25th August, 1999 39

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON

VII WISHAW: THORNLIE PARISH CHURCH

At WISHAW: THORNLIE PARISH CHURCH, on the 25th Day of August, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-nine years, which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met in hunc effectum and was constituted in prayer.

Post preces sederunt.

81. SEDERUNT

The Rev. George S. Noble, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 15 Ministers; 8 Elders).

82. INDUCTION

The Edict for the Induction of the Rev. Klaus O.F. Buwert to the Church and Parish of Wishaw: Thornlie on a Basis of Terminable Tenure was returned duly served. No objector to the life and doctrine of Mr. Buwert having appeared, devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. Mhorag Macdonald and the Moderator put to Mr. Buwert the prescribed questions. To these he returned satisfactory answers and thereafter signed the Formula: whereupon the Moderator, by prayer, inducted the said Rev. Klaus O.F. Buwert to the pastoral charge of Wishaw: Thornlie on a Basis of Terminable Tenure. Mr. Buwert, having received the right hand of fellowship, was suitably addressed by the Moderator who also, in appropriate terms, exhorted the congregation.

The name of the Rev. Klaus O.F. Buwert was added to the Roll of the Presbytery and the Clerk was instructed to give certified intimation to the Session Clerk.

This meeting was closed with prayer.

 

 

………………………………………………………..

Moderator

 

 

………………………………………………………..

Presbytery Clerk

 

 

 

 

40 7th September, 1999

VIII MOTHERWELL, 7th SEPTEMBER, 1999

At MOTHERWELL: DALZIEL ST. ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH HALLS, on the Seventh Day of September, Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-nine years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met and was constituted in prayer, Holy Communion having previously been celebrated within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s Parish Church.

Post preces sederunt

83. SEDERUNT

The Rev. George S. Noble, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 60 Ministers; 2 Deacons; 90 Elders).

84. MINUTES

The Minutes of Meeting VI (1999) were read, corrected and approved.

85. AGENDA

The agenda was submitted, adjusted and approved.

86. INTIMATIONS

Intimations were made.

  1. WELCOME

    2. The Moderator addressed appropriate words of welcome to the Rev. Klaus O.F. Buwert, recently inducted Minister at Wishaw: Thornlie, to Mr. Alasdair Campbell, Probationer Parish Assistant at Hamilton; Hillhouse, to Mr. Ian Shaw, Miss Mhairi McLeod and Mrs. Carol Horne, recently appointed Advisers, and to the newly elected Representative Elders who were present.

  2. COMMUNION SERVICE

    3. The Convener of the Business Committee expressed the Court’s thanks to the Moderator for his impressive and reverent conduct of the Holy Communion Service, to the Kirk Session of Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s for the use of the sanctuary for the celebration, to the serving elders and to all others who had assisted in any way.

  3. ADDRESS BY RETIRING MODERATOR

    4. The Rev. W. Stuart Dunn, Convener of the Business Committee, having conveyed to the Moderator the thanks of the Presbytery for his valued service to the Court during his year of office now ending, invited the Moderator to address the Court. Mr. Noble expressed the pleasure and satisfaction he had had during his year in the Moderatorial chair.

    7th September, 1999 41

  4. ELECTION AND INSTALLATION OF MODERATOR

    5. The Rev. J. Stanley Cook, Minister at Hamilton: West, having been congratulated on the 25th anniversary of his Ordination, was unanimously elected Moderator for the ensuing twelve months and after a prayer of dedication took the chair and addressed the Court in fitting terms.

  5. COMMISSIONS – REPRESENTATIVE ELDERS

    6. Commissions from all congregations making an appointment were laid on the table and it was noted that one congregation, Wishaw: Craigneuk and Belhaven, had not made an appointment.

  6. ADDITIONAL ELDERS

    7. The Presbytery noted that the total number of Additional Elders elected by the Presbytery is now 24.

  7. ROLL OF PRESBYTERY

    8. The Roll of Presbytery was submitted, laid on the table, and adopted as correct, showing

    Retired Ministers………………………………………………………. …………..18

    Associate Minister…………………….... …………………………………………..1

    Auxiliary Minister………………………………………………………………… ….1

    Charges (6 being vacant)………………………………………………………... .78

    Total Number of Ministers………………………………………………... ………92

    The Diaconate (Active and Retired)………………………...…………………… ..5

    Representative Elders elected by Kirk Sessions……………………………… .86

    Additional Elders elected by Presbytery.………………………………… ……..24

    Total Number of Elders…………………………………………………… ……..110

  8. ORDER OF THE DAY

VACANCY BUSINESS

Under an Order of the Day at 8.11 p.m. the Presbytery took up consideration of Vacancy Business.

DEMISSION OF THE REV. KEITH SAUNDERS

Further to its resolution of 15th June, 1999 the Presbytery took up consideration of the proposed Demission of the Rev. Keith Saunders from the Church and Parish of Coatbridge: Calder.

There were laid on the Table Certified Intimation of his adherence to demit as per the report of the Standing Committee on Demissions; and the citation of the congregation of Coatbridge: Calder returned duly executed.

Parties were called, appeared and spoke.

Parties were removed.

    1. 7th September, 1999

It was moved, seconded and agreed that the Presbytery accept and hereby does accept the Demission of the Rev. Keith Saunders, and looses him from his charge as from 19th September, 1999, confirming that Mr. Saunders retains his status as a Minister of the Church of Scotland, and authorising the Clerk to issue him with a Presbyterial Certificate.

Parties were recalled, and judgement intimated.

FORWARD PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Forward Planning Committee which was given in by the Rev. M. Currie, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

The Presbytery resolves that the charge of Coatbridge: Calder should not be subject to readjustment and that leave be granted to call a minister without restriction, subject to the concurrence of the General Assembly’s Committee on Parish Reappraisal.

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Nomination Committee which was given in by Mr. D. Park, Vice-Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

The Presbytery appoints the Rev. Leslie W. Thorne as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session at Coatbridge: Calder.

The Presbytery appoints the Rev. Dr. A. Gardner (Convener) and the Rev. S. Colvin, together with Mr. J. Allison and Mr. H.S. Neilson to be the Advisory Committee in the vacancy at Coabridge: Calder.

95. BUSINESS COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Business Committee which was given in by the Rev. W.S. Dunn, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

  1. REV. WILLIAM D. BEATTIE

    2. The Presbytery learns with regret of the serious illness of the Rev. William D. Beattie, grants him Leave of Absence on medical evidence submitted, and appoints the Rev. Graham L. Duffin as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session at Shotts: Calderhead Erskine.

  2. REV. PHYLLIS M. WILSON

    3. The Presbytery learns with regret of the illness of the Rev. Phyllis M. Wilson, grants her leave of Absence on medical evidence submitted, and appoints the

     

    7th September, 1999 43

     

    Rev. Scott Raby as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session at Motherwell: South Dalziel, and also of the Kirk Session at Cleland, where Mrs. Wilson had been serving as Interim Moderator.

  3. REV. JOHN YOUNG

    4. The Presbytery acknowledges receipt of an Extract Minute from the Presbytery of Dumfries and Kirkcudbright of date 30th June, 1999 confirming that the Rev. John Young had presented the Presbyterial Certificate granted to him by this Presbytery to the Clerk of that Court and that his name had been added to the Roll of the Presbytery of Dumfries and Kirkcudbright.

  4. REV. RICHARD DARROCH

    5. The Presbytery notes receipt of intimation from the Clerk to the Presbytery of Gordon that the Rev. Richard Darroch was inducted to the Pastoral Charge of Upper Donside on 2nd July, 1999.

  5. LOCUM TENENS

    6. The Presbytery approves the appointment of the Rev. Dr. James Martin as Locum Tenens at Motherwell: Manse Road with effect from 1st August, 1999.

  6. PARISH RE-APPRAISAL COMMITTEE

    7. The Presbytery notes receipt of an Extract Minute of the General Assembly’s Parish Re-appraisal Committee of date 28th June, 1999 concurring in the opinion of the Presbytery of Hamilton that Hamilton: Gilmour and Whitehill be permitted to call a Minister on a Terminable Appointment.

    The Presbytery notes receipt of an Extract Minute of the General Assembly’s Parish Re-appraisal Committee of date 5th August, 1999 noting that, following the General Assembly’s approval of Revised Regulations for New Charge Developments all Ministers appointed to New Charges would be on a Basis of Reviewable Tenure with a review after five years, the Committee concurs in the decision to permit the appointment of a Minister to East Kilbride: Mossneuk on a Basis of Reviewable Tenure with a review on the fifth anniversary of the induction.

  7. HAMILTON: GILMOUR AND WHITEHILL

    8. The Presbytery concurs in the decision of the Kirk Session of Hamilton: Gilmour and Whitehill, later endorsed by a meeting of the congregation, that worship at Whitehill Church should cease with effect from Sunday, 12th December, 1999.

  8. REQUEST FOR MODERATOR

    9. The Presbytery approves the request that the Moderator, in his official capacity, conduct worship and celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper within Well Hall Home on Sunday, 12th September, 1999.

  9. CONGREGATIONAL SHORTFALLS

The Presbytery notes the following Accumulated Shortfalls to Central Funds

 

 

 

 

 

44 7th September, 1999

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. PROPERTY COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Property Committee which was given in by Mr. R. Marwick, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

  1. COATBRIDGE: CLIFTON

    2. The Presbytery approves the action of the Convener during the summer recess in granting approval to Coatbridge: Clifton to apply for release of £32,285.39 from funds held on behalf of the Congregation by the General Trustees.

  2. WISHAW: THORNLIE

    3. The Presbytery approves the action of the Convener during the summer recess in granting approval to Wishaw: Thornlie on the condition of the Manse.

  3. CAMBUSNETHAN OLD & MORNINGSIDE

    4. The Presbytery approves the action of the Convener during the summer recess in granting approval to Cambusnethan Old and Morningside to have radio communication equipment fitted to Church tower by Vodaphone. Application to the General Trustees has already been made. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

  4. UDDINGSTON: BURNHEAD

    5. The Presbytery approves the action of the Convener during the summer recess in granting approval to Uddingston: Burnhead to carry out urgent and emergency measures to make safe the coping to main front wall at a cost of £4,799 inclusive of VAT. Permission is also given to apply for grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

  5. BELLSHILL: ORBISTON

    6. The Presbytery approves the action of the Convener during the summer recess in granting approval to Bellshill: Orbiston to refurbish the vacant Orbiston Manse as a Community Resource Unit following on from approval

    7th September, 1999 45

    extended earlier to alter the former Manse into a Resource Centre at a cost of £60,121 inclusive of VAT. Funds are provided by Utheo Ltd. at no cost to Bellshill: Orbiston.

    The Presbytery also grants approval for the purchasing of a new carpet for the Chancel area and new seating within the Church at a cost of £9,607, inclusive of VAT. Funds are to hand. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

  6. BARGEDDIE

    7. The Presbytery approves the action of the Convener during the summer recess in granting approval to Bargeddie to carry out urgent and emergency measures to eradicate an outcrop of dry rot at the Manse at a cost of approximately £3,000 inclusive of VAT. Permission is also given to apply for grants and loans which may be available. The Concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

  7. CHAPELTON

    8. The Presbytery approves the application of Chapelton to renovate the kitchen at a cost of £9,693.80 inclusive of VAT based on estimated costs. Permission is also given to apply for release of this sum from funds held on behalf of the congregation by the General Trustees. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

  8. BONKLE

    9. The Presbytery approves the application of Bonkle to replace the central heating boiler and additional radiators at a cost of £7,494.00 inclusive of VAT based on contractors’ estimates, subject to clearance by Mr. Strang, Church of Scotland Energy Consultant. Funds are to hand. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

  9. SHOTTS: CALDERHEAD ERSKINE

    10. The Presbytery approves the application of Shotts: Calderhead Erskine to sell the two storey Church Hall.

  10. COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT

The Presbytery is asked to note the reservations of the Property Committee on applications by congregations to have communications equipment fitted to their buildings on possible health and environmental grounds pending results of investigations being carried out by the authorities.

97. PARISH DEVELOPMENT AND MISSION COMMITTEE

Under an Order of the Day at 8.36 p.m. the Presbytery called for the report of the Parish Development and Mission Committee which was given in by the Rev. I. Murdoch, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

  1. The Presbytery notes and commends the 6th Scottish Resources Exhibition at the SECC, Glasgow, on 9th – 11th September 1999.

 

  1. 7th September, 1999

  1. The Presbytery notes that ecumenical celebrations are planned for Pentecost Sunday afternoon, 11th June 2000, at Hampden Park and in East Kilbride, welcomes these initiatives and urges all congregations within Presbytery to consider the use of such opportunities for shared witness. The Presbytery agrees to the grant of £5000 from the Church of Scotland’s AD2000 Committee towards the cost of the Hampden event and instructs the Presbytery Clerk to write confirming our consent.

  1. FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Finance Committee which was given in by Mr. D. Forrester, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

  1. The Presbytery notes that all Congregational Accounts for 1998 have been examined and attest that they comply with the General Assembly’s regulations anent Congregational Finance, except for 18 Congregations which do not fully conform and where assistance will be offered to ensure compliance.

2. The Presbytery agrees, in connection with the Jesus 2000 Millennium Display, that six display panels be purchased at a cost of £50.00 and that a further cost of £200.00 be applied to the lamination of the panels and their placing on Display Boards which would become a resource for congregations within the bounds.

99. BOARD OF SUPERINTENDENCE

The Presbytery, meeting in private, called for the report of the Board of Superintendence which was given in by the Rev. J. Munton, Convener.

MINUTES WHILST MEETING IN PRIVATE OMITTED

  1. HOSPITALS AND HOMES COMMITTEE

The Presbytery being again in open Court called for the report of the Hospitals and Homes Committee which was given in by the Rev. I. Greenshields, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

  1. The Presbytery thanks the Rev. David Doyle for his service to the Committee as Convener in the last 12 months.

  2. The Presbytery thanks the Rev. Keith Saunders for past service to the Committee and wishes him well in his new ministry.

  3. The Presbytery, in accordance with recommendations from the Department of National Mission, notes that Hospital Chaplains are to be appointed for a fixed term, reviewable at least once every three years.

  4. The Presbytery, in accordance with recommendations from the Department of National Mission, notes that an upper age of 70 years should be respected for chaplains unless exceptional circumstances pertain.

  5. The Presbytery notes that where congregations have an historical link with a hospital or home, this should be taken into consideration in the appointment of chaplains.

  6. The Presbytery notes that a vacancy exists for a chaplain at Coathill Hospital, Coatbridge. Any enquiries, applications or recommendations to be made to the Convener, the Rev. Iain Greenshields, by 30th September 1999.

101. STATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the State Education Committee which was given in by Mr. D. Alexander, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

  1. National Conference – Chaplaincy in Non-Denominational Schools – 16th September 1999

The Presbytery expresses a warm appreciation to the Department of Education, North Lanarkshire Council, for undertaking the organisation of this Conference, arising out of discussions between the Presbytery and the Department, and notes the significant support for the Conference from all parts of the country.

 

 

 

  1. 7th September, 1999

  1. JC 2000

The Presbytery notes with pleasure the significant number of schools within the bounds which will be participating in JC 2000 and urges Chaplains to those schools not yet registered to encourage the school to participate or, at least to register, and thus have available the valuable teaching materials.

102. CHURCH AND SOCIAL INTERESTS COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Church and Social Interests Committee which was given in by the Rev. L. Schluter, Convener.

Miss Schluter spoke on several matters presently claiming the attention of the Committee and agreed to present a report with deliverances at the October Presbytery.

103. NOMINATION COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Nomination Committee which was given in by Mr. D. Park, Vice-Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

  1. The Presbytery receives the Committee Lists as printed for 1999/2000 with the following amendments – add Rev. I. Greenshields to the Business Committee and the Very Rev. Dr. H.R. Wyllie to the Board of Ministry; remove Rev. C. McPherson from Parish Development and Mission and add to State Education; remove Rev. K. McKenzie from Parish Development and Mission and add to Church and Social Interests.

  2. The Presbytery appoints the following Conveners as from September 1999:- Rev. M.F. Currie of Forward Planning; Rev. D. Clark of Stewardship; Rev. I. Murdoch of Parish Development and Mission; Rev. H. Findlay of Ecumenical Affairs; Rev. I. Greenshields of Hospitals and Homes.

  3. The Presbytery appoints the following Vice-Conveners as from September 1998:- Mr. W. Barnstaple of Property; Rev. R.A. MacKenzie of Parish Development and Mission; Rev. N. McKee of Superintendence; Miss S. Bell of Church Education; Miss M.L. Archibald of World Mission; Rev. M. Macdonald of Worship.

  4. The Presbytery appoints Mr. D. Bell to the Radio Clyde Liaison Committee.

104. CHURCH EDUCATION COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Church Education Committee which was given in by the Rev. T. Nelson, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

  1. The Presbytery notes the list of resources and courses entitled "Time for Action", and commends it to all ministers, Kirk Sessions, Sunday School teachers, Youth Leaders etc.

    2. 7th September, 1999 49

  2. The Presbytery approves of Mrs. Carol Horne, Honorary Adviser in Adult Learning, becoming trained by the Board of Parish Education to deliver Elder Training Courses in the context of adult education.

  3. The Presbytery commends the workshop, "Effective Use of Drama with Children" to be held on Thursday 7th October 1999 from 7.00 – 9.30pm within

    4. East Kilbride: Old Parish Church, cost £4.00 per person. Interested parties should contact one of the Advisers in Children’s Ministry as registration in advance of the workshop is essential to secure a place.

  4. The Presbytery commends the course for new and inexperienced Sunday School teachers, "The Fundamental Aspects of Teaching Children in Church" to be held on Sundays 24th and 31st October and 7th November 1999 from 2.00 -–4.45pm at Coatbridge: Townhead Parish Church. Course fee, £10.00 per person. Registration forms are available from one of the Advisers in Children’s Ministry.

  1. ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS

NOTICE OF MOTION

The Rev. Quintin Blane gave notice that at the meeting of Presbytery on 5th October 1999 he would move in the following terms:-

That Presbytery appoint a broadly-based ad-hoc committee to examine all aspects of its structures and procedures with a view to equipping Presbytery to engage most effectively in its tasks of mission, enablement and management as we proceed to a new millennium, and to bring at least an interim report to the December meeting.

106. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 9.05 p.m. to meet again for Ordinary Business within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s Church Halls on Tuesday, 5th October 1999 at 6.30 p.m., of which public intimation having been made, this meeting was closed with prayer.

 

 

………………………………………………………..

Moderator

 

 

………………………………………………………..

Presbytery Clerk