New minister elected

On Sunday 4th August, the Sole Nominee Rev Kwame Ahaligah came to lead our worship. Kwame also led worship at Kirkhope at 11.30 am. After the services, votes were cast by members and adherents of both congregations, whether or not to approve his election to be our new minister. Votes from the 2 congregations were combined and all counted together after the Kirkhope service and in the presence of both Kirk Sessions. We are delighted to report that the vote was: 99 in favour of his appointment with only one against. Kwame was informed of the result and has accepted the invitation to be our new minister.

This is the culmination of a huge amount of work for those who developed the Parish Profile and who formed the Nominating Committee. Thanks to everyone who helped with it in any way at all. And thanks to those who came along to hear Kwame and to vote.

The next step is for members of the congregations to sign a document known as the “Call”. This is a formal invitation from the congregations to Rev Kwame Ahaligah to become our new minister. There are two parts to it, firstly the part which can be signed by members and adherents of the church. Even if you were not at the service to hear him preach on 4th August, you can sign the invitation. If you missed the service, you can watch it online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTa0kMy-jRw.

For those who are not members, but are actively involved in the life of the church, you can sign a related document, called the “Concurrence”. These documents will be available in the church on 11th and 18th August, then sent to Presbytery. Copies will also be given to the new minister. The Presbytery will then (we assume) give its approval, and arrange for an induction to take place, likely to be in mid September. We will confirm the date as soon as possible.