ATTENDANCE Dr Iain B Galbraith, Moderator, the Rev David Clark, Clerk, and with them 20 Ministers and 37 Elders and others as in the attendance book.

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1 273 At DUMBARTON, and within DUMBARTON RIVERSIDE PARISH CHURCH, on the sixth day of October 2015, the Presbytery of Dumbarton there met and was duly constituted with prayer. ATTENDANCE Dr Iain B Galbraith, Moderator, the Rev David Clark, Clerk, and with them 20 Ministers and 37 Elders and others as in the attendance book. APOLOGIES for absence were made and noted. WELCOME - The Moderator welcomed Ms Marie-Clare Dungavel, recently appointed Development Worker in the charge of Dumbarton Riverside linked with Dumbarton West Kirk and offered prayer for Ms Dungavel and her work. The Moderator also welcomed the Rev Margaret McArthur, recently inducted to the charge of Cardross, to her first meeting of Presbytery. MINUTES The minute of the meetings of 1 and 24 September 2015 was approved. APPROVAL OF AGENDA - The Agenda for the meeting was approved. INTIMATIONS were made and noted concerning Human Trafficking and the opportunity to participate in the consultation re the BBC s Charter renewal. ANNIVERSARIES OF ORDINATION The Moderator offered the congratulations and good wishes of Presbytery to four ministers, the anniversaries of whose Ordination to the Ministry fall in 2015, as follows : Rev Ramsay Shields (25 years); Rev Leslie Donaghy (25 years); Rev Ian Miller (40 years); Rev David W Clark (40 years) The Clerk was instructed to write to all, with the congratulations of Presbytery. ADDRESS FROM CHURCH AND SOCIETY COUNCIL Ms Fiona Buchanan, Local Involvement Officer with the Church and Society Council, addressed Presbytery in connection with the launch of that Council s initiative Speak Out 10,000 Voices for Change BUSINESS COMMITTEE Presbytery called for the Report of the Business Committee, which was given by the Convener, Rev Fergus Buchanan Presbytery 2. note receipt from the General Trustees of the Determination authorising the sale of the former Helensburgh : Park Church and Halls 3. in respect of the Presbytery Holy Land Bursary Scheme : a. note the continued success and positive impact of the Scheme b. thank congregations within Presbytery for their continued generous support of the scheme c. invite congregations to make their annual contribution to the scheme d. instruct the Clerk to write to each congregation reminding them that contributions are due

2 274 Presbytery viewed a short presentation of recent developments in the Holy Land Bursary Scheme. SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON KILMARONOCK GARTOCHARN Presbytery called for the Report of the Special Committee on Kilmaronock Gartocharn, which was given by the Convener, Rev Fergus Buchanan It was moved and seconded that Presbytery 2. receive the report of the Interim Ministry Consultation period, thank the Consultation Team for their efforts, and note with appreciation the progress made in assisting the congregation (Appendix C) 3. encourage the Kirk Session and congregation in their endeavours to address the opportunities for mission within the whole parish 4. permit the Kirk Session to continue to use both church buildings for worship, alternating according to the pattern of recent years 5. review the use of church buildings in 2020, with the proviso that an earlier review may be undertaken in the light of Property Surveys or other fabric concerns 6. instruct full and thorough Property Surveys of both church buildings through Presbytery s Property Committee It was moved and seconded as an amendment that : Presbytery - 2. receive the report of the Interim Ministry Consultation period, thank the Consultation Team for their efforts, and note with appreciation the progress made in assisting the congregation (Appendix C) 3. encourage the Kirk Session and congregation in their endeavours to address the opportunities for mission within the whole parish 4. note that all decisions regarding the number and location of all buildings within the Presbytery area must be made in accordance with the Appraisal and Adjustment Act (Act VII 2003) and that the Planning Principles must be applied.. 5. instruct the Planning Committee to consider the future of the Kilmaronock Gartocharn church buildings as part of its five-year review of the Presbytery Plan 6. permit the Kirk Session to continue to use both church buildings for worship, alternating according to the pattern of recent years until such time as the fiveyear review of the Presbytery Plan has been completed in terms of section 3(3) of the Act. 7. instruct full and thorough Property Surveys of both church buildings through Presbytery s Property Committee

3 275 After debate, Presbytery permitted the withdrawal of the original deliverance and its replacement by the Amendment. Accordingly the Amendment was agreed. PLANNING COMMITTEE Presbytery called for the Report of the Planning Committee, which was given by the Convener, Mrs Christine Cavanagh Presbytery 2. note that at congregational meetings held on 20 September 2015 the following votes were recorded on a draft Basis of Part-time Ministry (70% full-time) on Reviewable Tenure in the charge of Arrochar linked with Luss : Arrochar 17 for 0 against Luss 29 for 0 against 3. approve the Basis of Part-time Ministry (70% full-time) on Reviewable Tenure as appended as Appendix A 4. subject to the approval of the Presbytery Planning Task Group, grant permission to the linked congregations of Arrochar and Luss to call a Minister in terms of the above Basis AD HOC COMMITTEE ON MINISTRY AND MISSION CONTRIBUTIONS Presbytery called for the Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Ministry and Mission Contributions, which was given by the Convener, Rev Fergus Buchanan Presbytery: 2. note that the discretionary allowance has been increased to 5% for the year encourage congregations to apply for a reduction in their Ministry and Mission contribution in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Department of Stewardship and Finance. 4. establish a Presbytery Committee to consider applications. 5. the Committee to contain representatives of the following Committees of Presbytery: Ministry, Visitation, Stewardship and Finance, Planning, and Property. 6. the Committee to be convened by the Convener of the Business Committee. 7. applications should be made by 31 December 2015 for approval at the February 2016 meeting of Presbytery. STEWARDSHIP & FINANCE Presbytery called for the Report of the Stewardship & Finance Committee, which was given by the Convener, Mr Robert Kinloch

4 276 Presbytery 2. note the attached list of proposed Ministry and Mission allocations for 2016 as in appendix B 3. instruct the Clerk to notify Congregational Treasurers of the proposed Ministry and Mission allocations for any representations or appeals concerning individual congregational proposed allocations should be submitted to the Clerk, with any necessary documentation by Wednesday 21 October 2015 for consideration VACANCY PROCEDURE COMMITTEE Presbytery called for the Report of the Vacancy Procedure Committee, which was given by the Convener, Mr Hamish Scott Presbytery : 2. note that the following decisions have been taken by the Vacancy Procedure Committee : a. thank the Rev Elizabeth Houston for her period of service as Interim Moderator for the charge of Arrochar linked with Luss and release her as from 30 September b. appoint Mr Hamish Scott to be the Interim Moderator of the charge with effect from 1 October SAFEGUARDING Presbytery called for the Report of the Safeguarding Team, which was given by the Leader, Mrs Maureen Walker Mrs Walker gave details of training courses now arranged in different areas of the Presbytery and emphasised the need for all Kirk Sessions to ensure that their procedures and training were up to date. COMMUNICATIONS The Clerk gave notice of a Service of Thanksgiving for 70 years of service by Christian Aid, to be held in St Giles Cathedral, Edinburgh on Tuesday 10 November at 7.30pm, the service being open to all. NEXT MEETING There being no other competent business the Presbytery adjourned to meet on : Tuesday 3 November 2015 at 7.30pm at Dumbarton Riverside Parish Church for ordinary business and Presbytery Conference on the subject of Fabric Matters whereof public intimation having been made, the meeting closed with prayer.. Moderator. Clerk

5 277 Appendix A The Church of Scotland PRESBYTERY OF DUMBARTON Basis of Part-time Ministry Arrochar linked with Luss The Congregations of Arrochar and Luss, already linked and being vacant, shall continue to be linked and be served by a Minister of Word and Sacrament on the basis of 70% of full-time ministry under the following terms and conditions : 1 Name, Territorial Responsibility, Property and Funds, and Place of Worship The name, parish boundaries, property and funds, and place of worship of Arrochar Parish Church (SC008929) and Luss Parish Church (SC017192) shall remain as at present. 2 Kirk Session The Minister of the charge shall be the Moderator of the Kirk Sessions. 3 Congregational Management The temporal affairs of the congregation of Arrochar shall be administered as at present by the Congregational Board constituted as in the Model Deed of Constitution and at Luss as at present by the Kirk Session under the Unitary Constitution. 4 Ministry The congregations, being vacant, shall proceed to call a Minister on Reviewable Tenure on the basis of 70% of full-time ministry, the Review to take place no earlier than six months before the fifth anniversary of the Induction of the Minister and on the understanding that Presbytery may, after such Review, terminate the appointment of the Minister upon giving six months notice in writing. The pattern and parameters of the Part-time Ministry shall be agreed in writing by the Kirk Sessions, the Minister being called and Presbytery in consultation, if necessary, with the Ministries Council, prior to Induction to the charge. 5 Manse The Manse at Luss shall be the manse of the linked charge. 6 Ministerial Support The Stipend of the Minister shall be paid in accordance with the terms of the National Stipend Scheme. 7 Power to Readjust While these articles and terms shall form the Basis of Part-time Ministry the congregations shall be free like other congregations, to adjust arrangements under the authority of Presbytery as need may arise.

6 Appendix B 278 Presbytery of Dumbarton Ministry & Mission Contributions Congregation 2015 after 3% reduction 2015 further reduction 2015 final 2016 proposed Alexandria Arrochar Baldernock Bonhill Cardross Abbotsford Clydebank Faifley Kilbowie St Andrews Bearsden Cross Bearsden Baljaffray Radnor Park Craigrownie Dalmuir Barclay Dumbaron Riverside Dumbarton St Andrews Duntocher Trinity Garelochhead Park Helensburgh St And. Helensburgh Helensburgh Jamestown Killermont Kilmaronock Gartocharn Luss Cairns Milngavie St Luke's St Paul's Bearsden New Kilpatrick Old Kilpatrick Bowling Renton Trinity Rhu & Shandon Rosneath St Modan's Westerton Clydebank St Cuthberts West Kirk Dumbarton

7 279 Appendix C Update from Interim Ministry Team Working with Kilmaronock Gartocharn Parish Church September 2015 Background As part of an interim ministry consultancy pilot scheme, we were asked by the Interim Ministry Task Group of the Ministries Council to offer assistance to the congregation of Kilmaronock Gartocharn. The congregation has remained aware of the decision of Presbytery of 14 September 2004 confirming its present view that only one building is required for the work of the parish, but that a final decision concerning this view or which building would be used, be delayed until the time of the review of the ministry ie at five years from the date of the induction of the new minister. This had remained a source of conflict within the congregation. We updated Presbytery in a written report in April 2015, which outlined the initial steps we had taken, what we had heard from our meetings with office-bearers, and that we had set up of a process group. We have also twice met with representatives of the Presbytery to update them on progress. The Process Group The membership of this sub-group group was selected at a congregational meeting, and consisted of 5 members including the Treasurer, the Property Convenor, the Clerk to the Board and 2 members of the congregation. Of the group, 3 have become members of the KG only in the last 3 years, and as such brought both a fresh eye to the matter, and also a level of expertise in property and business. They sought to look at all the options available to the congregation, and as such gathered the financial statistics and fabric reports, as well as doing a SWOT analysis for the congregation, together with an informal community survey. Their work brought to light some of the changes that had happened within both the congregation and the communities which the congregation serve. The full details can be made available to Presbytery, and the expertise is there within the group to make, if needed, further research to community needs and wants. The work of the group highlighted the following: That there are two distinct and geographically separate communities. That the designation of being a national park brought unique changes and challenges. That the two church buildings are used separately in the summer and winter and are seen as two halves of the one whole. While an assessment could not be fully made with regard to the loss of congregational giving if one building were to close, an analysis shows that a major part of income stems from the Kilmaronock building, where as most of the activity and missional possibilities are rooted in the Gartocharn building. The total expenditure on heating, lighting and maintenance for both buildings in 2014 was 5, That having only one building, will not equate to halving of expenditure, and the remaining building would then incur greater heating and lighting costs as it would then be used for the whole year. Equally, the estimated costs to upgrade each building separately is 70,000 each. If both buildings were used, then costs could be reduced to 100,000, as not all work would then be done in each building. That over the last 25 years, the gross spend on buildings has been 81,136 on the manse and 31,389 on the church buildings. Disposing of the manse, has made the congregation more financially secure.

8 280 The congregation has had 10 new members over the last 3 years, equating to a 5% increase in membership. The sub group of the congregation presented their findings. They concluded that using two church buildings rather that one had no significant impact on church finances and would have a significant healing effect on a long running sore in the congregation. They also believe that the awareness of the local community in relation to the church building issue over such a protracted period has blighted their witness in their community. The sub group presented their findings first to the Kirk Session and Congregational Board, and then to the Presbytery ad hoc group. In that discussion, it was highlighted that by asking Presbytery permission to continue their pattern of worship every six months reopens the wound and creates anxiety about the congregation s future. The ad hoc group from Presbytery having listened to the presentation and asked questions said that they would support the congregation having the opportunity to present a case to Presbytery for a continuation of this traditional pattern of using both church buildings. Significantly, it would allow the congregation to feel that they were entering the next phase of Presbytery planning on a level footing with other congregations, but further, it would then afford them the opportunity to focus on the future, and place their energies into mission. An appropriate assessment can then be made of their achievements in that area. After the meeting with Presbytery, a congregation consultation morning on Saturday 29 th August was held to enable the congregation to consider their commitment to the work of the church. The day went well, we expected 32 people but 46 attended. Consideration was given to the place of future of work, and ideas were generated as to how best to better congregational communication, and increase missional activity. Suggestions ranged from the creation of a junior football team, to initiating a congregational magazine, using social media and asking the members to review their givings, with a revival of fundraising activities to help both finances and community spirit. It was fully acknowledged that the niggles of the past would need to be left behind, that they would need to learn to listen to each other, with the strongest comments relating to the feeling that freedom from the constant tension of the building situation will knit the church community internally and within the parish community. Members were also asked to make personal commitments, and these ranged from reviewing their givings to the church, to attending more regularly, and participating more within the life of the congregation. Sandra Black Eleanor McMahon West of Scotland Interim Ministry Team