lord.
