Fifty-two people attended the Presbytery Conference on 2 June, held at Inchinnan Parish Church.

The guest speaker, Rev Paul Beautyman, led an engaging session exploring the why, how and what of youth work. He introduced those present to his “e-circle” model, which encouraged thoughtful discussion among those attending.

Slides from the evening will be made available on the Mission page of the Presbytery website.

Following questions raised on the night, and the areas of the “e-circle” which people expressed a particular interest in exploring further, Paul will now shape a follow-up Zoom meeting and host a further in-person gathering. Dates for both will be posted on the Presbytery website and Facebook page.

A total of 28 congregations were represented at the conference, including three from outwith the Church of Scotland.

I have been an ordained minister for over 26 years. I have served all of my ordained ministry within the bounds of the Presbytery of Clyde – Dumbarton: West Kirk; Lochwinnoch, and the Lochside Union Parish Churches.
Before entering my training for ministry, I worked in broadcasting as a sound engineer and radio producer, producing the Daily Service on Radio 4 for a year.
I am married to Cameron, who is a talented musician, conductor and organist. We have an adult son, Iain. My hobbies include cooking, choral singing and I am a bit of a political anorak.
In applying for the position of Presbytery Clerk, I stated that I believe in four Ps for Presbytery:
Presbyterian – it is important to remember the full Presbytery is the decision-making body not an individual or committee, even if powers are delegated to a committee;
Procedural – meetings should be conducted in a seemly manner and in accordance with Church Law;
Pastoral – while the Presbytery has an important oversight and superintendence role when required, it also has a pastoral role for its members, particularly its ministers;
Prophetic – we are called to proclaim the Kingdom, this means being a prophetic voice in the world. We need to encourage and resource our congregations to prophetic action, that is mission and outreach in Christ’s name.
While there is a lot to lament and seek forgiveness for in the Report on the Causes of Decline, which will be presented to this year’s General Assembly by the Faith Action Programme Leadership Team and The Theological Forum, I believe that if individual Christians, congregations and Presbyteries catch the vision of the final part of the report and dedicate themselves to naming, knowing, trusting and serving Jesus, then we will begin to be prophetic.
In my new role, I will be trusting in our Lord each and every day.

Vacancy – Organist and Choirmaster

Please share and pass this to anyone whom you think might willing and able to serve in this key position. Or, maybe, God is calling you?
Please pray for the guidance and the prompting of the Holy Spirit.
Our current Treasurer Ian Steven CA will retire on 30 June 2026. Ian has been Clyde’s Treasurer from its creation in September 2020. He oversaw the merging of the assets and accounts of Dumbarton and Greenock & Paisley and has guided us through the first six years of our existence. We are very grateful to Ian for so generously sharing his time and professional expertise.
Our accounts and systems are in a good place ready to be handed over to our next Treasurer.
Our next Presbytery Treasurer is a voluntary role requiring ‘a person with demonstrable financial expertise’ [SO9]. Experience of church accounts would be helpful.
Our Treasurer has ‘charge of the Presbytery’s funds’ and
· prepares draft and final accounts and budgets and presents these to Presbytery
· proposes the annual Presbytery dues payable by each congregation
· delivers a financial report at each Presbytery meeting
· is a corresponding member of Presbytery (unless otherwise a member)
· is a member of the Business Committee.
Our current treasurer estimates his time commitment as, on average, 1.5 days each month to fulfil the core treasury role. In addition, he spends 5-6 hours a month preparing for and attending Presbytery and Business Committee meetings.

Our Presbytery Secretary inputs receipts and payments currently using Excel and undertakes the monthly bank reconciliations.
All accounts and data will have been transferred to the Data Developments accounting system by the time of Ian’s retiral. He will continue to be available to offer support.

Ian will be happy to discuss the role with anyone who is interested.
ian.steven@ntlworld.com
Otherwise, please contact Rev Dr Alan Hamilton with any queries or recommendations.
Thank you for your help and prayers.
Rev Dr Alan J Hamilton
Convenor, Stewardship & Finance Committee
ahamilton@churchofscotland.org.uk