THE  CHURCH OF SCOTLAND

                                                        PRESBYTERY OF HAMILTON      

 

XVII     MOTHERWELL: 2nd December,  2008

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

 

Post preces sederunt

 

144.     SEDERUNT

            Mr. David Watt, Moderator, the Rev. Shaw J. Paterson, Clerk, and others as per signed lists in retentis (Total – Ministers: 36   Elders: 41  and 2  Corresponding Members )

 

145.     TRIBUTE

            Rev. John Brewster in fitting terms paid tribute to Mr. Lesley Falconer, retired Reader who died on 11th October, 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 next of kin.

             

146.     WELCOME

            The Moderator welcomed the Rev. Robert Craig, the Rev. Fiona Wilson, the Rev. Caryl Kyle and the Rev. Fiona Nicolson also Mr. John Carter, Presbytery Elder from Bargeddie to Presbytery and expressed to them the good wishes of the Court.

 

147.     MINUTES

            The Minutes of Meetings XII, XIII, XIV, XV and XVI (2008) were read, amended and approved.

 

148.     AGENDA

 

149.     INTIMATIONS

 

150.     GENERAL ASSEMBLY CONSULTATION

            The Presbytery called for the report on General Assembly Consultation, which was given in by    Mr. David Alexander, Business Convener.

 

            It was moved, seconded

 

            1. Presbytery agrees the contents of the paper relating to the General Assembly arrangements. 

            2. Presbytery request a return to a Saturday to Friday date for General Assembly in order to                        enable an encourage a greater representation of elders in Secular employment.

 

                It was moved and seconded as a countermotion.

 

            Presbytery instructs the Business committee to appoint a Committee convened for the

            purpose to re-examine and reformulate theologically its response to the ‘Consultation on

            the Culture of the General Assembly’  bearing in mind in particular issues such as the core

            understanding of the Presbyterian polity of our denomination, Christian stewardship

            and models of decision makings tested in sister denomination. 

 

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

            

            The countermotion was then agreed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

151.    MINISTER’S LOG BOOKS

           The Presbytery called for the report concerning Log Books, which was given in by Mr. David

            Alexander, Business Convener.

 

            It was moved, seconded and agreed

 

            1.         Presbytery instructs all ministers and deacons, who claim travelling expenses, to submit                           their Log Books (or alternate means of recording) for attestation by the Clerks at the                                 Presbytery Office, before the 31st January each year.

          

           

152.    SAFEGUARDING PACKAGE

           The Presbytery called for the report on Safeguarding, which was given in by Miss Frances Gilmour  the Safeguarding Contact for Hamilton Presbytery.  

           

 

153.    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.   Visit of the Moderator of the General Assembly

i)    Presbytery thanks the Clerks for their effort in ensuring that the visit of the Right Reverend David Lunan, Moderator of the General Assembly to the Presbytery was a success through the careful and thorough preparation of the Moderator’s itinerary and the time spent with the Moderator throughout his visit.

ii)   Presbytery thanks all others involved in the various elements of the Moderator’s itinerary for their attendance and help.

iii)   Presbytery thanks the Minister, Kirk Session and congregation of Airdrie: New Wellwynd for their efforts in relation to the Communion Service held there.

iv)  Presbytery instructs the Clerk to write to the Moderator and his wife to express the warm appreciation of the Presbytery for the manner in which the visit was conducted.

3    Coatbridge: New St Andrew’s:

      Presbytery notes that the Model deed of Constitution has been issued by the Delegation of Assembly to Coatbridge: New St Andrew's Parish Church of Scotland.

4    Larkhall: Trinity

      Presbytery approves the request of Larkhall: Trinity to adopt the Model Deed of Constitution.

5    Rev Norman MacLeod:

      Presbytery agrees to the request of Rev Norman MacLeod to extend his service as Minister at Hamilton: St Andrew's for one year from June 2009.

6    Church Representative: North Lanarkshire Education Committee:

      Presbytery agrees to nominate Mrs Brenda McCrae as Church Representative on North Lanarkshire Education Committee.

 

 

ADDENDA

 

1.    Presbytery notes that the Kirk Session of Bargeddie has appointed Mr. John Carter, 2 Stewart

Drive, Bargeddie, G69 7PG as its representative Elder.

2.    Presbytery notes receipt of an Extract Minute from the Presbytery of Lanark dated 13th

November, 2008 confirming the Induction of the Rev. Alan Gibson to the United Parish of

Carstairs and Carstairs Junction on the 28th August, 2008.

3.    Presbytery grants powers to the Business Committee to appoint an ad hoc committee to enter

into discussions with the Kirk Session at Newarthill to address concerns raised by the

Complaints Committee following investigation of a complaint. 

 

 

 

154.     VACANCY PROCEDURES COMMITTEE

 

          The Presbytery called for the report of the Vacancy Procedures Committee which was given

           in by Rev. Michael Lyall, Convener.

 

          It was moved, seconded and agreed:

 

1.Presbytery receives the report.

2.         The Presbytery sustains the call of Blantyre: Livingstone Memorial to the Rev Fiona A.                                   Wilson and notes that the service of Ordination and Induction took place on Monday 17th                          November 2008. The call was signed by 163 members and adherents.

3.         The Presbytery sustains the call of Coatbridge: Middle to the Rev Dr Alexander Roger and                             appoints Thursday 8th January 2009 for the Service of Induction. The call was signed by        299                        members and adherents.

4.         The Presbytery sustains the call of Overtown to the Rev Bruce Sinclair and appoints                                      Wednesday 21st January 2009 for the Service of Ordination and Induction. The call was                                       signed by 116  members and 5 adherents.

 

 

155.     PARISH PLANNING COMMITTEE

 

            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.    The Presbytery receives the report. 

2.    Coatbridge: Blairhill Dundyvan

       i) Presbytery receives the report of the ad hoc Committee relating to the  review of tenure at                    Coatbridge: Blairhill Dundyvan.

ii) Presbytery approves the recommendation of the ad hoc Committee that Coatbridge: Blairhill                                   Dundyvan be granted a further 5 year reviewable tenure. Presbytery notes that this recommendation meets the terms of the Presbytery Plan as it relates to Coatbridge.

iii) Presbytery thanks the ad hoc Committee for its work and discharges the Committee.

  3.      Property Insurance Revaluation

           Presbytery notes that a full report on the implementation of the Property Insurance Revaluation    as instructed by the 2008 General Assembly will be presented to the February meeting of     Presbytery.

  4.       Hamilton: Old

      Presbytery notes the action of the Convener, under power granted, in granting approval to           Hamilton: Old to carry out refurbishment of the Manse kitchen and associated works at a cost of           £14,750 inclusive of VAT. Funds are to hand.

  5.       Hamilton: Gilmour and Whitehill                

            Presbytery notes the action of the Convener, under power granted, in granting approval to           Hamilton: Gilmour and Whitehill to carry out roof repairs to the Church and Manse roofs as   intimated in the detailed report at a cost of £11,309.38.

            Permission was given to apply for the release of funds.

6.         Blantyre: Old

           Presbytery notes the action of the Convener, under power granted, in granting permission to        Blantyre: Old to let the Manse during the period of the present vacancy subject to the terms and     conditions as issued by the General Trustees.

7.         Airdrie: Clarkston

           Presbytery notes the action of the Convener, under power granted,  in granting permission to       Airdrie: Clarkston to let the Manse during the period of the present vacancy subject to the terms and conditions as issued by the General Trustees.

8.        Holytown l/w Wrangholm Kirk

Presbytery notes the action of the Convener, under power granted, in approving the report on the Manse of Holytown l/w Wrangholm Kirk.

9.        Wishaw: Craigneuk and Belhaven l/w Wishaw Old

 Presbytery notes the action of the Convener, under power granted, in approving the report on the Manse of Wishaw: Craigneuk and Belhaven l/w Wishaw Old.

10.       Blantyre: Livingstone Memorial

            Presbytery notes the action of the Convener, under power granted, in approving the report on      the Manse of         Blantyre: Livingston Memorial.

11.       Wishaw: South Wishaw

            Presbytery approves the request by Wishaw: South Wishaw to seek grants and  loans which        may be available to supplement finance from building disposal and fundraising for the        subsequent phases of building development.

   This approval does not give permission to carry out any works other than those already approved by Presbytery. Completed forms and drawings detailing costs to be submitted for approval.

  12.     Overtown

      Presbytery approves the application by Overtown to carry out upgrading works and decoration    of the Manse as detailed in application at a cost of £15,900 inc VAT. Permission is given       to         apply for grants and loans which  may be available.

13.        Wishaw: Craigneuk and Belhaven

Presbytery approves the application by Wishaw: Craigneuk and Belhaven to install a new gas boiler and gas supply at a cost of £19,169 inc VAT.

Presbytery notes with concern the increase in costs to sanctuary upgrade and roof repairs to £130,593. This being due to the fact that what was intended as remedial work to the roof now identifies the roof as being nail sick.

The Office Bearers are urged to seek legal advice to establish if the Architect employed to cost and supervise the work can be held to account for the escalation in costs.

   14.    Airdrie: Clarkston

            Presbytery gives approval in principle to the application by Airdrie: Clarkston  to provide barrier    free access to Church and Halls, provision of disabled toilets and removal and treatment of rot             in the kitchen at an estimated cost of £48,000.  Permission is given to apply for grants and       loans. It is noted that £4,000 is available from local funds. Completed forms and contractors             costs to be submitted prior to full approval being given.

15.      Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s

          Presbytery approves the request by Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s to sell the Mission Hall at     Dalriada Crescent, Forgewood, Motherwell.

         

ADDENDA

 

      Wishaw: Cambusnethan North

      Presbytery approves the application  by Wishaw: Cambusnethan North to upgrade the kitchen

      within the Church Halls complex at a cost of £14,750 based on competitive tenders.

      Permission is given to apply for available grants.

 

156.     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.         Presbytery noting the serious consequences of failing to comply with Scottish Charity                                           regulations, instructs Strathaven Avendale Old with Drumclog, East Kilbride Claremont,                                       Motherwell: South and Airdrie St Columba’s to do so with immediate effect, and to write to the                            Presbytery Clerk within 14 days giving explanation for their failure to deliver the OSCR                                       monitoring form together with annual reports and accounts by the end of September.

3.        Presbytery reminds congregations of their responsibility to notify OSCR of changes in contact                    details, and to ensure that congregation names and contact details used in annual reports, and                   on all the congregation’s letterheads and documents, match those registered with OSCR and                                    displayed on the OSCR website. 

4.        Presbytery notes with concern that the following congregations were in significant default with                             their 2008 allocation payments at the end of September, and instructs them to take immediate                           action to correct the situation: Airdrie St Columba’s, Cleland, East Kilbride Claremont, Larkhall                           Chalmers, Motherwell St Margaret’s, Newarthill.

5.       Presbytery notes 2009 contributions as agreed under powers, instructs all congregations to make                        arrangements to pay contributions in full by ten or twelve monthly payments throughout the year,                                  and reminds any congregation wishing to make payments in a different pattern that they must                           obtain the permission of Presbytery to do so in 2009.

6.      Presbytery reminds congregations that the remit of the Stewardship and Finance committee              includes provision of expertise and support in relation to both the financial pressures on                    congregations and financial reporting

 

157.     CHURCH AND SOCIAL INTERESTS COMMITTEE

 

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

 

1.         The Presbytery receives the report.

2.         Presbytery is grateful for, and congratulates the staff of Shotts Prison on, the fine work being                   carried out there and commends Presbyters to broadcast this message in their congregations.

3.          Presbytery is similarly impressed by the staff employed at Dungavel House and is delighted        with the resources and facilities to be found there.

4.         Presbytery expresses its sincere gratitude to Rev. Jim Grier and Rev. Una Stewart for their

            efforts in co-ordinating teams of ministers to ensure that regular Sunday worship and weekly

            bible studies are made available to residents and staff of Dungavel.

5.         Presbytery recognizes the importance of the work being carried out by Strathclyde Police and     rejoices in the knowledge that a Christian Fellowship is active in their splendid Training College          at Jackton.

6.           Presbytery appreciates deeply the devotion and commitment of the many professionals who       have volunteered their services in the preparation of the report, Sexual Health in NHS        Lanarkshire.

7.   Presbytery encourages all Presbyters to ensure that local schools are aware of the    competition organised by the Church  of Scotland.  

 

 

158.     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 approves the appointment of Mr. Andrew Williamson and the Rev. Jim. Zambonini

            as Presbytery Chaplains.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

159.    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.           Presbytery receives the report.

2.        The Presbytery notes the application for transference of ministerial status to the Church               of Scotland of the Revd Dr Robert Calhoun, minister in good standing with the Baptist Union    of America. Details are laid on the table and comments from the committee have         been    forwarded to the Review Panel for their consideration.

3.        The Presbytery notes the application for transference of ministerial status to the Church                                  of Scotland of the Revd Kristina Herbold, minister in good standing with the Regional                                Church of Hanover. Details are laid on the table and comments have been forwarded to                                       the Review Panel for their consideration.

4.        The Presbytery notes receipt of a Study Leave Application from Rev. U Stewart                                              (Strathaven: West) with regard to the Tearfund Inspire Tour to Russia, from 13th April to                                       4th May  2009, visiting various projects and partners and on return being available as a                                          speaker.

5.        The Presbytery notes the transference of Readership of Mr William Hastings from the                                     Presbytery  of Perth.(186 Glen More St Leonards East Kilbride G74 2AN, E-mail:                                                 wphastings@hotmail.co.uk, Tel No 07954 16

6.        The Presbytery notes the transference of Readership of Mr Angus J Allan from the                                         Presbytery  of St Andrews (9 Thornwood Road, Strathaven, ML10 6HR. Tel No 01357                                         528548).

 

160.     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.

           

     1.    The Presbytery receives the report

     2.    The Presbytery encourages congregations to send a representative to the Church Without Walls Re-Energise Conference on the Year of Homecoming in January 2009.

     3.    The Presbytery instructs Kirk Sessions to arrange for the recommended Safeguarding training    for all congregational trustees in accordance with the Safeguarding Office guidelines.

 

 

161.     ADJOURNMENT

            There being no further business the Presbytery adjourned at 8.43p.m. to meet in hunc effectum

            within Coatbridge: Middle  on Thursdays 8th January, 2009 at 6.45pm for 7.00pm for the              Induction of the Rev. Dr. Alexander Roger to the charge and Parish of Coatbridge: Middle:       Overtown on Wednesday 21st January, 2009 at 6.45pm for 7.00pm for the Ordination and             Induction of Mr. Bruce Sinclair to the charge and Parish of Overtown and for Ordinary Business         within Motherwell: Dalziel St. Andrew’s Parish Church on Tuesday 3rd February, 2009 at           7.00pm.

 

 

 

 

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                        Moderator                                                                   Presbytery Clerk