Opening Prayer and Worship;
The meeting was opened in prayer by the Interim moderator
Sederunt: Mrs Alison Hay, Interim Moderator, Mr David Logue, Session Clerk, Mrs Libby MacDonald, Mrs Norma Kelly, Mrs Louise Logue, treasurer.
In attendance: Mrs Catherine MacLennan
Apologies: Mr Russell Anderson, Mrs Catherine Paterson, Ms Ealasaid MacKay
Minutes of meetings of the 19th September 2019: The minutes had been previously circulated. An addendum noting information taken by Mrs Kelly at the Presbytery Conference was circulated and read by those present.
The minutes and addendum were approved: proposed by Mrs Kelly, and seconded by Mrs MacDonald.
Matters arising from the above minutes:
Audio visual equipment: Mr Logue reported that the proposed site of the screen as discussed at the previous meeting had been approved by Mr Turner of CARTA. Mrs Logue reported that cost of the screen, laptop, cables and installation would be in the order of £2,500.
The meeting approved this and asked that Mrs Logue proceed with ordering the equipment and organising the installation
Extension: Mr Logue reported that the third architect approached to consider taking on the design and build of the extension had declined to proceed. Mr Logue was asked by the session to proceed with the two architectural companies who had responded.
Heartedge Conference: Mr Logue, Mrs Logue and Mrs Maclennan who had attended the conference reported back to the session on their experience and learning from the conference. All three reported that this had been a very worthwhile and encouraging event which has given them inspiration for actions for the church in the future.
Life explored: Two DVD presentations, 20 handbooks and 6 leaders books have been received. The Alpha next group are currently looking at the course which is proving to be interesting and challenging and they suggest it would be useful for a group from the congregation to undertake this. Mrs Kelly will look at the material over the next few months with a view to inviting a group together in the spring.
Worship and Mission:
Elders: Mr Logue reported that he had approached all those who had been suggested by session members as potential new elders. Mrs Maclennan had responded enthusiastically and would like to be considered. The others took the view that this would not be suitable for them at the moment.
Mrs Hay suggested that suitable training for Mrs MacLennan be considered at the next meeting.
Pastoral Care team: Mr Logue reported that this was being taken forward by Mrs Paterson.
Messy Church: Mrs Logue reported that Mrs C Smith has organised a planning meeting for the 31st October and that it is intended to have a Christmas Party on the 3rd December at Kilmartin Church. Mrs Smith is also happy to attend session to report on Messy Church matters.
Alpha/ Alpha next: As discussed at 5.5 the Alpha Next group are looking through the “Life Explored” series
Second Sunday Supper/Cafe Church: Mr Logue reported that the Second Sunday Supper on the 13th October was very successful with 26 guests. The next date is the 10th November which will be a Quiz Night with donations towards the work of Tearfund.
Mr Logue suggested that the Cafe Church at Achnamara on the 29th December be a Carol service, possibly outside and at 4.00pm, if the weather was suitable.
Mission Development Plan: Mr Logue reported on the previous meeting on the Mid Argyll Mission Plan and read from the note circulated on the meeting by Rev David Carruthers. Mr Logue will attend the next meeting on 5 November.
Remembrance service: The wreath laying service will be at 9.15am at Barnluasgan War memorial. Mr Logue reported that the piper was booked and that four people had been invited and agreed to lay the wreaths for each of the armed services and the Merchant Navy.
Community Gathering: Mrs Logue reported that this was being organised by Dr Chrystine Livingston as an alternative to the Christmas Craft Fair. It will be held on Saturday the 7th December from 11.00am to 3.00pm in Achnamara Hall.
Blytheswood Shoe Box appeal. Mrs Kelly had sent for the leaflets and suggested she do this in subsequent years. The Shoe boxes are to be collected from Lochgilphead on the 7th November. In view of this Mr Logue intimated that the “Shoe Box Service” will be on the 3rd November in Tayvallich Church.
Reports:
Interim Moderator : Mrs Hay reported that she was busy with Interim Moderator duties in several Parishes, and she was guiding each one through the Presbytery Mission Plan’
Presbytery: Mrs Kelly reported that she is busy with duties relating to her membership of the Mission and Development Committee.
Stewardship : nothing to report
Safeguarding : nothing to report
Notifiable events: nothing to report
Treasurer and Finance Committee: Mrs Logue presented the accounts for the nine month period in the financial year. Following discussion the Interim Moderator asked that this be included in the minute as an addendum.
Health and Safety: The Session expressed concern that there had been no progress on the Health and Safety Checklists and risk assessments. Mrs Hay asked that this be progressed urgently with the minimum of delay
Fabric : No report
Correspondence:
Zero Waste Scotland – Workshop 25.10.19:
Information on this event had been circulated on the Church website and on notice boards.
Presbytery Clerk: Notification has been received on –
“On line training for Moderating Kirk Session Meetings” commencing on the 1st November 2019.
“Godly Play Making Materials Day” on the 2nd November 2019 at Rothesay Trinity Church. This information was forwarded to Mrs Smith in relation to Messy Church.
“Well equipped Spaces in the right Places” survey. Mrs Logue reported she had taken part in the webinar on this and has completed the survey.
Scottish and Southern Energy: Notice has been received that SSE will be fitting “Smart meters” in Bellanoch and Tayvallich Churches on the 19th December 2019.
A note on the Mid Argyll Mission Development meeting of the 1st October was received by e-mail from Rev David Carruthers. This was discussed under item 6.6
Date of next meeting: The next meeting will be on Monday the 18th November at 7.30pm in Tayvallich Church.
Close with prayer: The meeting was closed with all praying the Grace together.