Presbytery Gathering
Dear Southern Presbytery members
You are invited to attend the Presbytery Gathering on Saturday 15 November 2025 at the Calvin Community Church (25 Robertson Street, Gore) from 10.00am - 4.00pm. Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea will be provided at no cost to you. Registrations close on Wednesday, 05 November 2025. Follow this link to register or to record your apologies: https://forms.gle/cHnsXwE4WdVLeAvx5
A Report Booklet will be circulated in the weeks before the Gathering.
Presbytery Council would also like to inform the Presbytery that the Commission established to consider the appeal against the decisions of Presbytery relating to the Budget has released its finding - which is to dismiss the appeal. This would normally mean that the decision to approve the budget would now be implemented, and that levy letters would be sent to congregations. However, due to a funding development that has taken place during the time period of the appeal being considered, Council has requested the Finance Work Group to prepare a revised budget for 2025-26 which takes the implications of the funding development into account. The details of this process and revised budget will form part of the reports to the Presbytery meeting. The consequence of these developments is that levy letters will only be circulated once the revised budget has been considered and approved by the Presbytery at the Gathering. Council acknowledges the ongoing inconvenience this may cause congregations and local Treasurers, although one assurance that can be made is that the revised budget, if adopted, will result in a lowering of levies compared to what was indicated in the budget that was approved in June.
Where possible an elder from each congregation plus any locally or nationally ordained ministers are required to be present for Gatherings. The Moderator and others are working to ensure it is an inspiring, refreshing time for all who come. We hope to see you there.
Regards
Richard