may 2010e

Things continued with little or no change until 1991 when we finally became more modern. We rented a photocopier. Apart from a short time with a copy printer (a cross between an ink duplicator and a photocopier) we have had a photocopier. We own the present copier.

During the period of Rev Dr James Salmond's absence and the vacancy which followed we were fortunate to have Interim Moderators - Rev James Munton, Rev Norma Moore and Rev Colin Sutherland - who wrote pastoral letters for us. It was Colin who had the longest stint but I am glad to be able to say that he was very happy to do this for us as well as sharing our belief in the necessity of keeping communications open. At the end of October 2006 the Rev lain Goring, the Interim Minister whom we shared with our linked congregation, Wrangholm Kirk found the magazine a helpful means of informing everyone about events.

We are now indebted to Caryl for the letter which appears month by month. We are glad that she too finds a magazine to be an asset to the congregation and more particularly to those of our number who are housebound who keep in touch with the events going on within the church.

In the years between 1962 and 1971 our church magazine travelled far and near. We had a mailing list of around 100 to whom the magazine was sent. The Magazine Convener, Isa Hinshelwood, certainly used many envelopes and stamps as she supplied the magazine to those interested.

In recent times sharing the magazine has taken on a new meaning. It is possible to go to the church's website and read the magazine there. Who knows just how many read it not only in Britain but also across the world. We know at least one former villager now resident in Australia keeps up to date using the internet. How many are influenced by what they read when they go on line? We shall never be able to answer that question but we believe that it has an influence for good and will convey a little about what is happening in the church here in Scotland and perhaps even has persuaded a few to return to regular worship Sunday by Sunday. God alone holds the answer and He knows to whom He is speaking.

This little poem entitled "The Golden Chain of Friendship" written by Helen Steiner Rice seems to me to be appropriate and strikes a chord.

Friendship is a golden chain,
The links are friends so dear.
And like a rare and precious jewel,
It's treasured more each year.
It's clasped together firmly
With a love that's deep and true,
And it's rich with happy memories
And fond recollections, too.
Time can't destroy its beauty,
For as long as memory lives,
Years can't erase the pleasure
That the joy of friendship gives . .
For friendship is a priceless gift
That can't be bought or sold,
And to have an understanding friend
Is worth far more than gold ...
And the golden chain of friendship
Is a strong and blessed tie
Binding kindred hearts together
As the years go passing by.

A little message

Dr Salmond has given me this message for inclusion in the magazine.

"When I arrived in Holytown in 1978 I was delighted to find a well-established Parish Magazine under the direction of the editor. It had clearly developed through my two predecessors along a didactic and informative framework and most important of all it was Christ-centred as a veritable vehicle of outreach to the community. I seem to remember it was a great talking point as month by month the Word went out to all age groups and a record of the congregation was maintained. I remember an elderly lady member who by this time was unable to attend church telling me that the magazine was her monthly sermon.

"My heartfelt best wishes to you all and I hope that the magazine will continue for many editions to come in its long established tradition of preaching Christ alone and that you all might be able to identify with the apostle Paul when he said, 'I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me' (Galatians 2:20) and who simply confirmed what Jesus had already said, 'This is the work of God that ye believe in Him whom He hath sent' (John 6:29)."