Session Meeting - 17 October 2005

Mrs Liz Barthram was sworn in as Depute Session Clerk, and her first duty was to deputise for Session clerk, Graham Jackson, due to the latter being ill.

The Moderator, Rev Mike Frew, summarised the Parish Grouping project currently being considered by the three Church of Scotland congregations in the town. Session formally agreed to proceed further with the project. To this end, a Congregational Meeting would be called for Sunday 6 November, after morning worship to allow the congregation to discuss Parish Grouping and decide whether it would endorse Session's decision (see page 16). Copies of the consultation papers provided to Session would be made available to the congregation.

Session also received copies of Rev David Currie's report on his findings during the Mission Consultancy carried out over the past 8 or 9 months. For a summary of the report, see page 14. The report would be the basis of the Elders' Conference on 12 November.

In his final report as Moderator, Rev Mike Frew stated that it had been a privilege to work with the Kirk Session of St John's over the past 14 years. He felt that, although they had not always agreed with each other, both Session and he had listened to each other's point of view. He had often found himself looking forward to Session meetings and he had felt a strong sense of fellowship. He then vacated the chair to Rev Margaret Muir, who had been appointed as Interim Moderator.

The Interim moderator reported that Rev Susan Cowell had volunteered to act as locum during the vacancy, covering Sunday services and funerals. She should have one Sunday off every two months. Much of the responsibility for the pastoral care of the congregation will devolve to the Eldership.