THE  CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

                                                        PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON      

 

 

X          MOTHERWELL: 2nd September, 2008

At MOTHERWELL: DALZIEL ST ANDREWS PARISH CHURCH HALLS on the 2nd  Day of September, Two Thousand and Eight years, on which day the PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON met and was constituted in prayer.

 

Post preces sederunt

 

89.       SEDERUNT

            The Rev. Derek Hughes, Moderator, the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis (Total – Ministers: 40   Elders: 62  and 2  Corresponding Members)

 

90.       TRIBUTE

            The Rev. Graham Raeburn in fitting terms paid tribute to Mr. Alistair MacLeod, Additional Elder, who died on 27th August, 2008.  The Clerk was instructed to hold the tribute in retentis and

            send a copy, together with an expression of sympathy of the Court to his wife.

                         

91.       WELCOME

            The Moderator welcomed the Rev. Kay Gilchrist and the Rev. Graham Austin to Presbytery

             and expressed to them the good wishes of the Court.  He also welcomed the Rev. John Carswell to Presbytery.  

 

92.       MINUTES

            The Minutes of Meetings V11, V111 and IX (2008) were read and approved.

 

93.       AGENDA

 

94.       INTIMATIONS

 

   95.       TRIBUTE TO RETIRING MODERATOR

               Mr. David Alexander, Convener of the Business Committee, having conveyed to the Moderator

               the thanks of the Presbytery for his valued service to the Court during his 12 months of office now ending, invited the Moderator to address the Court.  The  Rev. Derek Hughes replied in fitting terms.    

           

96.       ELECTION AND INSTALLATION OF MODERATOR

            Mr. David Watt 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.

 

97.       COMMISSIONS – REPRESENTATIVE ELDERS

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

 

98.       ROLL OF PRESBYTERY

           

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

                   Retired Ministers……...……………………………………  26

               Associate Minister..…………………………………………  . 0

               Auxiliary Minister………...…………………………………  .. 2

               Full/Part Time Chaplains.……………………………………  2

               Charges (15 being vacant)…………………………………  73

               Total Number of Ministers …………………………………  88

               The Diaconate (Active and Retired)………………………… 5

               Representative Elders Elected by Kirk Sessions………… 82

               Additional Elders Elected by Presbytery……………………17

               Total Number of Elders……………………………………… 99

                                                                               

 

99.      STATISTICS

            As per the handbook

 

 100.    DEMISSION – REV. ROSEMARY SMITH

      The Presbytery called for the report from Mr. David Alexander Business Convener,

      It was moved seconded and agreed.

  1.       Blantyre: Old

      (i)  The Presbytery notes that the Clerk granted the Rev. Rosemary Smith leave of absence as                      from  1st July, 2008  

      (ii)   Presbytery grants Rev Rosemary Smith permission to demit the Charge of Blantyre: Old on                    30th September 2008.

(iii)  Presbytery grants permission to the Clerk to issue a certificate stating that Rev Rosemary          

       Smith is in good standing

      (iv)  Presbytery discharges the Committee of Investigation and expresses a warm appreciation to                   the convener, the Rev. J. Gibson, and members of the committee on their diligence over a long                period of time on this difficult task.

(v)   Presbytery lifts the administrative suspension on the two elders concerned.

 

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

 

       It was moved seconded and agreed.

 

       Presbytery sists the vacancy at Blantyre Old

 

 

101.     INTERIM MINISTRY – HOLYTOWN & WRANGHOLM

            The Presbytery called for the report from the Rev. Derek Hughes, Convener of the Interim          Ministry monitoring group, who paid tribute to the Rev. Iain Goring, Interim Minister, at the charge.  In turn the Rev. Iain Goring addressed Presbytery and highlighted the progress made    within both congregations during his 22 months in the post.

 

            It was moved seconded and agreed.

 

            Holytown lw New Stevenson: Wranholm Kirk 

            The Presbytery thanks the Rev. Iain Goring for his services as Interim Minister at the above               charge.

 

 

102.     UPDATE – ROLL OF READER

            Presbytery called for the report from the Ministries Development concerning the instructions        from the General Assembly to update the roll of readers.

 

            It was seconded and agreed.

 

      Presbytery agrees the Roll of Readers as that printed in the Handbook 2008-2009 and instructs   the Clerk to transmit this to the Ministries Council by 30 September 2008.

 

 

103.    C.D.O. REPORT

           Presbytery received a report from Rev. Keith Ross highlighting a new web site under      

           development, together with a booklet intimating various courses that are available.

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

104.     ECUMENCIAL RELATIONS REPORT

            Presbytery  received the report from the Rev. Lindsay Schluter on the booklet issued to all           Ministers for discussion, entitled “Baptism Catholic and reform”.

 

105.    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.   Uddingston: Park

        (i) Presbytery discharges the Committee of Investigation and thanks the members for their   diligence in this matter.

        (ii)Presbytery notes that no agreement has been reached over Property issues.

      3.   Chapelhall

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

      4.   Corresponding Member

             Presbytery approves the appointment of Rev John Carswell currently serving a period of  

            famliarisation at Airdrie: The New Wellwynd as a corresponding member of Presbytery.

      5.    General Trustees

            Presbytery notes that the General Trustees are seeking nominations of individuals with suitable

            experience.

      6.   Electoral Registers

            Presbytery notes that the Clerk has attested the  Electoral Register of Wishaw: Craigneuk                        and Belhaven as containing the names of 180 members and 5 adherents. Wishaw: Old as             containing the names of 343 members, and  Airdrie: Clarkston as containing 399 members and         5 adherents.

    7.   Moderator of the General Assembly 

           The Presbytery approves the draft arrangements for the Moderator’s visit from 1st to 10th November, 2008.

    8.     Kwahu Presbytery, Ghana  

           The Presbytery notes that the Presbytery of Kwahu has agreed to a link with the Presbytery of              Hamilton and remits this to our World Mission Correspondent.

    9.     Log Books

           Ministers are reminded that their Log Books (used for Travelling Expenses) must be kept up to    date and will be attested by the Clerks annually.

    10.   Ms Karen Hamilton – Deacon

            The Presbytery agrees to the extension of Ms. Hamilton’s appointment at Burnhead until 7th         September, 2008.

    11.   Caldercruix and Longriggend

            The Presbytery notes that Mrs. Fiona Shaw, 29 Oakdene Cres, Newarthill has been appointed     as its representatives elder in place of Mr. Iain Kennedy.

    12.    Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s

            The Presbytery notes that Mr. John Arthur has retired as Dalziel St. Andrew’s representative        elder.

    13.   Membership of Presbytery

            The Presbytery agreed to the transfer of membership from the Presbytery of Dumbarton to the   Presbytery of Hamilton of Agnes Tait (Deacon) 10 Carnoustie Crescent, East Kilbride, noting       receipt of a Certificate of good standing.

 

 

ADDENDUM

 

1.   Blantyre Old

      The Presbytery notes the appointment of the Rev. Jim Zambonini as locum at Blantyre: Old as at 1st

      July, 2008 and requests the Ministries Council to consider funding this position until 30th September

      2008.

2.   Motherwell South

      Presbytery notes that permission has been granted for the use of the former South Dalziel buildings,

      as last year, for a Rededication service, Remembrance Day service, Boys Brigade battalion activity and church organisations.

3.   Presbytery notes that the clerk has attested the Electoral Registers of Coatbridge: Clifton as containing

      the names of 212 members and of Coatbridge: St. Andrew’s as containing the names of 610 members

      and 2 adherents.

    

 

 

106.  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.    Motherwell: St Margaret’s

          Presbytery notes the approval given by the Convener, during the recess, to the application by                     Motherwell St. Margaret’s to replace 3 central heating boilers at a cost of £19,330. Approval  was                         given to apply for grants and loans which may be available.

  3.     Wishaw St. Mark’s

          Presbytery notes the approval given to the Manse of Wishaw: St. Mark’s prior to the induction of                the Reverend Graham Austin BD to the charge.

  4.     Strathaven: Avendale Old and Drumclog

        Presbytery notes the approval given by the Convener, during the recess, to the application by                Strathaven: Avendale Old and Drumclog to let the Manse during the vacancy as emergency

         accommodation for a period of 6 weeks under the terms of the Occupancy Agreement issued by the General Trustees.                                                                                               

  5.    Wishaw: Old

         Presbytery approves the application by Wishaw: Old to upgrade the Manse at a cost of £25,000. Detailed quotations have been submitted. Funds are to hand   

  6.    Motherwell: St. Mary’s

         Presbytery approves the application by Motherwell:  St. Mary’s to carry out structural repairs to                  the Manse at a cost of £20,000. Structural Engineers report and quotations have been            submitted. Funds are to hand.

  7.    Wishaw: South

         Presbytery approves the application by Wishaw: South to undertake repairs to the Church roof  and steeple at a cost of £79, 088.08 inclusive of VAT. Funds are to hand.

  8.    Wishaw: Craigneuk and Belhaven

         Further to the approval given on 5th February 2008, Presbytery approves the revised costs of                    £81,509 submitted by Wishaw: Craigneuk and Belhaven  based on revised tenders and                   drawings. Funds are to hand.

 

 

107.   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 has appointed the Rev Maxine                 Buck as Interim Moderator at the parish of Larkhall: Chalmers during the absence of the minister on sick leave.

      3.  The Presbytery notes that the Vacancy Procedures Committee has appointed the Rev Jim          Zambonini as Interim Moderator at the Parish of Blantyre Old.

      4.   The Presbytery notes that the Vacancy Procedures Committee has agreed to release the

            Rev. Alan Gibson from his charge at Strathaven: Avendale Old and Drumclog on 28th August,

            2008,  the date of his Induction to the charge of Carstairs and Carstrairs Junction.  

      5.   The Presbytery notes that the Vacancy Procedures Committee has appointed the Rev Elizabeth             Waddle as Interim Moderator for the forthcoming Vacancy at Strathaven:Avendale Old and         Drumclog.

      6.   The Presbytery notes that the Vacancy Procedures Committee has appointed the Rev Derek      Hughes as Interim Moderator at the linked charge of Holytown and New Stevenson: Wrangholm       Kirk

 

 

 

108.     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.   Reminds the four congregations for which Congregational annual reports have still not been         received, of the church requirements to submit them to Presbytery and to the General    Treasurer’s Department by end of March each year, and of the legal requirement to submit them to OSCR by the end of September.

3.   Reminds all Congregations that annual reports, duly amended in line with   recommendations       following review by the Stewardship and Finance Committee should reach OSCR, together      with the annual return form, not later than the end of September.

4.   The Presbytery notes with pleasure that five congregations have already

      committed themselves to the Presbytery stewardship programme and by mid September            another ten will have received presentations from the Stewardship Consultant, and urges   those congregations that have not already made arrangements to meet with her to do so and         soon as possible.

5    Presbytery instructs congregations to make payments of presbytery dues assessments on time   when the notices are sent out.

6    Presbytery invites congregations that can show how they could use reductions in their Ministry    and Mission contributions (for 2008 or 2009) to support imaginative local mission projects, to         contact the Stewardship and Finance committee without delay.

 

 

109.     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 encourages Ministers and Elders to attend the C & S Council  Conference in Dundee             on 13th September where Denis Alexander of St Edmunds College Cambridge will speak on                         Transcending Dawkins’ God ; renewing the interface between science and faith. There will also               be workshops on  Climate Change, Science and Faith, Addictions and Alcohol, Growing up in                       Scotland, Lobbying your MSP, and Just Church .The final item is Presbytery News- let’s do it!

            Presbytery encourages congregations to do all in their power to help elderly people access                       every support to which they are entitled, and consider appointing someone in the congregation                 to spearhead that assistance.

 

 

 

110.     PASTORAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE

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

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

 1.        Presbytery receives the report.

 

 2.        Presbytery receives the report for East Kilbride: Moncreiff

Presbytery:-

   i) Commends Minister, Office bearers and Members of East Kilbride: Moncreiff for       

    their continued faithful work of sharing the gospel in their church and parish.

ii) Presbytery congratulates them on the networks of support created in the             congregation and community whether by team eldership, caring group or cafι and commends the emphasis on prayer throughout the life of the congregation.

    iii)  Presbytery strongly recommends the minister to make plans for 3-4 weeks of study                                 leave to reflect on his impending retirement and prepare material for a! focus group                                            in the congregation.

    iv) Presbytery agrees to remit to Ministries committee concerns about the need for                                        ministerial support.

3.         Presbytery notes that the list in the handbook of congregations due to be visited this year is          inaccurate. A new list will be produced.

4.         Presbytery approves the appointment of two new Presbytery chaplains to ensure cover in the      event of illness and incapacity and also to provide a more manageable ratio of chaplain to Presbyters.

 

             

111.   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. Presbytery notes receipt of a Study Leave report from Rev. Robert Hamilton (Airdrie: New Wellwynd) with regard to his studies at Coatbridge College on the ECDL course, from September 2007 to June 2008, covering the basics of computing through word processing, databases, to the use of PowerPoint.
  3. Presbytery notes receipt of a Study Leave Report from Rev. Klaus Buwert,  (Wishaw: South Wishaw) with regard to ‘Skills Training for Mediation’ at Dunblane from 29th June to 13th July conducted by Bridge Builders, London Mennonite Centre.
  4. Presbytery notes receipt of a Study Leave Report 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 and the Institute of Muslim-Christian Relations at Georgetown University, Washington DC.
  5. Presbytery instructs Kirk Sessions that they shall not appoint a lay person as locum without reference to the Ministries Development Committee to ascertain that the individual is suitably qualified.
  6. Presbytery reminds Interim Moderators and Kirk Sessions that individuals  who have been trained under the Presbytery Worship Training Course are not eligible for regular pulpit supply within their own congregations or within other congregations.
  7. Presbytery reminds all Presbyters regarding the regulations relating to who

may conduct worship under the Consolidating Act Anent Ministry (as Amended)

 

 

 

ADDENDA

1.      The Presbytery notes the request of Mr. Les. Queen to transfer Readership from Hamilton to                         Glasgow Presbytery and authorises the Ministries Committee to authorise this.

 

2.     The Presbytery notes that Mr. Steven Preston and Mr. Stuart McIlroy have successfully                  completed their training for the Readership and a Service of Setting Apart will be held within   East Kilbride: Old Parish Church, on Thursday, 11th September, 2008 at 6.45pm for 7pm.  

 

 

112.  PARISH DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

 

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

       Rev. Peter Johnston, Convener.

 

       It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

 Presbytery receives the report:

 

113.  MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

 

        The Presbytery called for the report of the Management Committee which was given in Mr.

         William Hathorne, Corresponding Member, and moved by the Clerk.  

 

         It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

       Presbytery receives the report.

 

 

 

114.     ADJOURNMENT

            There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 9.00p.m. to meet in hunc effectum

            for the setting apart of Readers on Thursday 11th September, 2008 within East Kilbride: Old,        Presbytery to meet at 6.45p.m. for 7.00p.m. and for Ordinary Business within Motherwell:       Dalziel St. Andrew’s Parish Church Halls on Tuesday 7th October, 2008 at 7.00pm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            ………………………………………                            ………………………………………

 

                        Moderator                                                                   Presbytery Clerk

 

 

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