CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON

 

V          UDDINGSTON: OLD, 20th JUNE 2006 

At UDDINGSTON: OLD PARISH CHURCH on the 20th  Day of June, Two Thousand and Six years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met and was constituted in prayer, Holy Communion having previously been celebrated.

 

Post preces sederunt

 

47.       SEDERUNT

            The Rev. Norman B. McKee, Moderator, the Rev. Robert A. Hamilton, Acting Depute Clerk and others as per signed lists in retentis (Total – 45 Ministers;  1 Deacon;   58 Elders;   7 Corresponding Members).

 

48.       TRIBUTE

            The Rev. Anne Paton in fitting terms paid tribute to Mr. David Nairn, Additional Elder, who died on 15th June 2006.   The Clerk was instructed to hold the tribute in retentis and to send a copy, together with an expression of the sympathy of the Court to his wife.

 

49.       MINUTES

            The Minute of Meeting IV  (2006) was read and approved.

 

50.       ORDER OF THE DAY

 

 

51.       INTIMATIONS

            Intimations were made.

 

52.       BASIS OF UNION – MOTHERWELL: MANSE ROAD AND MOTHERWELL: SOUTH DALZIEL

            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:

 

            The Presbytery approves the Basis of Union between Motherwell: Manse Road and Motherwell: South Dalziel.

 

53.       BASIS OF LINKING – HOLYTOWN AND NEW STEVENSTON: WRANGHOLM KIRK

            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:

 

            The Presbytery approves the Basis of Linkage between Holytown and New Stevenston: Wrangholm Kirk.

 

54.       DILIGENCE OF COMMISSIONERS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

            At the invitation of the Clerk, Mr. David Park, Additional Elder, reported on the diligence of the Commissioners to the General Assembly.

            It was noted that the Rev. Andrew Thomson was unable to take up his Commission due to illness.

 

55.       STATISTICS

            The Clerk presented the following Statistics:

Roll as at 31.12.04                                                                                          34,778

Removals:       By Death                                            825

                                    By Certificate                                      265

                                    Otherwise                                           361                 

To Union                                                 0                                 1,451

Admissions:    By Profession                                     177

                                    By Certificate                                      228

                                    By Restoration                                      88                    

New Union                                               0                                    493

Roll as at 31.12.05                                                                                          33,820

 

Net Loss of Membership                                                                                   958

 

Notices of Removal sent                                                          142   

No.  Supplementary Roll                                                         4025

Involved in Life of Congregation – Children (17 or under)      8826

                                                  - 18+ (not on Roll)                             1070

                                                   - Receiving Communion                    204                                       

No.  Elders                                                                             3098

No.  Other Office Bearers                                                        993

No.  Baptisms - Children                                                         448

                                    - Adults                                                                55

Thanks/Blessing – Children                                                        13

No. Weddings                                                                           352

No. Funerals                                                                           2157

 

The Clerk was instructed to include the Statistics in the Year Book.

 

56        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.         GREENHILLS – The Presbytery agrees to a request for an urgent meeting between Presbytery and New Charge Development, and appoints the Convener of the Co-ordinating Committee, together with the Rev. John Thomson and Mr. David Alexander as a group to meet with New Charge Development.

3.         The Presbytery notes the final report of the Review Committee, discharges them and thanks them for their work.

4.         The Presbytery approves joint Summer Services between – Cambusnethan: Old and North; Bellshill: Macdonald Memorial, Orbiston and St. Andrew’s UF Church;  Motherwell: Crosshill and St. Mary’s;  Airdrie: New Wellwynd, High and Broomknoll lw Calderbank;  Coatbridge: Clifton and St. Andrew’s;  Uddingston: Old and Park.

5.         The Presbytery notes within the Report, the arrangements pertaining to the re-siting of the Presbytery Office.

6.         The Presbytery notes that the Clerk has attested the Electoral Register of Motherwell: Crosshill, as containing the names of 496 members and 12 adherents.

7.         The Presbytery notes that the Delegation of Assembly has issued a Unitary Deed of Constitution to Blantyre: St. Andrew’s.

8.         The Presbytery notes that the Clerk has issued Practising Certificates to the Rev. Hugh Sawyers and the Rev. Kay Gilchrist.

9.         The Presbytery homologates the appointment of the Rev. Mhorag McDonald, Rev. Agnes P. Low, Mr. David Alexander and Mr. Samuel Hewitt to be its representatives on the Commission of Assembly.

10.       The Presbytery notes with congratulations, the General Assembly’s granting of full status to the Congregation of East Kilbride: Mossneuk.    

11.       The Presbytery notes the resignation of Mr. John Dickson as an Additional Elder and thanks him for his considerable contribution to the work of Presbytery.

12.       The Presbytery appoints the following as Additional Elders:

                        Robert A. Allan                                    George S. Harvie

                        George Baird                                       Alexander H. MacLeod

                        Richard Beattie                                   John D. Park

                        William Barnstaple                              Alexander Porter

                        David H. Bell                                       Andrew Walsh

                        Thomas Donaldson                            David J. Watt

                        David Findlay                                      William Wilson

                        Duncan M. Gray                                  Robert B. Young

                        Kenneth Griffith                                  

13.       The Presbytery notes receipt of a letter from Mr. Robin Marwick giving notice that he intends to retire as Presbytery’s Property Consultant with effect from June 2007.

14.       The Presbytery notes complaints against a Minister and agrees to appoint the Rev. Michael Lyall, Rev. Anne Paton and Mrs. Eileen Milne, members of a Committee of Investigation.

15.       The Presbytery notes that the Report concerning Blantyre: Old prepared by the Committee of Inquiry, under Act 1 1988 Anent Congregations in an Unsatisfactory State, was received by the Clerk in February 2006 and issued to the Minister of the Charge.   Presbytery further notes a request for additional time has been granted on the grounds of ill health.

ADDENDA

1.         The Presbytery appoints the Rev. R. Hamilton as its representative on the Committee to nominate the Moderator.

2.         Rev. Andrew Thomson – Presbytery appoints the Rev. Alan Brown as Interim Moderator at Airdrie: Broomknoll lw Calderbank Parish Churches during the illness of the Rev. Andrew Thomson.

3.         The Presbytery grants leave of absence, due to family illness, to the Presbytery Clerk until the September Meeting of the Court, or as his personal situation dictates.

4.         The Presbytery notes that the Organ Scholarships for 2006/2007 have been awarded to Greg Burns of Wishaw: Old and Jonathan Buwert of Wishaw: South Wishaw.

 

57.       MINISTRY DEVELOPMENT

            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 that Steven Preston, 24 Glen Prosend, East Kilbride, G74 3TA is now a Reader in Training.

 

58.       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, seconded and agreed:

 

1.         The Presbytery receives the report.

2.         The Presbytery commends the sterling work carried out by the members of Avendale Old Parish Church and Drumclog Memorial Kirk who act as Befrienders to the detainees at Dungavel House, Strathaven.

 

59.       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 PLAN

i)                    The Presbytery confirms that the summary grids for each Attestation Area, as tabled and circulated, are a correct representation of the decisions made by the Presbytery.

ii)                   The Presbytery approves the allocation of 0.5 staffing to incorporate the Youth Worker post within the Presbytery Plan

iii)                 The Presbytery approves the recommendations contained in Section 5 of the report “Deployment of Paid Staff”.

iv)                 The Presbytery does not accept the recommendation of the Parish Appraisal Committee concerning the nature of readjustment involving the 4 charges on the east side of Airdrie (Caldercruix, Chapelhall, Clarkston and Jackson) – “plan for the Congregations at the end of the ten year plan: Parish Grouping of two linked charges, each consisting of two congregations; structure of staffing for the Parish Grouping: two ministers and one other” preferring instead “plan for the Congregations at the end of the ten year plan: Parish Grouping of two linked charges, each consisting of two congregations;  structure of staffing for the Parish Grouping:  two ministers and one other OR one linkage and two other charges, structure of staffing 3 Ministers.

It was moved and seconded as a Counter-motion to Deliverance 2 (iv)

                        The Presbytery rejects any further re-adjustment on the east side of Airdrie (Caldercruix, Chapelhall, Jackson).

            On a vote being taken For and Against the original Deliverance it carried For.

v)                  The Presbytery accepts that the Plan for Wishaw: Overtown at the end of the ten-year Plan should be restoration to full status.

vi)                 The Presbytery instructs the Parish Planning Committee to amend the summary grids for Attestation Areas in the light of the decisions taken in (iii) to (v) above.

3.         DELEGATED POWERS

            The Presbytery grants permission to the Convener to act on its behalf, in consultation with the Presbytery’s Property Consultant, in matters of property requiring approval during the summer recess and instructs him to report with due diligence on all matters dealt with to the Presbytery at the meeting on 5th September 2006.

4.         WISHAW: SOUTH WISHAW

i)                    The Presbytery notes that Wishaw: South Wishaw has been granted approval to let the former Wishaw: Chalmers Manse for a period no longer than 6 months.

ii)                   The Presbytery approves a further extension to let the former Wishaw: Thornlie buildings for a further period of 6 months to 31st December 2006 and instructs the Parish Planning Committee to further review the matter and report of the December 2006 Presbytery meeting.

5.         HAMILTON: QUARTER

            The Presbytery approves the request to erect a timber shed in hall grounds with all costs being paid by “Quarter in Bloom”.

6.         WISHAW: CRAIGNEUK AND BELHAVEN

            The Presbytery approves the request to upgrade kitchen in halls and subsequent redecoration, costing £21,027.80 inclusive of VAT based on contractors’ estimates.  Funds are to hand.

7.         EAST KILBRIDE: OLD

            The Presbytery approves the request to refurbish the Old Hall Suite, including compliance of Disability Discrimination Act 1995 requirements costing £175,000 inclusive of VAT, based on contractors’ estimates.  Approval is also given to seek grants and loans that may be available.

8.         UDDINGSTON: BURNHEAD

            The Presbytery approves the request to refurbish kitchen, replace windows, general internal and external up-gradings, including resurfacing car park and upgrading boundary fending based on contractors’ estimated costs of £25,000.  Approval is also given to seek grants and loans that may be available.

9.         HAMILTON: OLD

            The Presbytery approves the request to replace the floor in the Upper Halls costing £10,281 inclusive of VAT based on contractors’ estimates.  Approval is also given to have this sum paid from monies held on the congregations’ behalf by the General Trustees.

10.       UDDINGSTON: PARK

            The Presbytery instructs the congregation of Uddingston: Park to obtain a detailed and costed report from a Professional Structural Engineer to enable the buildings of the Church to be maintained in a wind and watertight condition.  These costings to be submitted for approval.

11.       UDDINGSTON: BURNHEAD

            The Presbytery approves the professional Second Follow-on Property Report and awaits the response of the office bearers as to the contents and recommendations.

12.       AIRDRIE: BROOMKNOLL lw CALDERBANK

            The Presbytery approves the professional Second Follow-on Property Report and awaits the response of the office bearers as to the contents and recommendations.

 

            The Deliverance was agreed.

 

 

 

60.       STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

            The Presbytery called for the report of the Stewardship and Finance Committee which was given in by Mr. David J. Watt, Convener.

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

1.         The Presbytery receives the Report.

2.         The Presbytery agrees a reduction of £7,500 to the Ministries and Mission Allocation for 2006 approved on 1st November 2005 in respect of Strathaven: Avendale Old and Drumclog.

3.         The Presbytery notes that Congregational Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2005 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 to be communicated to relevant congregations.

4.         The Presbytery approves the budget for 2006-07 at a net expenditure requirement of £65,050, reduced by £7,500 taken from accumulated reserves.

5.         The Presbytery determines a net assessment for 2006-07 of £1.70 per member based on congregational membership as at 31st December 2005.

 

61.       PASTORAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE

            The Presbytery called for the report of the Pastoral Support Committee, which was given in by the Rev. Karen E. Harbison, Convener.

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

1.         The Presbytery receives the report.

2.         The Presbytery receives the report of the Quinquennial visit to Coatbridge: Calder, commends the minister, office bearers and members for the warm friendly atmosphere which characterises every aspect of church life, and encourages the minister, office bearers and members to continue to develop links with their community, especially through school chaplaincy and in the new housing area.

3.         The Presbytery receives the report of the Quinquennial visit to Strathaven: Avendale Old and Drumclog, commends the minister, office bearers and members for their strong faith and commitment, their mission, in particular noting the work at Dungavel, and the innovative work with children and young people.  Presbytery notes the Congregational Board’s concern regarding the financial implications for the congregation of the repairs that will soon be required to the organ.

4.         The Presbytery receives the report of the Quinquennial visit to East Kilbride: Claremont and commends the ministry team, office bearers and members in their combined efforts to be a congregation which serves the present and future needs of people within their community and parish.

 

62.       PARISH DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Parish Development Committee, which was given in by the Rev. Peter N. Johnston, Convener.

 

It was moved, seconded and agreed :

           

1.         The Presbytery receives the report.

2.         The Presbytery receives the report on Results of Questionnaire on Congregational Development.

3.         The Presbytery approves the application by the Larkhall Churches for a grant of £120 from the Mission and Discipleship Council to support the Larkhall Holiday Club.

4.         The Presbytery recommends that Presbytery Committees study the results of the questionnaire on Congregational Development.

5.         The Presbytery encourages Presbytery Committees to seek ways to meet the needs expressed in the questionnaire responses received.

6.         The Presbytery encourages Presbytery Committees to work in partnership with each other to meet the needs expressed in the questionnaire responses received.

7.         The Presbytery notes the conversation between Clyde Presbyteries Planning group and Christian Resources Exhibitions (CRE) and encourages them to pursue these discussions.

 

63.              REVIEW COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Review Committee, which was given in by the Rev. Scott Raby, Convener.

 

It was moved and seconded:

 

1.         The Presbytery receives the report.

2.         The Presbytery agrees to a review of the operation and effectiveness of its Local Area Mission Committees in Autumn 2008 with a view to determining their continuation or otherwise.

3.         The Presbytery agrees to rename the “Ministry Development Committee” as the “Ministries Development Committee”.

4.         The Presbytery agrees to rename the “Co-ordinating Committee” as the “Business Committee”.

5.         The Presbytery thanks the members and discharges the Review Committee.

 

            It was moved and seconded as a Counter-motion:

 

            The Presbytery thanks the Committee for its work thus far and instructs them to continue until a detailed report of the Review can be produced.

 

            On a vote being taken For and Against the Deliverance, it carried For.

 

            The Deliverance was agreed.

 

64.       ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 10.40 p.m. to meet in hunc effectum within Blantyre: St. Andrew’s Church on Thursday, 29th June 2006 at 6.45 p.m. for 7.00 p.m. for the Setting Apart of a Reader, Mr. Malcolm Anderson; and for Ordinary Business within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s Parish Church Halls on Tuesday 5th September 2006 at 7.00 p.m.

 

 

 

…………………………………………………

                                                                                                   Moderator     

 

 

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

                                                                                               Presbytery Clerk                                                

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

VI         BLANTYRE: ST. ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH

            At BLANTYRE: ST. ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH, on the Twenty ninth day of June, Two Thousand and six years, which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON being met in hunc effectum and constituted in prayer.

 

Post preces sederunt

 

65.       SEDERUNT

            Rev. Norman B. McKee, Moderator, the Rev. Robert A. Hamilton, Acting Depute Clerk, and others are per signed lists in retentis  (Total: 3 Ministers;  2 Elders;  2 Corresponding Members)

 

66.       ADMISSION TO THE OFFICE OF READER

            The Presbytery, after public worship conducted by the Moderator assisted by the Rev. Peter Johnston, admitted to the office of Reader Mr. Malcolm Anderson according to the procedure required by the law of the Church.  The Moderator enjoined him to exercise his gifts in the service of the Church when called upon so to do.

The Clerk was instructed to inform the Mission and Discipleship Council of this Admission.

 

This meeting was closed with prayer.

 

 

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

                                                                                          Moderator

 

 

 

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

                                                                                    Presbytery Clerk