CHURCH OF SCOTLAND
At MOTHERWELL: DALZIEL ST. ANDREW`S
PARISH CHURCH HALLS, on the Sixth Day of May, Two thousand and Three years, on
which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met and was constituted in prayer.
54 SEDERUNT
The Rev. Margaret F. Currie,
Moderator, the Rev. James H. Wilson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total: 54 Ministers: 2
Deacons: 76 Elders).
55 TRIBUTE
The Rev. James H. Wilson in fitting terms paid
tribute to the Rev. Adam Learmonth, formerly Minister at Airdrie: Wellwynd, who
died on 20th April, 2003. The Clerk was
instructed to hold the tribute in
retentis and to send a copy, together with an expression of the deep
sympathy of the Court, to Mrs. Learmonth.
56 WELCOME
The Moderator addressed appropriate words of welcome
to the Rev. George Donaldson recently inducted Minister at Wrangholm Kirk and
the Rev. William G. McKaig, recently inducted Minister at Coatbridge: Clifton.
57 MINUTES
The
Minutes of Meetings III, IV and V (2003) were read, corrected and approved.
58 AGENDA
The agenda was submitted, adjusted and approved.
59 INTIMATIONS
Intimations were made.
60 ORDER OF THE DAY
AFTER-ELECTION
OF COMMISSIONERS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Under
an Order of the Day at 7.25 p.m., the Presbytery took up consideration of
After-elections to the forthcoming General Assembly.
The
Presbytery, having learned that the Kirk Session of Hamilton: West would not be
nominating a Commissioner, did and hereby does appoint in their stead Mr.
Malcolm D. Macintyre, Elder, its Commissioner to the next General Assembly of
the Church of Scotland, and authorises the Moderator and Clerk to sign the
Commission on the Presbytery’s behalf.
The
Presbytery having learned of the resignation of his Commission of Mr. James
Magill, did and hereby does appoint in his place Mr. James Armstrong, Elder,
its Commission to the next General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and
authorises the Moderator and Clerk to sign the Commission on the Presbytery’s
behalf.
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 :
1. MR. ALAN M. SHERRY
The Presbytery notes with regret the
resignation on health grounds of Mr. Alan M. Sherry as an Additional Elder,
thanks him for the faithful service he has rendered to the Court and extends to
him its good wishes.
2. CERTIFICATE UNDER ACT II (2000)
The Presbytery, noting timeous lodgement by
the Rev. Hugh Sawers of an application for a Certificate under Act II (2000)
for renewal of his permission to carry out the functions of the Ministry while
not holding a seat in Presbytery, instructs the Clerk to issue the appropriate
certification.
3. REV, JAMES WEIR
The Presbytery notes intimation from the
Presbytery of Aberdeen of the Induction of the Rev. James Weir to the Church
and Parish of Aberdeen: St. George’s Tillydrone on 13 March, 2003.
4. THE CLERKSHIP
The Presbytery notes receipt of a letter
from the Presbytery Clerk requesting permission to demit his post with effect
from 30 June, 2003, notes that application forms for the impending vacancy are
now available and invites submission of these to the Rev. Norman B. McKee not
later than 23rd May, 2003.
5. BLUE BOOK
The Presbytery invites the Board of Practice
and Procedure to consider issuing free copies of the Blue Book of Assembly
Reports and a full ministers’ monthly mailing when requested so to do to
full-time Chaplains and those retired ministers still fully involved in the work
of the Church as Interim Moderators, Locums and Committee Conveners.
ADDENDA
1.
MR. A DOUGLAS McHENRY
The Presbytery notes with regret the
resignation of Mr. A. Douglas McHenry as an Additional Elder, thanks him for
the faithful service he has rendered to the Court and extends to him its good
wishes.
2.
ATTESTATION OF ELECTORAL REGISTER
The Presbytery notes that the Clerk has
attested the Electoral Register of Coatbridge: Blairhill Dundyvan as containing
the names of 451 Communicants.
3.
COMMISSION OF ASSEMBLY
The Presbytery approves the appointment of
the Rev. Arthur. P. Barrie, the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson, Mr. David Forrester and
Mr. J. David Park as members of any Commission of Assembly called between the
General Assemblies of 2003 and 2004.
The Presbytery called for the report
of the Property Committee which was given in by Mr. R. Marwick, Convener.
It
was unanimously agreed :
1. AIRDRIE:
NEW WELLWYND
The
Presbytery approves the request by Airdrie: New Wellwynd to erect two etched glass windows with costs covered
by donation. Approval of the Committee on Artistic Matters has already been
received. The concurrence of the
Forward Planning Committee is noted.
2. COATBRIDGE:
CALDER
The
Presbytery approves the application by Coatbridge: Calder to form a toilet for
the disabled and access ramps costing £15,463 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. MOTHERWELL:
MANSE ROAD
The
Presbytery approves the request by Motherwell: Manse Road to sell the Manse
with the proceeds providing funds only to be used for property matters which
receive Presbytery approval. The concurrence
of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
4. EAST
KILBRIDE: WEST
The
Presbytery approves the request by East Kilbride: West to sell the Manse and
arrange purchase of a suitable replacement building. The excess funds only to be used for property matters which
receive Presbytery approval. The
concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
5. UDDINGSTON:
OLD
The
Presbytery approves the application by Uddingston: Old to refurbish the kitchen
in the Manse costing £11,477 inclusive of VAT based on contractors`
estimates. Funds are to hand. The concurrence of the Forward Planning
Committee is noted.
6. ORBISTON
NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE, UTHEO LTD
The
Presbytery approves the application by Orbiston Neighbourhood Centre,
Utheo Ltd to develop a
parcel of land at the front of the Church bounded by
fencing for use as a play area. Funds are to hand. The concurrence of the Forward Planning Committee is noted.
7. COATBRIDGE:
CLIFTON
The
Presbytery approves the request by Coatbridge: Clifton seeking to release
£14,452.13 from funds held on the congregation’s behalf by the General Trustees
to pay for refurbishment of Manse. Also
noted is the approval given by the Property Committee on the condition of the
Manse.
8. LARKHALL:
ST. MACHAN`S
The
Presbytery approves the request by Larkhall: St. Machan’s to replace the
central heating boiler at a cost of £10,060 inclusive of VAT based on
contractors` estimates. Funds are to
hand. The concurrence of the Forward
Planning Committee is noted.
9. EAST
KILBRIDE: CLAREMONT
The
Presbytery notes the approval of the Property Committee on the condition of the
Manse at East Kilbride: Claremont.
10. WISHAW:
CHALMERS
The
Presbytery approves the professional second Follow-on Property Survey and
Condition Report on Wishaw: Chalmers and awaits the response of the office
bearers to the contents and recommendations.
11. HAMILTON:
GILMOUR AND WHITEHILL
The
Presbytery approves the professional second Follow-on Property Survey and Condition
Report on Hamilton: Gilmour and Whitehill and awaits the response of the office
bearers to the contents and recommendations.
Under an Order of the Day at 7.35 p.m., the
Presbytery took up consideration of Vacancy Business.
DEMISSION
OF THE REV. JAMES R. NELSON
Further
to its resolution of 4th March, 2003
the Presbytery took up consideration of the proposed Demission of the Rev.
James R. Nelson from the Church and Parish of Chapelhall.
There
were laid on the table Intimation of his adherence to demit and the Citation of
the congregation of Chapelhall returned duly served.
Parties
were called and appeared.
Parties
were removed.
It
was moved, seconded and agreed that the Presbytery accept and hereby does accept
the Demission of the Rev. James R. Nelson and looses him from his charge as
from 31st May, 2003, confirming that Mr. Nelson retains his status as a
Minister of the Church of Scotland, and his membership of this Presbytery.
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 agrees to sist proceedings in the
vacancy at Chapelhall and to await a further report from the Forward Planning
Committee.
Parties were recalled and
judgement intimated.
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 notes
that following the resignation of the Rev. T. Pollock as Interim Moderator of
the Kirk Session of Coatbridge: Clifton the Rev. W. B. McDowall was appointed
for the remainder of the vacancy. The
Presbytery thanks both Mr. Pollock and Mr. McDowall for their services.
2. The
Presbytery notes the resignation of the Rev. I. M. Watson as Interim Moderator
of the Kirk Session of Newmains: Coltness Memorial and Bonkle, thanks him for
his service and appoints the Rev. J. P. N. Johnston in his place.
3. The
Presbytery approves the nomination of Mr. David Alexander as Moderator of
Presbytery as from September, 2003.
65 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 to grant the congregation of Wishaw: Old permission to call
a Minister on a Basis of Terminable Tenure, subject to the concurrence of the
General Assembly`s Committee on Parish Reappraisal.
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 :
1. STUDY LEAVE
The
Presbytery notes receipt of the following study leave applications :
a)
the Rev. Klaus Buwert
(Wishaw: Thornlie) in respect of study associated with writing a dissertation
for Doctor of Ministry course being undertaken at Highland Theological
College. Study period 4th August to
28th September, 2003. Pastoral cover
and Interim Moderator arrangements have been made.
b)
the Rev. Mhorag
Macdonald (Wishaw: Cambusnethan North) in respect of attendance at Ceiliuradh
2003 in Dublin from 16th to 22nd June, 2003 and attendance at Heaven on Earth
Conference at Iona and week for reflection from 23rd August to 5th September,
2003. Pastoral cover arrangements have
been made.
2. VACANCY SCHEDULES
The
Presbytery approves and resolves to transmit to the General Assembly`s Board of
Ministry the following Vacancy Schedules:
COATBRIDGE:
TOWNHEAD
Total
Members – 365 and 5 Adherents:
2000 Total General Income - £43,890:
2000 Endowments - £477:
2001 Total General Income - £44,905:
2001 Endowments - £477:
2003 Proposed Stipend - £19,486:
Travelling and Listed Expenses shall be paid in
full.
£100 shall be paid to the Insured Pension Fund.
COATBRIDGE:
CALDER
Total
Members - 481 and 7 Adherents:
2000 Total General Income - £51,417:
2000 Endowments - £381:
2001 Total General Income - £51,680:
2001 Endowments - £381:
2003 Proposed Stipend - £19,800:
Travelling and Listed Expenses shall be paid in
full:
£150 shall be paid to the Insured Pension Fund.
HAMILTON
SOUTH lw QUARTER
Total
Members – 425 and 15 Adherents:
2000 Total General Income - £55,038:
2000 Endowments - £1,078:
2001 Total General Income - £56,416:
2001 Endowments - £1,078:
2003 Proposed Stipend - £20,189:
Travelling and Listed Expenses shall be paid in full:
£300 shall be paid to the Insured Pension Fund.
EAST
KILBRIDE: CLAREMONT
Total
Members – 820 and 10 Adherents:
2000 Total General Income - £95,820:
2001 Endowments - £440:
2001 Total General Income - £102,379;
2001 Endowments - £440:
2003 Proposed Stipend - £21,684:
Travelling and Listed Expenses shall be paid in full:
£100 shall be paid to the Insured Pension Fund.
67 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.
68 PARISH DEVELOPMENT AND MISSION
COMMITTEE
The Presbytery, meeting again in
public, 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 receipt of the Annual Team Report from Uddingston: Burnhead
and commends the Rev. Sandi Blackwood and Raymond Deans for the way that they
are working together and using their complementary gifts in worship and
outreach. It is encouraging that the
Kirk Session has developed a new vision for teamwork within the congregation,
whilst recognising the disappointment and anxieties that have resulted from the
decision that the Parish Assistance placement will not be extended beyond the
present term.
69 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. The
Presbytery approves the nomination of the Rev. James Munton as temporary
part-time Chaplain at Monklands District General Hospital for 3.70 sessions per
week during the absence through ill-health of the Rev. Dr. James Salmond.
2. The
Presbytery approves the nomination of the Rev. Klaus Buwert as part-time
Chaplain at Wishaw General Hospital for 1.75 sessions per week.
3. Following
the translation of the Rev. T. Pollock the Presbytery seeks applications for
the position of part-time Chaplain at Wester Moffat Hospital to cover one
session per week.
The Presbytery called for the report of the Church
Education Committee which was given in by the Rev. K. E. Harbison, Convener.
SUSPENSION OF STANDING ORDERS
During discussion of the report it
was moved and unanimously agreed at 8.15 p.m. to suspend Standing Orders
to permit continued consideration of this item of business.
It was unanimously agreed :
1.
The Presbytery notes
that the National Youth Assembly 2003 “Labyrinth” will take place in Dundee
from 29th August to 1st September, agrees to fund two
places for young people from Hamilton Presbytery at a cost of £50 each and
invites nominations of young people aged 16-25 from congregations within the
bounds. Applications should be made in writing to the Rev. K. Harbison by 30th
May. It should be noted that places are
not limited to 2 per Presbytery and young people can get information and
application packs from Robin Thomson at Board of Parish Education.
2.
The Presbytery thanks
the Children`s Ministry Advisers for their imaginative approach to providing
children with an opportunity to meet with each other and have fun together and
congratulates the Advisers on their recent successful 7-a-side football
competition.
3. The
Presbytery notes Child Protection courses will take place on Wednesday, 7th
May, 2003 at 7.00 p.m. (Motherwell: South Dalziel, and Wednesday, 18th June,
2003 at 7.00 p.m. (Larkhall: St. Machan’s) and encourages all those working
with children and young people to attend.
4. The
Presbytery notes the draft job description for a School/Churches Youth
Development Worker for Hamilton Presbytery and Scripture Union Scotland
and gives approval to the
Church Education Committee
(and the Parish
Development Committee from August 2003) to further
develop this work in conjunction with Scripture Union.
5. The
Presbytery agrees to part fund such a post up to the sum of £13,500 per annum
for three years.
6. The
Presbytery grants permission to the Church Education Committee (and the Parish
Development Committee from August 2003) to apply, on its behalf, to trusts and
funds which may be able to assist with the financing of this post.
71 ORDER OF THE DAY
REPORT ON VISITATION OF PAROCHIAL RECORDS
Under an Order of the Day at 8.30
p.m. 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 notes that the Annual Attestation of Records of all charges within
the bounds has been completed and that in general these are being maintained in
accordance with the appropriate regulations.
72 ORDER OF THE DAY
CONGREGATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Under an Order of the Day at 8.33 p.m. the Presbytery
called for the Congregational Development Officer, Mr. David Geddes, to present
a report on the previously distributed paper “Preparing People for Service”.
It
was unanimously agreed :
1. The
Presbytery notes that the Education, Ministry and Parish Development and
Mission Committees commend the proposal to pilot a Presbytery certificated training programme from September 2003 to
June 2004 to train small teams of elders/church members to work alongside their
parish minister in one of the following three areas of ministry – Pastoral
Care, Leading Worship and Mission.
2. The
Presbytery approves and commends this pilot project, to be placed under the
oversight of the new Parish and Ministry Development Committees and resolves
that it should be reviewed in June 2004.
73 WORLD MISSION COMMITTEE
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 :
The
Presbytery notes that
Miss Magnolia Mendoza,
Faithshare Partner,
hopes to be with us from September, 2003 to January,
2004. Anyone wishing to have her speak
at a meeting or take part in an event in a congregation or in the community,
should contact George Baird, Secretary to the Committee.
There being no further business the Presbytery
adjourned at 8.50 p.m. to meet again for Ordinary Business within Motherwell:
Dalziel St. Andrew`s Parish Church Halls on Tuesday, 17th June, 2003 at 7.00
p.m. of which public intimation having been made, the meeting was closed with
prayer.
…………………………………………..
Moderator
…………………………………………..
Presbytery Clerk