Presbyterianism

Presbyterianism is a system of Christian Protestant church government, expounded during the Reformation by John Calvin, which gives its name to the established Church of Scotland, and is also practised in England, Wales, Ireland, Switzerland, North America, and elsewhere. There is no compulsory form of worship and each congregation is governed by presbyters or elders (clerical or lay), who are of equal rank. Congregations are grouped in presbyteries.There are forty nine Presbyteries in the Church of Scotland, covering all of Scotland, the Shetland and Orkney Isles, England, Europe and Jerusalem.

Fairlie Parish Church is in the Presbytery of Ardrossan and is represented there by the Minister and an Elder appointed by the Kirk Session.

Fairlie is well represented at Presbytery. The Minister is, of course, involved as also is Douglas Hamilton as Vice Convener of the Property Committee and Rosemary Jarvie as Treasurer. Both very demanding roles.

I am now in my sixth year (2008) and I am becoming more familiar with the work of the business undertaken.

Presbytery meets once a month from September to June, omitting January. The meetings are held in in New Trinity Church, Saltcoats.
The Moderator, who serves in this post for a year, opens the meeting followed by a Hymn and a Prayer. Although the number of females is increasing steadily, males are still in the majority and I find that the Hymn singing reminds me of a Male Voice Choir. Obviously many good vocalists in the Ministry.

New members, bothMinisters and Elders, are placed on Committees which meet prior to full Presbytery with members usually on two Committees.
Remits to Presbytery and Kirk Sessions are sent from the General Assembly to be discussed and debated by the various Committees and then reported to the full Presbytery for further discussion and approval

The Moderator, Presbytery Clerk, the Deputy Clerk and the Convenor of the Business Committee are Ex Officiis of all Standing Committes.

Committees cover Business; Church and Society; Property; Finance; Presbyterial Superintendence; Mission and Discipleship and World Mission.

Business is carried out in an efficient manner and the Moderator and the Clerk keep us under control.