At a service held in St. Andrew’s Parish Church, Blantyre on Thursday, 26 March 2015, led by the Moderator, the Rev. Fiona Nicolson, assisted by the Rev. Fiona McKibben, the congregations of Blantyre: Livingstone Memorial and Blantyre: St. Andrew’s were linked. The linked charge will now proceed to seek to call a minister in accordance with the Presbytery Plan.

‘History in the Making’ reflects on issues and topics of World Mission in the past century and their relevance today. The event - featuring speakers Callum Henderson, Peter Chirnside, and Carol Findlay - will take place in Dalziel St. Andrew’s Church, Motherwell on Saturday 18th April, from 10:00 am till 12.30pm. Download the digital flyer by clicking here.

Presbytery’s World Church committee has brought a number of matters to members’ attention. Fairtrade Fortnight is currently underway and affords an opportunity for reflection on shopping habits and patterns. With the approach of the UK General Election in May, Presbytery has encouraged members to question Parliamentary candidates on party policies, including immigration, asylum seekers, foreign aid and trade reform. Attention was also drawn to the recent meeting of the Moderator of the General Assembly’s meeting with Pope Francis and Congregations were encouraged to engage in ecumenical initiatives where possible.

At its recent meeting, Presbytery received a presentation from Paul O’Shea, development officer for the Boys’ Brigade. Paul reminded Presbytery of the historical development of the organisation, from its foundation in Glasgow in 1883 through to its current international presence during which time it has maintained its objectives of Christian outreach and youth work. The Boys’ Brigade currently has 58 companies in Lanarkshire involving over 2,500 young people and some 700 adult volunteers. A key message from Paul was the life skills acquired by participants in leadership, team and relationship building, with recognition through a progressive series of awards. Presbytery commended the work of the Boys’ Brigade and invited Congregations which do not currently have a company to give consideration to the establishment of one.

At a Service held in Middle Parish Church, Coatbridge on Tuesday, 24 February 2015, the Moderator, on behalf of Presbytery linked Coatbridge: Blairhill Dundyvan and Coatbridge: Middle. The Kirk Sessions and Congregations have subsequently agreed to pursue Interim Ministry for the linked charge, with an Interim Minister likely to be introduced in the coming months.