CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON

 

 

 

X          MOTHERWELL: 6th November,  2007

At MOTHERWELL: DALZIEL ST ANDREWS PARISH CHURCH HALLS on the 6TH Day of November, Two Thousand and Seven years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met and was constituted in prayer.

 

Post preces sederunt

 

108.     SEDERUNT

            The Rev. Derek Hughes, Moderator, the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis (Total – Ministers: 42, Deacons: 0, Elders: 73, and 4 Corresponding Members)

 

109.     WELCOME

            The Moderator welcomed the Rev. Gary Caldwell recently Ordained and Inducted minister at Airdrie: Flowerhill Parish Church. 

 

110.     MINUTES

            The Minutes of Meetings VIII and IX (2007) were read and approved.

           

111.     AGENDA

 

112.     INTIMATIONS

 

113.          REPORT FROM THE CHILDREN’S ASSEMBLY

            The Rev. Peter Johnston, Convener of Parish Development introduced Calum Millar and Daniel   Scott who spoke of their experiences at the Children’s Assembly. The Moderator warmly       thanked the children and congratulated them on their enthusiasm.

           

114.     ANTONY SHORT, MISSION PARTNER, ISRAEL

            The Moderator invited Antony Short, Ministionary Partner at the Tabeetha School in Jaffa to address the court on the work of the School in the past year.  The Moderator warmly thanked him.

           

           

115.     BUSINESS COMMITTEE

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

 

            It was moved and  seconded

 

            1.   The Presbytery receives the report.        

            2.   Blantyre: Old

     .      Presbytery notes the extreme disappointment of the Committee of Enquiry, that the agents of       the Ministries Council have still not responded positively to a request by the Presbytery’s Business Committee to meet with relevant local parties concerning the Minister’s phased return to work at Blantyre Old as required by General Assembly regulations.

      3.   Wishaw: South Wishaw

(i)  Presbytery instructs the officer bearers of Wishaw South Wishaw that the manse of the charge shall be either the former manse of Wishaw: Chalmers or another suitable property purchased for that purpose.

 

      It was moved and seconded as a counter motion that Presbytery rejects deliverance 3(i)

      On  a vote being taken for or against the counter motion, it carried for the deliverance.

        Mr. Ian Douglas recorded his dissent.

        The Rev. Dr. Klaus Buwert recorded his dissent, protested for leave to appeal and crave Extracts.

 

3. (ii)   Presbytery instructs the office bearers of Wishaw: South Wishaw to ensure that the progress on the marketing of the Property is made to the meeting of  Presbytery on 4 December 2007.

      (iii)   Presbytery instructs the office bearers of Wishaw: South Wishaw to forward a copy of the                       follow up feasibility study as soon as it becomes available.

(iv)   Presbytery notes receipt of the Report of the Ministries Council’s Consultation Process at Wishaw: South Wishaw.

(v)    Presbytery welcomes the indications of an increased harmony and shared sense of purpose amongst Minister, Office-Bearers and Congregation at Wishaw: South Wishaw.

(vi)   Presbytery encourages the Minister, Office-Bearers and Congregation to continue in the         development of a “South Wishaw” identity.

(vii)  Presbytery notes with regret the loss of a number of Members and Office-Bearers from the congregation of Wishaw: South Wishaw as a result of their feeling of alienation and asks that steps towards reconciliation be continued by all those involved in Wishaw: South Wishaw

(viii)  Presbytery assures the Minister, Office-Bearers and Congregation of Wishaw: South Wishaw of their continuing prayer and support.                                                                                

      4.   Chapelhall

       Presbytery notes the appointment of Rev Les Thorne as Locum at Chapelhall.

      5.    Airdrie: Clarkston

             Presbytery notes the appointment of Mr. Dickson Keir as Locum at Airdrie: Clarkston

      6.   Coatbridge: Old Monkland

       Presbytery notes the appointment of Rev David Currie as Locum at Coatbridge: Old Monkland.

      7.   East Kilbride: West

       Presbytery notes the appointment of Mrs Georgina Macmillan as Locum at East Kilbride: West.

      8.   Parish Planning Committee

            Presbytery appointments the Rev John Thomson as Convener of the Parish Planning       Committee.

 

ADDENDA

1.      Presbytery appoints the Rev. Gordon Palmer as Vice Convener of the Parish Development Committee.

2    Presbytery congratulates the Rev. David Lunan, Presbytery Clerk of Glasgow Presbytery on his

      nomination as Moderator designate of the General Assembly and wishes him well.

 

The Deliverance was then agreed.

  

 

116.  PARISH PLANNING

 

      The Presbytery called for the report of the Parish Planning Committee, which was given in by

      Mr. George Robertson.

 

       It was moved and seconded.

 

      1.   Presbytery receives the report.

  1. Presbytery grants a call to Blantyre: Livingstone Memorial on the basis of, five years Reviewable Tenure, or on the occasion of a vacancy elsewhere in Blantyre.
  2. Presbytery grants permission in principle to the congregation of Strathaven: Rankin to replace the large hall flat roof at an anticipated cost of £20,000.  Congregation to seek competitive quotes and submit relative Presbytery/Trustees forms in due course, and prior to proceeding with the work.

    4.   Presbytery approves an application from Motherwell: South to the General Trustees for a grant                of £10,000 for payment of fees and expenses for the former Manse Road buildings development    studies and appointments.

          It was moved and seconded as a Counter Motion to the deliverance.

 

          That before a decision is made by Presbytery on the matter of Motherwell: South grant     application, the Parish Planning Committee should consult with local parties, specifically with      the Local Area Committee, with regard to:

   1.    The most effective use of existing building.

   2.    The future provision for Ministry and Mission in the South Motherwell area and particularly in the           Ravenscraig Development:  and report to Presbytery.

          On the vote being taken for or against, the Counter Motion it carried for the Deliverance.

 

ADDENDUM

Presbytery approves the release of funds to the sum of £5,394 held by the General Trustee on behalf of Airdrie: St Columba’s to provide grilles for the church windows and provision of a toilet for the disabled.

 

The deliverance was then agreed.  

 

117. STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE

             The Presbytery called for the report of the Stewardship and Finance Committee which was              given in by Mr. R, W. Horne, Convener   

 

               It was moved, seconded and agreed:

1.          Presbytery receives the report

2.             The Presbytery reminds all congregations that as part of their preparation for 2007 reports and       accounts, they should by the end of the year have appointed Independent Examiners, and urges             any congregations not sure of any aspect of compliance with the Regulations to contact the          Committee without delay.

3.          The Presbytery approves the proposed Ministry and Mission allocations for 2008

4.             The Presbytery reminds congregations that any congregation wishing to pay 2008 Ministry and          Mission allocations other than by monthly standing order over 10 or 12 months must apply to the    Committee for Presbytery agreement.

5.             The Presbytery agrees to approach the national Stewardship and Finance Committee with a view to  participation in the next round of Presbytery-wide stewardship campaigns

     

 

118.     MINISTRIES COMMITTEE

 

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

            It was moved and seconded:

1.      Presbytery receives the report.

2.      Presbytery supports the ongoing concept and development of flexibility in all ministries of the Church of Scotland, but do not believe that the proposals, as outlined in the Ministries Council Consultation with Presbyteries document for an Ordained Local Ministry, are a satisfactory way forward.

3.      As result of past and current changes in patterns of Ministry, there can seem to be confusion as to what the ministry of Readership is actually about and how best Presbytery can maximise the appropriate use of Readers within the bounds.  In order to increase support and enable our Readers to fulfil the task of Locum Tenens, the Committee bring forward the following recommendations for approval by Presbytery to take effect from 1st January 2008.

(i)         A list will be compiled of Readers available to act as Locum.  These Readers will be required       to have satisfactorily completed appropriate training.

(ii)        Before a Reader is approached for such an appointment, Presbytery’s Ministries   Development Committee should be consulted.

(iii)       Once his approval of Presbytery’s Committee is given, the Kirk Session of the       appointing Congregation should arrange a meeting between its representatives, the    Interim Moderator and the Reader proposed to act as Locum to agree mutual suitability.

(iv))     The appointment of a Reader as Locum shall be for a period up to one year. Thereafter,                Review by Presbytery’s Committee, the Interim Moderator and Kirk Session                                   representatives with the Locum shall take place.  By mutual agreement, the appointment              of the Reader acting as Locum may then be continued for a further period not exceeding      one year.

           

It was moved and seconded as a counter motion that Presbytery rejects the deliverance.

On a vote being taken for or against it carried for the deliverance.

           

4.  Presbytery notes receipt of a Study Leave report from Rev John Brewster (East Kilbride,                       Greenhills) with regard to his attendance at the ‘National Black Presbyterian Caucus 39th                   Convention’ in Philadelphia, U.S.A. and ‘The Middle East in Focus’ programme at the                                      Chautauqua Institution, New York State, USA. in July 2007.

 

      The deliverance was then agreed.

 

119.     CHURCH AND SOCIAL INTEREST COMMITTEE

 

            The Presbytery called for the report of the Church and Social Interest Committee, which   was     given In by Mr. A.T. Sutherland, Convener.

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

1.         Presbytery receives the report.

   .       

120.     PASTORAL SUPPORT

 

            The Presbytery called for the report of the Pastoral Support Committee, which was given in

            by Rev. Dr. D.C. McPherson

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

   1.      Presbytery receives the report.

   2.       Presbytery notes that with Quinquennial visits outstanding from previous years, 28

            Quinquennial visits require to be carried out in 2007-08.

   3.    Presbytery thanks all ministers and elders who have agreed to serve on Quinquennial teams,        especially team leaders.

   4.      Presbytery notes that three chaplains and the Pastoral Support Convener attended a        conference in             October for pastoral advisers and chaplains arranged by the Ministries Council.

   5.      Presbytery encourages all ministers, readers, deacons and deaconesses to welcome the            chaplain assigned to them and recognise the potential value for pastoral support of the service       provided by the chaplains.

 

ADDENDUM

            Presbytery encourages members of Presbytery to complete the Superintendence Questionnaire             and return it by the due date.

 

 

121.     PARISH DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

 

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

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

            1.    Presbytery receives the Report. .

            2.  The Presbytery encourages congregations to share their story at the CWW 2008 National                         Gathering

 

 

 

 

122.     ADJOURNMENT

            There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 10.05pm to meet in hunc      effectum within Hamilton: Hillhouse for the service of Introduction of the Rev. Keith Ross as           Congregational Development Officer for the Presbytery of Hamilton on Tuesday 13th November   at 7.15 p. m for 7.30 pm and Ordinary Business within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s Parish           Church Halls on Tuesday 4th December, 2007 at 7.00pm.

 

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