Session Meeting - 16 January 2006

The meeting began with a tribute, from Bill Russell, to our brother Elder, Stuart Murray, who had died on January 4 from cancer at the age of 58. Stuart had recently received an award for long service on the Kirk Session in June 2005. He was a quiet living, committed Christian who liked to share his faith with others. Session gave thanks for Stuart's Christian witness and the Moderator, Rev Margaret Muir, concluded the tribute with prayer.

Vacancy

It was reported that, at last, St John's had been granted permission to call a minister "without restriction". This means that there is no time limit placed on the appointment, and should attract the greatest number of interested applicants.

Presbytery of Lanark had appointed an Advisory Committee to meet with Session prior to the appointment of a Nominating Committee to discuss what type of ministry would best suit St John's.

The Electoral Register - containing names of all members and adherents eligible to vote for a new minister - required to be checked and updated. Announcements to be made on two successive Sundays calling for members not already on Communion Roll, or others who might wish to be registered as Adherents.

Local Mission

Session agreed that the Holiday Club, which had been run by St John's for the past 15 or 16 years should not be run this year. The loss of Mike Frew, who had taken a major role in the Holiday Club, difficulties in recruiting leaders and the decline in numbers of children attending were given as reasons for this decision. The Parish Grouping Steering Committee would be asked to consider the future of the Holiday Club, possibly as a joint venture in future years. It was emphasised that the Jaffa Club was not affected by this decision, and would be held as normal.