3rd September, 2002 49
CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON
At MOTHERWELL: DALZIEL ST. ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH HALLS, on the Third Day of September, Two Thousand and two 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
94. SEDERUNT
The Rev. Dr. John C. Sharp, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 58 Ministers; 4 Deacons; 88 Elders).
95. MINUTES
The Minutes of Meeting VIII (2002)
were read, corrected and approved.
96. AGENDA
The agenda was submitted, adjusted and approved.
97. INTIMATIONS
Intimations were made.
98. WELCOME
The Moderator addressed appropriate words of welcome to those representative elders attending their first meeting of Presbytery and to the Rev. Hilary McDougall, Probationer at Hamilton: St. John’s
99. COMMUNION
SERVICE
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, and to all
others who had assisted in any way.
100. ADDRESS BY
RETIRING MODERATOR
The Rev. J.G. Munton, Convener of the
Business Committee, having conveyed to the Moderator the thanks of the
Presbytery for his valued service to the Court
50
3rd
September, 2002
during his year of office now ending, invited
the Moderator to address the Court. Dr.
Sharp expressed the pleasure and satisfaction he had had during his year in the
Moderatorial chair, and conveyed his warm thanks to Mr. Munton, the Presbytery
Clerk and to the members for the encouragement and helpfulness he had been
shown.
101. ELECTION AND
INSTALLATION OF MODERATOR
The Rev. Margaret F. Currie, Minister at
Airdrie: St. Columba’s, 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.
102. COMMISSIONS –
REPRESENTATIVE ELDERS
Commissions from all congregations making an
appointment were laid on the table.
103. ADDITIONAL ELDERS
The Presbytery noted that the total number of
Additional Elders elected by the Presbytery is now 26.
104. ROLL OF PRESBYTERY
The Roll of Presbytery was submitted, laid on
the table, and adopted as correct, showing
Retired
Ministers………………………………………………………. …………..21
Associate Minister…………………….... …………………………………………..1
Auxiliary Minister………………………………………………………………….. ….1
Charges (11 being vacant)…………………………………………………….…. .78
Total Number of Ministers………………………………………………... ………91
The Diaconate (Active and Retired)………………………...…………………… ....4
Representative Elders elected by Kirk Sessions……………………………… ....86
Additional Elders elected by Presbytery.…………………………………… ……..26
Total Number of Elders…………………………………………………….. ……..112
Under an Order of the Day at 8.23 p.m. the Moderator welcomed the Rev. Dr. Kenneth Ross, General Secretary of the General Assembly’s Board of World Mission, and invited him to address the Court. Dr. Ross outlined the objectives of the Board’s HIV/AIDS Project and commended it to Presbyters.
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:
3rd September, 2002 51
1. REV. SANDI BLACKWOOD
The Presbytery extends congratulations and good wishes to the Rev. Sandi McGill, minister at Uddingston: Burnhead, on learning of her recent marriage, and notes her request that in future she be known as the Rev. Sandi Blackwood.
2. LOCUM TENENS
The Presbytery notes and approves the appointment of Miss Sheena Bell as Locum Tenens at Wishaw: Old with effect from 15th September, 2002.
3. REQUEST FOR MODERATOR AND CLERK
The Presbytery approves the request of Hamilton: Cadzow that the Moderator and Clerk, in their official capacities, attend a Service to mark the 125th anniversary of the dedication of the church on Sunday, 6th October, 2002 at 10.45am; notes that the Moderator is unable to be present and authorises the Rev. Robert M. Kent to deputise for her on this occasion.
4. ATTESTATION OF ELECTORAL REGISTER
The Presbytery notes that the Clerk has attested the Electoral Register of Stonehouse: St. Ninian’s as containing the names of 440 Communicants and 2 Adherents.
5. DATA PROTECTION ACT 1998
The Presbytery notes advice from the Solicitor of the Church that office-bearers and others whose names are to be held on a database and made available on the internet should first be asked to give ‘informed consent’ to this being done.
The Presbytery instructs the Clerk to obtain this ‘informed consent’ when such details are next requested.
6. PRESBYTERY REVIEW
The Presbytery recalls its decision of 18th June, 2002 to meet in Conference on Tuesday, 19th November, 2002 at 7.15pm to discuss the proposals of the Presbytery Review Committee, and resolves to meet in hunc effectum at the same time that evening, thus avoiding the need to homologate decisions taken at a later date.
7. AMENDMENT TO STANDING ORDERS
The Presbytery approves the following amendment to the Standing Orders of the Presbytery of which notice of motion was given at the meeting of the Court on 18th June, 2002.
In Standing Order 11 delete (10) Ecumenical Affairs Committee and re-number remaining Committees accordingly.
8. COATBRIDGE: OLD MONKLAND
The Presbytery notes that a sub-committee of the Business Committee has met with office-bearers of Coatbridge: Old Monkland to discuss shortfalls in payments to central funds and resolves that:
1) Presbytery accepts that the 2001 shortfall of £2,339 has been paid. In addition, on condition that documentary evidence is produced to support the congregation’s claim that £3,492 of the accumulated shortfall has previously been paid, deem this amount (if still unresolved in Edinburgh) be justified.
52 3rd September, 2002
2) Presbytery notes that a Standing Order for £750 per month has now been set up to clear the £5,867 of the shortfall.
3) Presbytery invites the Forward Planning Committee to lift the sist on the vacancy proceedings, subject to receipt of an Extract Minute from the Kirk Session agreeing to the above.
The Presbytery,
having been given an assurance that an Extract Minute had been received,
unanimously agreed that the charge of Coatbridge: Old Monkland should not be
subject to readjustment at this time and that, in terms of the Coatbridge Plan,
leave be granted to
call a minister under Reviewable Tenure, to be reviewed 5 years after the
induction of a Minister, subject to the concurrence of the General Assembly’s
Parish Re-appraisal Committee.
ADDENDA
1. REV. JOHN K. COLLARD
The Presbytery notes receipt of a letter from the Rev. John K. Collard, Minister at East Kilbride: Claremont, requesting permission to demit his charge as from a date in October in consequence of his appointment as Congregational Facilitator within the Presbytery of Glasgow; resolves to take up consideration of the proposed Demission at its meeting on 1st October, 2002, and instructs that the congregation of East Kilbride: Claremont be cited to appear for their interests at the said meeting with certification that the matter will not be dealt with before 7.30 p.m. under an Order of the Day for Vacancy Business.
2. The Presbytery notes the following shortfalls to central funds.
CONGREGATIONAL SHORTFALLS AT 31st JULY, 2002
Under an Order of the Day at 8.43 p.m. the Presbytery took up consideration of Vacancy Business.
DEMISSION OF THE REV. JOHN M. BLACK
Further to its resolution of 18th June, 2002 the Presbytery took up consideration of the proposed Demission of the Rev. John M. Black from the Church and Parish of Coatbridge: Blairhill Dundyvan.
3rd September, 2002 53
There were laid on the table Certified Intimation of his adherence to demit and the
Citation of the congregation of Coatbridge: Blairhill Dundyvan.
Parties were called, appeared and spoke.
Parties were removed.
It was moved, seconded and agreed that the Presbytery accept and hereby does accept the Demission of the Rev. John M. Black and looses him from his charge as from 8th September, 2002, confirming that Mr. Black retains his status as a Minister of the Church of Scotland, and his membership of this Presbytery.
NOMINATION COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Nomination Committee which was given in by the Rev. J. G. Munton.
It was unanimously agreed:
The Presbytery appoints the Rev. M.G. Lyall to be Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session at Coatbridge: Blairhill Dundyvan.
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:
The Presbytery resolves that the charge of Coatbridge: Blairhill Dundyvan should not be subject to readjustment at this time and that, in terms of the Coatbridge Plan, leave be granted to call a minister under Reviewable Tenure, to be reviewed 5 years after the induction of a Minister, subject to the concurrence of the General Assembly’s Parish Re-appraisal Committee.
There were laid on the table an Appointment to the Church and Parish of Blantyre: Livingstone Memorial, in favour of the Rev. Colin Alexander Sutherland, L.Th, 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 191 Communicants and 28 Adherents; a Certificate that the Interim Moderator’s expenses had been met in full.
Parties were called, and appeared.
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. Colin Sutherland to the Church and Parish of Blantyre: Livingstone Memorial, and resolved to proceed towards his settlement.
54 3rd September, 2002
The Presbytery provisionally appointed his Admission thereunto to take place on Wednesday, 30th October, 2002, Presbytery to meet at 6.15pm for the Induction Service at 6.30pm, the Rev. Margaret F. Currie to be Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson to be Clerk and the Rev. Dr. William M. Murdoch to assist the Moderator.
Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.
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: OLD MONKLAND
The Presbytery approves the request by Coatbridge: Old Monkland to have the Manse occupied during the vacancy on a caretaker basis subject to the usual terms and conditions. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
2. EAST KILBRIDE: SOUTH
The Presbytery approves the request by East Kilbride: South to seek grants and loans for application approved at the June Presbytery. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
3. HAMILTON: GILMOUR AND WHITEHILL
The Presbytery approves the application by Hamilton: Gilmour and Whitehill to replace the light fittings in the sanctuary costing £7,787.00 inclusive of VAT based on Contractors estimates. Approval is also given to seek grants and for the release of funds held on the congregation’s behalf. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
4. EAST KILBRIDE: SOUTH
The Presbytery approves the professional Second Follow On Property Survey and Condition Report on East Kilbride: South and awaits the response of the office bearers to the contents and recommendations.
5. STONEHOUSE: ST. NINIAN’S
The Presbytery approves the professional Second Follow On Property Survey and Condition Report on Stonehouse: St. Ninian’s and awaits the response of the office bearers to the contents and recommendations.
6. AIRDRIE: ST. COLUMBA’S
The Presbytery approves the professional Second Follow On Property Survey and Condition Report on Airdrie: St. Columba’s and awaits the response of the office bearers to the contents and recommendations.
The Presbytery called for the report of the Presbytery Review Committee which was given in by Mr. M. D. Macintyre, Convener.
3rd September, 2002 55
It was unanimously agreed:
The Presbytery accepts the re-phrasing of the following
sections of the Committee’s Deliverance
agreed by Presbytery on 7th May, 2002.
a) Replace Section 1 with
Resolve to adopt the Committee Structure and Remits, as set out in Appendix A, from August 2003
b) In Appendix A in the specification of the remit of the Presbytery Committee for Pastoral Support, adjust the wording to read
in relation to the mission and life of the Church within the bounds of Presbytery to be responsible for
* making arrangements for confidential support and advice to be available to
- candidates for the Ministry, the Auxiliary Ministry and the Readership
* oversight of the quality of provision and activity within the Presbytery by
organising and reporting on
- Presbytery Visits to congregations in compliance with the 1984 Act of the General Assembly, as amended by the Acts of 1992 and 2001
- the Attestation of Records
and by reporting on
- all chaplaincy provision in hospitals, homes, prisons, schools and
further education colleges.
c) Extend Section 2 by adding after Deacon
………and again by co-option up to one fourth of the resulting stated number with all co-opted members being entitled to vote.
d) Extend Section 3 by adjusting its ending to read
……….by each of the Mission Committees for the Attestation Areas, the Convener and Vice-Convener in the event of their being appointed to these positions as allowed in Section (13) and the Presbytery Clerk.
e) In section 4 replace ‘Committee for Coordinating the Business of Presbytery with
‘Co-ordinating Committee of Presbytery’.
f) In Section 16 alter the date to read
2003/2004
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:
1. COATBRIDGE ATTESTATION AREA
The Presbytery urges the office bearers of the churches in the Coatbridge Attestation Area to respond as soon as possible to the request from the Forward
56 3rd September, 2002
Planning Committee to submit any views concerning readjustment of parish boundaries.
2. STRATHAVEN ATTESTATION AREA
The Presbytery receives the first part of the Forward Planning report anent the Strathaven Attestation Area covering Larkhall, Dalserf and Stonehouse and approves the recommendations contained therein, subject to the concurrence of the General Assembly’s Committee on Parish Reappraisal.
The Presbytery called for the report of the Finance Committee which was given in by Mr. D. Forrester, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed:
The Presbytery notes that all Congregational Accounts for 2001 have been
examined and attest that they comply with the General Assembly’s Regulations
anent Congregational Finance, except for that of one congregation which does
not fully conform and where assistance will be offered to assure compliance.
The Presbytery called for the report of the World Mission Committee which was given in by the Rev. K. O. F. Buwert, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed:
1. The Presbytery expresses its willingness to receive a Faithshare Partner.
2. The Presbytery notes the proposed conference for Congregational World Church Teams on November 16th.
The Presbytery called for the report of the Board of Superintendence which was given in by the Rev. W. S. Dunn, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed:
The Presbytery, noting the list of Charges scheduled for Quinquennial Visits during 2002-2003, as previously intimated and published in the current Handbook, appoints the under-mentioned Presbyters to be members of the visiting teams, with the appropriate area Pastoral Adviser (together with his/her Presbytery elder) as team leader in each case.
Larkhall: St. Machan’s – Rev. I Murdoch and Mr. J. Munro
Hamilton: West – Rev. S. Colvin and Mr. H. Neilson
Blantyre: Old – Rev. R. Hamilton and Mr. H. Ballantyne
Strathaven: West – Rev. S. Spence and Miss E. Robertson
Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s – Rev. P. Johnson and Mr. T. Willis
Motherwell: North – Rev. W. Murdoch and Mr. J. Hunter
3rd September, 2002 57
Newarthill lw Carfin – Rev. I Watson and Mr. J. McNeil
Wishaw: Chalmers – Rev. K. Mayne and Mr. W. Walker
Airdrie: Jackson – Rev. J. Weir and Mr. R. Henshaw
Coatbridge: St. Andrew’s – Rev. A. Paton and Mr. A. McConnell
Coatbridge: Clifton – Rev. J. Brewster and Mrs. M. Coles
Chapelhall – Rev. J. Fairful and Mr. W. Prentice
East Kilbride: Moncreiff – Rev. J. Thomson and Mr. M. Macintyre
New Stevenston: Wrangolm Kirk – Rev. I Wotherspoon and Mr. R. Marwick; Bellshill: Macdonald Memorial lw Orbiston – Rev. R. Houston and Mr. G. Black.
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 and commends the National School of Evangelism from 27th – 30th January, 2003 at the University of Stirling.
2. The Presbytery nominates Mrs. Dorothy Getliffe as a candidate for the ministry of the Diaconate, noting that the Board of Ministry Assessment Scheme Committee has approved her application to be recognised as a candidate for this ministry.
3. The Presbytery welcomes the appointment of Miss Susan Reford to serve as Parish Assistant at East Kilbride: Moncreiff, and appoints a Service of Introduction to take place within East Kilbride: Moncreiff Parish Church on Monday, 16th September, 2002 at 7.00 p.m., the Rev. Margaret F. Currie, to be Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson to be Clerk, and the Rev. Derek W. Hughes to assist the Moderator.
115. NOMINATION COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Nomination Committee which was given in by the Rev. J. G. Munton.
It was unanimously agreed:
1. The Presbytery appoints the Rev. Dr. J.L. McPake as its Presbytery Ecumenical Officer.
2. The Presbytery notes the resignation of the Rev. J.K. Collard as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session at Stonehouse: St. Ninian’s, thanks him for his service and appoints the Rev. A.W. Gibson in his place.
4. The Presbytery notes the resignation of the Rev. F.K. Turner as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session at New Stevenston: Wrangholm Kirk, thanks him for his service and appoints the Rev. A. Moore in his place.
58 3rd September, 2002
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 the circulation to all Session Clerks of the leaflet from the Assembly Council summarising the report on “Eldership for the 21st Century”, and encourages Presbyters to respond positively, by discussing the issues raised in their Kirk Sessions and reporting conclusions to the Assembly Council by 31.12.02.
The Presbytery notes that the Adult Education Team is available to facilitate discussion about the report.
2. The Presbytery notes the adult education courses which are being offered over the next few months –
What is a leader?
A Taste of Mission
Healing the Brokenhearted
Leading Worship
Session Clerks and Treasurers Conference
and encourages Presbyters to make these courses known to their congregations.
117. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 9.29 p.m. to meet in hunc effectum within East Kilbride: Moncreiff Parish Church on Monday, 16th September, 2002 at 6.45 p.m. for 7.00 p.m. for a Service of Introduction of Miss Susan Reford as Parish Assistant, and for Ordinary Business within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew`s Church Halls on Tuesday, 1st October, 2002 at 7.00 p.m. of which public intimation being made, this meeting was closed with prayer.
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Moderator
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Presbytery Clerk