Members of the Presbytery of the South West gathered at the Howard Centre, Kilmarnock, on Saturday 12th September for the latest meeting of Presbytery.

The meeting was moderated by the Presbytery Moderator, Rev Val Ott, who also led the opening worship, which included Holy Communion.

A wide range of business was considered during the day, reflecting the breadth of Presbytery’s work across congregations and communities throughout the south west of Scotland.

Among the matters brought by the Mission Committee, Presbytery encouraged congregations to begin work on their Mission Action Plans, allowing time for prayerful consideration and engagement ahead of submission in 2027.  Presbytery also welcomed the appointment of James Adams as MDS Pioneer for the Well Project in Kilmarnock and noted the continuing consideration of a Digital Mission Pioneer post.  This was followed by a mission presentation from Rev Katrona Templeton and Mr Brian Devlin.

Presbytery then considered reports from the Finance, Safeguarding, Staffing, Property and Ministries and Education Committees. The meeting approved the Presbytery accounts for 2025 and noted the appointment of Paula Lennox as Office Administrator.  A number of applications for property work and funding were considered, alongside guidance for congregations on the care and maintenance of church buildings and manses.  Presbytery also reminded congregations of the requirement to have a Manse Memorandum of Understanding in place with inducted ministers.

A significant part of the afternoon was devoted to Presbytery’s Mission Plan, followed by the report of the Vacancy Procedure Committee.

Several appointments were also confirmed during the meeting, including new members of Presbytery committees and a number of Interim Moderators serving congregations during periods of vacancy or transition.

The next ordinary meeting of the Presbytery of the South West will take place on Tuesday 1st December at 7.00pm and will be held online via Zoom.