As many of you will be aware, the Church of Scotland has undertaken a huge
reorganisation, leading to a reduction in the number of Ministries by combining
parishes and closing many churches.

After a long period of uncertainty, the plan for our own congregation is a Union
with Troqueer Church in Dumfries, with Caerlaverock becoming a Local Mission
Church (LMC). This would be a big change but would avoid complete closure
and mean that worship would continue in the parish. Sadly, the plan is to sell the
Church building and have future services in other venues, probably the village
halls. In the short term, services would still be held in the church. We cannot be
certain at the moment, but it is unlikely that local services would be weekly.

The Union is planned for the 1st January 2025, after which, we will be given
permission to call a Minister for the new Troqueer Caerlaverock Parish. This
post will specify the requirements of Caerlaverock as a LMC. Both Kirk Sessions
have approved this plan but the congregations must also agree.

Presbytery has called a meeting of the Congregation of Caerlaverock to meet in
the Church at 9.45am on 24 November 2024. The purpose of this meeting is to
seek your approval for the Basis of Union when establishing a Local Mission
Church as formed and agreed by each of the two Kirk Sessions of Troqueer and
Caerlaverock and this will be by a Vote.

A Representative from Presbytery Planning will be present to read through the
draft Basis of Union when Establishing a Local Mission Church, together with the
Basis of Local Mission Church and conduct the vote. Both documents are
attached.

Caerlaverock Kirk Session
November

Please click here to view the full letter.

This meeting will also be added to the CCA Event Calendar.