CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON

 

 

 

 

V          MOTHERWELL: 6th May,   2008

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

 

           

Post preces sederunt

 

40.       SEDERUNT

            The Rev. Derek Hughes, Moderator, the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis (Total – Ministers: 39  Elders: 64  and 2 Corresponding Members)

 

41.       MINUTES

            The Minutes of Meetings ii and iii (2008) were read amended and approved.

 

42.       WELCOME

            The Moderator welcomed the Rev. Mahboob Masih to Presbytery and expressed to him the good wishes of the Court.  The Moderator also welcomed the Rev. John Stevenson to the Presbytery and welcomed his return to Hamilton Presbytery.

                         

43.       AGENDA

 

44.       INTIMATIONS

 

45.       SPEAKER – HAMILTON SOUTH PRESBYTERIAL GUILD – MRS HELEN STEWART

            Mrs. Helen Stewart, Convener, of Hamilton South Presbyterial Council of the Guild,

            addressed the Court on the current activities of the Guild both locally and nationally.

 

46.       AFTER ELECTIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

            The Clerk reported that there were no After Elections to the General Assembly.

 

46.      STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS

            Mr. Robert Allan treasurer presented the Accounts for 2007.           

           

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

1.      The Presbytery receives and approves the Report and Accounts for the year ended 31st   December, 2007.        

2.            The Presbytery notes the report and statement by the independent examiner on page 8 of the report and financial statements.

3.            The Presbytery appoints Mr. A.H .Adams,  CA to undertake the independent  examination of the

         report and financial statement for the year ending 31st December, 2008.                                                                                                                                   

 

47.       BUSINESS COMMITEE      

            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.  Moderator:

            Presbytery nominates Mr David Watt as Moderator for Session 2008/2009

      3.   Motherwell: South

            Presbytery notes that permission was refused to the request to grant a let to an external body.

 

            ADDENDUM

            Rev. John Stevenson

            Presbytery notes receipt of a Ministerial Certificate in the name of the Rev. John Stevenson          issued by the       Presbytery of Glasgow, and resolves to admit him to membership of this court.

 

 

 

48.  PARISH PLANNING COMMITEE

            The Presbytery called for the report of the Parish Planning Committee which was given in by Mr. George Robertson, Convener.  

 

         It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

        1.       Presbytery receives the report:

        2.      Airdrie: Clarkston

                 Presbytery approves the call to Airdrie: Clarkston on a 5 year reviewable tenure.

        3.      Airdrie: Jackson

                 Presbytery notes the report on the Manse of Airdrie: Jackson                                         

        4.      East Kilbride:West

                 Presbytery notes the report on the Manse of East Kilbride: West

        5.      Airdrie:  New Monkland l/w Greengairs

                  Presbytery notes the report on the Manse of Airdrie: New Monkland l/w Greengairs.

        6.        Hamilton: Hillhouse

                 Presbytery approves in principal the application by Hamilton: Hillhouse to replace

                 cladding and roofing to main hall, internal alterations to form compliant DDA toilets and

                 enlarged entry foyer, erection of a new extension to create plant room, storage and new  

                 toilets at a cost of £254,739.75. It is noted that £108,000 is available from funds held

                locally.

                Contactors estimates and drawings must be submitted when available.

                Permission is given to apply for grants and loans which may be available.

        7.     Strathaven: Avendale Old and Drumclog

                Presbytery approves the application by Strathaven Avendale Old and Drumclog to

                replace central heating boilers at Drumclog Church at a cost of £8,052 inclusive of VAT. 

                Funds are to hand.

        8.     Hamilton:West

                Presbytery approves in principal the application by Hamilton: West to replace the Hall roof

                at a cost of £24,862 plus VAT.

                Contactors tenders should be submitted with completed forms for approval.

                Permission is given to apply for grants and loans which may be available.

       9.      Professional Property Survey Reports

                Presbytery approves the tender submitted by Eddie Hawke Associates, Architects to carry

               out 12 Follow on Reports within the next calendar year for the sum of £6,300 (VAT not

               applicable).

               A similar number of reports should be undertaken in each of the subsequent 5 years at

               the same costs to enable every charge to have a report prepared.

               All congregations are instructed to make every area of Churches and Manses accessible

               for inspection.

      10.    Presbytery Plan

               Presbytery notes the request by the Ministries Council that the Charges not  included in 

               the Presbytery Plan be incorporated and the Presbytery Plan completed by the end of                               2008/2009.

 

            ADDENDA

      1.      Hamilton Cadzow

Presbytery approves the application by Hamilton: Cadzow to replace timbers in the

Church Tower and replace lead work at a cost of £28,987.00 plus vat.

Permission is given to apply for the release of funds held in the consolidated fabric funds and to apply for grants which may be available.

2.       Hamilton Trinity

   Presbytery approves the application by Hamilton: Trinity to remove asbestos pipe installation

   from the boiler house at the cost of £3743.00 permission is given to apply for grants which

   may be available. 

 

49.        VACANCY PROCEDURES COMMITTEE

 

         The Presbytery called for the report of the Church and Social Interest Committee which was

         given in by the Rev. Michael Lyall, Convener.

 

          It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

1.             The Presbytery receives the report

2.            The Presbytery notes that the Vacancy Procedures Committee sustained the call of East                             Kilbride: West to the Rev. Mahboob Masih  and appointed the 1st May, 2008 for his                                        Service of Induction.

 The call was signed by 190 members and 17 adherents.

3.             The Presbytery sustains the Call of Airdrie: New Monklands lw Greengairs to the Rev.

             William Jackson and appoints 27th May, 2008 for his Service of Induction.

             The call was signed by 201 members and 28 adherents.

 

 

 

 

50.       STEWARDSHIP AND FINANCE COMMITEE

 

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

             

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

1.         Presbytery receives the report:

2.         The Presbytery urges any congregations that have not yet submitted two copies of their 2007                  accounts to the Presbytery office to do so without delay.

3.         The Presbytery

i.         notes that the Stewardship Conference, agreed at the last meeting for representatives of all congregations, is to be held at Hamilton Cadzow on Wednesday 28th May.

ii.       agrees that participation in first phase of the stewardship programme will be on a first come first served basis. 

4.            The Presbytery congratulate East Kilbride: Greenhills on their achievement in meetings there

            2007 allocation as well as clearing the previous outstanding balance.

 

51.       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.J. Sutherland, Convener

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

1.         Presbytery receives the Report.        

2.         Presbytery welcomes the substantial increase in the budget of Spiritual and Religious Care, NHS Lanarkshire and wishes the Rev. Bob Devenny and all hospital chaplains every blessing in their important work.

 

 

 

 

52.       PASTORAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE

            The Presbytery called for the report of the Pastoral Support Committee which was given in by      Rev. Dr. D.C. McPherson, Convener

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

 1.        Presbytery receives the report.

 2.  i.      Presbytery receives the Quinquennial report on Motherwell North.

     ii.     The Presbytery

a)       Congratulates the Ministry Team and Office-bearers of
Motherwell North Church on the inroads made into a traditionally difficult
area for ministry, and that all groups in the church be commended for their
devotion to the church's mission to the local community.

b)       The Minister and the Community Worker are further to be commended for their
leadership and  example in proclaiming the love of Christ through caring
service to their community.

c)   The Presbytery also encourages the Minister and Office bearers to work together to apportion.

        d)  Joins the Kirk Sessions of Newmains: Coltness Memorial and Bonkle in urging the minister of                   the linked charge to take time off regularly and also to take all his holiday entitlements.  

 

 

the workload of the minister so as to allow for adequate rest, family recreation time and ministerial development.

 

3. i.   Presbytery receives the report on Chapelhall

   ii.   The Presbytery:

    a)  Commends Kirk Session and Congregational Board for maintaining and increasing    giving

during a long vacancy; the organisation of work, through hard-working sub groups which

          has led to successful completion and funding of the first stage of the main hall renovation.

    b)  Commends the congregation for producing a supplement to the hymnary and for outreach   

to new housing and excellent pastoral care of older members.

c)      Assures the Kirk Session that we have heard their concerns about the length of the vacancy,

the difficulties in the LAMC, and the need for better support in producing SORP compliant

accounts.

 

              4.  i.     Presbytery receives the report on Bellshill West

        ii.     The Presbytery

            a) Commends the minister, office bearers and congregation for their ongoing efforts and

encourages them to persevere in spite of continuing decline in numbers in all areas of the

congregations life.

     b) Congratulates the congregation on reducing a deficit of £10,047 to £2,564 in only 2 months.

     c) Notes the appointment of a Pastoral Marjory Burns to serve Bellshill West along with

         MacDonald Memorial and Orbiston and hope that this appointment will serve to expand and

         develop the work of the congregations.

d)      Encourages the Kirk Session to investigate the possibility of some elders undergoing training

in the conduct of funerals to help further release the minister to engage in other aspects of

ministry.

e)      Urges the Congregational Board through its Fabric Committee to respond timeously to items

requiring attention at the manse especially where these are likely to affect the total wellbeing

of the minister.

f)       Encourages the Kirk Session to consider introducing a programme of adult Christian

education.

 

5.  i.      Presbytery receives the report on Coltness Memorial linked with Bonkle.

    ii.      The Presbytery:

a)      Highly commends the two congregations of Newmains: Coltness Memorial linked with

Bonkle on their close and harmonious working relationship which is informed throughout by

Prayerful reflection and commitment.

b)      Notes that his harmonious and fruitful relationship also exists within each congregation 

between office bearers, minister and members.

          c)    Warmly commends the two congregation for their innovative work highlighting in particular

  the recent locally developed course for young people which followed the style of Alpha 

  courses and the subsequent work built on this venture.

c)      Joins the Kirk Sessions of Newmains: Coltness Memorial and Bonkle in urging the minister of the linked charge to take time off regularly and also to take all his holiday entitlements.

 

 

54        MINISTRIES DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 

 

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

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed. 

 

1.                  The Presbytery receives the report.

2.                  The Presbytery notes receipt of a Study Leave Application from Rev. John Brewster (East Kilbride: Greenhills) with regard to his attendance at a ‘Worship and Music Conference’, at

            the Montreat Presbyterian Conference Centre, Asheville, North Carolina, U.S.A from 14th to                     21st June, 2008.

3.                  The Presbytery notes receipt of a Study Leave Application from Rev. Klaus Buwert,                      (Wishaw: South Wishaw) with regard to ‘Skills Training for Mediation’ at Dunblane from 29th          June to 13th July, 2008.

4.                  The Presbytery notes receipt of a Study Leave Application from Rev. Mhorag Macdonald (Wishaw: Cambusnethan North) with regard to ‘How Theology informs Missiology and Institutional Structures’ with the Medical Missionaries of Mary at various locations in Tanzania from 9th – 30th October, 2008.

 

 

 

54.  PARISH DEVELOPMENT

 

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

       Rev. J.P.N. Johnston, Convener.

 

       It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

      1.    Presbytery receives the report:

  1. The Presbytery congratulates Mossneuk Primary School as winner of the Stevenson Prize for excellence in Religious Observance and commend their good practice to other primary schools and chaplains.
  2. The Presbytery nominates Kenny Maddock as its youth representative to the General Assembly 2008.
  3. The Presbytery approves the application to the Mission and Discipleship Council Special Trusts by Blantyre: St Andrew’s for support of its Holiday Club programme.

 

 

55.       ADJOURNMENT

            There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 8.05pm to meet in hunc effectum     for the Induction of the Rev. William Jackson on Tuesday 27th May, 2008 at 6.45pm for 7.00pm; and for the celebration of Holy Communion within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s Parish      Church and thereafter for Ordinary Business on Tuesday 17th June, 2008 at 7.00 p.m.

 

 

 

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

                       Moderator                                                                 Presbytery Clerk