Specific areas of responsiblity for the minister include:

Home and Hospital Visiting
Through home and hospital visiting, the minister seeks to encourage and support those unwell, or going through difficult times, or following bereavement.

In the Presbyterian Church, the vast majority of baptisms are for infants, with occasional adult baptisms as well. Parents requesting baptism should contact and arrange to meet with the minister. The Kirk Session has the final say on whether a baptism will take place or not. There is a policy statement explaining the meaning and procedure of baptism available in the Church Office, which parents should read carefully, and discuss with the minister.

For parents who feel unable to take the vows required for baptism, there is an alternative "Thanksgiving Service", which they may find more appropriate and meaningful. Details of this are included within the policy statement on baptism.

The Lord's Supper
People either come to the Lord's Supper for the first time on profession of faith or on transfer from another congregation, and should contact the minister if they wish to come forward. For prospective new communicants, classes are held in the late spring of each year with the minister for basic Bible instruction, and teaching on the Presbyterian Church. Communicants wishing to transfer from another congregration must obtain either, a Disjunction Certificate, or Letter of Commendation from the Church which they are leaving. The Kirk Session has the final say on who is admitted to the Lord's Table.

Communion Services are held on the first Sunday mornings of February, June and November, and the first Sunday evening of September. Please contact the minister if you would like to come the the Lord's Table at Newmills.

Marriage Preparation
The role of the Church is vitally important in preparing couples for marriage, and Newmills is no exception. The minister likes to see couples on at least 4 occasions before a marriage takes place in Newmills. After an initial meeting, couples are strongly encouraged to spend a few evenings with the minister discussing the key areas of married life. Prior to the wedding day, a rehearsal is organised to finalise the mechanics of the service. To help the minister, couples are asked to check his availability to officiate at their wedding before confirming a date for their hotel reception. Please bear in mind that the minister is on holiday during the month of July each year, and is not available to conduct weddings during that month.

Funerals
These occasions are obviously very difficult for family circles to deal with, and so the minister will always try to be as supportive and sensitive as possible. Often the funeral director will inform the minister that a death has taken place, if he is not already aware of it. He will work closely with the Funeral Director to sort out all practical arrangements. He will call at the family home regularily during the few days before the funeral, and will endeavour to keep in contact with the family in the period immediately after the death. He will go through the order of funeral service with the family which can either be in the family home or in the Church, and he will try to ensure that all wishes are granted.

Enquiries regarding burial in the Churchyard should be directed to Mr Gordon Forsythe, who will be pleased to advise.