We are going to be on tv in this series - we don't know for how long, or how it will come across, but we hope it's okay!
We turn down a lot of tv enquiries, there are many Ulster-Scots programmes being made these days but most of them don't really suit what we do or where we believe we should be doing. And we're not chasing publicity either, we are as happy in a small congregation (as Jesus said in Matthew 18v20 "where two or three are gathered together" ) as we are in front of a big audience. But it was nice to be asked to be involved in a programme about hymn singing, so we were happy to accept the offer. Hopefully it'll work ok! Thanks to Julie and Gillian for their help.
Our mission hall world is often unfamiliar to folk today - but on the other hand a lot of people remember growing up with the old hymns and the wee halls and tent meetings before television wiped out our social lives and spiritual priorities.
Singing together as a communal shared experience is completely different from today's 'talent show' culture which is all about being impressed by the performer - a culture which has crept into many churches.
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord" - Colossians 3v16
Here are some photos of our uncle John Thompson at the People's Hall in Portavogie - with grand-neice visiting. Simple faith in the merits of Jesus Christ for sinners - offered freely to "whosoever believeth in Him".
