CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON

 

XIII       MOTHERWELL:  5th DECEMBER 2006  

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

 

Post preces sederunt

 

120.     SEDERUNT

            The Rev. Mhorag Macdonald, Moderator, the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis (Total – 59 Ministers; 0 Deacon; 65 Elders; 8 Corresponding Members).

 

121.     TRIBUTE

            The Rev. Arthur  Barrie, in fitting terms, paid tribute to Mr. Andrew Miller, Representative Elder for Hamilton: Cadzow, who died on 16th November, 2006.  The Clerk was instructed to hold the tribute in retentis and to send a copy, together with an expression of sympathy of the Court, to his wife.

 

122.     WELCOME

            The Moderator extended a word of welcome to the Rev. Gavin Black, newly inducted  Minister at Motherwell: Crosshill.

 

123.     MINUTES

            The Minutes of Meetings VIII and IX (2006) were read and approved.

 

124.     INTIMATIONS

            Intimations were made.

 

125.     EAST KILBRIDE: GREENHILLS

            The Presbytery called for the report of the Business Committee, which was given in by Mr. David Alexander, Convener.

 

            Parties were called.

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

            East Kilbride: Greenhills

     1) The Presbytery notes the request of East Kilbride: Greenhills to be raised to full status at the General Assembly of 2007

            2) The Presbytery expresses reservations about the raising of this charge to full status at this time in terms of the ability of the congregation to sustain the charge in the long term.

 

126.     MOTHERWELL: SOUTH - UNION

            The Presbytery called for the report of the Business Committee, which was given in by Mr. David Alexander, Convener.

 

            Parties were called.

           

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:           

                  1) The Presbytery agreed, due to a technical point regarding DDA, to reconsider the arrangements for the Service to mark the Union. Powers were given to the Convener and Clerk in consultation with the Moderator to act accordingly.

                  2) Presbytery agreed that the Union between Motherwell: Manse Road and Motherwell: South Dalziel would take effect following morning worship on 31st December, 2006.

 

The Presbytery called for the report of the Parish Planning Committee, which was given in by the Rev. Ian G. Thom, Convener.

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

            The Presbytery agrees to sist the vacancy at Motherwell: South to allow a basis of Deferred Linkage to be agreed with Motherwell: St Margaret’s.

 

127.     WISHAW: SOUTH WISHAW

            The Presbytery called for the report of the Investigating Committee which was given in by the Rev. Agnes Moore, Vice-Convener.

 

            Parties were called.

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

           

            1)  The Presbytery receives the Report of the Committee of Investigation.

            2)  Presbytery notes, with concern, the failure of the mediation process at Wishaw: South Wishaw.

            3)  Presbytery notes the invitation extended to the Ministries Council by the Kirk Session of Wishaw: South Wishaw and the timescale of no later than 31st January 2007.

            4)  Presbytery instructs the Committee of Investigation to bring a Final Report on Wishaw: South Wishaw to the Presbytery as soon as possible after the 31st January 2007.

 

128.     UDDINGSTON: PARK

            The Presbytery called for the report of the Business Committee, which was given in by Mr. David Alexander, Convener.

 

            Parties were called.

 

            It was moved and seconded:

           

1          Presbytery notes that a number of members and office bearers of Uddingston: Park wish to leave the Church of Scotland.

2          Presbytery refuses the request of Uddingston: Park to secede from the Church of Scotland, on the grounds that the congregational vote did not reach the required 80%.

3          Presbytery affirms the right of office bearers and members to leave the Church of Scotland by seeking Transference Certificates.

4          Presbytery affirms that, in leaving, these office bearers and members have no claim on the property and funds of the congregation of Uddingston: Park.

5          Presbytery grants powers to the Business Committee to support the remaining members including the appointment of Assessor Elders with voting rights.

 

      It was moved and seconded as a Counter Motion to sections one to five:

 

      The Presbytery agrees to defer consideration of the request of Uddingston: Park to secede until the February meeting to allow the Kirk Session time for discussion and the respective legal representatives to continue their work.

 

      On a vote being taken for or against the original motion it carried FOR.

 

      The deliverance was then agreed.

     

      Ms Rhona Clark recorded her dissent and begged leave to appeal.

 

129.     BUSINESS COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Business Committee, which was given in by Mr. David Alexander, Convener.

 

It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

1                    The Presbytery receives the report.

           

2     Presbytery Office

a)  Presbytery approves the continuation of the Clerk’s post on the basis of 12 hours per week with remuneration pro rata in relation to Point 5 on the Stipend Scale;

b)  Presbytery approves the appointment of a Depute Clerk on the basis of 9 hours per week with remuneration pro rata on Point 1 of the Stipend Scale;

c)  Presbytery resolves to advertise the post of Depute Presbytery Clerk with a closing date of 15 December 2006, application to be made to Mr George Baird c/o the Presbytery Office;

d) Presbytery appoints the Moderator, Convener of the Business Committee and Convener of the Management Group as the interview group for the Depute Clerk’s post;

e)  Presbytery approves the continuation of the Administrative Assistant post but with hours enhanced to 17.5 per week and remuneration of £8750 per annum;

f)   Presbytery approves the continuation of the Secretary post but with hours extended to 9 per week and remuneration of £3000 per annum;

      g)   Presbytery approves the extension of the office hours from Monday to Friday from 0930    to 1300

3     Continuing Vacancies:

Presbytery instructs the Vacancy Procedures Committee to reconstitute the Advisory Committees in Wishaw: Craigneuk lw Old, Chapelhall and Airdrie: Flowerhill and to meet with office bearers to consider the present vacancy

4     Reviewable Charges:

            Presbytery appoints a committee to undertake a review of the reviewable tenure of Wishaw: Overtown, the committee to be Rev P Carruth (Convener); Mr R Beattie; Rev G Macdonald ;

5          Terminable or reviewable Tenure

            a) Presbytery notes that guidelines for Review of Terminable or Reviewable Tenure Charges were issued by the then Parish Reappraisal Committee in October 2001 requiring that such charges should be reviewed from time to time.

b) Presbytery notes that Act VII 2003 regarding Presbytery Plans requires Presbyteries to undertake annual five year and ten year reviews of all charges.

c)      Presbytery instructs the Clerk to seek clarification from the Ministries Council whether Act VII has now overtaken the 2001 Guidelines and to issue clarification to Presbyteries on this matter.

6          Vacancy Procedures Committee

      Presbytery appoints the Rev Michael G Lyall as Convener of the Vacancy Procedures Committee.

8          Nomination to Central Councils

            At the invitation of the General Assembly’s Nomination Committee the Presbytery agrees to nominate the respective Conveners to the National Councils.

9          Retiring Ministers

       Presbytery approves the granting of seats in Presbytery to Rev Phyllis Wilson, formerly of Motherwell: South Dalziel and Rev Andrew Thomson formerly of Airdrie: Broomknoll lw Calderbank.

10        Mrs Dorothy Getliffe

i)   Presbytery notes that Mrs Dorothy Getliffe has completed her training for the Diaconate and congratulates her on this achievement;

ii)  Presbytery notes that Mrs Dorothy Getliffe is now in full time employment within the geographical bounds of the Presbytery but as this is not deemed to be a Diaconal post her service of Ordination will not take place until she takes up such a position.

11        Kirk Sessions of Larkhall

       Presbytery grants permission to the Kirk Sessions of Larkhall to hold a joint service on Sunday 31 December 2006 as opposed to 24th as previously intimated.

12        East Kilbride: Greenhills

            Presbytery notes the appointment of Mr J McCartney as Presbytery Elder of East Kilbride: Greenhills.

ADDENDUM

            The Presbytery receives the resignation of Mr W T P Barnstaple as an Additional Elder, thanks him for his many years of faithful service and contribution to the work of the Court.

 

130.     PARISH PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Presbytery called for the report of the Parish Planning Committee, which was given in by the Rev. Ian G. Thom, Convener.

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

1.         BARGEDDIE.

            The Presbytery approves the request to carry out repairs to the organ and  works to comply with the Disability Discrimination 1995 at Church and Halls coasting £69,224.54 inclusive of VAT based on contractors’ quotations.  Funds are to hand

2.         HAMILTON: QUARTER

            The Presbytery approves the request to replace windows in the Hall costing £6,139.38 including VAT based on contractor’s quotation. Funds are to hand

3.            HAMILTON: OLD.

            The Presbytery approves the request to have accounts totalling £20,970.70 as appropriate paid from funds held on the congregation’s behalf by the General Trustees.

4.            BLANTYRE: ST. ANDREW’S

            The Presbytery approves the request to carry out general repairs and reproofing to the Manse costing £18,917.50 including VAT based on contractors’ quotations and paid for from funds held on behalf of the congregation by the General Trustees. Also approval is given to seek grants and loans on the balance remaining.

5.            HAMILTON: SOUTH

            The Presbytery approves the request to fit two stained glass windows within the Entrance Vestibule of the Church, one with the Church of Scotland logo and one with the Boys’ Brigade symbol, paid for by donation. 

6.            STRATHAVEN: WEST

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

7.            MOTHERWELL: NORTH

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

 

ADDENDUM

            UDDINGSTON: VIEWPARK

            The Presbytery approves the request to replace the ceiling in the Sanctuary at an estimated cost of £30,000. Approval is also given to seek grants and loans which might be available.

 

131.     STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE COMMITTEE

            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 Hamilton: Cadzow, Hamilton: St John’s, Hamilton: Old, Wishaw: South Wishaw, Bothwell, Airdrie: New Wellwynd, Motherwell: Dalziel St Andrew’s, Uddingston: Old, Coatbridge: St Andrew’s, Chapelton linked with Strathaven: Rankin, East Kilbride: Old and East Kilbride: South have agreed to make appropriate payments during 2007 in respect of voluntary additional stipend

 

132.     CHURCH AND SOCIAL INTEREST COMMITTEE

            The Presbytery called for the report of the Church and Social Interest Committee which was given in by Mr. Alasdair Sutherland, Vice-Convener.

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

1.                  The Presbytery notes that the Rev. Bill Beattie has resigned as a Chaplain at Udston Hospital, Hamilton and thanks him for his service to the hospital patients and staff.

2.                  The Presbytery notes that the Rev. Marjorie Taylor has intimated, due to health reasons, that she wishes to resign from her appointment as part-time Chaplain at Hairmyres Hospital, East Kilbride with effect from 31st December, 2006, and thanks her for her service to the patients and staff.

3.                  The Presbytery seeks nominations for the part-time (1 session) post of Chaplain at Udston Hospital, Hamilton, which should be sent to the Convener, Duncan Gray, or Vice-Convener, Alasdair Sutherland.

4.                  The Presbytery seeks nominations for the part-time (1.67 session, approx 6 hours) post of Chaplain at Hairmyres Hospital, East Kilbride, which should be sent to the Convener, Duncan Gray, or Vice-Convener, Alasdair Sutherland.

5.                  The Presbytery receives the reports from the part-time Hospital and Prison Chaplains and notes their contents.  The Presbytery thanks them for their services as Chaplains.

6.                  The Presbytery supports the “Ban on Christmas Day and New Year’s Traiding (Scotland) Bill” being presented to the Scottish Parliament by Karen Whitefield, MSP Shotts.

7.                  The Presbytery notes the reply from Mr. Alan Staff, Director of Social Care, in response to the Deliverance of 4th October 2006 concerning the lack of prominence given to the Church of Scotland logo in Crossreach publications which states …”That 98% of the funding comes directly from Local Authorities who respond negatively to overt faith symbols”. The Presbytery is concerned to learn that the “Burning Bush” may be an issue to Local Authorities. The symbol of the Church of Scotland is well known and respected for what it conveys in terms of the Church’s exceptional care in our care Homes. Presbytery also believes that the typeset for “Church of Scotland Social Care Council” is so small it gives the impression of being ashamed to show that it belongs to the Church of Scotland.

8.                  The Presbytery requests that the Social Care Council displays “Church of Scotland” and the ‘Burning Bush’ logo on a larger scale and in a more prominent position.

 

133.     MINISTRIES COMMITTEE

            The Presbytery called for the report of the Ministries Committee which was given in by Mr. William Wilson, Convener.

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

1.                  The Presbytery notes the application for readmission to the Church of Scotland of Robert Cowieson, minister of the Congregational Christian Churches, Canada. Details are laid on the table and any comments should be passed to the convener of the Ministry Development Committee as soon as possible.

2.                  The Presbytery notes receipt of a Study Leave Application from Rev. John Fairful (Bargeddie) to attend ‘The Shepherd’s Conference’ at Grace Community Church, Los Angeles, U.S.A, from 27th February to 13th March 2007.

3.                  The Presbytery notes receipt of Study Leave Report from Rev. John Fairful (Bargeddie) with regard to his attendance at ‘The Shepherd’s Conference’ (Philosophy of Ministry) at Grace Community Church, Los Angeles in February/March 2005.

4.                  The Presbytery notes receipt of Study Leave Report from Rev. Mhorag MacDonald (Wishaw: Cambusnethan North) with regard to her private study on Quantum Healing in May 2006.

5.                  The Presbytery notes receipt of a Study Leave Report from Rev. John Brewster (East Kilbride, Greenhills) with regard to his attendance at a seminar on ‘Christian Worship and the Practices of Visual Art,’ held within the Calvin College, Michigan, USA, and the Chautauqua Institution, New York State, USA. June/July 2006

 

134.     LOCAL AREA COMMITTEE 7 – EAST KILBRIDE

            The Presbytery called for the report of Local Area Committee 7 (East Kilbride) which was given in by the Rev. Ann Paton, Convener.

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

            The Presbytery receives the report.

 

 

135.     VACANCY PROCEDURES COMMITTEE

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

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

1.         The Presbytery notes following actions taken by its Vacancy Procedures Committee        which:

a) has appointed the Rev Norman McLeod as Interim Moderator at Motherwell:      Manse Road and Motherwell: South Dalziel soon to become Motherwell: South.

b) has appointed the Rev Arthur Barrie, the Rev Paul Grant, Mr Alexander Porter   and Mr Jimmy Anderson to serve on the advisory committee at Motherwell: South.

c) has appointed the Rev Graham Raeburn as Interim Moderator at Airdrie: Broomknoll lw Calderbank

            d) has appointed the Rev Jim Hastie, the Rev Elizabeth Waddell, Mr Gardner Davidson and Mr John Hunter to serve on the Advisory Committee at Airdrie: Broomknoll lw Calderbank

            e) has appointed the Rev John Fairful as Interim Moderator at Coatbridge: Old Monkland during the absence of the Rev Scott Raby.

2)         The Presbytery thanks the Rev Kenneth Mayne who has served as Interim Moderator at Motherwell: Manse Road and the Rev Allan Brown who has served as Interim  Moderator at Airdrie: Broomknoll for their work.

 

136.          PARISH DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

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

 

      It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

      The Presbytery notes the appointment of Jen Robertson as Youth Development Worker.

 

137.     ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 8.45p.m. to meet for Ordinary Business within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s Parish Church Halls on Tuesday, 6th February, 2007 at 7.00 pm.