From The Session Clerk
I can’t believe that three months have passed since I last wrote to you, doesn’t time fly. My husband tells me it’s a sign of old age, but I refuse to buy into that one.
When I last wrote to you, we had just entered the start of the vacancy period and I’m pleased to be able to tell you that we have been given permission by the Presbytery of the North-East and Northern Isles to call a full-time Minister of Word and Sacrament.
In addition, we have been very fortunate to have Rev. Alison Jaffrey of Fyvie and Rothienorman appointed as our Interim Moderator and Alison can be contacted on 01651 891961 or via e-mail at ajaffrey@churchofscotland.org.uk for all pastoral matters.
So far, we haven’t been successful in securing the services of a Locum Minister. For the time being the Worship Planning Team will continue to organise the Sunday Services, with worship being led by either Elders, Rev. Alison Jaffrey, Rev. Alan Greig, Church Groups or pulpit supply.
We’ve managed to keep the various Groups and activities associated with Church going and we have begun the process of drawing up a Parish Profile, which is essential when it comes to recruiting a new Minister. The Kirk Session is very grateful to everyone who is working hard to support the work of the Church during the vacancy period.
The Electoral Register
One of the first things the Kirk Session has to do in a vacancy is prepare the Electoral Register. The Register is a list of everyone who is entitled to vote when the congregation is called to do so, for example in a period of vacancy when choosing the Nominating Committee and electing a Minister.
The Register is not the same as the Communion Roll, because it may also include regular worshippers (Adherents) who are not members of the congregation or anyone on the Supplementary Roll who has applied to and been accepted by the Kirk Session for re-admission to the Communicants Roll.
The Kirk Session has to maintain a Communion Roll, which is a record of the names and addresses of all communicant members i.e. those attending worship, taking communion and participating in the life and work of the Church in the Parish.
The Kirk Session also has to keep a Supplementary Roll, which basically comprises those who are no longer on the Communion Roll. Anyone placed on the Supplementary Roll can be restored to the Communion Roll of a congregation by resolution of the Kirk Session and they can also apply to be on the Electoral Register.
How you can find out if you are on the Communion Roll, the Supplementary Roll or listed as an Adherent.
Due to the constraints of GDPR we are no longer able to place a paper copy of the Rolls in a particular location for people to come and look at.
If you want to check the Rolls to see if you have a vote, you can call one of the following numbers and an Elder will advise you as to which Roll you are on.
• Marion McCallum 01464 820871
• Liz Pearman 01464 820445
How to apply to be admitted to the Electoral Register
If you are on the Supplementary Roll, you can fill in the form (see below) and ask to be included in the Electoral Register. FORMS CAN BE PICKED UP FROM PAMELA AT STEPHENS DIY.
If you are a regular worshipper here, but are still a member of another congregation, then you should arrange to hand in to the Session Clerk a valid Certificate of Transference before the Kirk Session meets.
If you are a regular worshipper here, and not a member of this or any other congregation, then the Kirk Session can add your name to the Electoral Register as an “Adherent” by completing the “Adherent Form”.
All applications for admission to the Electoral Register must be returned to me by Sunday 11th February 2024 for consideration by the Kirk Session on Tuesday 13th February 2024 at which time the Kirk Session will approve the Electoral Register.
Once approved the Electoral Register cannot be changed for a period of six months.
The path to filling a vacancy for a Minister can seem long and complicated but with the God’s blessing, the support of the Interim Moderator and the Vacancy Advisory Committee and by working together, supporting one another and taking each step as it comes we will be successful.
Wishing you God’s richest blessings in the days and weeks ahead.
Susan Donald
FORM OF ADHERENT’S CLAIM – Section 14(1)
I, (Name) …………………………………………………………………… of (Address) ……………………………………………………………. being a regular worshipper in the Church of Insch-Leslie-Premnay-Oyne Parish Church and not being a member of any other congregation in Scotland, request to have my name put on the Electoral Register of the congregation of Insch-Leslie-Premnay-Oyne as an adherent.
FORMS CAN BE PICKED UP FROM PAMELA AT STEPHENS DIY.
