KIRK SESSION – WHAT DO THEY TALK ABOUT?

The Kirk Session met on 6th November with 48 members attending and they discussed a wide range of issues.

Worship: The Worship Group had conducted morning services on 1st and 8th October when the minister was on holiday. Thanks were expressed for this and especially to Ron Livingston and Helen Howard for delivering the sermon. The Saturday Morning Book Club continues to meet and anyone is welcome to come along for breakfast at 8.45am followed by an hour of discussion. A report was received from Messy Church which has an average attendance of 30 children and 12 adults. A couple of additional volunteers are required – if you are interested in helping contact Lorna Preece. Thanks were expressed to those who read the lesson from the Bible on a Sunday morning. More volunteers are required and if you are interested please add your name to the sheet in the Centenary Chapel.

Outreach: The Kirk Session’s attention was drawn to the Mission and Discipleship Council’s participation in the key national initiative in 2018 of the Year of Young People. Greenbank has joined the initiative which aims to explore what the church can do both on a Sunday and beyond to engage in new ways with young people. As a national Church it is right that the Church of Scotland should be highlighting issues that are critical for children and young people and engaging with them to ensure their fullest inclusion in our congregations and communities across Scotland. Greenbank continues to donate generously to the North East Foodbank; if you wish to help contact Alex Howie. The Kirk Session also heard of the generous donation from Greenbank to the Lodging House Mission at Harvest. Saturday opening continues to be supported by 15 churches including twelve volunteers from Greenbank. Christmas Cards can be purchased once again each Sunday till mid-December. A report was received from Mark Allan and Ron Livingston who represent us on Christian Aid Clarkston and District. Greenbank made significant contributions through the Christian Aid Sponsored Swim, The Art Exhibition and door to door collections during Christian Aid Week.

Finance: The Financial Position was updated and this continues to show a decrease of offerings of 2.0% for the period to 15th October. Since the last report contributions have been received from the Friendship Café, 1st Clarkston Brownies, Film Society, Lunch Club, Colour Circle and from the Fun day in September. Demand from external organisations for hall space continues and generates useful income towards the upkeep of our halls. Our Crisis Fund paid out £2,000 split between the Red Cross and the Disasters Emergency Committee to alleviate suffering in recent disasters. The Treasurer presented the Budget for 2018 and advised that on present offering income trends and with only statutory and essential fabric repairs there was a projected deficit of £20,000. This compares with a projected surplus this year of just under £1,000. The Kirk Session approved the Budget and Staff Salary increases.

Fabric: The Property convenor advised the Kirk Session that a decision was awaited from Historic Environment Scotland about proposals to list the church. The annual inspection of the gas boilers within the church, manse and church officer’s house was recently completed.

Fellowship: Attention was drawn to forthcoming events – Christmas Fair on Saturday 11tNovember, Elders Away Day at
Maybole on Sunday 12th November, and the Burns Supper on Sunday 28th January 2018.

Youth: The Kirk Session received reports from the 1st Clarkston Brownies, the Boys’ Brigade and the Sunday Club. The Moderator thanked Helen Howard for agreeing to take on the role of Sunday School Superintendent. The Saturday Night Youth Club (SNAP) has met seven times since the summer break with many new members bringing the number of people attending to 35.

Other Matters: The Kirk Session agreed to support the review of the Kwenderana Partnership consisting of Greenbank, Busby, Giffnock South and Williamwood. Bill Robertson was thanked for agreeing to join the Greenbank representatives. The Moderator reported that invited invitations were sought for Church of Scotland Assembly Committees as well as an additional representative at Presbytery. After the main business was finished Ruth Forsythe, the Presbytery Spiritual Formation Advisor, led a discussion on worship, looking at various cultural, traditional and theological aspects. (Please speak to your elder if you would like further information on any of the above.)