Kirk Session Meeting

17 January 2005

The Kirk Session began the meeting by standing in silent tribute to Jack Lachlan, who had died just before Christmas. Read more.

Correspondence

A letter had been regarding a petition against blasphemy from the organisation "Christian Vision". Although Session decided not to make this petition available to the congregation, it was agreed that a letter should be sent to the BBC and other broadcasters expressing our concern at the level of offensive language and blasphemy in programmes.

Minister's Report

All three Church of Scotland congregations have agreed to set up a steering group to consider Parish Grouping. The first meeting will be held in early February 2005.

St John's organisations are all now using FairTrade goods. We will also be supporting FairTrade Fortnight (March 1-13). With St John's meeting the required criteria , an application will be made for us to be considered for FairTrade status. Read more.

The minister and three other members of the congregation will attend the Large Church conference on 22 January.

After concerns over shortage of qualified leaders, the 3rd Carluke Company of the Boys' Brigade continues to meet.

In 2004, there were a total of 7 new members: 5 by profession of faith, 1 transferring from another church and 1 restored to active membership. At the same time, we lost 28 members: 15 died and 13 moved away to other churches. There were 5 baptisms. At 31 December 2004, the official church roll was 838. There were 62 Elders, of which there was an exact 50:50 split between men and women.

The Rev David Currie (Senior Mission Advisor) has been approached to act as a Mission Consultant to the congregation. The minister will meet him to discuss his role. Read More.

Local Mission Report

The fourth Alpha course was completed in November. Session gave its approval, in principle, to a Summer Holiday club in August 2005

Spiritual Growth Report

The Learning Living Prayer programme was about to start (on 19 January). The first meeting will be taken by David Currie, and David Geddes has been "booked" to take the fourth meeting.

The new church hymnbook (CH4) has still not been published due to copyright issues. The current expectation is the Spring. Other Business

Choices - the church shop - was given permission to donate £1000 to the Tsunami appeal.