CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON

 

VII        MOTHERWELL:  5th SEPTEMBER 2006  

At MOTHERWELL: DALZIEL ST ANDREW’S PARISH CHURCH HALLS on the 5th  Day of September, Two Thousand and Six years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met and was constituted in prayer.

 

Post preces sederunt

 

67.       SEDERUNT

            The Rev. Norman B. McKee, Moderator, the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis (Total – 53 Ministers;  0 Deacon;   85 Elders;  8 Corresponding Members).

 

68.       WELCOME

            The Moderator addressed appropriate words of welcome to Mr. Allan Wilson, a Probationer serving within the Presbytery.

 

69.       MINUTES

            The Minutes of Meetings V and VI  (2006) were read and approved.

 

70.       INTIMATIONS

            Intimations were made.

 

71.       TRIBUTE TO RETIRING MODERATOR

            The Rev. Robert A. Hamilton, Convener of the Business Committee, having conveyed to the Moderator the thanks of the Presbytery for his valued service to the Court during his 15 months of office now ending, invited the Moderator to address the Court. The Rev. Norman B. McKee replied in fitting terms.

 

72.       ELECTION AND INSTALLATION OF MODERATOR

            The Rev. Mhorag Macdonald was unanimously elected Moderator for the ensuing year and after words of encouragement and prayer took the chair and addressed the Court in fitting terms.

 

73.       COMMISSIONS – REPRESENTATIVE ELDERS

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

 

74.       ROLL OF PRESBYTERY

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

                        Retired Ministers                                                                       22

                        Associate Minister                                                                       0

                        Auxiliary Ministers                                                                       2

                        Full/Part Time Chaplains                                                            2

                        Charges (12 being vacant)                                                       76

                        Total Number of Ministers                                                         90

                        The Diaconate (Active and Retired)                                           3

                        Representative Elders Elected by Kirk Sessions                     86

                        Additional Elders Elected by Presbytery                                   19

                        Total Number of Elders                                                           105

 

 

75                BUSINESS COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Business Committee, which was given in by the Rev. Robert A. Hamilton, Convener.

 

It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

1.         The Presbytery receives the report.

2.                  The Presbytery appoints the Rev. Alistair McKillop as Interim Moderator at Blantyre: Old during the illness of the Rev. Rosemary S. Smith.

3.                  The Presbytery notes that East Kilbride: Mossneuk has been issued with the Model Deed Constitution by the Delegation of Assembly.

4.                  The Presbytery agrees to hold a service to mark the congregation of East Kilbride: Mossneuk being granted full status.

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

 

Accumulated Ministry 93-04

 

2005 Ministry

Accumulated

M&A 93-04

2005

Mission & Renewal

AIRDRIE St COLUMBA'S

32,354

0

0

0

CLELAND

31,266

6,250

0

0

EAST KILBRIDE GREENHILLS

15,000

0

0

0

HAMILTON BURNBANK

0

0

920

0

HAMILTON HILLHOUSE

0

7,179

0

2,821

HAMILTON TRINITY

5,787

0

0

     0

KIRK O` SHOTTS

16,300

0

0

0

MOTHERWELL ST MARGARET`S

16,347

0

26,710

0

6.                  The Presbytery appoints the Rev. John McPake to convene a group consisting of the Rev. Graeme Raeburn, Miss Margaret Graham and Mrs. Karen Hamilton to look at the Overture anent Civil Partnerships with a view to bringing back a report of facilitate a discussion at Presbytery.

7.                  The Presbytery appoints the Rev. Alan Gibson as its representative on the Stewartfield NCD Review Panel.

8.                  The Presbytery agrees to the appointment of the Rev. Douglas Wallace as Chaplain to the local Sea Cadet Unit.

9.                  The Presbytery notes the resignation of the Rev. James Hunter as Locum Tenens at Coatbridge: Middle.

10.              The Presbytery approves the Committees for 2006/2007, with the following amendments: the Rev. Les Thorn (Church and Social Interests Committee and Local Areas Mission Committee 6), William Hamilton (Parish Planning), Roger Horne (Convener of Local Area Mission Committee 4), George Baird (stepping down from Church and Social Interests Committee).

11.              The Presbytery notes that Maxine Buck has successfully finished her studies as a Candidate for the Auxiliary Ministry and will be starting her Probationary Placement at Airdrie: New Wellwynd on 1st October.  Presbytery agrees to hold a service to mark this transition.

12.       The Presbytery agrees to the request of the Rev. J. McKenzie (formerly of Jersey: St. Columba’s) to transfer his membership from the Presbytery of England to the Presbytery of Hamilton.

ADDENDA

1.         The Presbytery thanks the Rev. Robbie Hamilton for fulfilling the role of Acting Depute Clerk over the past year and for his contribution within the Presbytery Office.

2.         The Presbytery grants powers to the Convener of the Business Committee, in consultation with the Clerk, to select six congregations representing the diversity and geographical spread of Presbytery, to meet the Special Commission on Structure and Change as set up by the General Assembly.

3.         The Presbytery notes with concern correspondence from the Kirk Session of Uddingston: Park intimating that it wishes to proceed with property works without further recourse to Presbytery.

4.         The Presbytery instructs the Kirk Session of Uddingston: Park to adhere to the rules and regulations concerning ecclesiastical properties as laid down by the General Assembly, and to seek all necessary approvals before commencing any property expenditure.

 

76.       MINISTRIES

            The Presbytery called for the report of the Ministries Committee, which was given in by the Rev. Nan P. Low, Vice-Convener.

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

1.         The Presbytery nominates Mr Roderick S Dick 27 Easter Crescent Wishaw as a candidate for the auxiliary ministry of the Church of Scotland.   

2.                  Presbytery notes the Ministries Council approval of a Study Leave application from the Rev Agnes Moore (Bellshill; West) with regard to tuition and study for grade 5 music theory with examination in November 2006 by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, along with time for reading on the Theology of Church Music, over the period 4th September to 2nd October 2006

3.                  Presbytery notes the Ministries Council approval of a Study Leave application from the Rev Ken Mayne (East Kilbride; West) with regard to the attendance at ‘Reforming the Future’ Conference to be held at Charlotte, North Carolina , USA along with time for reading and reflection, over the period 21st September to 19th October 2006

4.                  Presbytery notes receipt of a Study Leave Report from Rev John Fairful (Bargeddie Parish Church) on his attendance at the Shepherd’s Conference in Los Angeles, USA, in March 2005.

5.                  Presbytery notes receipt of Study Leave Report from Rev Mhorag Macdonald on her ‘Private study on Quantum Healing’ in April 2006

6.                  Presbytery notes receipt of a Study Leave Report from Rev John Brewster (East Kilbride; Greenhills) with regard to his participation in the Chautauqua Institution, New York State, USA from the 8th to 15th July 2006

7.         Presbytery notes receipt of a Study Leave Report from Rev John Brewster (East Kilbride; Greenhills) on his attendance at a seminar on ‘Christian Worship and the Practices of Visual Art’ from 26th June to 7th July within the Calvin College, Michigan, USA.

 

77.       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.                  Wishaw: South Wishaw

a)                  Presbytery approves the commissioning of a Feasibility Study, finalised after taking the advice of the General Trustees, in relation to the buildings of Wishaw: South Wishaw in the following terms:

·         In relation to the former Thornlie buildings establish the potential sale value of the site for commercial development; establish the potential sale value of the site for housing development; establish the potential for a new build Manse on this site as part of any housing redevelopment.

·         In relation to the former Chalmers buildings establish the costs of refurbishing all existing buildings; establish the costs of redevelopment of the Sanctuary; establish the costs of the demolition of all buildings except the Sanctuary; establish the costs of the construction of new Halls and other necessary accommodation (including Vestry, meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, crèche, storage, toilets, etc.); establish the costs of the acquisition of land adjacent to the Church and the potential for development of that land for car parking and/or extension of the buildings.

·         In relation to the former Chalmers Manse establish the costs of refurbishment as a Manse; establish the potential sale value of the site for housing development; establish the potential for a new build Manse on this site as part of any housing development.

·         Establish the potential cost of a new Manse elsewhere in Wishaw.

 

b)      Instruct the office bearers of Wishaw: South Wishaw to obtain quotations for the necessary Feasibility Study and, following consultation with the Parish Planning Committee and General Trustees, to commission the Feasibility Study. Instruct the Parish Planning Committee and the office bearers of Wishaw: South Wishaw to be involved in the detailed briefing of the firm selected to undertake the Feasibility Study.

3.         NEWMAINS: COLTNESS MEMORIAL

                        The Presbytery approves the request to repair defective roofing and walls costing £117,138 inclusive of VAT based on contractor’s estimates.  Approval is also given to seek grants and loans that may be available.

4.         EAST KILBRIDE: MOSSNEUK

                        The Presbytery approves the request to fit a stained glass window in the sanctuary. Funds are to hand. Approval has already been sought from National Committee on Art and Architecture.

5.         COATBRIDGE: BLAIRHILL DUNDYVAN

            The Presbytery approves the request to replace the pipe organ with a digital type costing £17,750 inclusive of VAT based on contractor’s estimate.  Funds are to hand. Approval is also given to seek grants and loans that may be available. Advice has been received from National Committee on Art and Architecture.

6.         UDDINGSTON: OLD

            The Presbytery approves the request to investigate rot to walls of galleries and repair plasterwork costing £14,000 inclusive of VAT based on contractors’ estimates. Funds are to hand.

7.         NEW STEVENSTON: WRANGHOLM KIRK

            The Presbytery approves the request to sell the Manse and for the free proceeds of the sale to be held by the General Trustees and applied for fabric purposes of the congregation.

8.         NEW STEVENSTON: WRANGHOLM KIRK

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

9.         BLANTYRE: LIVINGSTONE MEMORIAL

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

ADDENDUM

            COATBRIDGE CLIFTON

            The Presbytery approves the request to have the Caretakers’ house occupied for a twelve-month period on a caretaker basis.

 

78.       STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

            The Presbytery called for the report of the Stewardship and Finance Committee which was given in by the Rev. James Hastie, Vice-Convener.

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

1.         The Presbytery receives the Report.

2.         The Presbytery, anticipating issue of proposed allocations for the Parish Ministries and Mission Funds in 2007, invites Congregations to notify the Stewardship and Finance Committee of local mission or major property projects being undertaken in 2007 which may be supported through modification of the proposed allocations, supported by appropriate documentation, such information to be submitted to the Convener no later than Monday, 23 October 2006.

 

79.       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 notes that the attestation of Committee records has now been completed.

 

80.       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 commends Hamilton Churches Together for planning “Back to the Future” and encourages churches to visit the events on offer.

3.         The Presbytery welcomes and supports the event planned for 23rd-25th August 2007 at the SECC organized by a partnership between Clyde Presbyteries and Christian Resources Exhibition under the umbrella of Church without Walls.

 

81.              COATBRIDGE AREA MISSION COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Coatbridge Area Mission 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 commends the committee on the positive start made to their work.

 

82.       ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 8.05 p.m. to meet for Ordinary Business within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s Parish Church Halls on Tuesday 3rd  October 2006 at 7.00 p.m.

 

 

 

 

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                           Moderator                                                     Presbytery Clerk