12th November, 2001 95

CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON

XXII EAST KILBRIDE: MOSSNEUK PARISH CHURCH

At EAST KILBRIDE: MOSSNEUK PARISH CHURCH, on the 12th day of November, 2001, which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON being met in hunc effectum and constituted in prayer.

Post preces sederunt

168. SEDERUNT

The Rev. Dr. John C. Sharp, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 15 Ministers; 10 Elders).

169. INAUGURATION OF A NEW CHARGE DEVELOPMENT AND INDUCTION OF MINISTER

The Edict for the Inauguration of a New Charge Development at East Kilbride: Stewartfield and the Induction of the Rev. Douglas W. Wallace to the charge was returned duly served. No objector to the life and doctrine of Mr. Wallace having appeared, devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. John Collard and the Moderator declared the new charge development of East Kilbride: Stewartfield to be constituted, with a review to take place five years from the induction of the first minister.

The Moderator then put to the Rev. Douglas W. Wallace the prescribed questions, to which he returned satisfactory answers and thereafter signed the Formula: whereupon the Moderator, by prayer, inducted the said Rev. Douglas W. Wallace to the pastoral charge of East Kilbride: Stewartfield. Mr. Wallace, having received the right hand of fellowship, was suitably addressed by the Moderator

The name of the Rev. Douglas W. Wallace was added to the Roll of Presbytery and the Clerk was instructed to give certified intimation to the Department of National Mission and the Board of Ministry.

This meeting was closed with prayer.

 

 

 

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Moderator

 

 

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Presbytery Clerk

96 15th November, 2001

XXIII EAST KILBRIDE: SOUTH PARISH CHURCH

At EAST KILBRIDE: SOUTH PARISH CHURCH, on the 15th day of November, 2001, which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON being met in hunc effectum and constituted in prayer

inter alia:

170. SEDERUNT

The Rev. Dr. John C. Sharp, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 12 Ministers; 14 Elders).

171. ADMISSION TO THE OFFICE OF READER

The Presbytery, after public worship conducted by the Moderator assisted by Mr. David J. Watt and the Rev. Scott Raby, admitted to the Office of Reader Miss Sheena Bell and Mr. Gavin Black according to the procedure required by the law of the Church. The Moderator presented Miss Bell and Mr. Black with a copy of the Holy Scriptures and enjoined them to exercise their gifts in the service of the Church when called upon so to do.

The Clerk was instructed to inform the Board of Parish Education of these Admissions.

This meeting was closed with prayer.

 

 

 

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Moderator

 

 

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Presbytery Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4th December, 2001 97

XXIV MOTHERWELL, 4th DECEMBER, 2001

At MOTHERWELL: DALZIEL ST. ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH HALLS, on the Fourth Day of December, Two Thousand and one years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met and was constituted in prayer.

Post preces sederunt

172. SEDERUNT

The Rev. Dr. John C. Sharp, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 53 Ministers; 2 Deacons; 77 Elders).

173. MINUTES

The Minutes of Meetings XVII, XVIII, XIX, XX AND XXI (2001) were read, corrected and approved.

174. AGENDA

The agenda was submitted, adjusted and approved.

175. INTIMATIONS

Intimations were made.

176. WELCOME

The Moderator addressed appropriate words of welcome to the Rev. Agnes Moore, recently inducted minister at Bellshill: West; and to the Rev. Randolph Scott, recently inducted minister at Airdrie: New Monkland lw Greengairs.

177. CONGRATULATIONS

The Moderator offered the congratulations of the Court to the Rev. James P. Fraser on the 50th anniversary of his ordination. Mr. Fraser having submitted apology for his absence, the Clerk was instructed to convey the Court’s good wishes to him.

178. ORDER OF THE DAY

WORLD MISSION COMMITTEE

Under an Order of the Day at 7.20 p.m., the Presbytery called for the report of the World Mission Committee which was given in by the Rev. K.O.F. Buwert, Convener.

Mr. Buwert, referring to the recently observed World Aids Day, spoke of the need for more money to be allocated to combating this disease and urged Presbyters to lobby the Chancellor of the Exchequer on this issue. No deliverance was presented.

98 4th December, 2001

179. BUSINESS COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Business Committee which was given in by the Rev. J. G. Munton, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed :

The Presbytery resolves to produce a Newsletter on an experimental basis, and appoints the Rev. Leslie W. Thorne as Editor.

180. 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. OVERTOWN

The Presbytery approves the application by Overtown to erect boundary walls, railings and vehicular barrier gates at car park costing £3,229 inclusive of VAT based on contractors` estimates. Receipt of approval by the General Trustees is noted. Approval is also given to seek release of funds held on behalf of the congregation by the General Trustees. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

2. UDDINGSTON: VIEWPARK

The Presbytery approves the application by Uddingston: Viewpark to carry out alterations to the Chancel and rewiring and installation of new lights in the Sanctuary at a cost of £15,419 inclusive of VAT based on contractors` estimates. Approval is also given to apply for grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.

3. CALDERBANK

The Presbytery notes the increase in costs from that approved in June, 1999 of £49,782.98 to £122,316.15 and that major funding has been received from the Heritage Lottery Fund together with other funding bodies.

4. CLELAND

The Presbytery approves the professional second Follow on Property Survey and Condition Report on Cleland and awaits the response of the office bearers to the contents and recommendations.

5. HOLYTOWN

The Presbytery approves the professional second Follow on Property Survey and Condition Report on Holytown and awaits the response of the office bearers to the contents and recommendations.

6. LOTTERY APPLICATION CASES

The Presbytery notes that all applications to the National Heritage Lottery Fund and Buildings Related applications to the Community Fund (formerly known as the National Lottery Charities Board) must be made through

4th December, 2001 99

Presbytery using the standard Form E which is available from the Presbytery Office.

181. ORDER OF THE DAY

VACANCY BUSINESS

Under an Order of the Day at 7.35 p.m. the Presbytery took up consideration of Vacancy Business.

UDDINGSTON: BURNHEAD

There were laid on the Table an Appointment to the Church and Parish of Uddingston: Burnhead, in favour of the Rev. Sandi McGill, BD, her letter of acceptance with the required statement that she had used no undue influence to obtain the Call; a Call as prescribed signed by 148 Communicants and 19 Adherents; a Certificate that the Interim Moderator’s expenses had been met in full.

Parties were called, appeared and spoke.

Parties were removed.

The Presbytery being satisfied with the documents produced, and that there was no cause to decline or delay the appointment, hereby did and does sustain the appointment of the Rev. Sandi McGill to the Church and Parish of Uddingston: Burnhead, and resolved to proceed towards her settlement.

The Presbytery provisionally appointed her Admission thereunto to take place on Wednesday, 16th January, 2002 Presbytery to meet at 6.15pm for the Ordination and Induction Service at 6.30pm, the Rev. Dr. John C. Sharp to be Moderator, and the Rev. James H. Wilson to be Clerk.

Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.

The Rev. Sandi McGill being present, the Moderator presented her with the Call from Uddingston: Burnhead.

CARFIN LW NEWARTHILL

There were laid on the Table an Appointment to the Church and Parish of Carfin lw Newarthill, in favour of the Rev. James Weir BD; his letter of acceptance with the required statement that he had used no undue influence to obtain the Call; a Call as prescribed signed by 404 Communicants and 22 Adherents; a Certificate that the Interim Moderator’s expenses had been met in full.

Parties were called, appeared and spoke.

Parties were removed.

The Presbytery being satisfied with the documents produced, and that there was no cause to decline or delay the appointment, did and hereby does sustain the appointment of the Rev. James Weir to the Church and Parish of Carfin lw Newarthill, and resolved to proceed towards his settlement.

 

100 4th December, 2001

The Presbytery provisionally appointed his Admission thereunto to take place on Thursday, 28th February, 2002, Presbytery to meet at 6.15pm for the Induction Service at 6.30pm, the Rev. Dr. John C. Sharp to be Moderator, and the Rev. James H. Wilson to be Clerk.

Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.

TRANSLATION OF THE REV. IAIN M. GREENSHIELDS

There were laid on the Table an appointment of the Rev. Iain M. Greenshields to the Church and Parish of Snizort; an Extract Minute of the Presbytery of Lochcarron - Skye thereanent of date 13th November, 2001; a Call signed by 63 Communicants and 48 Adherents; the Citation of the congregation of Larkhall: St. Machan’s returned duly served.

Parties were called, appeared and spoke.

Parties were removed.

The question was put, Translate or not translate, and it was unanimously agreed to translate Mr. Greenshields from the Church and Parish of Larkhall: St. Machan’s to the Church and Parish of Snizort, it being confirmed that his pastoral relation to Larkhall: St. Machan’s shall continue until he be actually admitted to the Church and Parish aforesaid; and requesting the Presbytery of Lochcarron - Skye to give intimation of his admission as soon as it takes place.

The Clerk was instructed to forward an Extract Minute of these proceedings to the Clerk of the Presbytery of Lochcarron - Skye.

Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.

NOMINATION COMMITTEE

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

It was unanimously agreed:

1. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. R.J.M. Stitt to be Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session of Larkhall: St. Machan`s.

2. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. R. A. Hamilton, Convener and Rev. S. J. Paterson, together with Miss J. W. Dalziel and Mrs. V. J. MacLean to be the Advisory Group in the vacancy at Larkhall: St. Machan`s.

FORWARD PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Forward Planning Committee which was given in by Mr. D.S. Alexander, Convener.

It was moved and seconded:

 

4th December, 2001 101

The Presbytery agrees to sist proceedings in the vacancy at Larkhall: St. Machan’s and to await a further report from the Forward Planning Committee.

It was moved and seconded as a Counter-motion:

The Presbytery agrees to grant the congregation of Larkhall: St. Machan’s permission to call a Minister without restriction.

It was moved and seconded as a further Counter-motion:

The Presbytery remits to the Forward Planning Committee the question of reappraisal and report.

The second Counter-motion having been withdrawn, a vote was taken For or Against the first Counter-motion and it carried Against.

The Committee’s deliverance was then agreed and the Presbytery resolved accordingly.

182. ORDER OF THE DAY

BOARD OF MINISTRY - OVERTURES

Under an Order of the Day at 8.20 p.m. the Presbytery called for the report on Overtures which was given in by Mr. David Watt , Convener, Board of Ministry.

After submission, questions and discussion the Presbytery approved the Overture Anent Admission and Re-admission of Ministers by 128 votes to none.

The Rev. T. L. Pollock presented the Overture Anent Act V 1984.

After submission, questions and discussion the Presbytery approved the Overture Anent Act V 1984 by 65 votes to 24.

183. BOARD OF PARISH REAPPRAISAL

The Presbytery called for the report of the Board of Parish Reappraisal which was given in by the Rev. I. G. Wotherspoon, Convener.

It was moved and seconded:

RESPONSE OF THE PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON TO THE INTER-BOARD GROUP PROPOSALS ON PRESBYTERY BOUNDARIES

The Presbytery recognises the need for the change in the present number of Presbyteries and is aware of the difficulties faced by some of the tiny rural Presbyteries. However, the Presbytery is not convinced that the proposed dramatic decrease in the number of Presbyteries is either desirable or necessary and makes the following points:

    1. The importance and therefore the influence of the General Assembly may be diminished.

      2.  

      102 4th December, 2001

    2. The "maxi" Presbyteries will be too large in area and membership. (They are reminiscent of the now defunct Synods).

    3. There will be a move away from democratic control by the people of the church to control by an elite group of "ecclesiastical civil servants".

    4. There will be an increase in the amount of money and manpower used in administration.

    5. Some thought should be given to the optimum size of a Presbytery bearing in mind that many Presbyteries with between thirty and forty charges work efficiently well.

    6. The Presbytery is aware that much of the detail has still to evolve and in the absence of that detail cannot but urge extreme caution.

It was moved and seconded as an Addendum to the deliverance:

The Presbytery welcomes the re-examination and the re-assessing of the role and function of Presbyteries in the life of the Church.

On a vote being taken For or Against the Addendum, it carried For.

The Presbytery resolved accordingly.

184. FORWARD PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Forward Planning Committee which was given in by Mr. D. S. Alexander, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed:

WISHAW FORWARD PLAN

  1. The Presbytery resolves to depart from further consideration of a triple union between Wishaw: Chalmers, Wishaw: Old and Wishaw: Thornlie.

2. The Presbytery approves, in principle, a union between Wishaw: Chalmers and Wishaw: Thornlie, subject to an agreed Basis of Union.

  1. The Presbytery instructs the Forward Planning Committee to give further consideration, in due course, to the future of Wishaw: Old within the Forward Plan for Wishaw and to report back to Presbytery.

"FAST TRACKING" VACANCIES

The Presbytery notes the possibility, raised by the Board of National Mission, of "fast tracking" vacancies where decisions are taken in accordance with an agreed Five Year Plan and encourages the Forward Planning Committee to review existing Plans on this basis and to ensure that all charges are dealt with within the appropriate Forward Plan for their area.

185. BOARD OF MINISTRY

The Presbytery called for the report of the Board of Ministry which was given in by Mr. D.J. Watt, Convener.

4th December, 2001 103

It was unanimously agreed :

1. STUDY LEAVE

    1. The Presbytery notes receipt of a study leave report from the Rev. Lindsay Schlüter (Larkhall: Trinity) in respect of the study of post-colonial hermeneutics at the Ecumenical Institute, Bossey (Geneva) during 20th to 26th July, 2001.

    2. The Presbytery notes receipt of a study leave application from the Rev. Norma Moore (Hamilton: St. Andrew`s) in respect of attendance at a "worship week" seminar at Gartmore House, Aberfoyle during 15th to 19th April, 2002, and awaits consideration of this by the General Assembly`s Board of Ministry.

    3. The Presbytery notes receipt of a study leave application from the Rev. John Brewster (East Kilbride: Greenhills) in respect of attendance at a conference on preaching at the conference centre of the Presbyterian Church (USA), Montreat, North Carolina, together with related study time, and engagement with churches in North Carolina, during 25th May to 8th June, 2002 and awaits consideration of this by the General Assembly`s Board of Ministry.

    4. The Presbytery notes receipt of a study leave application from the Rev. Iain Murdoch (Wishaw: Cambusnethan Old) in respect of attendance at a conference to study "a changing church in a changing world" at Gartmore House, Aberfoyle between 5th and 7th February, 2002, together with related study time, and awaits consideration of this by the General Assembly`s Board of Ministry.

    5. The Presbytery notes receipt of a study leave application from the Rev. John Collard (East Kilbride: Claremont) in respect of attendance at a conference to study "a changing church in a changing world" at Gartmore House, Aberfoyle between 5th and 7th February, 2002, together with related study time, and awaits consideration of this by the General Assembly`s Board of Ministry.

    6. The Presbytery notes receipt of a study leave application from the Rev. John Collard (East Kilbride: Claremont) in respect of attendance at a "12,000 mile service" retreat at the Society of Mary and Martha, Exeter, Devon, between 3rd and 12th March, 2002, together with related study and reflection time, and awaits consideration of this by the General Assembly`s Board of Ministry.

    7. The Presbytery notes receipt of a study leave application from the Rev. Cameron McPherson (Dalserf) in respect of completion of a dissertation in part satisfaction of the degree of Doctor of Ministry at the Nazarene Theological College, Didsbury, Manchester, between 7th January and 3rd February, 2002, and awaits consideration of this by the General Assembly`s Board of Ministry.

    8. The Presbytery notes receipt of a study leave application from the Rev. Robert Hamilton (Airdrie: New Wellwynd) in respect of attendance at a "worship week" seminar at Gartmore House, Aberfoyle during 15th to 29th April, 2002, together with related study and reflection time, and awaits consideration of this by the General Assembly`s Board of Ministry.

104 4th December, 2001

  1. BLANTYRE OLD

The Presbytery, further to its deliverance of 4th September, 2001, recommending to the General Trustees that part of the proceeds from the sale of glebe at Blantyre: Old should be allocated to the Minimum Stipend Fund for the benefit of the wider church, notes receipt of an extract minute from the Board of Ministry`s Ministry Support Committee stating there are 28,670 unallocated Consolidated Stipend Fund shares held in the name of the Congregation as a result of the part sale of glebe in 1995, and the determination by the General Trustees dated 20th November, 2001, that the income from the unallocated shares should be applied to the benefit of the Minimum Stipend Fund. Noting discussions with the Congregation, and in the light of the sale of the remaining glebe land in 2000, the Presbytery agrees that the 28,670 shares should be allocated to Presbytery aid.

3. VACANCY SCHEDULE

The Presbytery approves and resolves to transmit to the General Assembly`s Board of Ministry the following Vacancy Schedule:

NEWMAINS: COLTNESS MEMORIAL lw BONKLE

Members – 261/209

1998 Total General Income - £64,471

1998 Endowments - £751

1999 Total General Income - £69,643

1999 Endowments - £789

2001 Stipend - £18,958

Travelling and listed expenses shall be paid in full.

£217.50 shall be paid to the Insured Pension Fund.

The Presbytery reaffirms that Ministry costs shall continue to be shared in the ratio 55%:45% between Coltness Memorial and Bonkle.

186. NOMINATION COMMITTEE

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

It was unanimously agreed :

1. The Presbytery appoints Mr. M. D. Macintyre (Convener) and Rev. R. Kent (Vice-Convener) of the Presbytery Review Committee.

2. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. J. Grier as Convener of the Hospital and Homes Committee.

3. The Presbytery appoints Mr. A. McConnell as Vice-Convener of the Hospital and Homes Committee.

4. The Presbytery appoints Mr. D. Bell, Mr. J. Dickson, Mr. D. Findlay and Mr. A. Porter to form the Editorial Board of the Presbytery Newsletter.

187. CHURCH EDUCATION COMMITTEE

 

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The Presbytery called for the report of the Church Education Committee which was given in by the Rev. K. E. Harbison, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed :

  1. The Presbytery notes that every minister has been sent a copy of the Year of the Child video and encourages use of this video and the related material.

  2. The Presbytery notes that a course on "The Fundamental Aspects of Teaching the Christian Faith" has been arranged for Sundays, 13th, 20th and 27th January, 2002, in Wishaw: Chalmers Church, each meeting beginning at 2 p.m. and encourages interested people to attend. Bookings and further information from Sheena Wilson, telephone 01355 222027.

  3. The Presbytery, noting the deliverance of the General Assembly of 1999 "Instruct Presbyteries and Congregations to notify the Board of Parish Education with regard to the appointment of Youth Workers", instructs congregations to give details of full or part-time Youth or Children`s Workers to Rev. Karen Harbison in order to update Presbytery’s information and to pass that information on to the Board of Parish Education.

188. PARISH DEVELOPMENT AND MISSION COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Parish Development and Mission Committee which was given in by the Rev. I. C. Murdoch, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed :

1. The Presbytery notes Annual Team Reports from Ministers and Deacons at present working together in East Kilbride: Moncrieff and Hamilton: Trinity parishes, and commends these team ministries both for their effectiveness and for their importance to the witness and life of the church.

2. The Presbytery approves the agreed contributions towards the cost of their Deacon/Parish Assistant: East Kilbride: Claremont - £19,300; Hamilton: Hillhouse - £8,034 plus travel expenses; Hamilton: Trinity - £150; Uddingston: Burnhead - £nil plus expenses.

189. HOSPITAL AND HOMES COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Hospital and Homes Committee which was given in by the Rev. I. M. Greenshields, Convener.

It was unanimously agreed :

  1. The Presbytery receives the Hospital Chaplains` reports and thanks them for their care and support of patients and staff during the last 12 months.

  2. The Presbytery notes a vacancy at Udston Hospital, Burnbank sharing responsibilities with the Rev. J. Stanley Cook, for one session (3.5 hours) per week. Anyone interested, please contact the Convener as soon as possible.

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  3. The Presbytery is happy to note that the Rev. David Burt is now Chaplain at Well Hall Home.

  4. The Presbytery is happy to note that the Rev. Ronald Stitt is now Chaplain at Abercorn Nursing Home.

  5. The Presbytery congratulates and thanks the management of Monklands Hospital on the quality of the refurbishment to the chapel within the hospital.

190. ANY OTHER COMPETENT BUSINESS

It was moved by the Rev. I. Watson and seconded that:

The Presbytery of Hamilton calls on the Committee to Revise the Hymnary to ensure that all hymns invoking the name of Almighty God do so in accordance with the Biblical revelation of the nature of God. In particular, no hymn should be included which names Almighty God as "our Mother" or refers to any person of the Holy Trinity in the feminine.

After discussion, it was moved and seconded that the Presbytery depart from this matter and on a vote being take For or Against it carried For.

The Presbytery resolved accordingly.

191. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 9.26 p.m. to meet again in hunc effectum within Uddingston: Burnhead Parish Church on Wednesday, 16th January, 2002 at 6.15 p.m. for 6.30 p.m. for the Ordination and Induction of the Rev. Sandi McGill; and for Ordinary Business within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew`s Church Halls on Tuesday, 5th February, 2002 at 7.00 p.m., of which public intimation having been made, this meeting was closed with prayer.

 

 

 

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Moderator

 

 

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Presbytery Clerk