CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON

 

X          MOTHERWELL: 6th SEPTEMBER, 2005 

At MOTHERWELL: DALZIEL ST. ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH HALLS  on the 6th Day of September, Two Thousand and Five years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met and was constituted in prayer.

 

Post preces sederunt

 

73.       SEDERUNT

            The Rev. Norman B. McKee, Moderator, the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson, Clerk and others as per signed lists in retentis (Total –   59 Ministers;   2 Deacons; 75 Elders)

 

74.       TRIBUTE

            The Rev. Robert Hamilton in fitting terms paid tribute to the Rev. James Nelson who died on 30th July, 2005.  The Clerk was instructed to hold the tribute in retentis and to send a copy to Mrs. Nelson.

 

75.       WELCOME

            The Moderator addressed appropriate words of welcome to the Revs. Elizabeth C. Waddell  and Lilly C. Easton, to Mr Gavin Black a Probationer serving within the Presbytery, and to rev George Donaldson who had recently moved Charge within the bounds.

 

76.       CONGRATULATIONS

            The Moderator offered the congratulations of the Court to the Rev. J. H. L. Melrose on the 50th anniversary of his ordination and to the Rev. Margaret F. Currie on the 25th anniversary of her ordination.

 

77.       MINUTES

            The Minutes of Meeting V, VI, VII, VIII and IX (2005) were read and approved.

 

78        INTIMATIONS

            Intimations were made.

 

79        OATH de fideliThe Acting Depute Clerk took the oath de fideli.

 

80.       COMMISSIONS – REPRESENTATIVE ELDERS

            Commissions from all congregations making an appointment were laid on the table.

 

81        ROLL OF PRESBYTERY

            The Roll of Presbytery was submitted, laid on the table, and adopted as correct, showing

                           Retired Ministers                                                        21

                           Associate Minister                                                        0

                           Auxiliary Minister                                                          2

                           Full/Part Time Chaplains                                             2

                           Charges (12 being vacant)                                        77

                           Total Number of Ministers                                          90

                           The Diaconate (Active and Retired)                            3

                           Representative Elders Elected by Kirk Session        85

                           Additional Elders Elected by Presbytery                    19

                           Total Number of Elders                                            104

 

82        STATISTICS

            The Clerk presented the following Statistics:

Roll as at 31.12.03                                                                                          35,738

 

Removed :                  By Death                                 850

                                                                        By Certificate                          260

                                                                        Otherwise                               315                 

To Union                                  734                  2,159

 

Admitted :                    By Profession                         159

                                                                        By Certificate                          189

                                                                        By Restoration                        117                    

New Union                               734                    1,199

 

Roll as at 31.12.04                                                                                          34,778

 

Net Loss of Membership                                      960

 

Notices of Removal sent                    185                 No. of Elders                           3,109

No. on Supplementary Roll                 4,683               No. of Other Office Bearers    1,083

No. of Adherents                                   911                No. of Baptisms                         450

                                                                                                No. of Adult Baptisms                  44 

 

83        REPORT FROM WORLD MISSION CORRESPONDENT

            The Presbytery called for a report on World Mission  which was given in by Mr. George Baird World Mission Correspondent, who addressed the Court concerning the Make Poverty History Rally and, Miss Malti Joshi, Missionary Partner at Tabeetha School, Jaffa.

 

84        CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE

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.         IN PRIVATE

3.         The Presbytery appoints the Rev. James Grier, the Rev. Robert Hamilton (Convener) and Mr. Iain C. Kennedy to the sub-committee to discuss the Overture anent Presbytery Membership.

4.         The Presbytery appoints the Rev. Dr. John McPake (Convener), the Rev. Graham Raeburn, the Rev. Mhorag Macdonald, the Rev. Amelia Davidson and Mr. George Baird to the sub-committee to consider the Remit on Ecumenical Policy.

5          The Presbytery appoints the relevant Committee Conveners to the new Edinburgh Councils as appropriate.

6          The Presbytery notes that the Organ Scholarship for 2005/6 has been awarded to Duncan Baddon of East Kilbride: Mossneuk.

7.         The Presbytery notes the attestation of the Electoral Registers of Caldercruix and Longriggend as having 223 members and Coatbridge: Middle as having 401 members and 1 adherent.

8.         The Presbytery notes that the Rev. Dr. James Martin has retired as locum at Motherwell: Manse Road as at the end of August, and thanks him for his service.

9.         The Presbytery appoints the Rev. Kevin McKenzie as Interim Moderator of the Kirk Session of East Kilbride: Mossneuk during the period of the Rev. Dr. John McPake’s Study Leave.

10.       The Presbytery grants permission to Bellshill: Macdonald Memorial and Orbiston to hold a joint service on Sunday, 2nd October, 2005 at 11.00 a.m. (in Orbiston Parish Church) to mark the 10th anniversary of the Orbiston Neighbourhood Centre.

11.       The Presbytery notes the intention of Miss Susan Reford (Parish Assistant, East Kilbride: Moncreiff) to take Study Leave from 9th – 16th October, 2005.

ADDENDA

1.         The Presbytery approves the appointment of the Rev. James Grier as Locum at New Stevenston: Wrangholm Kirk.

2.         The Presbytery notes the following shortfalls to central funds:

 

 

Accumulated Ministry 93-03

 

2004 Ministry

Accumulated

M&A 93-03

2004

Mission & Renewal

AIRDRIE St COLUMBA'S

35,179

0

2,175

0

CLELAND

26,656

8,000

1,610

0

EAST KILBRIDE CLAREMONT

0

0

0

1,000

EAST KILBRIDE GREENHILLS

17,634

0

0

0

HAMILTON BURNBANK

0

0

920

859

HAMILTON SOUTH

0

17

0

     0

HAMILTON TRINITY

8,787

0

0

0

KIRK O'SHOTTS

25,000

0

0

0

LARKHALL CHALMERS

0

4,117

0

1,654

MOTHERWELL DALZIEL St ANDREW’S

0

12,318

0

7,493

MOTHERWELL St MARGARET'S

18,847

0

25,690

3,520

                  

 

 

 

 

85.       PARISH DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Parish Development Committee which was given in by the Rev. Klaus O. Buwert, Convener.

 

It was moved, seconded and agreed :    

1.                  The Presbytery receives the report.  

2.         The Presbytery encourages congregations to book up for the Big Saturday on 10th September at the SECC  in Glasgow.

3.         The Presbytery thanks Barbara McDade for the pioneering work she has done as Youth Development Worker.

ADDENDUM

The Presbytery nominates Julie Hamilton and Jillian Neilson, both from Larkhall Trinity, to represent it at the National Youth Assembly 2005 and offers to pay half their costs (£25 each).

 

86.       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.         The Presbytery receives the report.

2.         The Presbytery notes the application for admission to the Church of Scotland of the Rev. Stephen Fulcher.  Details are laid on the table and any comments should be passed to the Convener of the Ministry Development Committee.

3.                  The Presbytery notes receipt of the following study leave reports: 

·         Rev. John Brewster (East Kilbride: Greenhills) from 28.05.05 to 17.06.05 – lectures, seminars, worships, reading and reflection at Montreat Conference Centre, North Caroline and Columbia Theological Seminary, Atlanta.

·         Rev. Gordon Palmer (East Kilbride: Claremont) from 14.05.05 to 30.05.05 – conference at Saddleback Church, Orange County, California.

·         Rev. Kenneth Mayne (East Kilbride: West) from 28.03.05 to 24.04.05 – research project exploring the impact and management of change within the church.

4.         The Presbytery designates Alexander Smith as Reader Emeritus and thanks him for his many years of service.

 

87.       STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE

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.                  The Presbytery notes that Congregational accounts for the year ended 31 December 2004 have been submitted, examined and found to be in satisfactory order and in compliance with the General Assembly’s Regulations Anent Congregational Finance, with noted instances of presentational non-compliance being communicated to relevant Congregations.

3.                  The Presbytery, anticipating issue of proposed allocations for the Parish Ministries and Mission & Renewal Funds in 2006, invites Congregations to submit applications for modification of the proposed allocations in respect of specific matters, a significant property project or other circumstances consistent with the guidelines, together with appropriate supporting documentation, to the Convener no later than Monday, 17 October 2005.

 

88.       PASTORAL SUPPORT

The Presbytery called for the report of the Pastoral Support Committee which was given in by the Rev. John Thomson, Committee Member.

 

It was moved, seconded and agreed:           

1.         The Presbytery receives the report.

2.         The Presbytery invites the Parish Planning Committee to hold urgent talks with New Charge Development concerning the proposed upgrading at Greenhills Manse.

3.         The Presbytery instructs the Stewardship and Finance, Parish Planning and Ministry Committees to hold joint talks, as a matter of urgency, with New Charge Development and such Assembly Committees as are appropriate, with a view to presenting innovative proposals for the financing of a new manse for Greenhills.

4.         The Presbytery instructs the Clerk to communicate grave concern to the New Charge Development Committee about the situation regarding the Manse of East Kilbride Greenhills, and to urge the New Charge Development Committee to fulfil its obligations to provide an appropriate Manse.

5.         The Presbytery commends the minister, office-bearers and congregation of Greenhills     for their commitment and dedication in the face of long-running difficulties.

6.         The Presbytery notes the Rev. John Thomson is willing to continue to serve as Presbytery’s representative in these matters.

 

89.       CHURCH AND SOCIAL INTEREST COMMITTEE

            The Presbytery called for the report of the Church and Social Interest Committee which was given in by Mr Duncan Gray, Convener.

 

            It was moved and seconded:

1.         The Presbytery receives the report.

2.         The Presbytery notes the Government’s consultation on a new Anti-Terrorism Bill and supports the following initiatives:

·         Making it an offence to condone or glorify terrorism.  Parliament may be recalled in September to ensure legislation goes through quickly.

·         Consult with and look at other countries` experience of terrorism.

·         Setting a maximum time limit for all future extradition cases involving terrorism.

·         New powers to order closure of a place of worship which is used as a centre for fomenting extremism and drawing up lists of those not suitable to preach who will be excluded from Britain.

·         Changing asylum policy so that anyone who has participated in terrorism or has anything to do with it anywhere will automatically be refused asylum.

·         Extending the use of control orders for British nationals and those who cannot be deported.  Any breach of control orders can lead to imprisonment.

·         Bringing forward the proposed measures on the security of our borders, with a series of countries specifically designated for biometric visas over the next year.

·         Creating a new cross government unit to drive forward these changes.

·         The Home Secretary will broaden his existing powers to exclude or deport those who present an indirect threat to national security, public order or the rule of law in the UK or to the UK's good relations with a third country.

 

It was moved and seconded as a first Counter Motion to Deliverance 2:

Notwithstanding the need to combat terrorism the Presbytery of Hamilton views with grave concern the broad approach of the proposed legislation and urges H.M. Government to further review its policy in consultation with appropriate religious leaders bearing in mind human rights and religious freedom.

 

It was moved and seconded as a second Counter Motion to Deliverance 2:

The Presbytery notes the Government’s consultation on a new Anti-Terrorism Bill and supports the following initiatives:

·         Making it an offence to condone or glorify terrorism.  Parliament may be recalled in September to ensure legislation goes through quickly.

·         Consult with and look at other countries` experience of terrorism.

·         Setting a maximum time limit for all future extradition cases involving terrorism.

·         Extending the use of control orders for British nationals and those who cannot be deported.  Any breach of control orders can lead to imprisonment.

·         Bringing forward the proposed measures on the security of our borders, with a series of countries specifically designated for biometric visas over the next year.

 

On a vote being taken it carried for the first Counter Motion.

 

The Deliverance as amended was then agreed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADDENDA

1.         The Presbytery notes that the Rev. Harry Findlay has indicated that he is retiring from the post as part-time Chaplain at Hartwoodhill Hospital as from 1st September, 2005, and thanks him for his dedicated service.

2.                  The Presbytery seeks nominations from ministers for this 2-session post as Chaplain to Hartwoodhill Hospital. The fee is currently £47.90 per session per week and is paid quarterly in arrears - £1246.32 per quarter.  Please see Duncan Gray, Convener, or the Rev. Anne Paton, Vice-Convener.

3.                  The Presbytery notes that the Health Board is currently reviewing the pattern and delivery of Chaplaincy services. It is recommended that the post at Hartwoodhill be on a temporary basis for a 12 month period in the first instance.

 

90.       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 :

1.         The Presbytery receives the report.

2.         MOTHERWELL: DALZIEL ST. ANDREW`S

The Presbytery approves the Professional Second Follow-on Property Report in respect of Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew`s and awaits the response of the office bearers as to the contents and recommendations.

3.         COATBRIDGE: ST. ANDREW`S

The Presbytery approves the Professional Second Follow-on Property Report in respect of Coatbridge: St. Andrew`s and awaits the response of the office bearers as to the contents and recommendations.

4.         AIRDRIE: FLOWERHILL

The Presbytery notes the concurrence of the Parish Appraisal Committee in granting a call on a 7-year Reviewable tenure to Airdrie: Flowerhill.

5.         AIRDRIE: FLOWERHILL

The Presbytery approves the application by Airdrie: Flowerhill to repair the pipe organ at a cost of £34, 000 inclusive of VAT.  Funds are to hand.

6.         AIRDRIE: HIGH

The Presbytery notes the concurrence of the Parish Appraisal Committee in granting a call on a 7-year Reviewable tenure to Airdrie: High

7.         AIRDRIE: HIGH

The Presbytery approves the application by Airdrie: High to repair the pipe organ at a cost of £28,563 inclusive of VAT.  Approval is also given to seek grants and loans which may be available.

 

91.       VACANCY PROCEDURES COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Vacancy Procedures Committee which was given in by Rev Robert M. Kent, Convener.

 

It was moved, seconded and agreed :

1.                  The Presbytery notes the following action taken by its vacancy Procedures Committee:

·         Appointment of the Rev Gordon Palmer as Interim Moderator at the vacant church and parish of New Stevenston: Wrangholm Kirk.

·         Appointment of the Rev Lindsay Schluter as Interim Moderator at the vacant church and parish of Wishaw: St Mark’s.

2.         The presbytery acknowledges the services of Rev William McKaig and the Advisory Committee for Coatbridge: St. Andrew’s.

 

 

92.       ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at  p.m. to meet in hunc effectum within Coatbridge: St. Andrew’s Parish Church on Wednesday, 7th September, 2005 at 6.45 p.m. for 7.00 p.m. for the Induction of the Rev. Fiona Nicolson;  within Hamilton: Old Parish Church on Thursday, 22nd September, 2005, at 6.45 p.m. for 7.00 p.m. for a Service of Reception of Miss Margaret Rose, a Graduate Candidate; and for Ordinary Business within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew`s Church Halls on Tuesday, 4th October, 2005 at 7.00 p.m.

 

 

……………………………………………………         ………………………………………….

                        Moderator                                                        Presbytery Clerk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

           

XI         COATBRIDGE: ST. ANDREW’S

            At COATBRIDGE: ST. ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH on the Seventh day of September, Two Thousand and Five years, which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met in hunc effectum and was constituted in prayer.

Post preces sederunt.

 

93.       SEDERUNT

            The Rev. Norman B. McKee, Moderator, the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson, Clerk, the Rev. Scott Raby and others are per signed lists in retentis.  (Total  Ministers: Elders).

 

94.       INDUCTION

            The Edict of the Induction of the Rev. Fiona Nicolson, to the Church and Parish of Coatbridge: St. Andrew’s was returned duly served.  No objector to the life and doctrine of Ms. Nicolson having appeared, devotional exercises were conducted by the Rev. Scott Raby and the Moderator put to Ms. Nicolson the prescribed questions.  To these she returned satisfactory answers and thereafter signed the Formula:  whereupon the Moderator, by prayer, inducted the said Rev. Fiona Nicolson as Minister to the pastoral charge of Coatbridge: St. Andrew’s.   Ms. Nicolson having received the right hand of fellowship, was suitably addressed by the Moderator, who also, in appropriate terms, exhorted the congregation.

            The name of the Rev. Fiona Nicolson was added to the Roll of the Presbytery and the Clerk was instructed to send certified intimation to the Session Clerk and to the Clerk of the Presbytery of Dunfermline

The meeting was closed with prayer.

 

 

 

            ………………………………………………     ………………………………………

                                    Moderator                                                              Presbytery Clerk