XIV MOTHERWELL,
7th SEPTEMBER, 2004
At
MOTHERWELL:
86. SEDERUNT
Mr. David Alexander, Moderator, the Rev.
Norman B McKee, Depute Clerk and others as per signed lists in retentis. (Total
50 Ministers; 2 Deacons; 79 Elders).
87.
TRIBUTE
The Rev. P. M. Wilson
prepared a fitting tribute to the Rev. James Allan who died on 29th
June, 2004. This was read out by the
Depute Clerk, who 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. Allan.
87. MINUTES
The Minute of Meetings VII and VIII (2004)
were read and approved.
88. INTIMATIONS
Intimations
were made.
89. WELCOME
The Moderator addressed appropriate
words of welcome to the Revds. Patricia Caruth, Ecilo Selamani, and
Alastair McKillop, and to Mrs Karen Hamilton newly appointed Deacon at
Burnhead.
90. ADDRESS BY RETIRING
MODERATOR
The Rev. Margaret F Currie, Convener of the
Co-ordinating 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 Alexander presented a list of engagements
he had undertaken while on Moderatorial duties. He expressed his deep appreciation
of the honour Presbytery had bestowed on him, and conveyed thanks to the
Presbytery Clerks, to the Convener of the Co-ordinating Committee, and to
members for the encouragement and helpfulness they had shown to him over his
year in the Moderatorial chair.
91. ELECTION AND INSTALLATION
OF MODERATOR
Rev James M Gibson 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.
92. COMMISSIONS
REPRESENTATIVE ELDERS
Commissions from all congregations making an
appointment were laid on the table.
93. ROLL OF PRESBYTERY
The Roll of Presbytery was submitted, laid
on the table, and adopted as correct, showing
Retired
Ministers
... 23
Auxiliary
Ministers
2
Whole Time Chaplains 2
Charges (10 being
vacant)
.
. 78
Total Number of
Ministers
.
.
95
The Diaconate (Active and
Retired)
...
...
2
Representative Elders elected by
Kirk Sessions
.... 86
Additional Elders elected by
Presbytery.
..19
Total Number of
Elders
..
.. 105
94. CHURCH
WITHOUT WALLS
The
Presbytery heard from Mr David Geddes and Rev Klaus Buwert a presentation on the
current stage of the Church Without Walls Committee.
95. VACANCY
BUSINESS
AIRDRIE:
HIGH
There was laid on the Table an
Appointment of the Rev Richard Houston to the Church and Parish of Linlithgow:
St Ninians Craigmailen; an Extract Minute of the Presbytery of West Lothian of
date 7th September, 2004; the Citation of the congregation of
Airdrie: High returned duly served.
Parties appeared and spoke.
The
question was put, Translate or not translate, and it was unanimously agreed to
translate Mr Houston from the Church and Parish of Airdrie: High to the Church
and Parish of Linlithgow: St Ninians Craigmailen, declaring that his pastoral
relation to Airdrie: High shall continue until he be actually admitted to the
Church and Parish of Linlithgow: St Ninians Craigmailen; and requesting the
Presbytery of West Lothian 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
PARISH PLANNING COMMITTEE
The
Presbytery called for the report of the Parish Planning Committee which was
given in by Mr. David Alexander, Convener.
It
was moved, seconded and agreed:
Presbytery
sists proceedings in the Vacancy.
The Presbytery
called for the report of the Vacancy Procedure Committee which was given in by
the Rev. Robert M. Kent, Convener.
It was moved,
seconded and agreed:
Presbytery
appoints the Rev Scott Raby as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session of Airdrie:
High.
The Presbytery called for the report
of the Co-ordinating Committee which was given in by the Rev. Margaret F.
Currie, Convener.
It was moved, seconded and agreed:
1. The Presbytery receives the Report.
2. The Presbytery congratulates Julie
3. The Presbytery notes the resignation of
Rev Anne Paton as Convener of Church & Social Interests Committee, thanks
her for her service and appoints Mr Duncan Gray as Convener.
4.
The Presbytery approves the
Committees for 2004-2005, with the following amendments: Andrew Walsh - Vice
Convener of Pastoral Support; Alan McKenzie - Church & Social Interests;
Arthur P Barrie - Ministry Development; Mrs M McAlpine - Parish Development.
5. The
Presbytery resolves to approve the Draft Standing Orders as printed in the
Handbook, together with the addition below, at the October meeting.
ADDITIONAL
STANDING ORDER - The Convener of the Parish Planning Committee shall have
delegated powers to approve routine property matters to an upper limit of
£10,000 exclusive of VAT subject to these authorisations being reported to and
homologated by the Presbytery at a subsequent meeting of the Presbytery.
6.
The Presbytery notes the following
shortfalls to central funds:
|
|
Accumulated
Ministry 93-02 |
2003 Minsitry |
Accumulated M&A 93-02 |
2003 M&A |
Total Shortfalls |
|
AIRDRIE St
COLUMBA'S |
35,179 |
0 |
2,175 |
0 |
37,354 |
|
CLELAND |
22,156 |
4,500 |
1,610 |
0 |
28,266 |
|
|
0 |
0 |
295 |
0 |
295 |
|
|
12,384 |
5,250 |
0 |
0 |
17,634 |
|
|
0 |
0 |
0 |
920 |
920 |
|
|
8,787 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8,787 |
|
MOTHERWELL St
MARGARET'S |
18,847 |
0 |
25,690 |
3,520 |
48,057 |
|
KIRK O'SHOTTS |
25,000 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
25,000 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Figures supplied by |
|
|
|||
The Presbytery
called for the report of the Vacancy Procedure Committee which was given in by
the Rev. Robert M. Kent, Convener.
It was moved,
seconded and agreed:
The Presbytery receives the Report.
98. MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report
of the Ministry Development Committee which was given in by the Rev. Michael G.
Lyall, Convener.
It
was moved, seconded and agreed:
1.
Presbytery notes that Dickson Keir has
successfully completed the prescribed course of Training for Learning and
resolves that the Service of Admission to the Office of Reader takes place
within Hamilton: South Church on 9th September 2004, Presbytery to
meet at 6.45pm for 7.00pm, Rev James Gibson to be Moderator, the Rev Shaw
Paterson to be Clerk, and Mr William Wilson to assist the Moderator.
2.
The Presbytery nominates as a candidate for
the Ministry of the Church of Scotland, Caryl Kyle, 19
3.
Presbytery notes receipt of the following
Study Leave applications - Rev James
Hastie (Larkhall: Chalmers) Participation in Joint Institute of Theology
Conference
The
Presbytery called for the report of the Stewardship and Finance Committee which
was given in by Mr. David Watt, Convener.
It was moved, seconded and agreed:
1.
The Presbytery receives the report.
2.
Notes completion of the vacancy schedule in respect of Caldercruix &
Longriggend and approves its transmittal to the Board of Ministry.
3.
Notes that Congregational accounts for the year ended 31
December 2003 have been submitted, examined and found to be in satisfactory
order and in compliance with the General Assemblys Regulations Anent
Congregational Finance.
Anticipating issue of
provisional allocations for contributions to the mission and renewal fund in
2005, invites Congregations to submit written applications for modification of
their proposed allocation in respect of specific circumstances or significant
property projects, together with supporting documentation, to the Convener no
later than Monday, 18 October 2004.
The Presbytery called for
the report of the Parish Development Committee which was given in by the Rev.
Klaus O. F. Buwert, Convener.
It was moved and seconded:
1.
The Presbytery receives the report.
ADDENDUM
Presbytery supports the
plans of the Clyde Presbyteries (Glasgow, Greenock & Paisley, Hamilton,
Lanark) Planning Group for The Big Saturday at the SECC on 10th
September 2005. The financing of this event will be from central grants,
sponsorship and ticket sales. The Planning Group are also investigating Event
Insurance to cover any possible costs incurred through the unlikely event of
cancellation and the subsequent loss of revenue. The Big Saturday is part of
CWW 2005 Follow me a series of national, Regional and Local events being
organised in response to deliverance passed by the 2001 General Assembly in the
Church Without Walls report.
The Deliverance as
amended was agreed.
The Presbytery called for the report
of the Church and Social Interest Committee which was given in by the Rev.
James Greir, Vice Convener.
It was moved, seconded and agreed:
Presbytery receives the report.
102. PARISH PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Presbytery called for the report
of the Parish Planning Committee which was given in by Mr David Alexander,
Convener.
It was moved and seconded:
1.
The Presbytery receives the Report.
2.
Presbytery notes the concurrence of the
General Trustees and the Board of Ministry in relation to the Manse of
Motherwell: North.
3.
Presbytery approves the Basis of Linkage
between Wishaw: Craigneuk & Belhaven and Wishaw: Old.
4.
Presbytery
resolves to invite the General Assemblys Parish Appraisal Committee to
complete the review of the Motherwell Attestation area with particular regard
to Motherwell: Crosshill, Motherwell: South Dalziel and Motherwell: Manse Road.
5.
Presbytery notes that, in order to have
completed the Presbytery Plan by the General Assembly of 2006, it is the
intention of the Parish Planning Committee to begin consultation in those
Attestation Areas where the Plan has not been completed viz: Hamilton, Wishaw,
East Kilbride and Uddingston & Bothwell and to this end Presbytery
instructs the congregations involved to complete the necessary documentation
timeously.
6. The
Presbytery approves the application by Cambusnethan Old and Morningside
to install external lighting and restore floors at a cost of £9858
inclusive of VAT based on contractors' quotations. Funds are to hand.
7. The
Presbytery approves the application by
8. The
Presbytery approves the application by Overtown to carry out alterations
to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 at a cost of £16k based
on contractors' quotations. Approval is also given to seek grants and loans
which may be available.
9 The
Presbytery approves the application by Caldercruix and Longriggend
to repair the organ at a cost of £9850 inclusive of VAT based on contractors'
quotations. Approval is also given to seek grants and loans which may be
available.
10 The
Presbytery approves the application by Airdrie:
11. The
Presbytery approves the application by Bellshill Orbiston to have the General
Trustees enter into negotiations with Utheo Ltd for a further lease of premises
at Bellshill Orbiston Centre at terms and conditions agreed.
12. The
Presbytery approves the professional Second Follow-on Property Report on
13. The
Presbytery approves the professional Second Follow-on Property Report
on Bellshill: MacDonald Memorial Lw Orbiston and awaits the response of
the office bearers as to the contents and recommendations.
14. The
Presbytery approves the professional Second Follow-on Property Report on
15. The
Presbytery notes the approval of the Parish Planning Committee on the condition
of the manse of
16.
The Presbytery notes the approval of the
Parish Planning Committee on the condition of the manse of
17. The Presbytery notes the approval of the
Parish Planning Committee on the condition of the manse of Larkhall: St
Machans.
ADDENDA
1.
The Presbytery approves the request by Cleland to carry out alterations
to the Halls to comply with the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 and repairs
at a
cost of £10464 inclusive of VAT based on
contractors quotations. Approval is also given to seek grants and loans which
may be available.
2.
The Presbytery approves the request by Coatbridge:
3.
The Presbytery approves the request by Motherwell: St Margarets to
carry out alterations to the halls to comply with the Disability Discrimination
Act 1995 and repairs at a cost of £12934.68 inclusive of VAT based on
contractors quotations. Approval is also given to seek grants and loans which
may be available.
The Deliverance as amended was
agreed.
103. PASTORAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE
It was moved, seconded and
agreed:
1. The Presbytery receives the report.
2. a) The Presbytery receives the report on the Quinquennial visit to
b)
Presbytery encourages the congregation in
their ongoing stewardship work and in the development of their buildings.
c)
Presbytery commends the Minister,
Officebearers and members for their vision in their approach to pastoral care.
3. a) The Presbytery
receives the report on the Quinquennial visits to Shotts: Calderhead Erskine.
b)
Presbytery encourages the congregation in its vision, forward planning, depth
of thought and use of resources to employ the whole people of God in outreach.
c)
Presbytery commends the Minister and Officebearers for their positive and
faithful attitude in promoting the cause of the gospel in their parish.
4. a) The Presbytery receives the report on the
Quinquennial visit to Airdrie:
Broomknoll linked with Calderbank.
b)
Presbytery commends the congregation of Calderbank for their faithfulness in
maintaining a Christian witness in the
area in the face of declining interest in the church.
c) Presbytery encourages the congregation of
Calderbank to consider seeking help to carry out some form of outreach to the
children and young people in the community.
d)
Presbytery commends the congregation of Broomknoll
for the inclusiveness of interest, ages and abilities catered for in the
organisations and also reflected in the development of the building.
e)
Presbytery encourages the congregation to
explore the possibilities for mission within the parish and to seek the help of
the Congregation Development Officer in this regard.
f)
Presbytery notes with interest the services
recorded for Scottish Television on the 13th June, the first having
been broadcast on 1st. August, the second to be broadcast on 28th
November.
5. a) The Presbytery receives the report on the
Quinquennial visit to Strathaven: Rankin
linked with Chapelton.
b) Presbytery commends
the congregation of Chapelton for their work on stewardship and the increased
giving which has resulted.
d) Presbytery commends
all Officebearers for the ways in which they are working jointly.
6.
Presbytery apoints the following to the
Quinquennial visit teams for 2004-2005
(Pastoral Advisers for the attestation area will lead the team and will
contact you to make arrangements for the visits).
Larkhall: Chalmers Rev. Kenneth Mayne and Mr Wilfred
Walker
Stonehouse: St. Ninian`s Rev. Randolph Scott and Mrs
Helen Bonar
Strathaven: Avendale Old and Drumclog Rev. Nan Low and
Jean Giggie
Motherwell: St. Margaret`s Rev. Alan McKenzie and Mr
Tomas Mills
Newmains: Coltness Memorial lw Bonkle Rev Lindsay
Schluter and Miss F. Gilmour
Wishaw: Cambusnethan North Rev. Rosemary Smith and
Mr Morton Speirs
Cleland: - Rev Paul Grant
and Mr Ian White
Airdrie: St. Columba`s Rev. Alan Gibson and Miss
Janet Smith
Airdrie: New Wellwynd Rev. Graham Raeburn and Janet
Lithgow
East Kilbride:
104. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business the
Presbytery adjourned at 8.37p.m. to meet in hunc effectum within
Hamilton: South Church on Thursday, 9th September, 2004, at 6.45
p.m. for 7.00 p.m. for the Setting Apart of a Reader, Mr. Dickson Keir; and for Ordinary Business within Motherwell:
Dalziel St. Andrew`s Church Halls on Tuesday, 5th October, 2004 at
7.00 p.m.
Moderator
Presbytery Clerk