1 March 2023

Latest draft of the Presbytery Plan now available on the links to the right.

NEW!: Lastest 'Towards our Union' information sheet available here

 

PROPOSED UNION OF CHURCHES

The two new “Union Teams” have begun to meet and will need to address issues such as existing staff, music, worship and so on. The future roles for youth work and pastoral care would also feature. Sandy is co-chairing both teams with the other Ministers from Priestfield (Donald Scott) and Craigmillar Park (Alex McAspurren). The Mayfield Salisbury representatives were (on Mission) Anette Hagan and Alastair MacGilchrist; (on integration) John Graham, Steve Holehouse, George Whyte. There were 6 members on each team and across the teams there was an equal male/ female balance.

The target date of 1 January 2024 was dependent on progress being made in drawing up the Basis of Union. If this could be achieved it would enable investment decisions in the remaining buildings to be carried forward. It was understood that funds released from the sale of buildings could be used for fabric and mission once the union had been agreed and subject to the approval of the General Trustees and Presbytery.

Helping members, especially the elderly, attend worship and other events was important to consider and would be reviewed by the Union Teams.

Suggestions for the name of the new congregation are still invited. I am recording every suggestion and where duplicated I am noting the weighting in favour. The initial deadline for suggestions to me was Wednesday 1 March (at clerkmspc@gmail.com) but Sandy and I are happy to receive any late suggestions. However, the Union Steering Group will be reviewing all suggestions in the near future to select a few options for congregations to consider further.

JOINT CONGREGATIONAL GATHERING: VISION FOR MISSION
An important stage in developing the new union is to agree the mission/vision of the new congregation. This will be worked on over the coming months by the Union Teams but we also wish to provide an opportunity for the congregations to feed into that process. It may also be helpful for those in the congregations to gain further understanding of what ‘mission’ and ‘pioneer ministry’ might mean in the context of the union. Consequently there will be a meeting of the 3 congregations on Saturday 25 March at the Greyfriars Charteris Centre on the Pleasance. Coffee and tea will be available from 10am with the meeting ending at 13:00. Please keep the time free if possible so you can take part. The meeting will be in person only as there will be further opportunities to reflect on the future mission. However, this is a key stage in framing the discussion and young people and families will be very welcome. More details about the event will follow in the next week or so.

If you wish to comment please contact me at clerkmspc@gmail.com