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Monthly Archives: August 2018
Kirk session agenda 28 August 2018
All members of the church and community will be warmly welcomed at this important meeting to discuss the development of Tayvallich Church building.
Opening Prayer and Worship
Sederunt
Apologies
Minutes of meeting 9.8.18 – Carry forward to next meeting.
Development of Tayvallich Church Building:
What are our needs ?
Consideration of any previous plans.
Financial position
Key items for a specification
Choice of architect
Working Group to take this forward.
Next steps.
A.O.C.B (none received)
Date of next meeting
Closing Prayer
Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war
Cliff’s Sermon from 15 August 2018
Readings:
2 Samuel ch 18:
David mustered the men who were with him and appointed over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. David sent out his troops, a third under the command of Joab, a third under Joab’s brother Abishai son of Zeruiah, and a third under Ittai the Gittite. The king told the troops, “I myself will surely march out with you.”
But the men said, “You must not go out; if we are forced to flee, they won’t care about us. Even if half of us die, they won’t care; but you are worth ten thousand of us. It would be better now for you to give us support from the city.”
The king answered, “I will do whatever seems best to you.”
So the king stood beside the gate while all his men marched out in units of
hundreds and of thousands. The king commanded Joab, Abishai and Ittai, “Be gentle with the young man Absalom for my sake.” And all the troops heard the king giving orders concerning Absalom to each of the commanders.
David’s army marched out of the city to fight Israel, and the battle took place in the forest of Ephraim. There Israel’s troops were routed by David’s men, and the casualties that day were great—twenty thousand men. The battle spread out over the whole countryside, and the forest swallowed up more men that day than the sword.
Now Absalom happened to meet David’s men. He was riding his mule, and as the mule went under the thick branches of a large oak, Absalom’s hair got caught in the tree. He was left hanging in midair, while the mule he was riding kept on going.
When one of the men saw what had happened, he told Joab, “I just saw Absalom hanging in an oak tree.”
Joab said to the man who had told him this, “What! You saw him? Why didn’t you strike him to the ground right there? Then I would have had to give you ten shekels of silver and a warrior’s belt. ”
But the man replied, “Even if a thousand shekels were weighed out into my hands, I would not lay a hand on the king’s son. In our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, ‘Protect the young man Absalom for my sake.’ And if I had put my life in jeopardy—and nothing is hidden from the king —you would have kept your distance from me.”
Joab said, “I’m not going to wait like this for you.” So he took three javelins in his hand and plunged them into Absalom’s heart while Absalom was still alive in the oak tree. And ten of Joab’s armor-bearers surrounded Absalom, struck him and killed him.
Then Joab sounded the trumpet, and the troops stopped pursuing Israel, for Joab halted them. They took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the forest and piled up a large heap of rocks over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled to their homes.
During his lifetime Absalom had taken a pillar and erected it in the King’s Valley as a monument to himself, for he thought, “I have no son to carry on the memory of my name.” He named the pillar after himself, and it is called Absalom’s Monument to this day.
Now Ahimaaz son of Zadok said, “Let me run and take the news to the king that the Lord has vindicated him by delivering him from the hand of his enemies. ”
“You are not the one to take the news today,” Joab told him. “You may take the news another time, but you must not do so today, because the king’s son is dead.”
Then Joab said to a Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” The Cushite bowed down before Joab and ran off.
Ahimaaz son of Zadok again said to Joab, “Come what may, please let me run behind the Cushite.”
But Joab replied, “My son, why do you want to go? You don’t have any news that will bring you a reward.”
He said, “Come what may, I want to run.”
So Joab said, “Run!” Then Ahimaaz ran by way of the plain and outran the Cushite.
While David was sitting between the inner and outer gates, the watchman went up to the roof of the gateway by the wall. As he looked out, he saw a man running alone. The watchman called out to the king and reported it.
The king said, “If he is alone, he must have good news.” And the runner came closer and closer.
Then the watchman saw another runner, and he called down to the gatekeeper, “Look, another man running alone!”
The king said, “He must be bringing good news, too.”
The watchman said, “It seems to me that the first one runs like Ahimaaz son of Zadok.”
“He’s a good man,” the king said. “He comes with good news.”
Then Ahimaaz called out to the king, “All is well!” He bowed down before the king with his face to the ground and said, “Praise be to the Lord your God! He has delivered up those who lifted their hands against my lord the king.”
The king asked, “Is the young man Absalom safe?”
Ahimaaz answered, “I saw great confusion just as Joab was about to send the king’s servant and me, your servant, but I don’t know what it was.”
The king said, “Stand aside and wait here.” So he stepped aside and stood there.
Then the Cushite arrived and said, “My lord the king, hear the good news! The Lord has vindicated you today by delivering you from the hand of all who rose up against you.”
The king asked the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom safe?”
The Cushite replied, “May the enemies of my lord the king and all who rise up to harm you be like that young man.”
The king was shaken. He went up to the room over the gateway and wept. As he went, he said: “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you—O Absalom, my son, my son!”
Ephesians ch 4v25 – 5v2
Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body. “In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Sermon:
“Cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war”
The military order Havoc! was a signal given to the English military forces in the Middle Ages to direct the soldiery (in Shakespeare’s parlance ‘the dogs of war’) to pillage and chaos.
The ‘let slip’ is an allusion to the slip collars that were used to restrain dogs and were easily ‘let slip’ to allow the dogs to run and hunt.
What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war’?
The Black Book of the Admiralty, 1385 is a collection of laws in French and Latin that relate to the organisation of the English Navy. In the ‘Ordinances of War of Richard II’
Shakespeare was well aware of the use of the meaning of havoc and he used ‘cry havoc’ in several of his plays. The ‘cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war’ form of the phrase is from Julius Caesar, 1601. After Caesar’s murder Anthony regrets the course he has taken and predicts that war is sure to follow.
ANTONY:
Cry ‘Havoc,’ and let slip the dogs of war;
That this foul deed shall smell above the earth
With carrion men, groaning for burial.
The warlike words of Shakespeare’s plays reflect the blood thirsty attitudes of Elizabethan England. And those times were ruthless, especially for those in power, if they sought to remain in power. Treachery and skulduggery were often the order of the day.
But, the glory of war soon loses its lustre when it ceases to be a story on a page or performance on the stage.
Michael Morpurgo’s poetic, heartfelt wisdom shed an enlightened word in our direction this week in the Radio 4 edition of A Point of View aired on Friday evening and this morning at 8.45am.
He reminds us of the utter wastefulness and futility of war, and how it robs us of loved ones, fathers, brothers and uncles, and now also mothers, daughters and sisters.
Even in the so-called just war, there will be unintended casualties and ‘collateral damage’ to use the modern, sanitised phrase as politicians try to disguise their uncaring acceptance of another tragic loss or mistake in news briefings.
By the time David was a father and a grandfather, he understood the utter futility of war. And, in spite of his great prowess as a fighter, he would rather flee his estranged son Absalom than fight him to the death. However, David too was surrounded by treachery. Not only did Absalom seek to kill him and take his throne, but his own general Joab, the commander of his army, was so ruthless and unscrupulous that he would switch sides at the drop of a hat to take the best advantage for himself. One minute, he was with David, the next with Absalom. But, as soon as he saw his chance to further his selfish ambition, he took it, even if it meant disobeying the explicit orders of his king.
King David tried to protect his son, Absalom, because he loved him with a father’s love, even though the son was trying to kill him. He expressly said to all his generals including Joab and all their forces that Absalom was not to be harmed. And yet, Joab blatantly ignored that order, and killed with his own hands. Deviously, he had even tried to get someone else to do the deed.
But, when the those loyal to David refused to kill Absalom, Joab took it upon himself to begin the process. And then got his armour bearers to finish the job. No doubt, to implicate them and make David think it was someone else.
It was a cowardly deed they performed, because Absalom who was famous throughout Israel for his head of hair was caught in the tree by it. And instead of displaying mercy as David had commanded, they despatched him while he hung helpless in the tree.
It is clear by his actions, that Joab had no respect for his king David, or for the royal blood line.
The source of David’s mercy was his love for Absalom, but for those who have no love little mercy is in their hearts. Where there is love, there will be mercy and forgiveness, but without love evil will find a way to raise its ugly head.
Sin within the human heart will also rear its ugly head, when God’s loving grace in Christ Jesus is not our mainstay. In Paul’s letter to the church in Ephesus he addresses specific sins including lying, anger, stealing, corrupt speech and bitterness.
Many who champion the modern trend for self-expression and free speech are quick to disguise hateful lies as free speech. But, sadly the freedom to print lies, or slander has gone too far.
‘Fake news’ has become a popular phrase for those who seek to deny the truth and repackage their own version in tweets, or emails and even press releases. And because their poison has a ready audience who will believe what they want to hear, their lies gain traction before the truth can be heard. Often these untruths are also used to capitalise upon and amplify prejudice and fear, which gives rise to fascism and xenophobia.
The Bible, which contains the truth about God through Jesus Christ, is written to be obeyed and not just studied or listened to because we like the poetic language and the stories. This is why words like “therefore” are repeated so often in the second half of Ephesians.
“Paul was saying, “Here is what Christ has done for you. Now, in light of this, here is what we ought to do for Christ.”
We are to be doers of the Word, because of Christ in our hearts, and not merely hearers of the word.
Paul was not content to explain a principle and then leave it. He always applied it to the different areas of life that need to feel its power.
This is why the naming of sins by Paul reminds us that because the members of the church are human beings, they constantly need to throw off the old clothes of their sinful lives and put on the new clothing that Christ has given them.
Spiritual clothing that reflect a change of heart, brought about by God’s presence in our lives.
The second of those sins is anger, and when we harbour anger in our hearts and allow it to fester, we cease to be effective servants of Christ and become the unwitting agents of Satan.
And those who fan the flames of anger and discontent are equally at fault in doing the Devil’s bidding.
In your anger, do not sin. Because there is such a thing as righteous anger, but it is very difficult to prevent it from becoming sinful. If you feel anger towards your brother or sister in Christ, you must speak to them in person and speak the truth gently in love.
If, however you act in the heat of the moment, you will lose control of your anger. It is much better to take a walk and reflect upon it, before expressing your feelings. Then, the red mist will have dispersed that so often blurs the way to see clearly.
By all means put your feelings down in writing with pen and paper, or on the computer, but don’t post it straight away, and don’t press send, until you have revisited what you have put down in anger and moderated them with love and grace. If it does not come across as gracious, don’t send it. For words blurted out in anger are like firing a shot gun or releasing a grenade into a crowded room. The outcome is far more damaging and hurtful than your intended rant.
A woman tried to defend her bad temper by saying, “I explode, and then it’s all over with.”
“Yes”, replied her friend, just like a shotgun, but look at the damage that’s left behind.”
Solomon has a good solution, “A soft answer turns away wrath, but grievous words stir up anger.” (Proverbs 15:1)
Paul urges his readers to be kind and compassionate to one another and forgiving just as God forgave you.
Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly beloved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Amen.
Kirk session minutes 9 August 2018
At a meeting of the Kirk Session in Tayvallich Church on 9th August 2018 the meeting was constituted in prayer by the Moderator Rev Cliff Acklam followed with praise by all singing Hymn 555 from CH4, Amazing Grace.
Sederunt:
Moderator, Rev Cliff Acklam, Session Clerk, Mr David Logue, Elders, Mrs Libby Macdonald, Mrs Norma Kelly, Mrs Catherine Paterson, Mrs Louise Logue,
In Attendance; Mrs Alene Gardner, Mrs Marjorie Drysdale.
Apologies :
Ms Ealasaid Mackay, Mr Russell Anderson.
Minutes of the Meeting of 4th July and 15th July 2018.
The minutes of the 4th July 2018 were approved as read:
proposed by Mrs Libby MacDonald,
seconded by Mrs M Drysdale.
One addition to the minute was agreed:
Page 2 of 6 final paragraph, first sentence of section on Worship and Mission to read:
“Mr Logue reported that Alpha had developed into two streams – one where participants of previous courses continued to meet weekly, to which all elders are also warmly invited, and one open to new participants”
The minutes of the meeting of the 15th August were approved as read:
Proposed by Mrs L Logue.
Seconded by Mrs C Paterson
Matters arising
Raised Beds: It was agreed that this should be progressed and Mrs Logue agreed to take this forward.
YOYP Summary: A summary of the outcomes from the event of the meeting in April in Tayvallich Church on the Year of Young People had been included in the Service Leaflet on the 22nd of July 2018. There have been no comments received by elders on the content of this summary. It was agreed that this should be included in the Service leaflets over the next three Sundays at Bellanoch on the 12th August, Tayvallich on the 19th August and Inverlussa on the 26th August. The Rev Acklam will draw the congregation’s attention to this information during these services. The information will also be posted on the Church website.
There were no other matters arising.
Worship & Mission
Presbytery Questionnaire: The eight completed questionnaires received from the congregation were discussed fully and noted by those present. Further discussion provided information from the Kirk session to be submitted to Presbytery. It was agreed that the suggestions made from the survey to the congregation and from the survey to the Kirk session be submitted to Presbytery without further analysis or comment.
Messy Church: This would be recommencing in September following a planning meeting at a date to be decided. A letter giving details of a review of Messy Church has been distributed to all Messy church volunteers with a view to developing this initiative further. It was agreed that this letter be circulated also to elders.
Cafe Connect: this continues to be well supported and valued.
Alpha: A new Alpha course will commence in the Autumn. The “Alpha Next” group starts to meet weekly on Tuesday evenings from the 14th August following a short break. Consideration will be given by this group to either meet in the church building or split into two groups if numbers are regularly too high to meet in homes.
Pace of Hymns: It was agreed that Mrs Paterson, organist, would encourage the congregation to increase the pace of the singing of hymns.
Training
Relational Mission re-imagined – The Mission and Discipleship Council are planning a training event on the 6th October 2018 for those working with children and young people. Details are available on the Church of Scotland Website and will be circulated.
Correspondence
A request was received from Achnamara Village Hall for assistance from the Church in funding the purchase and installation of Defibrillator Equipment to be sited at Achnamara Hall. It was agreed that it would not be appropriate that donations given to the church be used to purchase this equipment. It was agreed that the church would be pleased to partner with the Hall in running a fund raising event, and also that the congregation would be invited to make individual donations towards this purchase of equipment.
Proposed sale of Inverlussa Church Building – The General Trustees had notified the Session Clerk that the Church building was to be valued by DM Hall and that a visit would take place on the 2nd August 2018. Mr Scott Hughes of Greenbox would also visit the building at a date to be specified to carry out the mandatory Energy Performance Certificate. The General Trustees were also pursuing information on the local landowner of the area around the church for wayleaves for water and drainage.
Reports
Minister: The Minister addressed comments from the congregation, which had been received by some elders, including one letter, which raised concerns by them on the praise content of the service held on the 5th August. The Rev Mr Acklam pointed out that the responsibility for the content of Worship lies with the Minister
He noted that the reasons for his inclusion of new praise songs using recorded material was that; this was a reflection on the Church’s commitment to the Year of Young People, that the General Assembly this year had stressed the need for churches to try out new things, that the church should be looking for ways to adapt to changing culture if it is to survive, and also that he had been informed that there would be at least six teenagers present in the congregation on that day. It was agreed by all that the technical equipment and provision was inadequate.
This was a short section in an otherwise traditional service and was well received by visiting young people.
Several elders raised comments from some who had attended that it is important that the preferences of the more traditional members of the congregation be considered as it is important that the style of praise music reflect all members of the congregation.
Several members had commented positively on the music provided by Mr C. Tabraham at the previous service in Inverlussa.
It was agreed that the Session Clerk would seek advice from the Church Offices on what form of suitable equipment could be incorporated into the Tayvallich Church building to facilitate worship.
Mr Logue and Mrs MacDonald raised their concerns over individual elders carrying out home visits to people living on their own.
Stewardship – no report
Safeguarding: Mr Logue reported that the July edition of Safeguarding News had been received. The Safeguarding Officer advised that as he has taken on the role of Session Clerk it would be more appropriate if another person became the Safeguarding Officer. He agreed to circulate to the elders the main functions and responsibilities of Safeguarding Officer.
Notifiable Events: nothing to report
Presbytery: Mrs Kelly reported on the June meeting of Presbytery.
Presbytery met for the ordination of the new Moderator, Rev R Campbell, which included a meditation, and a tribute to the Minister retiring from Islay.
Items of business included:
A Chaplain to farmers is to be appointed
The post of Property Consultant is to be advertised
The Questionnaire on Mission and Discipleship was discussed.
David Carruthers is now Presbytery treasurer.
Fees for pulpit Supply have been increased from 1 January 2018.
Training on taking Funerals and also Leading Worship are to be arranged.
Treasurer & Finance Committee: The Coffee morning raised £988.
Fabric: Work was still be carried out on the woodwork at the door of Tayvallich Church building.
Session Administration:
Safeguarding Officer: David Logue requested that consideration to be given to someone else taking on this role along with the lead role on GDPR.
Members role: Mrs Logue agreed to take on the management of the Electoral Roll from the Session Clerk
Recently retired Session Clerk and Elder/organist: It was agreed that donations would be requested from the congregation for the purchase of a gift for Mr and Mrs Cameron in recognition of their extremely valuable and long service to the church.
Correspondence received;
The Rev. Mr Acklam pointed out that correspondence received by members of the Kirk Session from the congregation in relation to Church business should be forwarded to the Minister and Session Clerk as soon as practicable for consideration for inclusion in the next Session agenda where appropriate. The minister is responsible for matters relating to the style and content of worship.
Church Buildings
Inverlussa and Achnamara Hall:
It was agreed that the Minister would make enquiries as to whether the final service at the closure of Inverlussa Church would be led by Presbytery or North Knapdale.
It was agreed that the Session Clerk write to the Achnamara Hall Committee requesting a meeting to discuss the use of the Hall for Church Services following the closure of the Inverlussa Church building.
Development plans for Tayvallich Church.
It was agreed that this would be deferred to the next meeting.
Storage in Tayvallich Church:
It was agreed that the Session clerk would research the availability and cost of a suitable wooden or similar storage structure for the materials currently stored in the back pews and in the Vestry. The Rev Cliff Acklam offered to have the Messy Church materials stored in the Manse on a temporary basis
Insurance renewal checklist: Mrs Logue reported that this check list would be completed by her and Mr Anderson, Property Convenor, on behalf of the Session. The purpose of the check list is to ensure that changes to the buildings are appropriately notified to the Insurers.
Social Events.
Coffee Morning: Mrs Logue reported that she and Dr. Livingston would welcome ideas for next year. They had decided to have a children’s sales table rather than a “Lucky Dip” and to replace the “Guess the Birthday” with a “Guess the Cake weight”. Thanks were expressed to the member who had for many years donated the soft toy prize for this event. Rev Cliff Acklam thanked all who had been involved in the organisation and running of this successful coffee morning.
A.O.C.B. – None raised
Date of Next Meeting:
The next meeting is on the 28th August at 7.30pm at Tayvallich Church.
The principal item for this meeting will be the development of Tayvallich Church Building. The meeting was closed by saying the Grace together.
Worship workshops
Worship Workshops at the Manse will continue each Tuesdays from 12:30 pm over packed lunch followed by a look at how worship preparation can emerge from sharing our thoughts on God’s word. Aiming to finish around 2:30 – 3 pm.
Before Tuesday, please look at the Church of Scotland (weekly worship and Sanctuary first) websites, and bring a laptop, iPad or iPhone if you possess one – but don’t worry if you don’t.
Anyone who is interested in helping to shape the worship in our two congregations is very welcome. For more details phone Cliff on 606926.
Year of young people review results
In April this year we held an event in Tayvallich Church to explore how we can respond to the Church of Scotland’s challenge that we make 2018 the Year of Young People locally.
At the event which was attended by a number of people from the church and also from other organisations in Mid-Argyll we completed a “Children and Young People Health Check” which had been produced by the Church of Scotland to help us to evaluate our current engagement with children and young people.
This is a short summary of the outcomes from that “Health Check” for North Knapdale.
The “Health Check” is in the form of 18 Questions or statements on what we think is our church’s current position in relation to our engagement with children and young people.
There were 3 sections of the Questionnaire:
Section 1 “Being Church together”, the place of young people in the church services;
Section 2 “Forming Together”, the way the church and young people are encouraged and develop faith together;
Section 3 exploring the church’s engagement with, and connection to young people in the community.
The main points from the answers submitted are:
There is a wide range of views on where our church currently stands in our relationship with, connection to, and impact on children and young people in the parish.
We are weak in all the areas of the “Health check”.
The two lowest scoring questions were:
“We are all growing in our discipleship – including children and young people”
“Our church recognises and supports children and young people with the problems they face in their daily lives.”
The two highest scoring questions were:
“Our Church takes seriously Jesus challenge to welcome and include children and young people”
“Our church values children’s and young people’s presence in our main worship gatherings”
What can we do to improve our connections with young people?
Is this important for us?
If you have any ideas, can give any time or resources, and want to talk about this further in the church, please let the minister or any of the elders know and we can see if we can get something happening for our young people in this area.
Kirk session minutes 15 July 2018
At a meeting of the Kirk Session in Bellanoch Church on the 15th July 2018 at 1.00pm the meeting was constituted in prayer by the Moderator, the Rev. Clifford Acklam.
Sederunt:
Moderator, the Rev. Clifford Acklam. Elders, Mrs Louise Logue, Mrs Libby MacDonald, Mrs Norma Kelly, Mrs Catherine Paterson, Mr David Logue.
Apologies:
Apologies were received from Miss Ealasaid Mackay.
Minutes of previous meeting.
As this meeting is constituted for the sole purpose of appointing a Session Clerk following the resignation of Mr Alan Cameron, the minutes of the previous meeting of the 4th July 2018 were carried forward to the next meeting of the Session on the 9th August 2018.
Session Administration:
The Moderator asked for nominations for the role of Session Clerk which is currently vacant.
Mr David Logue was proposed and he confirmed that he would be willing to take on the role. There were no other nominations. Following discussion, Mr David Logue was appointed with the unanimous support of all present.
Mr Logue then took the oath de fidele administratione (“I promise to carry out faithfully the duties of Session Clerk”).
D.O.N.M.
The next meeting will be at 7.30pm on the Thursday 9th August in Tayvallich Church.
The meeting closed by saying the grace together.
Kirk Session Minutes 4 July 2018
At a meeting of the Kirk Session in Tayvallich Church on 4th July 2018 the meeting was constituted in prayer by the Moderator, Rev Clifford Acklam. The meeting replaced that scheduled for 29th May 2018.
SEDERUNT
Present were Moderator, Rev Clifford Acklam, Session Clerk, Mr Alan Cameron, Elders, Mr David Logue, Mrs Louise Logue and Mrs Libby MacDonald.
In Attendance
Mrs Marjorie Drysdale and Mrs Mo Taylor.
APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Mrs Valerie Cameron, Mrs Norma Kelly, Miss Ealasaid Mackay and Mrs Catherine Paterson.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING
The Minutes of the Kirk Session Meeting of 24th April 2018 were approved.
Proposed by Rev C. Acklam
Seconded by Mrs M. Drysdale
MATTERS ARISING
The Columba Experience
Rev Acklam reported that he had met the group in Achnamara. He had not, as yet, received feedback on the week from Kenny Wilson.
Malawi Visit
Mr D Logue reported that the visitors from Malawi should be here in late September. They currently await processing of visas.
WORSHIP & MISSION
Weekly Prayer Meetings – Tayvallich Church
Mr D Logue reported that the Monday morning prayer meetings have not been well attended. It was agreed that after two years it was now time to discontinue the meetings. Rev Acklam encouraged elders to meet with their elders’ groups. Year of Young People 2018
Further to the comments contained in the minutes of 24th April 2018, it was agreed that Mr D Logue should issue to the congregation a summary of his analysis arising from the meeting of 10th April 2018.
Pulpit Supply
During the Minister’s absence on leave, the arrangements are
Sunday 22nd July Morning Worship Tayvallich Mr David Logue Messy Church
Mr D Logue and Mrs L Logue had attended the Grand Messy Church BBQ held at A’Chleit beach. It was a lively, successful event.
Mrs L Logue reported that she had been working with Mrs Courtney Smith on the Messy Church Self Review.
The next planning meeting will be in August in readiness for a September meeting of Messy Church to coincide with the Malawi visitors being here.
Cafe Connect
Cafe Connect is still well attended. Mrs L Logue suggested that on 29th July a Cafe Church in Achnamara Hall might replace morning worship at Inverlussa. This suggestion was not approved but it was agreed that it might be considered when Inverlussa Church is no longer in use.
Alpha
Mr D Logue reported that Alpha had developed into two streams – one where participants of previous courses continued to meet and one open to new participants. The venue for the next course commencing this Autumn has not yet been decided.
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter from the General Trustees 21 June 2018
At a meeting on 12th June 2018 the General Trustees made the Determination set out in the annexation hereto.
Annexation referred to
In the case of the application of the Kirk Session of Knapdale congregation, the General Trustees
1) authorise the sale of the former Inverlussa church at such price and on such other terms and conditions as may be decided by them in consultation with the Kirk Session and (2) determine that the free proceeds of sale shall, subject to the operation of the Levy under Regulation 8 2008, be credited to the benefit of the congregation in the Consolidated Fabric Fund.
The Session Clerk will notify the General Trustees of the inaccuracies contained in the Determination.
Email from the Church of Scotland Rural Working Group 27 June 2018
There will be a Digital Footprint Conference on Saturday 4th August in Inverurie West Church. The Sanctuary First team will advise on using digital technology and social media to refresh, re-engage and recommit. The Rural Working Group will also be sharing their suite of new resources, including tips for governance and working with the General Trustees.
REPORTS
Minister
Rev Acklam advised that he still awaited his visa and was therefore unable to provide further details about his demission from this charge.
Although there had been an end of term service with Glassary School, there had been no development in the relationship with Tayvallich School.
Stewardship
Mrs N Kelly had submitted information on the Christian Aid Harvest Appeal. Every gift of £1 will become £5 thanks to funding from the European Union and will benefit projects in Burkina Faso, Honduras, Malawi and Ethiopia. Mr D Logue will take this forward to the joint Harvest service planned for the Malawi visit.
Safeguarding
Nothing to report.
Notifiable Events
There were no notifiable events
Presbytery
Rev C Acklam attended the meeting of Presbytery on 5th June 2018. The new Moderator Rev Roderick Campbell was installed. Presbytery Elder, Mrs N Kelly will provide a further report at the next meeting of Kirk Session.
Treasurer & Finance
Mrs L Logue confirmed that transfers of funds had taken place as authorised. £70,000 being the balance of manse sale proceeds transferred to the Capital Account Growth Fund for fabric purposes and £20,000 to a similar account but for general congregational purposes. Disbursement of funds by BACS was discussed. The Session Clerk advised that a financial limit being part of a financial policy would be required to protect both the church and its treasurer.
It was agreed that cheques with dual signatories would continue to be used.
Fabric
Nothing to report.
SESSION ADMINISTRATION
Elders
Mr A Cameron, Session Clerk stated that due to a change in family circumstances he would regretfully be resigning with effect from 6th July 2018. Both he and Mrs V Cameron would also move to the Inactive Elders List. Session noted with great appreciation Mr Cameron’s service as an elder, Fabric Convener from 1984 to 2011 and Session Clerk from 2011 to date.
Mrs V Cameron’s service as an elder was also greatly appreciated and particularly her great contribution to the life of the church through her music as organist since 1972 until the present.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
Presbytery has instructed congregations to follow the Law Department’s guidelines on updating Data Protection policies and procedures in the light of GDPR. Congregations are required to appoint someone as a “lead” on data protection issues, read the available guidance and become familiar with what is involved to ensure compliance with the law. Mr D Logue agreed that he would act as lead in the short term.
Presbytery Representative Elder
The Kirk Session appointed Mrs Norma Kelly a bone fide acting elder of the Congregation to represent them in The Presbytery of Argyll during the year ending 30th June 2019.
ELDER TRAINING
Mr D Logue had attended a course in Dornoch to be trained in being an Interim Moderator. The Session Clerk asked Session to note that in the terms of the Vacancy Procedure Act, Section 6 Sub Section 1, an Interim Moderator “shall not be a member of the vacant charge nor a member of the Vacancy Procedure Committee.”
CHURCH BUILDINGS
There was some discussion on short and long term building needs.
Tayvallich – There is an urgent need for a storage facility for the Messy Church equipment which is presently blocking rear pews and looks unsightly. There was no definite conclusion but it was likely that temporary screening would be best. Removal of further pews and the building of cupboards in the main worship area would not be allowed without the approval of 121 and consultation with the congregation.
The long proposed rear extension to Tayvallich church was also discussed. Mr A Cameron favoured a bolder plan than that envisaged some years ago – plans to be revisited.
Mrs Logue suggested that raised beds could be installed at the north end of Tayvallich churchyard. This would be involving Messy Church and hopefully members of the wider community. Session approved and the congregation will now be consulted.
Achnamara – Mr D Logue was concerned that with the impending sale of Inverlussa church we should make our future position clear to the Achnamara Hall Committee. The committee is currently working on the possible purchase of the hall site and some surrounding land. Mr A Cameron suggested that part of the site could be purchased by the church with a view to building a new church beside the redeveloped hall. The church could be a hall church used for worship and smaller meetings and the main hall used for sport and social gatherings. In the short term Session agreed that we should write a letter to the Hall Committee.
SOCIAL EVENTS
Summer Coffee Morning
Chrystine Livingston and Mrs Libby MacDonald have been working hard on the organisation of this event which will be on 21st July 2018 from 10.30 am until noon. Posters and new church information leaflets have been produced. Producers of publicity material were reminded to include the Church’s charity registration number.
A.O.C.B.
Questionnaire on Local Community needs and Mission Priorities
This questionnaire issued by Presbytery has questions for both individuals and Kirk Sessions. The return is required by 17th August 2018. It was agreed that questions for individuals would be incorporated in the Order of Service leaflet and also that elders would consider their response to the questions for Kirk Sessions before the next meeting of Kirk Session.
D.O.N.M.
The date of the next meeting will be Thursday 9th August 2018 at 7.30 pm in Tayvallich Church.
The meeting was closed by saying the grace together.
Kirk session agenda 9 August 2018
Tayvallich Church – 7.30pm
Opening Prayer
Sederunt
Apologies
Minutes of the Meeting of 4th July and 15th July 2018
Matters arising
Raised Beds
YOYP Summary
Other
Worship & Mission
Presbytery Questionnaire
Messy Church
Cafe Connect
Alpha
Pace of Hymns
Training
Relational Mission re-imagined – Mission and discipleship Council
Correspondence
Request for Defib funding – Achnamara
Proposed sale of Inverlussa – General Trustees
Reports
Minister
Stewardship
Safeguarding
Notifiable Events
Presbytery
Treasurer & Finance Committee
Fabric
Session Administration
Safeguarding Officer
GDPR
Members roll
Church Buildings
Inverlussa and Achnamara Hall
Development plans for Tayvallich Church.
Storage in Tayvallich Church
Insurance renewal checklist
Social Events
Coffee Morning.
A.O.C.B.
Date of Next Meeting