Monday, August 23, 2010

Extension of Minister's Tenure

It came as a surprise to most of us that our Minister, the Rev Randolph Scott was to reach the retiral age of 65 in May 2011. However, I am happy to say, that, in accordance with the rules of the Church of Scotland, Randolph has applied for an extension which will take him, if he wishes, to the age 70. This meant writing a letter of request to Presbytery and having a representative from there to come to report on the Church and conduct a vote for the members of the congregation.
The Presbytery representative was the Rev Dr David Coulter, a senior Army Chaplain, (seen here in St. Columba's Church) accompanied by his wife, Grace.
Randolph took the Service and David preached the Sermon on the subject of the "call" to serve God.


At the conclusion of the service, the vote was taken with the result overwhelmingly in favour of Randolph extending his tenure after next May. The result and the report will be considered by Presbytery in due course.
The picture, taken in the hall shows, from left to right, Mr George Thain, our Presbytery representative, the Rev Dr David Coulter and our own minister, the Rev Randolph Scott.

On other matters: In use for the first time today is a new stair carpet on the stair leading to the Upper Hall. It is coated with a special substance which makes it easier to clean. Please remember that, for those who cannot manage the stairs, we now have a new lift, which was the subject of a previous blog.
The project for this year's "Easter Appeal"was the installation of a new sound system in the Church. Estimates were received and at a meeting of the Kirk Session and the Board before today's Service, it was decided to spend the money raised on various pieces of new equipment. It is hoped to have it all installed in the near future.