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Put in your tuppence worth
We have asked in the past for contributions for this magazine from all members of the congregation via items with the magazine and more recently by intimation. To date, the response has been frankly disappointing. This means that the magazine content is dependent on 3 to 5 individuals each month. I have heard both criticism and praise for the efforts in relation to the magazine but I believe one way in which the magazine could be improved is with a greater variety of contributors. I am aware of a few folks who live abroad who read the magazine on our website and find it useful for keeping up with what's happening in the Church. The recent COSY meetings have been very encouraging with the amount of folks who have given up their time to attend and participate and I'm sure most will have also enjoyed these meetings. As this initiative continues, it will present opportunities for us all to participate in the life and work of the Church which is likely to involve doing a little more than simply attending each Sunday morning. This will be necessary to make this an attractive charge for our next minister and to make him or her realise that they will be leading two vibrant congregations and that every responsibility will not simply be left to them. One way to start doing a little more would be to contribute to the magazine. If around 80 percent attend every Sunday morning, I'm sure more than 5 are in a position to give up a little time occasionally and make a contribution.
Over these past years it has not been easy to remain resolute in our support of Church life but we have managed it and should be proud of having done so. It has made such a difference since lain joined us and I have met few folk with his energy and commitment. He has made the linkage with Wrangholm a time of opportunity, a time for fellowship with fellow Christians and a time for planning the futures of both our congregations.
I'm not sure if you could describe the experience we have had over recent years as 'suffering' but I came upon the following extract from scripture and will leave it up to you to decide how appropriate it is to our own situation:
Romans Chapter 5, verses 1 to 5:
'Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in this hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us.'
I firmly believe that each of us can think of examples of times either individually or as part of this congregation when the Holy Spirit has of a certainty been given to us.
Thank you
It was a pleasure to be able to welcome Mrs Betty Meechan back to church. We have missed seeing her. After her spell in hospital she was recuperating at home. Mrs Meechan wishes most sincerely to thank everyone for their cards, phone calls and for the care and interest in her health.
The Girls' Brigade
The new Session has started in Holytown Primary School, but there's still time to register.
Rosebuds - ages 3 and 4
Explorers - P1 - P3
Junior 1's - P4 and P5
The above all meet from 6.15 pm - 7.30 pm
Junior 2's - P6 and P7
Brigaders - Sl upwards
Both meet from 7.30 pm - 9.00 pm
If you think you can pack the whole world into one night then come along, we'd love to see you.
Registration is £6.00 per girl for the year and £1.00 collection per week to help with running costs.
During the summer break Miss Loma Salmond married Mr John Davis in Calvary Church, Motherwell. We offer Lorna and John our very best wishes for their happiness.
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