CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
At MOTHERWELL: DALZIEL ST. ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH HALLS, on the Fourth Day of February, Two Thousand and three years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met and was constituted in prayer.
Post preces sederunt
3. SEDERUNT
The Rev. Margaret F. Currie, Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 49 Ministers; 2 Deacons; 79 Elders).
4. WELCOME
The Moderator addressed appropriate words of welcome to the Rev. Allan Brown, recently appointed full-time Chaplain at HM Prison, Shotts.
The Minutes of Meetings XIV and XV (2002) were read, corrected and approved.
The agenda was submitted, adjusted and approved.
Intimations were made.
COMMISSIONERS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Under an Order of the Day at 7.20 p.m. the Presbytery resolved that at its meeting on 4th March, 2003, the Clerk would move the nomination of Commissioners to the General Assembly according to the rota with the addition of Ministers and Elders in accordance with the number of places allocated.
The Presbytery called for the report of the Business Committee which was given in by the Rev. James G. Munton, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed:
1. REQUEST
FOR MODERATOR
The Presbytery approves the request of Hamilton South Presbyterial
Council of the Guild that the Moderator, in her official capacity, attend the
Annual Business Meeting of the Council within Hamilton: St. John’s Parish
Church on Thursday 13th March, 2003 at 2.00 p.m.
2. PARISH
REAPPRAISAL COMMITTEE
The Presbytery notes receipt of Extract Minutes of the General Assembly’s
Parish Reappraisal Committee of date 17th December, 2002 concurring in
Presbytery’s decision that the question of readjustment should not be pursued
at Coatbridge: Calder and Coatbridge: Townhead, and granting the congregation
of Coatbridge: Clifton leave to call a Minister under Reviewable Tenure, to be
reviewed 5 years after the induction of a Minister.
3. MURIEL
AND SOPHIA HILL MEMORIAL FUND
The Presbytery notes receipt of a cheque for £100 being the annual
grant from this Fund, and agrees that this sum be given to the Church Education
Committee to assist in the work of the Advisers in Children’s Ministry.
4. REV.
ALLAN BROWN
The Presbytery notes the appointment of the Rev. Allan Brown, formerly
Minister at Methil, as full-time Chaplain at HM Prison Shotts, notes receipt of
a Ministerial Certificate issued by the Presbytery of Kirkcaldy, and agrees that his name be added to the
Roll of the Presbytery of Hamilton.
The Presbytery appoints Mr. Brown’s Service of Introduction as
full-time Chaplain at HM Prison Shotts to take place within the Prison Chapel
on Wednesday, 19th February, 2003, Presbytery to meet at 6.45 p.m. for 7.00
p.m., the Rev. Margaret F. Currie to be Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson to
be Clerk and the Rev. Derek H.N. Pope to assist the Moderator.
5. LOCUM
TENENS
The Presbytery notes and approves the appointment of Miss Fiona
Maxwell, 20 Berridale, East Kilbride as Locum Tenens at East Kilbride:
Claremont from 1st January, 2003 to 30th June, 2003, permission for her
employment having been granted by the General Assembly’s Board of Ministry.
ADDENDA
1. ATTESTATION
OF ELECTORAL REGISTERS
The
Presbytery notes that the Clerk has attested the Electoral Registers of
Hamilton: South as containing the names of 324 Communicants and 11 Adherents,
and of Quarter as containing the names of 86 Communicants and 5 Adherents.
2. PARISH
ASSISTANT
The
Presbytery notes the resignation of Mrs. Elizabeth Leckie as Parish Assistant
at Airdrie: Broomknoll and Calderbank with effect from 31st December, 2002, and
notes and approves the appointment of Miss Margaret Rose as Parish Assistant
with effect from 3rd February, 2003.
The Presbytery called for the report of the Property Committee which was given in by Mr. R. Marwick, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
1. STONEHOUSE: ST. NINIAN`S
The Presbytery approves the application of Stonehouse: St. Ninian`s to erect a stained glass window in memory of Jean and Charles Stevenson, gifted by the family, subject to approval of the Committee on Artistic Matters. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
2. AIRDRIE: BROOMKNOLL
The Presbytery approves the application of Airdrie: Broomknoll to fit disabled toilet, lift and ramps at a cost of £23,084. Approval already received from the Committee on Artistic Matters. Approval also for the release of funds held by the General Trustees on behalf of the Congregation. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
3. STRATHAVEN: AVENDALE OLD AND DRUMCLOG
The Presbytery approves the application of Strathaven: Avendale Old and Drumclog to upgrade the toilets and main hall at a cost of £15,616.56 inclusive of VAT based on contractors` estimates. Funds are to hand. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
4. NEWMAINS: COLTNESS MEMORIAL
The Presbytery approves the application of Newmains: Coltness Memorial to repair roof and upper walls to church and tower at a cost of £109,867 inclusive of VAT, based on contractors` estimates. Approval is also given to seek grants and loans which may be available. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
5. AIRDRIE: HIGH
The Presbytery approves, in principle, the application of Airdrie: High to refurbish the church organ at an estimated cost of £30,000. Approval is also given, in principle, to apply for grants and loans which may be available.
6. CALDERCRUIX AND LONGRIGGEND
The Presbytery approves the second Follow-on Property Survey and Condition Report on Caldercruix and Longriggend and awaits the response of the office bearers to the contents and recommendations.
7. LARKHALL: CHALMERS
The Presbytery approves the Second Follow-on Property Survey and Condition Report on Larkhall: Chalmers and awaits the response of the office bearers to the contents and recommendations.
8. AIRDRIE: HIGH
The Presbytery approves the second Follow-on Property Survey and Condition Report on Airdrie: High and awaits the response of the office bearers to the contents and recommendations.
Under an Order of the Day at 7.34 p.m. the Presbytery took up consideration of Vacancy Business.
There were laid on the Table an Appointment to the Church and Parish of Stonehouse: St. Ninian’s, in favour of the Rev. Paul Grant, 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 320 Communicants and 21 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 to sustain the appointment, did and hereby does sustain the appointment of the Rev. Paul Grant to the Church and Parish of Stonehouse: St. Ninian’s, and resolved to proceed towards his settlement.
The Presbytery provisionally appointed his Admission thereunto to take place within Stonehouse: St. Ninian’s Parish Church on Wednesday, 26th February, 2003, Presbytery to meet at 6.15pm for the Ordination and Induction Service at 6.30pm, the Rev. Margaret F. Currie to be Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson to be Clerk and the Rev. Lindsay Schlüter to assist the Moderator.
Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.
There were laid on the Table an Appointment to the Church and Parish of New Stevenston: Wrangholm Kirk in favour of the Rev. George M. Donaldson, MA, 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 131 Communicants and 10 Adherents; a Practising Certificate issued by the Presbytery of Sutherland; 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. George M. Donaldson to the Church and Parish of New Stevenston: Wrangholm Kirk, and resolved to proceed towards his settlement.
The Presbytery provisionally appointed his Admission thereunto to take place within New Stevenston: Wrangholm Kirk on Wednesday, 26th March, 2003, 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. Allan McKenzie to assist the Moderator.
Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.
The Presbytery called for the report of the Board of Ministry which was given in by the Rev. S. J. Paterson, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
The Presbytery notes receipt of a study leave application from the Rev. Lindsay Schlüter (Larkhall: Trinity) in respect of study associated with an M.Phil degree being undertaken at Glasgow University, and further notes its approval by the General Assembly`s Board of Ministry.
13. FORWARD PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Forward Planning Committee which was given in by Mr. D. Alexander, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
1. COATBRIDGE: CALDER AND COATBRIDGE: CLIFTON PARISH BOUNDARIES
Following discussion and agreement between the Kirk Sessions of Coatbridge: Calder and Coatbridge: Clifton, the Presbytery approves the following adjustments to parish boundaries:
(a) the southern boundary of Coatbridge: Clifton be extended southwards by transferring that part of the parish of Coatbridge: Calder bounded by a line from the junction of Coatbank Street and Caldeen Road along Caldeen Road to the junction with Calder Street, along Calder Street to the junction of Locks Street and along Locks Street to the junction with Main Street, the area concerned as shown on the map annexed hereto.
(b) the incorporation into the parish of Coatbridge: Calder from Coatbridge: Clifton of the whole area south of Dalveen Road, including Sikeside and Carnbroe, the area concerned as shown on the map annexed hereto.
2. EAST KILBRIDE: MOSSNEUK PARISH BOUNDARIES
The Presbytery resolves to support the case made by the Kirk Session of East Kilbride: Mossneuk to incorporate within that parish part of the parish of Glasgow: Eaglesham lying to the north and east of the River Cart, as the area as shown on the map annexed hereto, and instructs the Clerk to write to the Clerk of the Presbytery of Glasgow accordingly.
3. WISHAW: CHALMERS AND WISHAW: THORNLIE
The Presbytery notes the request of the Kirk Sessions of Wishaw: Chalmers and Wishaw: Thornlie to seek arbitration on the matter of buildings in the projected union and instructs the Clerk to invite the Department of National Mission’s Committee on New Charge Development to appoint a Panel of Arbiters, noting that professional surveys are already to hand.
4. KIRK O` SHOTTS
The Presbytery notes that in the matter of the building works at Kirk O` Shotts, following the Presbytery’s decision in December, the General Trustees will support the application for funding and further notes that the Committee on Parish Reappraisal does not intend to appeal this decision.
14. CHURCH EDUCATION COMMITTEE
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 the following Child Protection training courses have been arranged for new volunteers:- Tuesday, 11th February at Airdrie: New Wellwynd - 7.00 p.m.; Thursday, 20th February at Stonehouse: St. Ninian`s - 7.30 p.m.; Saturday, 8th March at East Kilbride: Greenhills - 10.00 a.m.; Saturday, 29th March at Craigneuk and Belhaven - 10.00 a.m., and encourages all new volunteers to attend. Further information from and bookings to Eileen Milne.
2. The Presbytery accepts Mary Campbell as a trainee Adult Adviser and encourages her as she begins her training. Presbytery approves her attendance at the nationally organised Core Skills Course for Advisers and agrees to meet the cost of approximately £50.
3. The Presbytery agrees to the removal of the age restriction condition for applicants for the Organ Scholarship Fund.
15. 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 moved and seconded :
1. The Presbytery commends the courses “A Taste of Mission” and “Caring in the Parish” and the morning conference “Praying with a Purpose” to be held at Hamilton: Cadzow Parish Church on Saturday, 22nd February, 2003, and encourages congregations and individual members to make prayer a priority and prerequisite in every situation.
2. The Presbytery regrets the decision of the Board of National Mission to break the linkage between stipend levels for Parish Ministers and the remuneration given to Deacons and Parish Assistants when the revised Minimum Stipend Structure is introduced next year.
It was moved and seconded as a Counter-Motion to Deliverance 2 to delete this Deliverance.
On a vote being taken For and Against, it carried Against.
VACANCY
BUSINESS
Under an Order of the Day at 7.57 p.m. the Presbytery resumed consideration of Vacancy Business.
TRANSLATION OF THE REV. JAMES WEIR
There were laid on the Table an appointment of the Rev. James Weir to the Church and Parish of Aberdeen: St. George’s Tillydrone; an Extract Minute of the Presbytery of Aberdeen thereanent of date 4th February, 2003; a Call signed by 66 Communicants and 14 Adherents; the Citation of the congregations of Carfin and Newarthill 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. Weir from the Church and Parish of Carfin lw Newarthill to the Church and Parish of Aberdeen: St. George’s Tillydrone, it being confirmed that his pastoral relation to Carfin and Newarthill shall continue until he be actually admitted to the Church and Parish aforesaid; and requesting the Presbytery of Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen.
Parties were recalled and judgement intimated.
NOMINATION COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Nomination Committee which was given in by the Moderator.
Miss Currie intimated that the Committee had not met to consider the vacancy at Carfin lw Newarthill, and that appropriate appointments would be submitted for approval at the meeting on 4th March, 2003.
FORWARD PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Forward Planning Committee which was given in by Mr. D. Alexander, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed:
The Presbytery resolves that the charge of Carfin lw Newarthill should not be subject to readjustment at this time and that leave be granted to call a minister without restriction, subject to the concurrence of the General Assembly’s Parish Reappraisal Committee.
Under an Order of the Day at 8.04 p.m. the Presbytery called for the report of the Church and Social Interests Committee which was given in by the Rev. A. Campbell, Convener.
The Convener asked the Moderator to invite Mr. Ian Manson, Director of Social Work, to address Presbytery.
Mr. Manson spoke of the satisfaction he was finding in his new post and also outlined the financial restraints affecting the Board of Social Responsibility’s witness at the present time, highlighting the ‘Care Gap’ between the cost of providing accommodation in the Church’s homes and the financial assistance offered by local authorities.
It was moved and seconded :
1. The Presbytery thanks Mr. Ian Manson, Director of Social
Work for his address on “The Care-Gap Problems” facing the Church, and wishes
him well in his new post.
2. The Presbytery raises concern with regards to the pace of
military build-up forces in preparation of war with Iraq. Force might be needed as a last resort, but
only after all other avenues have been investigated, e.g.
a)
giving
the UN Inspectors the maximum available time to discover if there are any
weapons of mass destruction to be found in Iraq.
b)
when
it is sanctioned by an explicit mandate from the UN and not from any other
third party.
c)
that
no action is taken by the UK government until all MPs have had the opportunity
to vote on this issue.
d)
the
danger that the use of force might exacerbate or inflame the situation in the
Middle East and further increase the suffering of an already suffering people.
3.
The
Presbytery urges caution to be the watchword for all leaders and especially our
own Prime Minister and Government as they wrestle with this most difficult of
problems and assures them of our thoughts and prayers at this time.
4.
The
Presbytery instructs the Clerk to send an Extract Minute containing these
deliverances to the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Scotland, the
First Minister of Scotland, and the US Consulate in Edinburgh.
It was moved, seconded and agreed to insert a new Deliverance 2 and re-number
The Presbytery learns with regret the decision of Boots
plc to close its manufacturing facility at Airdrie. It records the commitment of the staff during the company’s
presence in the town over some 54 years and instructs the Clerk, in
consultation with the Convener, to write to the local M.P., local M.S.Ps,
Scottish Executive, North Lanarkshire Council and Scottish Enterprise
(Lanarkshire) to urge them to do everything within their power to have this
decision reversed, or, to make provision for alternative employment
opportunities for staff.
. It was moved and seconded as a Counter Motion to Deliverances 2, 3 and 4
2. The Presbytery, concerned about the pace of military build-up in preparation for a possible war with Iraq, urges H M Government:
a. to allow the UN inspectors the maximum available time to discover whether there are any weapons of mass destruction in Iraq;
b. to use military force only as a last resort, and only when force has been sanctioned by an explicit mandate from the United Nations;
c. to further refrain from the use of military force until all Members of Parliament have had an opportunity to exercise a free vote on this issue;
d. to consider the very serious implications of the use of military force for the Middle East in particular and for world peace in general;
e. to consider the increase in human suffering which military force will bring to an already suffering people.
3. The Presbytery resolves:
a. to urge caution to be the watchword for all leaders and especially for the Prime Minister and HM Government;
b. to assure all leaders that they are held in prayer at this time.
c. to support unequivocally the servicemen and women of our Armed Forces, their families and dependants, assuring them that they are held in our prayers;
d. to uphold in prayer all chaplains serving in the Armed Forces.
4 The Presbytery instructs the Clerk to forward an Extract Minute of sections 2 and 3 of this deliverance to the Prime Minister, the Secretary of State for Defence; the Secretary of State for Scotland, the First Minister of Scotland, local M.Ps and M.S.Ps, the Chaplain General, the Chaplain of the Fleet , the Chaplain in Chief Royal Air Force, the Convener of the General Assembly’s Committee on Chaplains to HM Forces, and the United States Consul.
It was and seconded as a second Counter Motion to Deliverance 2
The Presbytery raises deep concern with regard to the Government’s preparation for war with Iraq, believing that there is no necessity or just cause for this war
On a vote being taken, there voted for the Motion 11, for the first Counter Motion 67, and for the second Counter Motion 22.
On a vote being taken between the two Counter Motions, the first Counter Motion carried.
The Presbytery resolved accordingly.
The Presbytery called for the report of the Congregational Development Officer Management Group which was given in by the Rev. I. C. Murdoch, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
1. The Presbytery receives the Annual Team Report from the
Congregational Development Officer and Convener of the Congregational
Development Officer Management Group;
commends David Geddes for his faithful and gentle encouragement; for the way that a team of advisers has been
used and developed; for his working
with individual congregations and leaders;
and for sharing Christ’s challenge to go forward with God in faith and
in the power of the Spirit.
19. BOARD OF SUPERINTENDENCE
The Presbytery, meeting in private, called for the report of the Board of Superintendence which was given in by the Rev. W. S. Dunn, Convener.
The Presbytery called for the report of the World Mission Committee which was given in by the Rev. K. O. Buwert, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
1. The Presbytery, having expressed its willingness to receive a Faithshare Partner on 3rd September, 2002, accepts and agrees to the recommendation of the Board of World Mission to receive Magnolia Nova Villena Mendoza as its Faithshare Partner and instructs the World Mission Committee to make all necessary arrangements.
2. The Presbytery notes that Roderick Campbell, missionary in Sudan is on deputation to Presbytery from 14th to 24th February. Any partner churches or others wanting him to come should contact the Convener, the Rev. Klaus Buwert, immediately.
3. The Presbytery notes that Sandy and Marie Sneddon, missionaries in Pakistan are on deputation to Presbytery from 25th April to 4th May. Any partner churches wanting them to come should contact the Convener, the Rev. Klaus Buwert.
21. HOSPITAL AND HOMES COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report of the Hospital and Homes Committee which was given in by the Rev. J. Grier, Convener.
It was unanimously agreed :
1 (a) The Presbytery welcomes the Guidance on Spiritual Care in NHS SCOTLAND and looks forward to assisting in the formulating of policy for the implementing of the guidance in the NHS within the bounds of Presbytery.
(b) The Presbytery instructs the Clerk to write to the Lanarkshire Acute Care Trust as in the terms of part (a) of the deliverance.
(c) The Presbytery instructs the Clerk to write to the Lanarkshire Primary Care Trust as in the terms of part (a) of the deliverance.
(d) The Presbytery instructs the Clerk to write to the Lanarkshire NHS Board as in the terms of part (a) of the deliverance.
2 The Presbytery thanks the Rev. Sharon Colvin for carrying out additional sessions as part-time hospital chaplain at Wishaw General Hospital on a temporary basis.
3 The Presbytery invites anyone interested in fulfilling the ministry of part-time hospital chaplain at Wishaw General, two sessions per week, to contact the convener.
There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 9.23 p.m. to meet in hunc effectum within the Chapel at HM Prison Shotts on Wednesday, 19th February, 2003 at 6.45 p.m. for 7.00 p.m., for a Service of Introduction of the Rev. Allan Brown as full-time Chaplain; at Stonehouse: St. Ninian`s on Wednesday, 26th February, 2003 at 6.15 p.m. for 6.30 p.m. for the Ordination and Induction of the Rev. Paul Grant; and for Ordinary Business within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew`s Church Halls on Tuesday, 4th March, 2003, 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