Two Carluke churches are set to merge

St John’s Church and St Andrew’s will unite and, although St John’s can call a new minister when the Rev Roy Cowieson retires, both churches will choose his successor.

That person will be minister for both congregations when the Rev Helen Jamieson retires from St Andrew’s.

The move is contained in the new Presbytery Plan for the Clydesdale area which had to be drawn up on instructions from the church nationally.

The new proposal went before Lanark Presbytery on Thursday night.

“We have tried to find a way to achieve a reduction in the number of ministeries Presbytery is allowed to have,” said Rev Iain Cunningham. “We have done our best to minimise the disruption to congregations. We have consulted with all the kirk sessions concerned.”

For in-depth details of the plan, pick up a copy of this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.