Tuesday June 27, 2017

Order of Business, Minutes, Roll, Committees and reports submitted for the Presbytery meeting at Inverness Inshes Church from 7:00pm for Communion followed by ordinary business

Please be aware that Presbytery meetings are recorded

Presbytery Website http://invernesspresbytery.co.uk

MODERATOR: Rev David S Scott CLERK: Rev Trevor G Hunt

1st Published June 22, 2017 2nd Edition June 26, 2017

Presbytery meets for Communion on Tuesday June 27, 2017 at Inverness Inshes Church at 7:00 pm and thereafter for ordinary business.

Inverness Presbytery: Tuesday June 27, 2017

ORDER OF BUSINESS

1. CONSTITUTION 2. SEDERUNT and APOLOGIES 3. ORDER of BUSINESS (changes to this Order might be made by Presbytery) 4. MINUTES of MEETING of Tuesday 2 May 2017 (see page 251 of Minutes) 5. REPORT of the GENERAL ASSEMBLY 5.1. Report of Diligence – Clerk 5.2. Report of Youth Representative – Liam Mehigan 6. ROLL OF PRESBYTERY 2017-2018 6.1. 2017-2018 Elders Commission and Additional Elders (see page 1 of papers) 6.2. 2016-2017 Presbytery Members Retiring 6.3. Proposed Standing Committees 2017-2018 (see page 2) 7. REPORT of 2016 CONGREGATIONAL ACCOUNTS EXAMINATION (report on page 4) 8. REPORT of INSPECTION OF RECORDS 9. REPORTS of STANDING COMMITTEES 9.1. Business (report on page 5) 9.2. Congregational Support (report and LCR reports from page 8) 9.3. Finance (?) 9.4. Planning (verbal report) 9.5. Property (report on page 64) 10. ELECTION OF MODERATOR (2017-2018) 11. INTIMATIONS (an opportunity to bring special meetings to Presbytery’s attention) 12. ADJOURNMENT - Presbytery adjourns to meet in conference and then for ordinary business on September 9, 2017 from 9:30am at Inshes Church, Inverness (lunch will be provided).

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY MINUTES

The Inverness Presbytery met for ordinary business on Tuesday May 2, 2017 at Cawdor Church from 7:00 pm, and was constituted with prayer by the Moderator.

Present were: Rev David S Scott (Moderator) Rev Trevor G Hunt (Clerk)

Ministers and Deacons (18) A Barrie J Fraser I Manson FK Turner RE Brookes JW Humphrey J Mitchell H Watt FB Buell A Lyon A Murray AS Younger R Cleland ATB McGowan J Rettie F Forbes S McRoberts B Ritchie

Elders (27) AJ Allan AD Cook C MacKenzie J Philip A Anderson JM Dow SM MacKenzie S Proudfoot J Anderson W Flett J McDonald V Roden H Beck I Freudenthal JK MacLennan A Stephen N Burtwell R Gleed-Gates J MacLeod A Strachan D Chisholm R Lees F McCubbin D Whillis L Clark RA MacIntyre L Monaghan

Corresponding Members (2) PH Hunt N Lindon

Apologies were received from: JBD Alexander K Donaldson TD McRoberts M Robertson M Archer SL MacKenzie K Matheson M Strange AT Black HD MacLennan A Mehigan I Todd P Donald D MacPherson PW Nimmo

3. ORDER OF BUSINESS The circulated Order of Business was agreed as published, except that there would be no Planning Committee report.

4. MINUTES OF MEETINGS ON MARCH 7, 2017 Having been previously circulated, the Minutes for the meetings on Tuesday March 7, 2017 were taken as read and were approved.

251

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – May 2, 2017

5. VOCATIONS AND MINISTRY APPRENTICESHIP Rev Jonathan Fraser interviewed Hilton Ministerial Apprentice, Fiona Waite, to demonstrate and inform about the value of the apprenticeship scheme.

6. DELIVERANCES OF THE PRESBYTERY STANDING COMMITTEES

BUSINESS COMMITTEE The Presbytery: 1. Receive the report. 2. Resolve to re-structure the Presbytery meetings to meet 4 times per year: twice meeting first in conference and then for formal business on two Saturdays per year and twice to meet for formal business on a Tuesday evening from September 2017 for a trial period of 2 years. 3. Resolve to move the Superintendence remit from the Business committee to the Congregational Support Committee where a separate sub-committee with its own convener will deal with matters of Superintendence. 4. Resolve to move the Vacancy Procedure Committee and Pastoral care of Ministers and manse families to the Ministry committee. 5. Instructs the Presbytery Clerk and Business Convener to make all necessary consequential amendments to standing orders. 6. Agree to the closing service for Bona Church to take place towards the end of October 2017. 7. Agree to remove the sist on the vacancy of Dalneigh & Bona and for the nominating committee to be reinstated on the basis that the Parish Profile and all related vacancy documentation is amended to reflect the closure of Bona Church. 8. Agree to extend the appointment of two Assessor Elders to Kinmylies for another six months. 9. Thank Mr Len Cazaly and Mr Alex Stephens for their service to the Presbytery as Assessor elders for Kinmylies and give powers to the Moderator, the Presbytery Clerk and the Business Convener to find a replacement for Mr. Len Cazaly. 10. Give powers to the Moderator, the Presbytery Clerk and the Business Convener to appoint an Interim Moderator for The Barn to cover Rev Mike Robertson’s absence on sick leave and Presbytery resolve to uphold Rev Mike Robertson, his family and the congregation of The Barn in their prayers. 11. Instruct all ministers to send their car log books to the Presbytery Clerk for inspection by 26 May at the latest. 12. Note that Elders’ commissions for 2017/18 along with proposed names to act as additional elders must be with Miss Christine Mackenzie by 31 May.

CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE The Presbytery: 1. Receive the report. 2. Note the revised schedule and appoints the Local Church Reviews for 2017, namely Inverness: Dalneigh & Bona, Ardersier l/w Petty, Daviot & Dunlichity l/w Moy Dalarossie & Tomatin and Dores & Boleskine, commencing with the LCR Training Conference on Saturday 13th May 2017.

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INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – May 2, 2017

3. Appoint the Local Church Reviews for 2018, namely Inverness: Old High St Stephens, Nairn St Ninian's l/w Auldearn & Dalmore, Kilmorack & Erchless and Nairn Old, commencing with the LCR Training conference in May 2018, with the option to also attend the May 2017 training day. 4. Note that a 2-year follow-up visit to Inverness Hilton has been made. Note the Congregational Support Committee’s serious concern regarding the position Hilton finds itself in regarding its Ministry & Mission Allocation payment and is reassured that the Business Committee is urgently seeking a resolution to the matter and attending to the pastoral implications. 5. Notes that in future Safeguarding Training will be offered on an “as needed” basis, rather than schedule courses which then get cancelled because of lack of numbers. 6. Instruct that all congregations are required to hold up to date and accurate Congregation and Adherent Rolls, to avoid being in breach of Principle 4 of the Act. 7. Instruct all congregations to ensure appropriate levels of security are taken when taking church records to Inshes Church on the 14th March for the annual Attestation of Congregational Records.

DOCTRINE, WORSHIP & ECUMENICAL MATTERS COMMITTEE The Presbytery: Invited Rev Dr J Humphreys to address them on the “Thy Kingdom Come” project.

PROPERTY COMMITTEE The Presbytery: 1. Receive the report. 2. Approve alteration to the Barn Church Manse kitchen area, etc., to be upgraded to form a study and thereby comply with the new Manse schedule at a cost of £18,558.20 (including VAT).

7. INTIMATIONS An opportunity was given to bring special meetings to the attention of the Presbytery.

8. ADJOURNMENT Presbytery adjourned at 8:40pm to meet for ordinary business on Tuesday June 27, 2017, at 7:00pm for Communion followed by ordinary business at Inverness Inshes Church. ………………………………………………………………………. Moderator

………………………………………………………………………. Clerk

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INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers

ROLL OF PRESBYTERY ELDERS 2017-2018

Ardersier Laura Clark Auldearn & Dalmore Neil Gibson Cawdor Joan Philip Croy & Dalcross Agnes Strachan Barn Culloden Issy Freudenthal Daviot & Dunlichity Russell Lees Dores & Boleskine Roger Gleed-Gates Inverness Crown Heather Beck Inverness Dalneigh & Bona Arnett Cook Inverness East Bill Flett Inverness Hilton David Whillis Inverness Inshes John MacLeod Inverness Kinmylies David Thompson Inverness Ness Bank Geoff Thomson Inverness Old High St Stephen’s Christine MacKenzie Inverness St Columba Duncan Chisholm Inverness Trinity Michael A Ronaldson Kilmorack & Erchless Alice Allan Kiltarlity Hamish MacLennan Kirkhill Louise Monaghan Moy, Dalarossie & Tomatin Vivian Roden Nairn Old Nan Burtwell Nairn St Ninian’s Grigor McKay Petty Urquhart & Glenmoriston Alan Lemon

ADDITIONAL ELDERS

Jim Alexander Susan MacKenzie Jim Anderson Sheila Proudfoot James Dow Hendry Robertson Frank McCubbin Alex Stephen

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers

PRESBYTERY STANDING COMMITTEES 2017-2018 The Moderator, Presbytery Clerk and Business Committee Convener are members of all Standing Committees (M = Minister, E = Elder, C = Corresponding Member, D = Deacon)

(1) BUSINESS COMMITTEE Fiona Smith Convener Conveners of Standing Committees, Moderator, Presbytery Clerk, Treasurer E A Allan, I Freudenthal, C MacKenzie (Committee Clerk), S Proudfoot

(2) CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE David Scott, Convener M D Brown, J Fraser, A Mehigan, A Murray, D MacQuarrie, TD McRoberts, B Ritchie, H Watt E J Anderson (Data Protection), N Burtwell, D Chisholm (Committee Clerk), L Clark, J Dow (Safeguarding), R Gleed-Gates, Dr R Lees, H MacLennan, C I Davidson

(3) DOCTRINE, WORSHIP & ECUMENICAL MATTERS Scott McRoberts Convener M R Cleland, P Donald, J Humphrey, B Ritchie E JBD Alexander, R Lees, G McKay, D Whillis (Committee Clerk) C J Appleby

(4) EDUCATION & OUTREACH (with CHURCH & SOCIETY Sub-Committee) Ian Manson, Convener M T Bryson, F Forbes, D MacQuarrie, A Barrie, M Robertson E A Allan, H Beck (Committee Clerk), L Clark, S MacKenzie, J Philip, D Thompson

CHURCH & SOCIETY Peter Nimmo (Vice-Convener – Church & Society) M J Fraser, A Barrie E I Freudenthal, V Roden, G Mckay

(5) FINANCE AS Younger, Convener M P Donald, J Humphrey, A Lyon, I Manson, H Watt E J Anderson, A Lemon, B Flett, H Robertson, L Monaghan C N Lindon (Presbytery Treasurer)

(6) MINISTRY R Brookes, Convener M M Archer, D MacPherson, D Scott, S McRoberts, S Mackenzie E N Burtwell, Kinmylies elder, N Gibson, A Lemon, A Strachan C K Matheson

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(7) PRESBYTERY PLANNING Hector Morrison, Convener M M Robertson, D Scott, F Smith (Committee Clerk), F Turner, A Younger E D Chisholm, A Cook, F McCubbin, M Ronaldson, A Stephen D J Mitchell

(8) PROPERTY Fraser Turner, Convener M R Cleland, A Murray, J Rettie, D McRoberts, I Warwick E JBD Alexander, F McCubbin, M Ronaldson, S Proudfoot, D Whillis C PH Hunt (Committee Vice-Convener & Clerk)

(9) SUPERINTENDENCE Alison Mehigan, Convener M R Brookes, B Buell, F Smith E J MacLeod, S MacKenzie, S Proudfoot

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers

Report on 2016 Congregational Accounts Examination Committee

The Accounts Examination Committee met on 10th June 2017 and is pleased to report that most congregational reports and accounts have been received and examined.

Most sets of accounts received were acceptable with only minor matters requiring correction and treasurers and independent examiners are to be congratulated on the standard achieved.

Accounting for monies received and spent and producing accounts to the exacting legislative requirements is a demanding task. While improvement is always possible, the accounts are generally adequate and many are of a very high standard indeed.

One particular item noted last year was that some congregations state that the Church is Presbyterian in “policy” rather than “polity” (system of government). The Presbyterian nature of the Church is a matter of polity, not policy. In other words, it is a feature of the way the congregation is governed, not a matter of choice on the part of the congregation or denomination. It was gratifying to note that most congregations have now corrected this.

Overall, total income across the presbytery appears to be down a little, although the effect of special projects must be taken into account. Congregations are urged to follow the Church of Scotland initiative on stewardship, covering time and talents as well as money.

While interest rates remain very low in general, returns on cash balances held vary considerably. Congregations are urged to review their arrangements to maximise interest earned.

The budgets for 2017 were reviewed and it was noted with concern that an increasing number of congregations expected a deficit (2017 50%, 2016 30%), although some of these are quite small.

The levels of general reserves for many congregations fell during the year, and this, when considered alongside the increase in anticipated budget deficits, is a matter for concern.

My thanks are due to the members of the Committee for their support in the examination process. In the Name of the Committee CATRIONA CAZALY, Convener

PROPOSED DELIVERANCE The Presbytery: 1. Receive the report 2. Note the valuable work done by Congregational Treasurers and thanks them for their work. 3. Remind congregations of the General Assembly instruction regarding stewardship. 4. Encourage congregations to review their statement on church governance in the trustees report and ensure it is correct. 5. Encourage congregations to continue to review their banking and investment arrangements to fulfil their stewardship responsibilities 6. Note that the Committee will notify each congregational treasurer of the result of the Report and Accounts examination 7. Instruct the Clerk to report diligence to the General Treasurer's Department in the required format. 8. Thank Mrs Cazaly and the Accounts Examinations Committee for their work.

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers

BUSINESS COMMITTEE JUNE 27, 2017

PROPOSED DELIVERANCE

The Presbytery: 1. Receive the report. 2. Thank Inshes Church for hosting the Moderator’s reception on 2 June. 3. Elect Rev Professor Andrew McGowan as Presbytery Moderator for 2017/18. 4. Agree to Rev Stewart MacKay becoming a member of Presbytery. 5. Discharge Len Cazaly and Alex Stephens as Assessor Elders at Kinmylies and thank them for their work. 6. Approve Trinity Church adopting a Unitary Constitution and instruct the Presbytery Clerk to submit all the necessary documentation to the Delegation of the General Assembly. 7. Note the appointment of Rev Hugh Watt to be a Prison Chaplain at HMP Porterfield. 8. Appoint Rev Professor Andrew McGowan, Rev David Scott, Rev Jonathan Humphry and Mr Norman Lindon as an ad hoc committee to review the terms and scope of the new contract of employment for the Presbytery Clerk and report to the September meeting of the Presbytery. 9. Thank Robert Taylor for his diligent work in setting up the new Presbytery website and notes that the Presbytery Bulletin and Papers will now only be accessed through the website http://invernesspresbytery.co.uk/. 10. Note the dates for Presbytery meetings for 2017/18 (Saturday 9 September, Tuesday 21 November, Saturday 10 March, and Tuesday 26 June) and note that the two Saturday meetings are preceded by a conference. 11. Note the arrangements for the September Presbytery conference meeting: 9:30am Arrival, tea or coffee 10:00am Opening worship 10:15am Council of Assembly’s ‘Call to Prayer’ led by Prof ATB McGowan 10:45am The Presbytery Plan led by the Planning Committee this session will include detailed discussion in break-out groups 12:00pm Lunch 1:00pm Presbytery convenes as a court for ordinary business 12. Notes that the Presbytery handbooks for 2017/18 will be prepared during the summer and distributed at the September Presbytery meeting.

REPORT

1. 2017 Moderator’s Reception

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A super evening was enjoyed by all those who attended the Moderator’s reception on 2 June – the food was wonderful, there was plenty of time for happy, relaxed conversations and we all enjoyed the Moderator’s story telling! A huge thank you goes to Inshes Church for hosting this excellent evening.

2. Moderator for 2017/18 Rev Professor Andrew McGowan is nominated to be the Presbytery’s Moderator for 2017/18.

3. New Member to Presbytery Rev Stewart MacKay, Padre to 3 Scots is now based at Fort George and has asked to join Inverness Presbytery. He has supplied a Practising Certificate from Edinburgh Presbytery.

4. Kinmylies Two new elders have been ordained at Kinmylies and Mr David Thompson has agreed to be the Presbytery elder for Kinmylies. This is good news. In the light of these recent developments there is no longer any need to continue to have Assessor elders on the Kirk Session at Kinmylies therefore it is proposed to discharge Mr Len Cazaly and Mr Alex Stephens from their duties as Assessor elders. Mr Len Cazaly and Mr Alex Stephens have carried out their duties extremely well and must be thanked for their commitment to this important work on behalf of the Presbytery.

5. Unitary Constitution The following charge seeks Presbytery’s approval to move to the Unitary Constitution: Trinity Church. The Presbytery Clerk has received from this charge the correct documentation evidencing that all due procedures have been followed. Presbytery’s approval is sought for this charge to change their constitution, thereafter the Presbytery Clerk is instructed to send all the necessary documentation to the Principal Clerk’s office for final approval for this change in constitution to be granted by the Delegation of the General Assembly.

6. New Prison Chaplain Rev Hugh Watt has been appointed to serve as a Prison Chaplain at HMP Porterfield. This means the Presbytery has 2 Church of Scotland ministers serving the gospel in this important way.

7. Presbytery Clerk’s Review The Law Department at 121 have notified Presbyteries that all Presbytery Clerks should have a contract of employment. A draft contract has been provided by the law department. There are several issues to consider in relation to the terms of this contract and it is proposed that an ad hoc committee be appointed to review the draft contract and the work carried out by the Clerk and report to the September meeting of the Presbytery. The proposed names for this committee are: Rev Professor Andrew McGowan (convener); Rev David Scott; Rev Jonathan Humphrey, and Norman Lindon.

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8. Website Robert Taylor of Inverness East Church has put in a great deal of work to create a new website for the Presbytery at http://invernesspresbytery.co.uk/ and our thanks goes to him. In future the Presbytery Bulletin and Papers will only be accessed through the website.

9. Presbytery Meetings 2017/18 As agreed at the May meeting of Presbytery, the Presbytery will going forward meet 4 times per year for Ordinary Business. The dates for these Presbytery meetings for 2017/18 are: 9 September; 21 November; 10 March & 26 June, all to be held at Inshes Church. The September and March meetings will be one day meetings. The arrangements for the 9 September meeting are as follows: - coffee will be available from 9.30 a.m.; opening worship at 10.am, followed by a session led by Rev Professor Andrew McGowan re. the Council of Assembly’s ‘Call to Prayer’ for the church; then the Presbytery Planning Committee will present the proposed new Presbytery Plan, this session will include time for detailed discussion in break out groups; Lunch then the Presbytery will convene as a court to meet for Ordinary Business, with the day hopefully ending no later than 4:00 pm.

10. Presbytery Handbooks The new Presbytery handbooks will be distributed at the September Presbytery meeting. Please let Christine Mackenzie know of any changes of contact details by 1 August 2017.

In the name of the Committee FIONA E SMITH, Convener

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CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE JUNE 27, 2017

PROPOSED DELIVERANCE

The Presbytery: 1. Receive the report of the Congregational Support Committee 2. The Barn LCR (see page 10) 2.1. Receive the report. 2.2. Commend the Barn Church for its commitment to worship that is relevant, informal and authentic. 2.3. Commend the Barn Church for its on-going commitment to mission both locally and globally. 2.4. Allowing for change and flexibility, encourage the Barn Church to revisit their five-year action plan with a view to ministry and mission beyond 2018. 2.5. Direct the Kirk Session of the Barn Church to re-visit the sustainability of their ministries regularly. 3. Kinmylies LCR (see page 53) 3.1. Receive the report 3.2. Commend the Kinmylies Minister, Children’s and Families Project worker, office bearers, members and adherents for their tenacity in rising to the challenges and opportunities being faced. 3.3. Commend the vision within the Action Plan they have for what they see as their role, particularly with young people. 3.4. Commend the congregation for their sacrificial giving and meeting their financial commitments through challenging times 3.5. Welcome the decision to add to the Kirk Session. 3.6. Look forward to the appointment of a Presbytery Elder at the earliest opportunity 3.7. Assure the Minister, Office-bearers and congregation of the full support of the Presbytery as they continue their work and witness 4. Presbytery appoints the following Visiting Teams to conduct the Local Church Reviews for: Ardersier l/w Petty: Jonathan Fraser (Convener) Hugh Watt, Russell Lees, AN Other. Dalneigh & Bona: Douglas McRoberts (Convener), Alison Mehigan, Nan Burtwell, Jim Dow Daviot & Dunlichity l/w Moy, Dalarossie & Tomatin: Bruce Ritchie (Convener), Donald MacQuarrie, Duncan Chisholm, Roger Gleed-Gates. Dores & Boleskine: Peter Donald (Convener), Ian Manson, Jim Anderson, AN Other 5. Grant permission to close one of the Cawdor or Croy & Dalcross church buildings on the 5th Sunday of the month when joint services are being held between the two congregations.

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REPORT

1. Local Church Reviews 2016/17 1.1. The Local Church Review for The Barn has been completed and the whole Report and Action Plan are included with the Presbytery papers. Jonathan Fraser will present a summary report to Presbytery. 1.2. The Local Church Review for Kinmylies has also been completed and the whole Report and the Action Plan are included with the Presbytery papers. Alistair Murray will present a summary report to Presbytery

2. Local Church Reviews 2017/18 The proposed Visiting Teams for the 2017/18 LCR’s are as follows: Ardersier l/w Petty: Jonathan Fraser (Convener) Hugh Watt, Russell Lees, AN Other. Dalneigh & Bona: Douglas McRoberts (Convener), Alison Mehigan, Nan Burtwell, Jim Dow Daviot & Dunlichity l/w Moy, Dalarossie & Tomatin: Bruce Ritchie (Convener), Donald MacQuarrie, Duncan Chisholm, Roger Gleed-Gates. Dores & Boleskine: Peter Donald (Convener), Ian Manson, Jim Anderson, AN Other

These LCRs should be completed and presented to Presbytery by March meeting in 2018.

3. Local Church Review Training This took place on Saturday May 13th and it was good to see representatives from the majority of congregations to be visited this time round plus some from congregations due an LCR in 2018/19. The Committee recognise the need to broaden the number of people ready and willing to lead an LCR Visiting Team & intend to try and plan the makeup and especially the leadership of Visiting Teams by the first meeting of the Committee in 2018.

4. Cawdor l/w Croy & Dalcross – joint services Cawdor l/w Croy & Dalcross are asking for permission from Presbytery to hold joint services on any 5th Sunday of the month i.e. 4 times a year. This would involve closing one of the church buildings on that particular Sunday and hence the request for permission. Both Kirk Sessions have been consulted and agreed to this. The Committee agreed to recommend to Presbytery that permission be granted.

5. Safeguarding Training: After a slow start, the numbers enrolling for the various courses scheduled from now to September are increasing.

Refresher training: Although not mandatory it is recommended that volunteers, coordinators and Elders undertake refresher training after 5 years in the post. Some people are happy to come along and others less so. With this in mind Safeguarding Service intend to introduce abbreviated 1 hour refresher courses in late summer. This should encourage people to participate.

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Domestic Abuse: For the first time, we have a policy on Domestic Abuse and there is a new handbook (6) available on the Safeguarding Section of the Church website.

6. Data Protection There are 9 congregations who have not yet confirmed they have an up to date Congregational Roll. A reminder has been sent out

The Presbytery’s Data Protection Policy has recently been checked by 2 solicitors and found to be in order.

In the name of the Committee DAVID SCOTT, Convener

Summary Report of the Local Church Review The Barn Church

The Barn Church’s local church review document was, to a great extent, a very encouraging report. Whist we noted trends which affect the majority of Church of Scotland congregations (falling numbers of baptisms and weddings in particular) we commend the Barn for its commitment to mission, outreach and community engagement.

Path of Renewal: The Barn Church is on the Path of Renewal, mention of which appears frequently throughout their report. They have been on ‘the path’ for one year and have, at least, one more year to go. There is a core group within the church who are responsible for implementing the Path of Renewal in the church and parish. The core group meets once a month. The focus of the Path of Renewal is to bring the church into the community by equipping members and adherents to be missional in every area of their life, shifting the focus of mission away from the church building. The Path of Renewal core group have formed partnerships with other churches across Scotland who are also on ‘the path’. These relationships have benefited the Barn and have enabled the Barn to be of benefit to other Path of Renewal churches. The Barn received funding from Ministries council to employ a Path of Renewal staff member. He was appointed on 1st March, 2017. His role is not directly linked to the Path of Renewal itself but serves to make it possible for Rev. Mike Robertson to focus more of his attention on Path of Renewal implementation.

Worship: The Barn Church offers a variety of worship opportunities. The Sunday morning service is described as ‘informal yet authentic’ with an all-age focus, participation from members of the congregation (readings, prayers etc) and an attendance of between 120-150. There is an evening service twice a month - Cafe Church runs on the second Sunday of each month. Cafe Church has proved a success, with 35-50 people

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers regularly attending; an increase from 10-12 attendees under their previous evening service format. On the fourth Sunday of each month a more traditional ‘Psalms and Hymns’ service, specifically aimed towards a more elderly demographic.

Local Mission: The Barn Church is missionally active in its parish. The annual Great Big Free Giveaway is seen as a key event in terms of meeting and building relationships with members of the local community. They view this event as “a way to bless the community” and all evidence suggests it is successful in doing so. Whilst chaplaincy work in the local primary schools is going well, the Barn are acutely aware of what they call ‘a history of exclusion’ in Culloden Academy. With a recent change of headmaster there is a sense that possibilities for engagement in the academy may be forthcoming, but that more work needs to be done to realise this. They are equally aware that a large number of Culloden Academy pupils pass by their building twice a day and they are hoping to develop something to engage with these pupils. There are a number of groups running in the Barn over the course of a week, engaging with a number of local people across a wide spectrum of ages. They enjoy good relationships with the other local churches. They are wrestling with how to make these ecumenical relationships meaningful and beneficial to the community. They are keen for ecumenical relationships to be more than simply being able to “tolerate being a room with each other”.

Discipleship: There are a number of discipleship groups meeting regularly within the Barn. They were also keen to stress - and able to evidence - that discipleship takes place more informally in other settings within the church.

Children and Youth: Through their Sunday morning groups, Sunday evening youth cell group, weekly Good News Club and well-established Boys’ Brigade company, the Barn is in contact with over 100 children and young people per week. A significant number of these young people have no connection with the church other than through these groups. They note that, whilst the number of children and young people engaged directly with church is healthy, they are not immune to the national trends of falling participation amongst younger people. Despite this, they must be commended for amount and quality of work they are doing with children and youth.

Pastoral care: Having dispensed with an Elder’s District system over a decade ago they have replaced that with an active and effective pastoral care team. Weekly activities, such as the lunch club, are a locus for pastoral contact with the elderly. As a congregation, they seek to care for each other informally and their report demonstrates that they are doing so.

World Mission:

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We commended the Barn Church for their long - and continuing - tradition of world mission.

The Wider Church of Scotland: The Barn Church plays a full and active part in Presbytery and in the wider Church of Scotland.

Resources: The congregational funds are in a healthy financial situation at present. There congregational received a significant unrestricted endowment in 2014 which they have earmarked for essential work on the manse, development of their buildings and creating a more suitable car park. As a team, we did feel that, behind the extensive evidence of good work, there was what we might call a ‘cautious undertone’ with regards ‘human resources’. There are currently 90 volunteers engaged in a variety of areas within the church. They anticipate however, a shortage of volunteers in the coming years. They are very much aware of this and are open to regularly re-visiting their activities to assess whether or not everything remains sustainable in light of reduced volunteer numbers.

Five year action plan: As a team we had two concerns regarding their five year action plan. 1) Other than building development, there were no goals set beyond the end of 2017. Their response to this is that they want to be “focussed”. While we understand this, and note their commitment to re-visit the LCR document over the coming months and years with a view to ongoing planning, we would want to encourage them to think more long-term. 2) We noted that in the fourth column of their 5 year action plan (‘Who’), that ‘the minister’ appeared frequently. We asked the Kirk Session whether there was a dependency on Mike to do too much, to which the response was, “Sometimes” While we are content that the balance is right at the moment, we would urge caution in this regard as they plan for the future. Employment: The Barn Church has an MDS in post and also employs a caretaker (5 hours per week), an administrator (7 hours per week) and a cleaner (12 hours per week), as well as the Path of Renewal Worker mentioned above, who works one day a week. With the exception of the Path of Renewal worker, Mike inherited this team from the previous minister. As such, Mike is honest about the fact that this has been challenging at times, both for himself and for the MDS in particular. The arrangement is workable but can be tough at times as a team has to get used to the different style and priorities of a new leader. The challenges are never insurmountable. Though not trained as a line-manager, Mike is committed to leading the team positively and to the benefit of the Barn Church and the local community.

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Conclusion: To conclude, we are very encouraged by the health of the Barn Church in its worship and witness. They are aware of the challenges they face, along with all Church of Scotland congregations, but are not shying away from these realities. They are clearly undergirded by an inspiring confidence in God’s promises and provision and a commitment to advancing Christ’s kingdom in Culloden that is to be commended.

Team leader: Jonathan Fraser (Hilton) Hugh Watt (Urquhart and Glenmoriston) Laura Clark (Ardersier) Russell Lees (Daviot)

The Church of Scotland

Presbytery of Inverness

LOCAL CHURCH REVIEW

Section 1 & 2

Congregation – The Barn

Minister – Rev Mike Robertson

Visiting team leader – Rev Jonathan Fraser

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Local Church Review

CONTENTS

Page

Section 1: The story of the Barn Church

1. Overview of Barn life 3

Worship 3

Local Mission 6

Discipleship 8

Children & youth 9

Pastoral Care 10

World mission 10

The wider Church of Scotland 11

2. Resources

Finance 11

Buildings 12

People 15

3. Relationships & Leadership 16 4. Renewed Vision & Core Values 17 5. Changes since previous LCR (Quinquennial) 20 6. Facing Challenges 20

Section 2: Congregational 5-year Action Plan

1. Overview, rationale & framework 21 2. Action Plan 22

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Appendix:

1. Basic Facts and Figures 29 2. Safeguarding From SG11 33

SECTION 1: THE STORY OF THE BARN CHURCH

1. OVERVIEW OF BARN LIFE Life in any context is an extremely complex thing to attempt to describe, and near impossible to articulate effectively on paper rather than to experience it. However, in these few pages, we hope to give at least a flavour of what the life of the Barn looks like, feels like, is defined by, and what shape we sense God is moulding us into for the future. We are continuously making a conscious effort to build on our strengths and grow from our weaknesses as we aim to be a genuine family, within the much larger local, national and global family of God, putting Jesus at the centre. By way of introduction, some streams of life that characterise where the Barn is at right now are below, along with some information from our recently re-vamped ‘About Us’ page:

• Growing and developing our relationships with the community and local schools • Having a new young minister and family who is very active and full of new ideas • Bringing members of the congregation (some elders and some non) into new leadership roles within the church and community, including elders and others being encouraged and enabled to plan and lead worship • Our involvement with Path of Renewal beginning to produce fruit • Our New (or renewed) Vision coming to life • A streamlining of leadership structures to better facilitate the direction of travel we are discerning • An awakening and a response to the need to cultivate a culture of whole- life discipleship where Mission, Discipleship, and God’s presence saturate everything we do rather than exist as stand-alone ‘departments’

Who we are… We are a diverse group of people seeking to follow Jesus. What brings us together is a desire to grow in our relationship with God and we see this as a journey of exploration which each of us has to experience for ourselves with the help of others around us. We don’t necessarily hold the same views about how to do this, have all of the answers, or see ourselves as being “sorted”. We know that we’re not “perfect” and we need help from God

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and each other. We believe that we can experience God’s presence today and we would love you to join us on this journey.

Our direction of travel… We desire to grow in our relationship with God through Jesus. We invite you to share this journey, experiencing His presence and love together.

WORSHIP Our Sunday services could be described as in essence being ‘informal’ yet ‘authentic’ with a desire to connect with God in as many ways as possible. There is a regular congregation of around 120-150 each week. The Minister usually leads, with the support of a music group leading the praise, which is a mix of contemporary and some more traditional ‘hymns’. Our Band numbers have dropped recently due to some of our older Youth having left for University. There is a rota of members who read the Scriptures and lead Prayers for Others. We’ve have flipped our standard Order of Service to bring the whole family together towards the end rather than the beginning. After the sermon, young folk join us during the offering and bring theirs too. We worship together and have a time of Sharing Good News Together. Members of Sunday Club and Buzz (teenagers) will share what they have been doing/learning that morning. The congregation is given an opportunity to share what God is doing in their lives through events, situations, or something from the sermon series that encourages/challenges them. It’s amazing how often, though all using different programmes of teaching, that a theme emerges of what God is saying to us all. It’s very encouraging.

Accessibility is a priority, not only in the technology used to project high quality words and images on screen with good contrast, a loop system, or providing wheelchair spaces. Our Minister tries to be aware of removing the barrier of church jargon for those who don’t understand it all. This is reflected in the application of preaching, addressing issues we know people are facing in everyday life. For example, we talk in terms of “praising God with a song…” rather than “the next hymn is number…” and so on. It doesn’t dilute what we’re doing, but may better explain it to the unchurched or new to church folks among us. A trained team offers formal Prayer Ministry to anyone wishing it at the end of every Service.

A typical order of service for Sunday mornings:

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For younger people, we offer a Creche, Sunday Club for Primary aged children and Buzz for teenagers. A crucial component to the authenticity of our worship is the support of our “Welcome Team” who are at the front door to welcome people to church. They can usually identify a “visitor” and make sure they are looked after during their time with us. Details of visitors are passed on to the Minister, when possible, to allow him to mention visitors during his welcome and meet them later. Before services start, there is usually plenty of chat going on, music playing and notices being projected. Everyone is encouraged to stay for tea/coffee/biscuits/chat at the close of the service and on the first Sunday in each month we have a Bring and Share lunch to which everyone is welcome visitors or otherwise. It’s on this first Sunday that our service is All-Age (deliberately not called ‘family’) where we try hard to include everyone in short sound-bite teaching, drama (we are fortunate to have a talented Drama Group delivering a sketch most months) and activities (including creative prayer sometimes) on a single theme.

The traditional evening service model has been an area under review and change since 2010 at the Barn when reduced to twice monthly, and is under continual review by Kirk Session. Numbers have never been particularly high, but are typically as low as 10-12 on a regular basis. Whilst there is still value for those who attend, the question is one of where we invest our leadership resources best to maximise the church’s impact. In 2016, the Minister had support to re-format Sunday Evenings with a monthly Café Church and also Bible Study service. The former has been very well received by all ages so far and regularly draws 35-50 people. As it develops in 2017, it will see an earlier time and possibly tweaked format to make it easier for folks to invite non-church friends into to explore faith informally. The Bible Study format has been popular too, although it is possibly better suited to a mid-week slot rather than once per month. It was based on themes from the morning sermon series which its monthly slot made a

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers bit too wide. One benefit though is that the Minister has not been able to lead even one of the studies as there were volunteers taking up every slot (some previously not up-front folks). Taking on board feedback from some older members about the loss of some of the elements of church they were more comfortable with, birthed the idea of a specifically ‘traditional’ service. This took the form of the ‘Psalms & Hymns’ service be held on a month with 5 Sundays. From old hymns and paraphrases, organ sounds, short reflections, and even our otherwise informal minister in full robes…. It has proved popular enough that we intend to make it the second monthly evening (although actually it will be afternoon at 4pm) worship.

In addition to our regular worship programme, we have held art events and Holiday Clubs, Prayer Days and events inviting our local community to join us for various celebrations and thoughtful exercises. We also hold coffee mornings and recently afternoon teas as fund raisers to support some of our Mission Partners and we try to make the church and hall available to hire for Birthday parties and other events for the community hopefully making the actual building an asset and resource to our community. Last year, we held our first ‘Candle Light Remembrance’ service to which the families of people within the parish who had died at some time in the previous years before the service were invited. We also hold additional and varied worship events around Holy Week & Easter, and Christmas, including Christmas Day Café Church with Carols and a Bacon Roll.

LOCAL MISSION Where we are now… As a congregation of the Church of Scotland in Culloden, on the east side of Inverness, the Parish covers the communities of Balloch, Culloden, Smithton, Westhill and Cradlehall (with a total population of nearly 14,000), our family includes a broad spectrum of people. From those who have been followers of Jesus for many years to people who are new to following Him. We’re from diverse and varied backgrounds and all age ranges. We encourage and welcome people who don’t yet know Jesus to join in and explore what it means to follow Jesus.

The Parish is predominantly dormitory suburbs, with more Community facilities and amenities to be found in the Culloden and Smithton areas. There is a large Secondary school, Culloden Academy which has its own leisure centre including a swimming pool and a number of feeder primary Schools at Balloch, Duncan Forbes at Culloden, Smithton and Cradlehall. The Barn are involved in chaplaincy mainly at Duncan Forbes and in a lesser capacity at Balloch (See Appendix 1). That relationship has really grown positively this year with the Minister now helping teach RME to all classes on a weekly basis, with regular presence also boosting the capacity to support and encourage staff as a chaplain to the whole school, as well as continuing to host termly assemblies in the church. Whilst there is a

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers history of exclusion of Religion from Culloden Academy, there are positive signs that this is no longer so, and our minister has had at least one positive meeting with the current Rector. With the Academy pupils passing the church twice every day, we have long had a heart to do something to connect with them, which we hope will develop soon. There is also a number of other churches including a newly built Culloden-Balloch Baptist church at Balloch, Smithton Free church, King’s Factory and St Columba’s Roman Catholic church around Smithton, and St Mary’s in the fields Episcopal church and Gospel Hall nearer the Barn too. There is also a Free Church Continuing at the opposite side of our parish. Our closest and hopefully growing working relationship exists with the first three mentioned above.

In 2011, 33% of the population classed themselves as associated with Church of Scotland. Of this figure a significant proportion are members of or are associated with churches out with the parish. A number of people do travel from outlying areas to attend the Barn due to the nature of our "Barn Family". The below chart was produced from analysis of our membership in response to a recent Presbytery Planning exercise. It shows that we have a predominantly local rather than gathered congregation, equally spread throughout the parish. This is good news in terms of engaging our people in local mission through wholelife discipleship, but perhaps an area of concern and change depending on the outcome of said Presbytery Planning, as we are considered to have a disproportionately large parish.

A significant number of members living within five miles are very active in the life of the church, holding positions of office bearers and are regular in their attendance at Sunday morning worship, Group meetings, and Kirk Session meetings, etc. Of those who live five miles and beyond from the parish, there are good numbers who are regularly involved in the life of the church too. Others have a “historic link” or “family link” with the church and.

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We seek to connect with our community regularly mainly through offering activities or groups which meet a particular need. Some of these include:

Kinderland – Twice weekly Parent & Toddler group (up to 80 children registered) Reminiscence Group – Twice monthly, originating from a Parish Nursing project Good News Club - Learning & serving Jesus for primary aged children Coffee & Chat and Crafts & Hobbies – Alternate Wednesday’s (around 30 participants) Lunch Club – Weekly for nearly 60 elderly folks with part subsidised meals provided from Duncan Forbes school (around 2 thirds are non-Barn or non-church members) Boy’s Brigade – 60 enrolled across all sections, only 4 of which with church background Summer Movies – A selection of Christian or life-question films open to anyone to come and see and discuss.

Our weekly Men’s group also has a missional focus, along with discipleship and often get involved in serving particular folks in the community in practical ways. A big Community event we’ve been hosting for several years now is the annual Great Big Free Giveaway which is a gathering in of new and nearly new items by the congregation (and now regularly from the community too because they know when it’s on) and simply give them away just before Christmas to those who come and queue happily and gratefully in the cold to get in. We offer other gospel sign-posting gifts, as well as Dream Interpretation, Prayer and above all it is an opportunity to connect with people and be present with them. It has quite often led to further needs being identified and supported out with the event.

We have an allocation of a centrally funded MDS post, which we use to employ a Community Worker who runs a number of the groups above and is engaged in developing new work and opportunities to facilitate and support the

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers congregation to engage in mission in their everyday lives. We’re in the process of minimising the amount of management function which relies on this post currently in order to develop this approach further. There is a strong desire for the congregation to move into the uncertain future of CofS Ministry provision, being as equipped as possible to continue and grow in its vision, even if the current level of staffing becomes impossible. We believe paid workers in today’s church must increasingly be a facilitating resource rather than the ‘doers of things’ on behalf of a congregation.

Our recently completed Vision Development process which culminated and is expressed in our new ‘About Us’ info quoted in this and the previous sections, along with our learning from being part of Path of Renewal, is greatly informing our changing attitude and strategy to local mission and discipleship combined. In fact, hopefully in the future it will be impossible to speak of our activity in these areas apart from each other, as they will no longer be treated as ‘departments’, but binding threads. Investing heavily in discipleship, and in particular the principle of whole-life discipleship (influenced by resources from organisations such as LICC, Alpha, 3DM and others), we are confident holds the key to activating and releasing members into the mission field (or front line) right on their doorstep.

DISCIPLESHIP It’s encouraging to realise that the goal of blending mission and discipleship is already well developed in the format of nearly every activity mentioned so far above and most others too. Although many activities have an outreach focus, for Christian’s participating and serving in them, there is opportunity to grow in discipleship along the way.

We have a number of ‘discipleship’ groups with a predominantly bible study core element and pastoral care focus too. There are currently five groups running for different demographics across the congregation. Jesus Lifestyle – Men’s Group (also mentioned in local mission section) – Ladies Bible Study – Thursday House Group – Friday Bible Study.

The Barn has also had a long history of running the Alpha Course which can been viewed in a sense as a pre-faith discipleship or post-faith reinforcement tool, which we continue to be committed to, and will soon begin the next one in early 2017 using the brand new Alpha film series. Follow-up has always been a tricky area, and it has proved difficult to provide without ending up with groups that become closed or difficult for new folks to join, albeit intentionally. We are experimenting with some whole-life discipleship resources such as LICC’s Life on the front Line and Fruitfulness on the Front Line, which it is hoped will follow Alpha in the new year. The perceived throwing new Christian’s in at the deep end of thinking about embodying the good news when they’re only just processing it themselves causes some leaders to be a bit concerned. However, much of the learning from Path of Renewal, not to mention from Alpha

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers themselves, is that this is much closer to the way in which Jesus discipled people ‘on the road’ not ‘in the classroom’.

There are many informal settings for discipleship to take place and for relationships to grow within the congregation through hospitality and service including after Sunday services, monthly Bring & Share Lunches, fundraising events, prayer space type events and much more.

Over the last two years, around 10 people have become ‘members’ by way of transfer or profession of faith, half of these have been under 18. All of them have taken part in a time of reflection, prayer and study about what ‘membership’ means. This is based on a mix of two input sessions at either end of the period, with personal reflection and challenges to be considered in between.

CHILDREN AND YOUTH Creche (under 2s), Sunday Club (Primary age church), Buzz (teen church a.m), Buzz Cell (Sunday eve teen house group), Good News Club and Boy’s Brigade all specifically aim to support children and young people in their own faith journeys, whilst including them in the life and worship of the church at every stage. There is a strong conviction that none of these groups should be mere ‘minding’ services whilst the adults do grown up church. For each age group, they are intentionally ‘church’ in their context.

Across all these groups, there are more than 100 children and young people regularly engaged, but more than half not coming from a church background or being involved in other areas of the church apart from their specific group (e.g. BB’s). Whilst we still have what could be considered to be ‘good’ numbers of children and young people involved, we realise we are not immune to the trend across the church of dropping numbers of younger age groups. This is perhaps magnified in the highlands where despite having a university on our doorstep there is still a strong culture of teens moving away after school. This has the knock-on effect of a very low number of people in their 20s. However, those who leave, mostly go to churches in other places so they are leaving home not faith.

This year, one of our teens who had been nurtured and discipled through these groups, and through being part of the worship bands (this is the case for at least 6 young people between 10-18), has headed off to Nexus College in Coventry to study a degree in Worship & Popular Music.

Many of our young people have joined us on annual trips to support camps for children with disabilities in Romania over the last 5 years and been impacted significantly. One of them was even Baptised on a return visit there by our Minister. Others have been supported to travel to Albania, Guatemala, Tanzania and Peru the latter two with the Vine Trust.

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PASTORAL CARE There is a largely informal setup for providing Pastoral Care at the Barn, which is underpinned by a more formal structure. Most of all, we try to care for each other within the variety of opportunities mentioned in above sections for being a family together. We no longer operate an Elder’s district system, but we do have a pastoral care team. As society changes along with people’s needs and preferences when it comes to care, we are aware of the need to review how we provide it and develop new ways too.

We have a Care Team under the leadership of an Elder, who visit and keep in touch with people who are ill in hospital, or generally going through a tough time. The obvious weakness in a system like this is that it relies on information being referred into it rather than picking things up by routine as in more traditional models. The leader of the team keeps in contact with the Minister to exchange relevant news about potential care situations. We circulate prayer requests by text and email, and with permission, include names for prayer on Sunday news sheets.

On a more informal basis, care is provided by Members informing the minister or care team of an illness or bereavement in the church or parish. Our Lunch Club is probably the best example of an otherwise invisible pastoral care radar. As everyone mainly sits with the same people each week, they have formed bonds which keep them in contact beyond the group. When someone is ill or in need, it is spotted quickly and shared (if appropriate) with leaders who then act when necessary to support. Sometimes a situation is escalated to the Minister to visit personally or advise if appropriate. It would be wonderful if a whole congregation could operate in this small group-large network capacity.

More examples of a more ‘professional’ level of Pastor Care would be our hosting and support of Cross Reach Counselling and Sozo Ministry, and the already mentioned Prayer Ministry team on Sunday’s.

WORLD MISSION We have members who work and volunteer for local and international charities, travelling the world and we specifically pray for them monthly at Prayer for Mission Partners with regular news also distributed to a wider group of members and friends. We also have special collections for chosen charities on a regular basis concentrating on one each quarter to ensure each gets a reasonable donation. This was something we recently reviewed as we found ourselves trying to support too many partners financially and this reduced how much we could give each. Now we focus for an extended period on particular partners, both in prayer and financial support, as well as inviting speakers to come and share news. The outcome has been significantly increased donations to Kirk Session’s nominated Special Collection partners. We support our sent Missionaries with OMF Darren & Susan Wall, along with one each Local, National and International partner.

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An ongoing partnership with House of Grace, Romania has flourished too, with teams going to support ministry among people with disabilities each summer for the last 5 years from the Barn. We’re also involved in supporting the Blythswood foodbank and Christmas Shoe box appeals. Many members support the work of Adopt A Child, a charity which a number of Barn folk work for.

THE WIDER CHURCH OF SCOTLAND We play an active part in Presbytery activities are part of the Path of Renewal process and encourage good relationships with the other churches in our area holding joint services from time to time and encouraging our members to participate with other churches in events being run in their premises assisting them where we are invited. We try to nurture these relationships and develop them to include engaging with other churches in a relationship of mutual support and action. A recent example of this was the short-term loan of our Community Worker to assist Dalneigh church with a Sunday Evening children’s event after they suffered a loss of their Minister along with several members in a 2015 split.

Issy Freudenthal is our Presbytery Elder and one of our Members is the Presbytery Treasurer. Issy was also Presbytery Elder at the 2016 General Assembly, commissioned along with our Minister. Both she and our Minister serve actively on Presbytery Committees and events. We have another Elder who serves on the New Charge Commission and is appointed as an Assessor Elder to Kinmylies Church too. Our previous Minister served on the Mission & Discipleship Council.

We are also informed that the Barn is the largest parish in the presbytery (13,596. 2011 Census) with more than double the population of the next largest in Hilton. General Assembly approved planning principles suggest that resource- population density allocations would mean the Barn ‘in theory’ should have 3 full-time posts as it was pointed out at a meeting with a sub-group of Presbytery’s Planning Committee. The Barn’s part in the Path of Renewal pilot could have a lot to contribute to future plans of the congregation, but also to Presbytery and the wider national church (as it is intended).

One of our priorities as part of the national church is to actively strive to reduce energy consumption. We are signed up to the Church of Scotland Eco congregation plan and regularly audit our environmental attitude including our use of energy. We also recycle as much as we can by using recycling bins etc.

2. Resources Finance We are presently able to finance our current work, in no small part due to the diligence and wise counsel of our treasurer David Scott, who keeps a keen eye on the financial situation and ably advises Kirk Session on these matters. Expenditure is closely monitored to ensure it remains broadly in-line with

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers income. Over the last five years, ordinary expenditure has exceeded ordinary income in only one year as seen in the table below

Regular Offerings constitute the main source of income as detailed in the figures above. We encourage members to make use of gift aid as much as possible. Stewardship is constantly kept at the forefront after ‘giving for growth’ was last addressed in late 2013. Stewardship has been the theme of a number of sermons in the past five years Every effort is made to ensure the congregation is fully aware of the status of the church’s finance through regular updates and the information in the Annual Report. In the past but not recently when particular shortfalls in income have become apparent we have held “Giving Day” events; such events have usually involved printing and distributing a small booklet or leaflet to making the members aware of the financial needs and seek support through both one-off donations and requests to consider increasing their regular offering. Our income level is fairly good for the size of our congregation. We’ve benefited from a couple of significant legacies in 2014, although these will be fairly rapidly put to use on necessary property improvements which most likely need addressed in the near future. At the moment, we are meeting our M&M contribution in full.

BUILDINGS The Barn has grown and adapted to its people and its context over the years. As it stands, perhaps ironically, the oldest part of the complex which is the 18th Century tithe Barn is probably in the best condition, with its most recent addition being the 1982 New Barn and Foyer in need of some re-investment to update, refresh and improve the spaces for today’s current uses. There is a lot of scope too, for medium to large scale developments to provide a fit for purpose Barn for its current and future vision too.

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Inside Our largest space is the New Barn our main sanctuary and hall for multiple uses. It can seat a maximum of 250 in sardine format, but much more comfortably seats the regular 150 congregation. It benefits from underfloor heating, but in its period attempt to mimic its predecessor architecturally, the space has little natural light and the lighting itself is not particularly atmospheric in a positive way. It has a large raised stage which has been used for shows and concerts in the past. There is a small office (old vestry) off the chancel at the front.

The foyer or ‘Hall of Friendship’ is a corridor like space connecting the New and Old Barn’s. Off it is the small kitchen, storage, and dated toilet facilities. It is also the main entrance to the buildings. Whilst it proves to be a very nice sized space for groups up to 50 including the weekly Lunch Club, it is difficult to use it independently of the other two main spaces. It is also heated underfloor by a newly replaced gas boiler. This space was refreshed last year and a we now have a large digital signage TV, advertising all sorts of internal and external events, which can be viewed through the large front windows too. A large courtyard sits between the two parallel ‘Barns’ and the foyer, which currently includes a path, some bedding plants and grass. There has long been a desire to make better use of this space to improve the internal facilities.

The Old Barn now has a suspended ceiling to improve heat, whilst retaining its original exposed stone walls, large storage rooms and a Creche room which can be opened into the larger space. It can seat up to 100 in rows or 40 around tables. A large bi-fold door can open the whole space up into the foyer too, whilst at the other end a door leads to the Barn Centre (renovated 1970s Vestry block). The heating is provided by overhead electric panels.

The Barn Centre has a small Counselling room, and a larger lounge which can accommodate up to 20, with basic kitchen facilities and a disabled access toile. The other room in this space is the Minister’s office which will shortly be converted to a prayer/library/counselling room. Each room has electric panel heaters.

We save energy use by attention to proactive management of heating. However, no further savings are practically achievable without unrealistically high capital expenditure on installation of insulation, double glazing and possibly changing the zoning of the central heating system. Low energy lighting has been introduced where practical. All the buildings are fully accessible, including toilets. The Church and Foyer are both fitted with an Induction loop system for those with impaired hearing. Emergency exits are all clearly signed, whilst emergency lighting and a fire alarm system is fitted throughout the accommodation.

Outside There is not any adequate hard standing car parking close to the church, but we use the grassy area in front of the church for parking which can get seriously messy in bad weather. Following years of discussion about who owns the land surrounding the church, how much belongs to CofS, and whether the Council

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers might help provide better parking facilities for the sake of the Community, we have engaged in a process over the last two years which has resulted in nearly 1.5 acres of land to the front and side of the Barn being transferred to CofS ownership for a nominal fee in order to develop proper parking in the future.

The map below shows the historic boundaries as bits of land have been acquired, and the new boundary which is being tied up by the church’s law department before the end of 2016 (including a KS approved layout for a 70 space car park):

Current use and future fitness In addition to all our internal, outreach and social activities mentioned above, the buildings are regularly used and let to many other groups in the community. These include Cross Reach Counselling, Alcoholics Anonymous, a variety of Fitness and Slimming Clubs, Art Exhibitions, Concerts, training conferences, support groups, also NHS and Council meetings from time to time. We also host school visits for assemblies, but also to help with local history and Christianity projects. Our diary is currently nearing capacity.

The availability of different sizes of accommodation enables the needs of different organisations to be met and the number of rooms permits various

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers organisations to meet concurrently. We do not however have adequate kitchen accommodation for all our different needs which can compromise this. Our recently completed Vision Development process has also highlighted the need for and desire to see better and dedicated hospitality spaces within the church. Our plans to expand Café Church were also hindered due to the lack of kitchen facilities. So there is a growing realisation that we need to address this issue, along with some potential cosmetic improvements needed to the 1980s parts of the buildings.

Whilst the land transfer to enable plans to improve car parking is a huge milestone, we are at an early stage of exploring the potential and cost of expanding the buildings to better serve our mission today and tomorrow. However, the subject has been opened, and we are praying for God’s leading in this area. We have a further Vision Day for Elders in early 2017 to begin to take this forward. Though we have no financial plan or budget in place to realise a major development, we have no shortage of ideas of what we might do if money was no object. Some of which are listed below: • Consider enlarging the foyer into the courtyard to serve as a café/lounge space. • Create a well lit and easily accessible car parking area in front of the church • Move and extend the church kitchen to a more logical and user friendly situation. The new kitchen would be significantly larger than our present kitchen • Create improved and expanded toilet facilities • Improved storage for all organisations • Refurbish / Replace the stage and stage lighting Refurbish / Replace the Church lighting Upgrade the church IT and sound system.

PEOPLE In addition to our full-time Minister, we have a centrally funded full-time MDS post which we use to employ a Community Worker. As a congregation, we locally employ a part-time Cleaner, part-time Caretaker and a part-time Administrator to support and facilitate the work of the church on a regular basis. There is definitely scope to increase this support, but we are working within the finances we have for now. Volunteer leaders contribute to the life of the church in a huge variety of informal ways, but we do have volunteer Elders with specific responsibility for Safeguarding and our Prayer Ministry team for example. We also have up to 90 volunteers on several rotas, engaged in serving across all areas from sound and visual, welcome, hospitality, to reading and praying during worship. Whilst we are fortunate in this regard, we are aware that a number of faithful people have been serving a lot in these areas for a long time. We will have to deal with an increasing shortage of volunteers to do things in all these areas, particularly if the trend of aging congregations continues.

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In 2016 we updated all our local staff contracts through the services of RBS Mentor and they now reflect the very latest in best practice and employee welfare. Our able Treasurer keeps on top of Pension issues and options for local staff. As part of this refresh, the Minister, who is Line Manager for all staff has adapted a version of the annual appraisal forms required for centrally funded MDS, because he saw the benefits of having an intentional conversation with all staff at least annually, to raise any issues but also to pass on encouragement and spot opportunities for training and development. It is hoped the local staff will feel enabled to have a voice and be assured of their value in the church family.

Influenced by our involvement in Path of Renewal, and with a number of new initiatives such as Café Church beginning which need leaders to take them forward, we’re learning to encourage leadership among people who may not be among ‘the usual suspects’ for leading things up front. We’re beginning to look for people’s passions and develop things around that rather than decide what we’re doing first and try to get people to lead it. This all fits in with the development of a whole-life discipleship culture. LICC’s Life on the Frontline course asks the question of what church would look like if we built and resourced structures around where people needed support to live and reach out with their faith every day. They challenge us to think that it may not look like the current model where we have a juggernaut of activity and rotas that need people to keep it all going. It’s a big culture shift across the whole church, but early signs of people flourishing after being given an opportunity and some support to ‘go for it’ are encouraging.

3. Relationships & Leadership Prior to the last Review we adopted a Unitary Constitution. In preparation, we spent time critically reviewing what we needed to do as a congregation. This allows us to have a small group of Elders who are involved in the management of the Church on a practical and spiritual level.

With a change of Minister and as a result of the process of reviewing our vision, we have realised that the structure has slipped and we still have a fair way to go in order for the Kirk Session to function more smoothly, effectively and to bring in the skills of non-elders in leadership that the constitutional model intends. We are moving towards re-establishing a group/team structure to distribute and concentrate specific areas of work. This is in very early development and will progress in 2017. A possible outline structure has been noted by Kirk Session as a basis (see below), but may change over the process.

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It is envisaged each action group and team will have a co-ordinator and members with remit-specific interests and skills. The groups will be a mix of Elders and members (or ad hoc members for specific projects and sub groups). The coordinators would meet to set Agenda’s for fewer full Kirk Session meetings.

One of the challenges we face is finding people willing to lead or serve on committees. We know we have able members and indeed, people with ability. However, not all able people are willing to take on a leadership role. One of the reasons for moving to the Unitary Constitution was to try to broaden the pool of church management and expand the numbers of people willing to serve. The effectiveness of the new structure, if approved, will be reviewed and amended as required.

4. Renewed Vision & Core Values: to shape and grow the Barn congregation So far, there have been several references to our recently completed Vision Development process and excerpts from our new ‘About Us’ information which represent the culmination of two years of work in this area. Below is the ‘About us’ information in full:

Who we are…

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We are a diverse group of people seeking to follow Jesus. What brings us together is a desire to grow in our relationship with God and we see this as a journey of exploration which each of us has to experience for ourselves with the help of others around us. We don’t necessarily hold the same views about how to do this, have all of the answers, or see ourselves as being “sorted”. We know that we’re not “perfect” and we need help from God and each other. We believe that we can experience God’s presence today and we would love you to join us on this journey.

Our direction of travel… We desire to grow in our relationship with God through Jesus. We invite you to share this journey, experiencing His presence and love together.

Core values… A Jesus lifestyle - The Bible, the supreme authority of God's word written, calls this ‘discipleship’. When read, taught, heard, understood and applied, lives will be transformed in church and community. Teaching, training, equipping and empowering people to live a Jesus lifestyle is always at the centre.

A Worship-full life – Experiencing, expressing and responding to the love of God the Father, learning to live like Jesus (God the Son), and seeking the empowering presence of God the Holy Spirit both in our times together and the whole of our lives.

Rock solid Relationships - Receiving God’s kindness and forgiveness defines who we are, and we want to share it as generously and as widely as possible, locally, nationally and internationally through strong relationships, first with God and then each other. God has a role for everyone in this endeavour, joining in the journey of His ‘Mission’ to the world.

The process of Vision Development, was sparked in part by a discomfort of the Elders with the wording of the previous vision statement “To see the fame of Jesus, now, replace the infamy of the Battle of Culloden in 1746” which was unearthed in response to a question from the facilitator of our first Elders Vision Day with the new minister in January 2015. It wasn’t the essence, but the wording that troubled us, realising that if we really want Culloden to be known more for Jesus than a historic battle, then we ought not to refer to it in our vision statement. The process of Vision development has seen Kirk Session work, sometimes all together and also led by various sub-groups to undertake a review of everything we do, consult group leaders and members on how they define our identify as a congregation and trying hard to come up with a new and more 21st century context-friendly way to express our vision. We don’t have a catchy strap-line per se at the moment, but our vision and compact version of our original values, more closely represent who we are and how we want to live. We wanted to have vision and values that our congregation could not just know and learn, but remember, identify with and live out.

Our involvement with the Path of Renewal pilot has also, as we have mentioned throughout, begun to influence our direction of travel and approach to ministry. Although we don’t know what shape the church will take in the future, we are on a journey of discovery on the way, having been convinced that it won’t look

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers the same as it does now. To try and unpack what Path of Renewal is and what our Kirk Session blessed Core Group has learned so far, would take an entire report of this size itself. However, the diagram below may give a snapshot of the trend line that its visionaries want to see the church turn into a curve, to convey the basic idea:

Similarly, the focus on a principle of creating a culture of whole-life discipleship is explained in terms of focussing on Jesus’ own ministry, how He taught and sent, and with whom He spent the most significant proportions of His time. It is interesting and challenging to be confronted with a model that is almost the opposite of how the church mainly operates today, with minister’s and paid workers trying to reach crowds, and much less focus on the very small numbers groups who share life together:

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers

5. Changes since the last LCR (Quinquennial) During the past 5 years or so Barn life has been very interesting and vibrant. The Youth Group have run their own events for local Teenagers in the last two years under adult supervision inviting speakers and running their own Buzz Band. This evolved to see them take part in the leadership of something much larger across the region called Elevate. There have been occasional Christian rock band concerts in the church hall attended by large numbers of young people aged late teens to mid 20s (and even mid 80s), hugely entertaining and powerful.

Now a regular feature in December is the large undertaking of the very successful Great Big Free Giveaway event, developed and run by our Community Worker, Paul Haringman. We collect and store gifts of new and nearly new items for people in the community to come and take away for Christmas. It has become well known in the local area and people are happy to come, but also surprisingly to stay around for tea/coffee, prayer, dream interpretation and Christmas message entertainment.

In March 2014 our long serving Minister of 20 years, Jim Robertson retired and after a short time of Vacancy, Mike Robertson was Ordained and Inducted as our new Minister. It does seem, in retrospect, that one era had come to an end, but a new one had begun. This began on 14th November 2014 and prior to his arrival work was done to re-decorate the manse and carry out maintenance. With the arrival of a new young minister and his equally young family there was excitement and anticipation.

Much of the changes which have taken place or are in progress, or even in the pipeline have been discussed in previous sections along the way.

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6. Facing challenges Perhaps the biggest challenge is leading a diverse group of people through change, without knowing (as it was the case in the past) what exactly the change will look like when complete. Truthfully, to stay in touch with a world that changes constantly, in order that we can communicate the gospel to today’s people, we need to get used to change being normal and continuous. We’re probably doing not too badly on that front at the moment. However, we face mostly the same challenges as most other churches. These include declining membership (mostly by death), ageing congregation, the missing 20-30s group. This leads to financial pressures on the remaining members. Changes in society, technology, "online" culture, a working-age parish demographic who spend most of their time out of the community, and so on.

The key to facing challenges is the desire to. We’re keen to progress our relationship with the community, using opportunities being provided by the Path of Renewal and our new Vision to get our people out and active in the community, growing as a church in maturity, and hopefully in number too.in the most appropriate manner. SECTION 2: CONGREGATIONAL FIVE YEAR ACTION PLAN

1. OVERVIEW, RATIONALE AND FRAMEWORK Given the guidelines for building an action plan, and that we are emerging from a development to an implementing stage of our renewed vision, it seems helpful to build our plan based around the three core values which represent the essence of our vision.

OUR DIRECTION OF TRAVEL… We desire to grow in our relationship with God through Jesus. We invite you to share this journey, experiencing His presence and love together.

CORE VALUES… A Jesus lifestyle - The Bible, the supreme authority of God's word written, calls this ‘discipleship’. When read, taught, heard, understood and applied, lives will be transformed in church and community. Teaching, training, equipping and empowering people to live a Jesus lifestyle is always at the centre.

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then each other. God has a role for everyone in this endeavour, joining in the journey of His ‘Mission’ to the world.

In order to keep our goals SMART… Specific – state clearly what it is you plan to do. Measurable – how will you measure full completion or stage completion? Applicable – why are you doing this? Resourced – do you have the people and the money to carry out the task? Time-bound – by when will the aim be achieved?

.. our plan headings take the form of… What (Current/Future) – The area of church life for action, what that looks like now, and how we’d like to see it develop. How – A description of our planned action Who – Specific people or groups who will lead/be involved in taking this forward. When – If appropriate, a date or time frame for action to be completed within the 5-year plan. The principles of B.R.A.G. reporting (Blue, Red, Amber, Green) are added to this column to help prioritise and focus our efforts Task Completed Highest Priority (most urgent actions) 0000000 Lowest Priority (long lead time)0

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers 2. Congregational 5-Year Action Plan 2017-2022

Core Value: A Jesus Lifestyle (“Looking Out”)

(Ref) What (Current/Future) How Who When (Local Mission p6) Explore and act on ways of engaging more with the Pastoral or (life) small groups This is a culture shift community around us, whilst supporting each other as we do so. based on local area, identifying which first requires 80% of members live in the parish, but we are reliant on leader led community needs and feeding research and input of Beginning to programmes and events saying “Come to us”. back support requirements to PoR Core Group, with implement Members supported and equipped to reach out where they are and where they church leadership experiments beginning Late 2017 live. with willing volunteers

(Local Mission p6) Making connections/serving Culloden Academy pupils Involving school and pupils to Perhaps led by Minister Hundreds pass right by the building twice daily, 5 days a week. We’ve long scope what some activity might on school contact, wanted to connect somehow, but nothing has yet emerged. be helpful. A drop-in, Café or maybe with some of our A space/opportunity to connect, build relationships, identify needs and serve homework/revision club seem own Academy young obvious, with access to folks to begin scoping during lunchtime and possibly after school too. Summer Counselling. Implementation may exercise. After that has depend/tie in with building been completed, a new 2017 developments action can be developed to take this forward.

(Local Mission p6) A deepening or formalising of working relationships with other Explore the possibility of a Minister or Elder local churches working group with reps from appointed by KS Churches share info and work together informally on an occasional basis. interested churches. This may A partnership approach could facilitate formal joint working to serve the include appointing a volunteer or community and share the gospel. At the very least, information sharing could funded improve. post to progress the connection

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers (Local Mission p6) Facilitating the Community Worker’s post to maximise focus We need to find others in the Kirk Session on leading missional activity congregation with the ability to Community Worker is the key person responsible for running 4 significant ‘run’ groups and activities, in weekly activities. order to release the skills of Summer Community Worker released to develop and lead more of the congregation Community 2017 into missional activity, especially in and around the local community (beyond Worker to best use the church building).

(Local Mission p6) Review the Great Big Free Giveaway event People who have experienced the Kirk Session appointed Annual event focussed on giving away (donated) practical items to those in event, will meet to consider what group to report on this the community who need them. Some concern has been raised whether this is works well, what challenges exist, in November 2016. potential for improvement, and the best way to support or share with the community, or does it encourage March 2017 materialism. Maximising the relationship building and connecting aspect of what might be lost if we stopped it etc. They must represent a cross- the event to extend the support we can offer to our community year-round. sections of views about the event.

(Local Mission p6) Involvement in various Community events with other It need be no more complicated Ongoing conversation groups/organisations, to bring people together more. than to continue engaging with has This has been lacking in recent years, but a very successful ‘Christmas in the other parties such as ‘Community already started with Avenue’ event which we were part of but not in control of, took place in Council’, and other groups to see Community Worker, December 2016. Become more involved in such events with a light touch, what is possible for the future. Minister and others. allowing us to engage with people where they are and build relationships, Looking at a variety of without necessarily having to man a community based ‘religious’ stall. events within and out with our buildings (from seasonal events to regular games nights).

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers (Local Mission p6) Explore partnership working to develop formal Community Again, working in partnership, Meetings and Services such as a weekly mobile fresh food bank in association with Tesco. with much of the financial and conversations to Early discussion taking place around scope for such a project and others. material resource coming from continue between A viable Community project, meeting practical needs could be in place within elsewhere. Our part would be to Community Worker, be involved on the ground and months. Minister and other seek opportunities to build groups to progress. relationships, share the gospel through serving in much needed ways.

(Finance p12) Stewardship Programme Either via a Stewardship Kirk Session to decide Ran ‘Giving for Growth’ in 2013 programme, a short study course on direction A larger focus on living ‘generously’ in groups, sharing more info on the functions of church finance, changing how we uplift offerings on Sunday, encouraging people to give via bank etc.

Core Value: A Worship-full life (“Looking Up”)

(Ref) What (Current/Future) How Who When (Worship p3-5) Sunday Services accessibility/appeal Develop drama and arts in Current and expanded Designed predominantly for “churched” people. worship, dramatic readings of Drama Group to develop Autumn More inclusive and aware of “seekers” and “un-churched”. scripture, sketches etc. 2017

(Worship p3-5) Sunday Services leadership As this is more to do with culture Led and encouraged by Except from a rota of Readers/Pray-ers and the music group, services are change, the Nike approach would the Minister to support usually led by ‘the Minister’. apply, and we ‘Just do it’ others to become involved Services planned, opened, led, linked by others in the congregation. This and encourage them could in time, even include the opportunity for people to develop preaching skills.

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers (Worship p3-5) Sunday Services format Research good practice from other Youth Leaders, Kirk Children and Youth groups join for last part of service, feeding back what churches where this is already Session, Minister they’ve learned and finishing worship together. taking place. Explore if separate CofS nationally is encouraging churches to build on worshipping together, and groups only for ‘teaching’ would finding multiple ways of teaching, so there is less need for separation of into be better, and whether a multiple age groups. choice of styles may suit all ages

(Worship p3-5) Music Group Develop a ‘guidelines’ document Minister, Kirk Session have One group in various combinations on a rota, led, disciple and all services co- for current and future band already begun to look at ordinated by one person (Worship Leader). leaders to work to, covering some this and will progress. A multiple group structure, where leaders support and develop band basic principles of their responsibility for their part of members, and only co-ordination remains the responsibility of one person. leading worship. Explore how Early 2017 many leaders/groups are possible at this moment and identify gaps for development.

(Worship p3-5) Sunday Evening Services review Monitor the benefits of timing, Minister, Café Church and Monthly Café Church and Monthly Traditional Service. content, format, attendance along Traditional Service teams,

Continually reviewed to ensure best use of leadership resources and impact. with teams on an ongoing basis. and Kirk Session

(Worship p3-5) Prayer life Develop prayer chains using Current leaders of various Trained Prayer Ministry Team, two Prayer meetings, and prayer through technology, explore event and teams to come together to various groups and Pastoral Care Team. spaces for prayer etc. explore Expanded opportunities and styles of prayer event, more joined-up approach.

Core Value: Rock Solid Relationships (“Looking In”)

(Ref) What (Current/Future) How Who When

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers (Discipleship p8-9) Alpha follow-up Using resources such as from LICC, Minister and Alpha team Various bible study groups meeting weekly, which Alpha guests are invited to materials from 3DM and others to (PoR Core Group) to pilot join Whole-life discipleship, small groups staying connected and mentored in develop a new culture. Training with Life on the Frontline Spring Christian life as well as study input for leaders and developing new 2017 leaders.

(Discipleship p8-9) The type, variety and function of ‘Discipleship’ groups Examine what ‘discipleship’ means Kirk Session would initiate A number of groups meeting weekly, either ‘gender’ or ‘stage on the journey’ in terms of whole-life and this process and define based, with the main focus being on bible study. consider what gaps might need parameters Possibly more integrated groups of people of all ages and stages. Perhaps also filled. Explore developing a mid- operating some kind of mid-week hub. week hub where people meet together for coffee (and occasional speaker), but then move into a variety of options of small group activity.

(Worship p3-5) Welcome pack for visitors and new members Develop a pack with info on who Minister, Administrator we are, what we believe, when and Welcome Team Rely on Welcome Teams to connect and pass on info to people, or for them to By end of find it themselves. we meet, what’s on offer, contact volunteers

A Welcome Pack with basic information to be given to new members and/or details, how to give etc. 2017 visitors. (Children & Youth p9-10) Connecting with people in their 20s/30s Setup a group (maybe even Willing members of the Very view of this age in the church family, sometimes struggling to online), explore and respond to congregation of this areas of life that are a struggle or general connect A church where all ages interact and support each other, minimising the feeling of isolation that matter to people of this age age group group.

(Pastoral Care p10) The Care Team Review the structure and model Kirk Session would A volunteer team of visitors, led by an Elder, responding to needs as they for Pastoral Care. Are there gaps initiate this process and become known. in provision? Could we become define parameters A wider culture of supporting each other, sharing needs and responding more pro-active (without reverting informally as well as through a specific team. to District Elders).

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers (Pastoral Care p10) Accountability triplets/cells Encourage congregation to build Kirk Session would Some informal and pocket examples within the congregation/groups. this network among those they are initiate this process and A possible network of friendship clusters or triplets of people who commit to closest to. The minimum define parameters. requirement is ‘contact’ of some supporting one another on a weekly basis. Possibly something Path sort once a week to check in on of Renewal Core Group each other, identify needs, could be involved in too. accountability etc.

General Actions (impacting and supporting all 3 Core Value areas)

(Ref) What (Current/Future) How Who When (Buildings p13-15) Hall Letting policy Review pricing structure based on Possibly Path of Renewal In need of review and update like for like research, develop a staff member Better information/promotion to both community and commercial agencies leaflet/webpage showing what interesting in hiring space spaces we have available. All tom maximise potential income in 2017 order to re-invest in missional activity.

(Buildings p13-15) Feasibility project to take development / upgrade of Beginning with a Vision Day to Possibly led by Path of buildings forward focus on some initial scoping Renewal staff member Multiple areas where we recognise upgrade, decoration, or replacement is priorities to balance potential and an expanded necessary, but stuck on progress until a bigger picture vision plan is known. developments with necessary and Property A well maintained and fit for ‘maximum’ purpose suite of buildings, based on affordable ones. Then work up 5- Team Early 2017 identified needs for the present and future life of the Barn from Vision 10 year phased plan if necessary so Development Outcomes. we work towards a bigger picture. Kirk Session is already beginning to tackle this major issue.

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers (Buildings p13-15) Develop Car Park on recently acquired land in front of the Layout plans have already been Possibly led by Path of Barn Historically parking on grass opposite church, until now, owned by approved by KS, and costing work Renewal staff member Highland Council. A fit for purpose Car Parking area to meet the can soon begin to help us decide and an expanded requirements of the life of the Barn today. how soon and to what extent we Property can develop a hard standing car Team Early 2017 park. This also needs to progress in line with the Building Feasibility Kirk Session is already project to ensure best priorities. beginning to tackle this

major issue. (Buildings p13-15) Development of additional adjacent land for community use Explore possible uses, ascertain if Possibly led by Path of Roughly .75 acre of land to the side of the church, acquired along with land to any of the options might attract Renewal staff member the front for parking. partnership and/or funding. and an expanded 2018 Possible uses may include Remembrance garden, play park, allotment, sports Consult with Highland Council Property onwards area, men’s shed. regarding development restrictions Team

(Buildings p13-15) Address historical issue of public room provision within the Continue to consider options, Kirk Session is already manse per current regulations and guidelines liaising with Presbytery Property attending and To be Not currently possible to accommodate a Study plus two other public rooms, Committee and General Trustees progressing work on this. completed whilst providing 4 bedrooms. to find the best long-term solution before A solution to provide all required manse accommodation per requirements on to suite the congregation (as well next as current and future ministers) one (ideally the current) site. Vacancy

(People p15-16) Future of local staffing provision Review our day-to-day staffing Kirk Session to appoint Caretaker is in his 80s and beginning to consider retirement requirements to discern how best someone or a group to Staffing arrangements that represent best value and meets the needs of the to organise support post in the take this forward when church future. Is appropriate. there scope to combine either Cleaning/Caretaking or Caretaking/Administration etc.

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers (People p15-16) Leadership succession planning Consider who might take over Kirk Session to take the Several leaders have been in place for many years, often with little or no either for a season or more pro-active lead in this practical support, particularly in Children & Youth work permanently, should a long area A culture where people don’t feel obliged to keep going beyond their capacity standing leader decide they wish or willingness, and continual awareness of the need to plan for future of to hand it on, and begin to train various groups. and prepare new people.

(Relationships & Leadership p16) Kirk Session re-structure Minister has begun exploring good Kirk Session will Operating Unitary Constitution, with no standing sub-groups or teams, and practice from other congregations continue work in 2017 to only a few Elders with area specific responsibilities which they are dealing and will begin to work up some flesh that out and Autumn with by themselves. An operating model for Kirk Session to get the best out of proposals for the noted structure. propose a model to be 2017 the Unitary Constitution principles, but also that helps us best implement our implemented renewed vision.

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers

APPENDIX 1 – BASIC FACT AND FIGURES

1.1 Is the administration of the Sacrament of Baptism of infants in accordance with Yes Act V, 2000? http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/1839/ 2000_act_05.pdf

Comments: It’s the Minister’s policy to discuss with parents (and candidates) what Baptism is and is not, especially in relation to promises they will make (to God not church) on their child’s behalf, and the promise the congregation will make to support them (How will they have this opportunity etc?). This leads to people deciding either that Baptism is or is not what they really want. One or two have left it there, one couple asked for a blessing which we happily did, but mostly people have proceeded for Baptism, well informed.

In what way are office bearers representative of congregation and parish, 1.2 for example in terms of age, gender, socio-economic grouping, etc ? Reasonably well Comments: Our Elders and office bearers are drawn from our own community and probably reflect the community well in terms of gender but perhaps not so much

in terms of age and we probably do not reflect the socio economic make up of our community. What constitution do you have? 1.3 Unitary Comments: The change took place a few years ago, but the support structure of groups/teams and any regular input from non-Elders has faded, leaving a heavy workload on very few people. We intend to review the structure and re-organise it as a high priority during 2017, in line with our recently developed vision. What staff are employed (i.e. apart from minister?) 1.4 4

Comments: We have a Community Worker (MDS), and locally paid caretaker, Cleaner and Admin Assistant

1.5 Is the church in compliance with Act Xll 2007 re provision and Yes maintenance of manses? (in http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0004/1867/ part) 2007_act_12.pdf

Comments: In present form, the manse is 2 rooms short of the church’s requirement. Although disappointed that this was not picked up or advised by Presbytery during the 2014 vacancy, KS and the Minister have been working in consultation with Presbytery and General Trustees to remedy this. In early 2017, a part conversion of the double garage will provide a new study, releasing the fourth bedroom in the manse again. Further plans are being considered to provide the missing public room, possibly by replacing and reworking the layout of the kitchen/dining areas.

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Have recent property survey findings and recommendations been 1.6 implemented? Yes

Comments: Not withstanding the above, the manse has been maintained according to recommendations and had significant improvements and upgrades before and since the current Minister arrived. There is an ogoing programme of maintenance/development.

Charities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 states that Charity trustees (or connected persons) cannot be remunerated unless certain 1.7 No conditions are met. Are any Trustees or connected persons in receipt of payments and have correct processes been followed?

Comments: No payment and procedure would be followed if required.

1.8 Have the Trustees adopted the Bribery Policy approved by the General Yes Assembly? (see http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0013/22504 /Bribery-Act-Guidance.pdf )

Comments: Common sense

What steps have you taken to implement Data Protection policy? 1.9

Comments: We have our own policy which is on physical display and on our website and a DP officer appointed. Andrew Ramsay

2. Statistical Information 2.1 Worship (Figures from recent Scottish Church Census, May 2016) Average weekly attendance at Age profile of under 16 22 morning worship: attendees (approximate): 16-44 21

120/ 150 45 -69 49

70+ 50

Average weekly attendance at 12 Age profile of under 16 0 other worship services: attendees (approximate): 16-44 2

45 -69 6

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70+ 4

2.2 Fellowship Number on 2015 - 242 Current age profile of under 21 12 Communion Roll: members 2014 - 246 (approximate): 22-40 25

2013 - 246 41 -60 105

2012 - ? 60+ 100

2011 - ?

2.3 Service Male Female Average age approximately

Elders 10 8 60-65

Board Members or Deacons’ n/a n/a n/a Court (if appropriate)

Staff member details other than Community Worker (MDS) minister (associate minister, Cleaner, Admin Assistant & Cleaner secretary, youth worker, etc.)

How many baptisms per annum? (Of which how many adults 2015 - 4 in brackets?) If you have conducted any thanksgivings/blessings it would also be helpful if you 2014 - 2 could indicate 2013 - 0

2012 - 0

2011 - 4

How many weddings per annum? 2015 - 0

2014 - 1

2013 - 3

2012 - 2

2011 - 1

How many funerals per annum? 2015 - 16

2014 - 7

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(Figures for this and the two sections above may not be 2013 - 19 accurate due to 2014 vacancy) 2012 - 1

2011 - 5

Please tell us about specific We technically have 4 primary schools and 1 secondary school in our demands of your situation parish. However, there are also 6 other churches in the area, some of (exceptional number of whom are committed to working in schools. We essentially take a lead role in chaplaincy to Duncan Forbes Primary School in Culloden funerals, Chaplaincies, etc.) (assemblies and termly services at the Barn). The Minister has and ways of sharing recently began teaching RME in the school on a weekly basis, covering responsibilities. all classes throughout the school year in 3-4 week blocks (at Head Teachers invitation). Being regularly in the school allows the Minister to build relationships with staff and support them at various times.

We also have a rota assembly presene at Balloch Primary, but have begun to encourage them and the new CB Baptist Church to forge a closer connection as the local church to them. Cradlehall and Smithton schools are served by other churches such as Smithton Free Church etc.

Culloden Academy had a historic ban on religious input of any kind, but this is being changed slowly by the current Rector. Our Minister has made contact and we are nominally working towards a chaplaincy policy set by the school. It has not materialised yet though.

It would not be possible, we feel, to offer the level of support we do to Duncan Forbes Primary to all four parish primaries. We also are happy that others are not left out, but ably seved by other local churches.

2.4 Discipleship Numbers involved in Christian nurture

Children Up to 15 25

Young adults 16 – 25 8

Adults 26+ 40

2.5 Finance 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Total income (1) 99327 101182 117442 203218 105754

Total offerings (2) 85177 90660 108830 94437 95830

Per capita giving (3) 334 355 437 379 379

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Number of people giving under 48 50 59 61 64 Gift Aid Balance in reserve funds 30477 34686 48651 123471 101395

Note 1 - Total income includes Total Offerings together with income from annual sales of work, donations from organisations plus extraordinary income used for general purposes; for example, the income from an invested legacy. Note 2 - Total offerings includes offerings from Plate, WFO, Banker’s Orders, Deed of Covenant, Gift Aid, Tax recovered on Covenants or Gift Aid, other donations including Gift Days, etc. (It should be the bottom line figure at end of part 1 of the Financial Schedule) Note 3 - Per capita giving is total offerings divided by membership roll plus adherents.

Form SG11 Version May 2015

Safeguarding Audit Checklist: for Congregations, the Annual Inspection of Records and Local Church Review.

Congregation:…Culloden: The Barn…………………………………… Date checklist completed…Monday 7th November 2016…………….. Completed by:…Andrew Ramsay / Rev Mike Robertson………………

Purpose This is an opportunity for congregations and Presbyteries to assess how well they are protecting children, and adults at risk, from harm. This Checklist was originally developed as a self-assessment tool for congregations. A General Assembly deliverance, 2015, extended its use to include the Annual Inspection of Records and the Local Church Review. The checklist is a set of 22 questions, or standards, about what good safeguarding should look like in practice. It is the process for the audit and review of safeguarding arrangements in the Church. The aim is to identify good practice and opportunities for improvements. For help with the questions see Church of Scotland Safeguarding Handbooks 1 to 5, the summary of General Assembly Safeguarding Committee Deliverances, policy and practice guidance documents, posters, and key publications at http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about_us/safeguarding_service/keypublication.

The questions are arranged under three themes: Policies, procedures and safeguarding arrangements Safe Recruitment and Management of Volunteers and Paid Staff Awareness of Harm/Abuse and Safeguarding Training

For a shorter review 9 key safeguarding activities are highlighted in rows 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 14, 17,18 and 19.

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Method 1. Congregations: the Kirk Session could give one or two members – who are ideally not on the Safeguarding Panel – the task of using the checklist to gather information. How you gather this information is up to the Kirk Session. But the Kirk Session could get all Church groups working with children or protected adults to complete just questions 15–20. That information could then be checked against the Safeguarding Congregational Register form SG7 (2015). A short report of findings and recommendations could then be prepared for the Kirk Session.

2. Annual Inspection of Records: submit this SG11 form. (Before 2015 only the Safeguarding Congregational Register was inspected).

3. Local Church Review: use this revised SG11 as the inspection schedule.

Further information and guidance about all of the safeguarding activities in the following table and a directory of General Assembly Safeguarding Committee Deliverances is at http://www.churchofscotland.org.uk/about_us/safeguarding_service/keypublication s

Safeguarding activity Notes/action needed ✓

THEME 1: POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND SAFEGUARDING ARRANGEMENTS

√ 1. Are the Church’s Safeguarding Policy Statement, 2010, ‘Ensuring a Safe Church for All’ and the Safeguarding in the Church of Scotland poster, 2015, with details about how to contact the Safeguarding Coordinator, clearly displayed?

2. Has the Kirk Session appointed a Safeguarding Coordinator? √ Marian & Richard Mansfield, joint (Two are sometimes appointed.) co-ordinators

3. Has the name and email address of the Safeguarding √

Safeguarding activity Notes/action needed ✓

Coordinator been passed to the Church of Scotland’s Safeguarding Service? (If not the congregation will not receive important safeguarding updates. Use form SG10) √

4. If a member of the congregation or a volunteer working with Notices with pictures and info about children or adults at risk, suspected or witnessed harm, or it co-ordinators displayed at various was reported to them, would they immediately know how to locations throughout buildings contact the Safeguarding Coordinator? (See 1 above.) √

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5. Has the Kirk Session set up a Safeguarding Panel and have Perhaps not all members of panel the members attended Safeguarding Coordinator are up-to-date with co-ordinator training? (Safeguarding Coordinator training covers most of what training Safeguarding Panel members need to know).

6. Does the Safeguarding Coordinator update Kirk Session √ A standing item on KS agenda about the latest safeguarding policies and procedures? √ 7. Is the Safeguarding Congregational Register, form SG7 (2015), up-to-date? (This is the record of all volunteers and paid staff who are PVG Scheme members – essential for ensuring that we do not ‘employ’ barred individuals who have harmed children or protected adults.) √ 8. Are the Kirk Session, the Minister and the Safeguarding Panel aware of the policy for managing those who pose a risk (sex offenders), and the procedure for their safe inclusion in worship as described in Safeguarding Handbook 5, 2014? N/ A 9. If it is known, or suspected, that a sex offender is attending worship has that information been shared with the Safeguarding Service to ensure appropriate support? (See 8 above).

10. Prior to planned activities for children or adults at risk is the √ Safeguarding Service Risk Assessment Tool being used to identify and address potential risks? (Use form SG20, in Church of Scotland Safeguarding Handbook 4, 2013, pages 4–6). √ Reviewed and updated in 2015 11. Does the Kirk Session have a standard signed Let Agreement with individuals or groups who hire Church premises and encourage their compliance with the PVG Scheme if they are providing a service for children or protected adults? (See Safeguarding Handbook 4, 2013, page 23). √ 12. Is the Kirk Session aware of the Disciplinary Code 2012, for the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007? (See Safeguarding Handbook 2, 2013, pages 16–19). √ 13. Are all confidential paper and electronic safeguarding records stored in a secure and confidential place and, when necessary, destroyed?

THEME 2: SAFE RECRUITMENT AND MANAGEMENT OF VOLUNTEERS AND PAID STAFF

√

14. Has the Kirk Session ensured that all new paid staff and Some new volunteers pending volunteers doing regulated work with vulnerable groups have completed the safe recruitment process and been appointed by Kirk Session? (Job description, interview, two references and since 2011, PVG Scheme membership or update etc. See Safeguarding Handbook 2, 2013, page 6 for summary). Safeguarding activity Notes/action needed ✓

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√ 15. Transferring from Disclosure Scotland checks to PVG Scheme membership, 2011–2015: did all existing volunteers/paid staff transfer to the PVG Scheme by October 2015? (For the Presbytery of England, see guidance about the Disclosure and Barring Service) √ 16. Where a congregation’s children are attending a joint churches/congregations activity, for example a school holidays group, is there evidence that all volunteers have been safely recruited? (This could be a short typed agreement covering all the arrangements for the joint event including safe recruitment).

THEME 3: AWARENESS OF HARM/ABUSE AND SAFEGUARDING TRAINING

√ 2012 edition 17. Have all volunteers and paid staff been issued with the Pocket Guide Safeguarding Children and Adults at Risk: Key Information for Volunteers and Staff, 2012 (reprinted 2014). And has the content of this short guide been discussed with them individually or as a group? √ 18. Reporting harm or abuse: do all volunteers and paid staff know the procedure to follow if harm or abuse is suspected, witnessed or reported to them, as set out in the Pocket Guide (see 17 above). This includes suspected or reported historical abuse. 19. Have all volunteers and paid staff attended the appropriate level √ of Church of Scotland safeguarding training? Is there a record of who has attended safeguarding training, and when, and is refresher training needed for some? (See Safeguarding Handbook 3, 2012, on the Safeguarding Service webpage, for types of training and how to arrange them).

20. Has the Safeguarding Coordinator attended Safeguarding √ Coordinator training? √ 21. When Safeguarding Coordinators advise the Presbytery Safeguarding Contact about the need for safeguarding training is this provided in good time? 22. Has a representative group (not necessarily all) of the Kirk √ Session attended Kirk Session Safeguarding Training to be made aware of their responsibilities for the safe recruitment and management of volunteers; and ensuring that effective arrangements are in place to prevent and respond to harm? (Kirk Session responsibilities are set out in Safeguarding Committee directory of Safeguarding Committee General Assembly Deliverances.)

Contact for more information: The Church of Scotland Safeguarding Service The Church of Scotland 121 George Street Edinburgh, EH2 4YN

t: 0131 240 2256

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers e: [email protected] w: www.churchofscotland.org.uk for the most up-to-date information Richard Crosse, Head of Safeguarding, version, May 2015

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers

Local Church Review Kinmylies Parish Church 2017

This review has been carried out on behalf of the Presbytery of Inverness by its Representatives Rev Alistair Murray, Rev Doug McRoberts and Mr Jim Dow.

At the outset of the visit we were warmly received by the Minister and Office bearers and were assisted by their openness, which gave us an opportunity to ask searching questions. A strong feature of the life and work of Kinmylies is their outreach to children and the excellent relations that they have with the local primary schools. In this regard, they are very appreciative of the work being undertaken by Anne Gunn in the community, particularly among the young people. Anne is now their Children and Families worker, following a successful application in 2016 under the Church of Scotland’s Go For It programme for a 3 year Children and Families Project. We found the Congregation in good heart, and responding with energy and faith to the challenges and opportunities before them. A comprehensive Five-year plan has been drawn up as part of this review, with the input of the whole Congregation through a questionnaire and half day conference. The Church plan identifies a range of actions under four key themes of Mission, Discipleship, Fellowship and Practical Service. The Children and Families Project also provides a major framework for local mission, involving not only the Project Worker, but also a Project Management Group and a large number of volunteers from the Congregation to help with a wide range of tasks. We were informed that the leadership has lost a number of highly regarded individuals because of the stance the Church of Scotland has taken on particular issues. The present leadership recognise the challenges and opportunities before them, and under God are endeavouring to lead the Congregation forward positively and united through these, in the days that lies ahead. We have found that this is a Congregation who very much have a prayerful concern and interest in the work of Overseas Mission, and they are to be commended for this Ministry. The team also stress the importance of being a Parish Church which means facing the responsibility through their agreed Action Plan to the Community. In the light of this we feel it is important that they add to the leadership, in prayerfully seeking to add to the Kirk Session numbers at the earliest opportunity and that Presbytery should seek to offer support in this area. We believe this is happening and hope that they will continue to add to the Kirk Session in the future to ensure the well being and health of the Congregation. It is our hope that the Office bearers will give priority to ensuring that they are represented at Presbytery not only by their Minister but also from one of their number. It is our hope that this is a Congregation that will continue to respond positively, energetically and faithfully to challenges, opportunities and responsibilities, and with good leadership will see the fulfilment of the visions within their Church Plan and Project Plan. The Local Review team commend the Ministry team and Office-bearers for the work which has been carried out to prepare reports for the Local Church Review

INVERNESS PRESBYTERY – June 27, 2017 papers and to draw up the Five-Year Plan, and we pray they will be encouraged and blessed in the future. The Church Action Plan was approved by the Kirk Session in February 2017 and sets out a comprehensive range of SMART actions under four aims relating to Practical Service, Fellowship, Mission and Discipleship. It was presented to the Congregation in March 2017 by means of a Summary Document, which is attached. Sitting within the Mission goal is the implementation of the outputs of the Children’s and Families Project, where the leadership has identified the following four outcomes for the Parish and the Congregation: 1. A sense of community and togetherness will have grown between families, schools, parish and Church 2. Through chaplaincy and other support, local schools will have been supported in delivery of the curriculum, especially in area of RME 3. Children and their families will have opportunities to engage with the Bible and explore the Christian faith in appropriate and accessible ways 4. The Congregation of Kinmylies Church will have had their faith deepened as they grow in understanding and Confidence in Mission. 5. Deliverance to be decided by Congregational Support Committee and presented to Presbytery

KINMYLIES CHURCH OF SCOTLAND, INVERNESS 5 YEAR PLAN REFERE DESCRIPTI ACTIONS RESPO INDIVID TIMESCA EXPECTED PROG NCE ON NSIBLE UALS LE OUTCOMES RESS PERSO INVOLV (specific (R)ed N ED dates to (A)mb (name be er of lead inserted) (G)re person) en PRACTI AIM: That we are faithful in the giving of our time, abilities and possessions CAL in practical service within the church and among our fellowship SERVIC E

P1 Encourage 1.Appropria Andrew 1.Teachi 1.Individual fellowship te teaching Barrie; ng spring s have to consider on practical Congreg 2017 greater practical service ational 2.Survey understandi services 2. Survey Board; June ng of they could members of Fellowsh 2017 responsibili individually the ip ty in the offer to the fellowship use of gifts church/fell re 2.Greater owship individual involvemen interests/sk t across the ills fellowship in the life of the church P2 Aspire 1. Survey Fellowsh 1.Survey Practical towards the members of ip; June teams in establishme the Congreg 2017 place, with nt of teams fellowship ational 2.Teams team to be re Board formatio leaders responsible individual n and

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for some interests/sk team aspects of ills leader practical 2. Form Oct 2017 service, teams e.g. 3. Nominate property, team leader grounds, finance, admin, welcome, tea/coffee P3 Aspire 1. Survey Fellowsh 1.Survey Shadows in towards members of ip; June place having a the Session 2017 ‘shadow’ fellowship 2.Individ for key re uals postholders individual approach ; e.g. interests/sk ed and Treasurer, ills nominati Property 2. Approach ons to Convener, individuals Session Safeguardin with a view August g Co- to 2017 ordinator, shadowing Gift Aid 3. Nominate Convener individuals to Session P4 Fill the Property Congreg Depende Individual vacant post sub-group ational nt on appointed of Property (Alasdair Board; discussio or role Convener Murray and Property ns of otherwise David sub- Property filled Cowie) to group sub- (links to P2 consider group and a team way forward leader for for this. Property team) P5 Fill the 1.Review Congreg 1.Role Individual vacant post the role of ational reviewed appointed of Church Church Board Feb 2017 (links to Officer Officer 2.If certain 2.If judged appropria duties appropriate te, under P8) , advertise advert vacancy placed by within end fellowship March 2017 2.Appoint ment hopefully made by Easter 2017 P6 Examine 1. Obtain Andrew Session; 2018- If deemed the merits details of Barrie Congreg 2021 beneficial, of moving how a ational To be the church to a Unitary church Board considere would have operates d further a revised

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Constitutio under a by structure n unitary session at for the constitution the end carrying out ; of 2017 of business 2. Session presently and covered by Congregatio the nal Board to Congregatio consider nal Board pros and cons of such a move P7 Ensure Fire 1.Interim Congreg 1.Interim All H & S and Health arrangemen ational March requiremen and Safety t to be Board; 2017 ts met property discussed by then 2.Later in (links to P4 requiremen Property Property 2017 and P2) ts are met sub-group sub- 2.Would group become and/or responsibilit Convene y of r Property Convener or Property Team Leader once appointed. P8 Seek 1.Verify all Session; To be All tasks volunteers tasks to be Fellowsh complete undertaken to cover covered ip; d in 2017 by practical 2.Survey Congreg (links to volunteers/ tasks members of ational P1, P2, Church previously the Board P5 and Officer/tea carried out fellowship D7) ms by the re Parish individual Assistant: interests/sk a) Weekly ills notice 3.Invite sheet and volunteers/ Powerpoint approach for Sunday individuals services; for specific b) Monthly tasks prayer 4.Consider bulletin; which tasks c) Web-site could be and generic included in email box; Church d) Church Officer post diary; 5, Tasks e) handed over Opening/cl to osing and volunteers preparing and Church church for Officer outside lets;

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f) Pastoral visits, including with church flowers P9 Provide 1. Provide Treasur Congreg 1. At Fellowship fellowship financial er ational Stated is more with statement Board; Annual informed updated at Stated Finance Meeting about financial Annual sub- 2. In the financial position Meeting in group Autumn position of twice March the church yearly 2. Provide and can progress review report on their level year’s of givings financial accordingly position in the Autumn 3. Prepare a leaflet for the congregatio n for this purpose (“Your Offerings – How they are spent”)

FELLO AIM: That we deepen in our fellowship as a church family, looking out for WSHIP each other and helping each other to grow spiritually F1 Produce a Produce Andrew Summe Contact Congregati congregatio Brown/Du r 2017 details for onal nal ncan and fellowship Directory, directory Dyker reviewe available to be d to all available to annuall all y members F2 Aspire 1.Session Session To be More towards the discussion comple effective establishme in 2017 on ted in pastoral nt of a the way 2017 care in Pastoral forward for (links to place Team and pastoral P2 and across the consider care and P8) whole allocating teams fellowship all church 2.Relevant members to action(s) a fellowship arising out group as of one means discussion of developing

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pastoral care. F3 Identify Produce a Session Late- More members/a card to be 2017 effective dherents made (links to pastoral who would available in F2) care in appreciate church and place a regular for across the visit or distribution whole phone call to those fellowship unable to attend services F4 Serve post- Identify Refreshme With Increased service appropriate nts Team immedi numbers tea/coffee occasions Leader; ate remaining in the for serving C&F effect to share church tea/coffee Project and on- fellowship occasionall in the Manageme going after y rather church nt Group services than in the hall F5 Promote 1.Promote Andrew With 1.Wider fellowship fellowship Barrie; Immedi understan groups groups Andrew ate ding of regularly through Brown; effect the role of printed Fellowship and on- fellowship notices, group going groups promotion members 2.Greater “from the percentag front” and e of through one fellowship to one attending conversatio fellowship ns groups

F6 Consider Session Session 2018- Fellowshi establishing discussion 2021 p needs a daytime on current To be met for fellowship provision conside those who group and red are possibilities further unable to for future by attend developmen session evening t at the fellowship end of groups 2017

MISSIO AIM: That we reach out within our parish with the Good News of Jesus, and N we support wider mission work at home and abroad M1 Implement Separate Children Monitor The the Action Action Plans and ing and desired Plan for the to be Families Evaluat outcomes Go for It prepared Project ion, for the Children for each Manageme and Children and term by the nt Group setting and

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Families Project of next Families Project Managemen Action Project over the t Group Plan, to will have next 3-5 be been years (See carried achieved Note 1 and out for Appendix 1) each term

M2 Regularly Session Session To be Fellowshi review the discussion comple p is more church’s on how the ted in informed mission fellowship is 2017 about partners informed, mission and links to challenged, work and other enthused the work organisatio and of other ns involved Christian (e.g. giving, organisati praying) ons; about wider individual mission s are more work personally involved M3 Examine Congregatio Congregat Octobe Outcome the scope nal Board ional r 2018 dependen for discussion Board; (links to t on increased on C&F P5 and Congregat use of the principles Project P8) ional church and Manageme Board building by practicalitie nt Group; discussion outside s Church s organisatio Officer ns and the community, ensuring the practical implication s for the fellowship are recognised and able to be met

M4 Put up more Initial Session 2018- Outcome posters and session 2021 dependen displays discussion To be t on within the on how to conside Session church to take further red discussion act as a what is further witness to already in by external place session lets, at the together end of with having 2017 evangelistic

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pamphlets in the front foyer M5 Encourage Session Session; 2018- Individual the discussion Andrew 2021 s enabled fellowship on possible Barrie; To be to share on how to means of Fellowship conside their faith share one’s helping group red in a faith with individuals leaders; further variety of friends, to share Children by ways family etc, their faith and session through Families at the various Worker end of mediums 2017 including running courses etc.

DISCIPL AIM: That the fellowship grows in spiritual maturity and has deeper faith ESHIP D1 Appoint Session to Session; Spring Those additional agree Andrew 2017 within the elders to candidates; Barrie fellowship the Kirk Minister to of Session discuss with spiritual candidates maturity and report are able back to to share session; their gifts Session to in a resolve to leadership ordain/indu role ct additional elders D2 Hold an 1. Session Session; To be Annual annual discussion C&F comple events for conference on Project ted in the for the principles, Manageme 2017 fellowship congregatio practicalitie nt Group (confer take place n s and ence at the content of late church an annual 2017) 2017-19 conference and (possibly 2. Possible annuall linked to tie-in with y the annual thereaf Volunteer event for ter Days volunteers under the under Children Children & & Families Families Project) Project

D3 Run Session Session 2018- Through Christianity discussion 2021 participat Explored around the To be ing in such and/or need and conside courses,

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Discipleship timing for red members Explored such further of the courses for courses by congregat new and session ion are interested at the spiritually members of end of nurtured the 2017 congregatio n

D4 Provide Session Session; 2018- Variety different discussion C&F 2021 provided ways of around Project To be across all learning styles of Manageme conside areas from the Biblical nt Group; red where Bible and teaching Fellowship further “teaching about and learning group by ” occurs, aspects of in order to leaders session to faith, ensure at the stimulate including as relevance end of learning part of and variety 2017 church services, Sunday 2 & 4, and also within fellowship groups

D5 Encourage Session Session; 2018- Greater the discussion Fellowship 2021 participat fellowship on ways to group To be ion in to pray help leaders; conside prayer, individuals C&F red both to pray in a Project further within range of Manageme by groups situations nt Group session and at the individuall end of y 2017 D6 Continue to Session Session; Ongoin Increased hold discussion C&F g numbers occasional on relevant Project through included times of opportuniti Manageme plan in praying prayer after es nt Group period – together morning comme worship for nce key aspects January of the 2017 church’s life and work, e.g. at milestones in the Children and

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Families Project D7 Promote 1.Regularly Session; On- 1.Increase the study inform the Fellowship going d material whole group awareness being used fellowship leaders of by about fellowship fellowship fellowship group groups to group input the wider material 2.Increase fellowship 2.Encourage d uptake for personal participatio of FG use if they n in use of material wish material by those unable to attend FGs D8 Regularly Session Session; 2018- Individual encourage discussion C&F 2021 s have the around how Project To be greater fellowship to Manageme conside sense of to be encourage nt Group red personal involved in individuals further discipleshi the life of to see by p the church involvement session in church at the life as end of discipleship 2017 (links to P1)

Note 1:

M1 - Outcomes of Go For It Children and Families Project (see Appendix 1 for separate current Action Plan)

• Run events at our church aimed at connecting with families and fostering a sense of community in the area • Run events at our church which allow families opportunities to explore the Christian faith, including Messy Church type events • Run other events at our church to allow family adults to hear and discuss the Gospel in an informal setting • Run a weekly teaching and activity club at our church for primary aged children • Run lunchtime and after school supa clubs at the primary schools in the parish • Help support the Scripture Union group in Charleston Academy • Offer chaplaincy support to the local schools, including taking Religious Observance assemblies, sharing in school events, and providing pastoral care as appropriate • Deliver RME lessons in the primary schools in our parish, and providing RME resources for teachers • Hold educational activity mornings in our church as part of the RME curriculum for primary aged children

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• Deliver the ‘Bible Alive’ teaching programme in the primary schools in our parish • Run a Holiday Club at our church during the summer holidays, and offer activities on school in-service days • Encourage and assist children to attend Scripture Union holidays and weekends • Raise the profile of the church in the community, for example at tending local Gala Days • Provide a ‘Welcome Pack’, including information on project activities, to all new houses within the parish • Run small groups for children with social, emotional and behavioural needs in Kinmylies Primary School.

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PROPERTY COMMITTEE JUNE 27, 2017

PROPOSED DELIVERANCE

The Presbytery: 1. Receive the report.

REPORT

11. Health and Safety Seminar on 3rd June An encouraging report was given by the Convener, about the Safe Buildings seminar held on June 3. A good number attended – 42 from 13 congregations of the Presbytery - and even some from Caithness and Sutherland. A lot of information was given by Brian Auld, and an H & S Toolkit (an interactive and user-friendly publication) will be available to every congregation in the next few months. A new Property booklet, an update of “Letting it all Happen”, will be available in the Autumn. Also, a new Property file for every congregation is being put together by the Committee, which it is hoped will make the annual inspections easier and more straight forward for Fabric Conveners, and members of the congregation, when they do their annual inspection of all their buildings. Will also be much easier for Presbytery when they do their Annual Inspection of Records. This will be available in September. 12. Kirkhill Church The committee looked at plans for Kirkhill Hub Community Building and information from the local authority. It was agreed to ask the congregation for more information about finance, and use of the building, plans, etc. It was agreed that the Presbytery Clerk should attend a meeting of the congregation’s Session to express the Committee’s thoughts on the matter.

13. Work Follow-up Letters are being sent out to several congregations to ask about building and repair work We are still waiting for replies. It would be helpful if fabric conveners could reply before the end of June.

14. Information from the General Trustees The General Trustees are very concerned about the condition of Church Property. This applies to the whole of Scotland. Work is being left, and not being done in good time. It is work that has been inspected and made note of, but still left undone. We as a committee are being asked to contact congregations regarding work still outstanding and offer help, information, and grant possibilities. The GT’s are finding money is outstripping demand and so we cannot expect large sums, but you can always apply and see how you get on.

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As this is the last meeting of the Committee, the committee thanked the Convener for all his work and time spent over this past four years. It was all much appreciated.

In the name of the Committee FRANK McCUBBIN, Convener

NOTES

DIARY DATES PRESBYTERY MEETINGS Sat September 9, 2017 – 9:30am Conference at Inverness Inshes Church Tuesday November 21, 2017 – 7:00pm at Inverness Inshes Church Sat March 10, 2018 – 9:30am Conference at Inverness Inshes Church Tuesday June 26, 2018 – 7:00pm at Inverness Inshes Church

COMMITTEE MEETINGS & OTHER EVENTS BUSINESS COMMITTEE Tuesday August 29, 2017 – 7:00pm at Inverness Inshes Church Tuesday November 7, 2017 - 7:00pm at I20nverness Inshes Church Tuesday February 20, 2018 - 7:00pm at Inverness Inshes Church Tuesday June 12, 2017 - 7:00pm at Inverness Inshes Church

PROPERTY COMMITTEE Tuesday 22 August 2017, 2:00pm at Inverness Inshes Church