AnnualReport2016

Group

Adult Group

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Fellowship and Social get together once a month including welcome to new members. The group gives to various causes using funds raised. (Monthly gold coin donation and proceeds from Peridot Theatre ticket sales).

Current Office Bearers:

Lindsay and Bev Brown, Jenny and Roger Vass continued from 2015 for a second year (the annually appointed small committee co-ordinates the program).

Membership numbers:

64 on the “roll”

Usual meeting attendance:

25-35 (maximum 45)

Meeting times and days:

First Friday each month except Jan and Dec when special events are held.

Locations used by Group:

Generally Room 1

Highlights of the year:

Highlights of the year:
Adult Group continued with a monthly round of interesting speakers drawn from acquaintances of members plus other activities. The program for 2016 was as follows:
February: BBQ at the Vass, 27 attending, 20 apologies.
March: Poet Extraordinaire Don McQueen.
April: Trees with David and Shirley Williams (31 attending)
May: Migration story with Ken Gosbell (31 attending)
June: Uran Utang project presented by Tiffany Smith (23 attending and 14 apologies
July: Equip for Life with Mathew Shanks (27 attending, 22 apologies)
August: Games night (19 attending, 20 apologies)
September: Comedy Night 31 attending
October: School life with Elida Brereton
November: Life in New Guinea- a look back with Robin Pope (30 members attending)
December: Christmas Break up..organised by Lyn and PamMcDonald and Anne and ArthurDavey
Donations totalling $270 was given to the Share Appeal in support of the Homelessness Program. This donation was made up from $84 donated from sale of Peridot theatre tickets and the remainder made up of members gold coin donations made at the monthly meetings. The end of year balance is $94.15
The Committee for 2017 will be Margaret and AlanLemke and Sandra and AlanBarnard.
AnneDavey will continue as welfare contact. PatVevers will continue as Peridot contact.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Members continue to feel the demands of participating in the Fete as age creeps up. We have raised this with the Fete Committee and some thought needs to be given to the future demands on members helping at the fete on the Trash and Treasure stall.

Group

Badminton

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Promote community fellowship through participation in badminton and TT

Current Office Bearers:

Convenor: OnnChin
Member: LynneBoyer, AndrewHosking, BradyTrewin, IanMcMillan, SonySimanjuntak, GraemePratt

Membership numbers:

24

Usual meeting attendance:

12-16

Meeting times and days:

Mon, Tue & Thur 8-10 pm

Locations used by Group:

Church Hall for badminton and Annexe for TT

Highlights of the year:

In June 2016, we had permission to run a third night on Tuesdays to meet the demand and to allow the mature members an opportunity to play. The demand from the mature group was not there and it became an additional night for the main group of players. The numbers are lower than a normal night and an assessment would be done in 2017 to review whether this third night would be sustainable.
The increase in usage was sustained in 2016 where members of the local community joined in. Numbers attending on some nights required the hall and the annexe plus the meeting room in the annexe for a second TT table. This was encouraging and numbers of young players increased. The standard of play has also improved amongst the members.
The high usage requires the committee to provide good management of opening and closing protocols to ensure safety and security requirements. This cannot happen without the services of committee. Special mention must be made to Andrew for ensuring the hall is open for most of the nights, Brady and Sony/Binsar for close up, Lynne and Ian for their overall comments and feedback.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Not at this stage.

Group

Broadcast Ministry

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide a broadcast worship services to selected locations. To record and create DVD’s for distribution to GWUC members and other interested parties. To create and support an in home and hospital ministry. To record significant worship and other events.

Current Office Bearers:

Co-leadership. Warren Greenwood is contact point

Membership numbers:

6

Usual meeting attendance:

As & when required, online or at GWUC

Meeting times and days:

As and when required – online or at GWUC

Locations used by Group:

GWUC – Beeac – Kerang, Johnsonville, Boort and as invited

Highlights of the year:

* The special ministry to Beeac, and their support for the outreach work of GWUC.
* Visits to Beeac to share worship and two way broadcasts to GWUC
* Visit to Kerang and Johnsonville who now take our services on a regular basis.
* The ongoing use of our worship by Boort UCA.
* The weekly download and watching of our worship from the church web site.
* The recording support we provide for special events, weddings and funerals.
* 6 (up from 3) DVD’s are produced weekly for home bound members.
* Over 100 people are watching our worship services from 11am in addition to
those physically at GWUC, and around 75 people a month download or watch a
variety of our services.
* The wonderful way the ministry team are inclusive to those churches.
* We welcomed Jesse Lang to the team to learn broadcast and sound management.
* The exciting news that Johnsonville had 20 people at their Christmas service towatch our Seniors Christmas podcast. Their normal numbers are 8 to 10.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Ongoing acknowledgement of the Beeac/Kerang/Boort and Johnsonville ministry by
and to GWUC, as well as the home-based ministry.
Ongoing funding to the ministry.
Encouragement.

Group

Church Council

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

“The Church Council shall give priority in its life to building up the Congregation in faith and love, sustaining members in hope, and leading the Congregation to a fuller participation in Christ's mission in the world. This priority shall be reflected in the agenda of its ordinary meetings.” (UCA Regulation 3.1.2a)

Current Office Bearers:

Helen Stewart (Chair),
Judy Lowe (Secretary),
Ashley Irvine (Treasurer).

Membership numbers:

Ministers 3, Elected: 10; Co-opted: 2 (Total: 15)

Usual meeting attendance:

12
Meeting times and days:

Meeting times and days:

Ordinary meetings Once per month, 8 p.m.

Locations used by Group:

Room 1, GWUC

Highlights of the year:

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

Communications

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

The Glen Waverley Uniting Church Council has established a Communications Committee with the following responsibilities:
1. to oversee and coordinate all communications across the congregation ensuring that they are done in a timely and inclusive manner;
2. to introduce new methods of communication as appropriate;
3. to facilitate the production of a church magazine (currently called NewView) in a variety of formats (to bring the congregation together through the use of information and entertainment);
4. to ensure that all church communications are clear, appropriate and that no bias or offensive content is present;
5. to continue to develop our online and web presence as an outreach activity;
6. to maintain all brochures and promotional material used by GWUC;
7. to seek to make best use of community material to publicise events and activities at GWUC;
8. to liaise with Property Committee and make use of, and manage, any external signage;
9. to take advantage of free promotional media wherever possible (i.e. Real Estate boards);
10. to publicise and communicate Presbytery and Synod activities and events; and
to encourage, support and assist all forms of communications in GWUC.

Current Office Bearers:

Coordinator: JohnSnare

Membership numbers:

Five members plus usually a member of the ministry team.

Usual meeting attendance:

Five

Meeting times and days:

First Monday of the month when possible

Locations used by Group:

A meeting room at the church

Highlights of the year:

During 2016:
1. The church brochure was updated to include information in Chinese
2. Frequently asked questions were prepared to help people who are relatively new to our congregation understand how things work.
3. A church postcard was prepared for visitors to our church.
4. The home page of the web site is routinely updated with news and event posters to ensure that it appears active.
For 2017:
1. Refresh the signage inside the car park notice board; and
2. Attempt to assist the congregation become more active using social media.
The Database/IT group plan to upgrade the wiki in 2017.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

There have been two resignations from the Communications Committee this year, JitTan and LesleyArmstrong. We have very much valued their contributions.
We are seeking at least two new members for the Communications Committee. Preferably at least one would have a passion for using social media as a communications channel.

Group

Community Hub MG

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Aiming, through our activities in Cooee, Leisure Time, Playgroup, The Hub, Welfare Committee, and Table Tennis/Badminton Groups, to open up our Church to the local community as a welcoming, supportive and friendly place of Christian hospitality.

Current Office Bearers:

Co-ordinator - GeraldineFleming
Secretary - JennyVass (now resigned)
CHMG Team - GeraldineFleming, JudithGreenwood, KayeMackinnon, DorothyLockhart, LaurelMuir, JennyVass (now resigned)

Membership numbers:

6 on team plus CC reps- NeilPeters, GailIrvine & ElwynPederson.
Well over 100 volunteers.

Usual meeting attendance:

8 for CHMG Meeting

Meeting times and days:

CHMG Meeting - Wednesday afternoon 4 times annually.

Locations used by Group:

CHMG Meeting - Room 2

Highlights of the year:

As per the reports from Cooee, Leisure Time, Playgroups, The Hub and Welfare Committee.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Prayer and continued involvement.
A volunteer for the position of Secretary would be very welcome.

Group

Community Outreach MG

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Community Outreach is a servant ministry of GWUC. We seek opportunities to share God's love, to raise awareness and bring renewal to a needy world through connecting with our wider community, building relationships and offering support.

Current Office Bearers:

Convenor Neil Peters
Secretary a volunteer each month

Membership numbers:

7

Usual meeting attendance:

4 - 5

Meeting times and days:

First Thursday of month 7.45 pm

Locations used by Group:

GWUC room 2

Highlights of the year:

Four very successful Outreach seminars covering Glen Waverley Secondary College School Chaplaincy, Glenallen Special School, Water projects and volunteering in Nepal after the earthquake, Climate Science and ethics and morality.
Overseeing the COP process and spent time reviewing the COP processes.
Encouraged the outreach initiatives of Easter family day, the Moon Festival and neighbour day.
Made donations to Father Bob's food appeal $150 and Water Aid $200. Committed to supporting Welfare work next year $200 for 2 swags for the homeless and $150 general welfare.
Monthly Material Aid offering continues to be well supported each month.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Any suggests for a new convenor would be most helpful.

Group

Cooee

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Friendship and support

Current Office Bearers:

None

Membership numbers:

4

Usual meeting attendance:

4

Meeting times and days:

Fridays 12 noon - 3pm

Locations used by Group:

Fellowship area

Highlights of the year:

It was good to see one of The Hub visitors join the group occasionally.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

No

Group

Faith Development MG

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Encourage people in the congregation to grow in and share their faith/spiritual journeys

Current Office Bearers:

Convenor: MiriniLang
Notetaker: ColinKing

Membership numbers:

8

Usual meeting attendance:

3-5

Meeting times and days:

No regular time. Usually evening meetings. 8pm monthly to quarterly.

Locations used by Group:

Frequently private homes.

Highlights of the year:

Lenten study - "A sensual Faith"
Advent study - "Prepare the Way" included an email group - worked well.
Meditation Group run by Susan Karoly in the Sarcred Space rrom. On hold while Susan is away for 6 months.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Suggestions of suitable people to join our group meetings.

Group

Finance Committee

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

The timely & accurate reporting of all church income and expenditure.
Financial guidance for church council.

Current Office Bearers:

AshleyIrvine (Treasurer), WarrenGreenwood, NeilPeters, and MattGraham.

Membership numbers:

4

Usual meeting attendance:

4

Meeting times and days:

7:30pm, second Tuesday of the month (except January meeting)

Locations used by Group:

GWUC Office

Highlights of the year:

Accurate financials (actual v budget).
Comply with standard audit timeframe & receive satisfactory audit opinion.
Improved reporting facilitating stronger planning, strategy, and processes.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Nil.

Group

FISH - Aqua

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide pastoral care, friendship and fellowship to all who participate in the group

Current Office Bearers:

Judith & WarrenGreenwood

Membership numbers:

20

Usual meeting attendance:

12 - 16

Meeting times and days:

8 times per year, usually Sunday evening meals, but can be lunch or afternoon teas.

Locations used by Group:

Each others homes but can be at parks or other locations

Highlights of the year:

o The ongoing and daily pastoral care provided by the group, to the group.
o Interesting visits to the Australian Botanical Gardens Cranbourne, and Warrandyte.
o The decision to again not give presents to each other at Christmas, but to direct support to the GWUC Welfare committee and TEAR.
o Service to GWUC through the delivery of the annual Church Christmas lunch which also raised over $500 for Welfare Committee.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

o To further build the FISH communities
o To support and recognise the work and place of the existing FISH communities

Group

FISH - Yellow

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Fellowship in homes.

Current Office Bearers:

Organisers JacquiKing 2016. JanClear & NormaSaxton 2017

Membership numbers:

20

Usual meeting attendance:

14-18

Meeting times and days:

Usually Sunday lunch or dinner.

Locations used by Group:

Homes or outings occasionally.

Highlights of the year:

A lot of members travelled away.
A lot belong to walking group and went together with others from walking group.
Few more grandchildren born.
A lot of members go to Saturday morning coffee at the Glen.
Four have big 0 birthdays in 2017.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Don't think so.

Group

Free Spirit

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Music can warm the soul and bring us closer to the Lord!
Free Spirit is a group of people who aim to enrich worship through music - and sometimes have some fun with other types of music as well. Free Spirit is regularly part of the worship at the Glen Waverley Uniting Church, but also likes to be part of worship with other congregations from time to time.
Free Spirit is self-funding; each member contributes $1 per week, used to buy music and cover other expenses.
Free Spirit operates under a privacy policy in accordance with Glen Waverley Uniting Church guidelines.

Current Office Bearers:

Music director: Deb Leigh
Music selection and purchase: Deb Leigh
Liaison with ministerial team: Deb Leigh
Librarians: Jo Boldiston
Music borrowing: Lise Hales
Calendar/schedule: John Snare
Roll & performance record Robin Pope
Scarves and ties: Marj Snare
Prayer and care: Marj Snare
Treasurer: John Snare
Historian John Snare
Friends of Free Spirit Register Geoff Willis
Supper roster Lyn Maslen

Membership numbers:

28 members

Usual meeting attendance:

25 members

Meeting times and days:

Practice weekly on Wednesday evenings.
Singing at worship or other events in both with Glen Waverley Uniting Church and elsewhere twice a month, including with Glen Waverley Uniting Church worship on the fourth Sunday of each month (except December and January) alternating between 9:15am and 11:00am services.

Locations used by Group:

Practice is usually in the home of Russell Lang, and sometimes in the Church the week before an occasion when Free Spirit sings.

Highlights of the year:

1. Regular contributions of music to worship in Glen Waverley Uniting Church.
2. Organising and participating in the Ecumenical Choral Service hosted in 2016 by the Glen Waverley Uniting Church in May. This was the last of 34 annual Ecumenical Choral Services.
3. Contribution of music to worship at the Berwick Uniting Church (July).
4. Participation in the Glen Waverley Uniting Church combined anniversary choir in June.
5. Fund-raising concerts for the Glen Waverley Uniting Church and Castlemaine Uniting Church in September (proceeds $1,645 and $900 respectively).
6. Sale of a fund-raising CD. The CD was funded by Free Spirit members. Net proceeds to date approximately $4,500.
7. Contribution of music to worship at the Heatherton-Dingley Uniting Church (November).
8. Participating in special Easter and Christmas services at Glen Waverley Uniting Church.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

GOMER

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

A group for men to enjoy simple weekly fellowship over coffee in an unstructured atmosphere, as and when they are able. Keener members also do a walk before coffee.

Current Office Bearers:

Group contact: DavidMorgan

Membership numbers:

35

Usual meeting attendance:

25

Meeting times and days:

Monday mornings at 10am.

Locations used by Group:

Madelines restaurant, Jells Park.

Highlights of the year:

Continuing high numbers of regular attenders. Singing happy birthday to Leana.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

Inclusive Community MG

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To continue to develop supportive
relationships within our church, to
encourage cross-age faith discussions, to
begin new groups as needed and to maintain
pastoral care in conjunction with the
Ministry Team.

Current Office Bearers:

Convenor Jan Clear

Membership numbers:

There are nine committee members.

Usual meeting attendance:

The usual meeting attendance is eight members.

Meeting times and days:

We meet on a Thursday afternoon once a month in the afternoon.

Locations used by Group:

All meetings are held in one of the rooms
within our complex.

Highlights of the year:

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

It would be good if Church Council members could attend special functions when they are organised.

Group

Kids Church

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide an opportunity for children and early teenagers to access God's word in a way meaningful to their age at the same time their caregivers' are doing the same thing.

Current Office Bearers:

BelindaChung- MICE, KAT
KerrynLeister- DOG
KatieHaala- Admin
AlaneeHearnshaw- VIS (Very Important Support)

Membership numbers:

20

Usual meeting attendance:

10-15 children

Meeting times and days:

Sunday during 9:15 worship

Locations used by Group:

Room 2 and 3

Highlights of the year:

2016 proved to be rewarding year. We have had several families join our 9:15 worship because of hearing or experiencing our children's programme. One family even moved membership from another church, which should not be stated as if church membership is a competition but without breaking privacy, the decision would not have been taken lightly and this family is not the standard “nuclear” scenario. Both Belinda and Kerryn were humbled at the thought of building such strong relationships so quickly.
As well as a growing member base, there has been greater consistency with attendance of children each week, with many parents commenting that their children are keen to get to church. We believe, among other factors, a main contributing factor for this is having the consistency of leaders each week. Whilst Belinda and Kerryn each nominate at least one weekend a term for a break/to participate in family activities, there is a consistent person every week of the school terms. The relationships being built are clearly strong.
Whilst we started the year catering for 4 year old kinder children to year 8 students, we saw the need to expand that group to include even younger members. We have a growing group of “play group” age children who attend the group with a parent (an expectation of the group for any child under the age of 4), and so we now plan for our Mini Inquisitors of Christian Education with play-based experiences around the same story as the other children. For example we spent time looking at building our house on sand or on rocks. The MICE group played with kinetic sand. The KAT group created housed from sticks to put on different surfaces and talked about God being the surface to base our choices on. The DOG group built Lego houses to stand on rocks and sand. They poured water over them and discussed how they rely on God in life (eg: friends, parents, school work, online bullies, etc).
With the exception of Advent, the program shared with the whole congregation their learning and activities at the end of each term. Part of this was the sharing of prayer and how the children do that every week. There were positive comments from the congregation regarding this.
We ended the year with Phil Gray spending time with the group to relieve Belinda and Kerryn from teaching through Advent for the third year in a row. Whilst Belinda and Kerryn struggled to know what to do with themselves and switch back into a worshipping member, the children seemed to enjoy themselves and have fun. In retrospect, what Belinda and Kerryn had been expecting from this time wasn't the reality. Phil, however, did make Belinda and Kerryn think and question things, which is always a good thing.
Throughout Advent, Belinda and Kerryn were boosted in their morale with some children asking when they were coming to the group, and other young children only wanting to go to the group if Belinda was there.
In summary, 2016 was a busy year that Belinda and Kerryn constantly reflected through. We feel it was a successful year with more children becoming excited about God's love for us. We are looking forward to continuing to develop and grow the program in 2017.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Please continue to pray for the program, and visit us occasionally to see what an amazing group of young people are beginning their journey with GWUC.
Council's continued support of what we offer is appreciated, and we appreciate the knowledge that we have your support with our resourcing requests, as many of the materials that we have on hand are very old, and the needs of our group are changing as we cater for younger members.

Group

Leisure Time

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

The objective is to provide, for guests who are Monash seniors who are lonely, housebound and socially isolated, programs will reduce their isolation and give them experiences which they would be unable to have outside the group.
The target is 25 guests

Current Office Bearers:

Acting Chairperson - Cliff Baker
Secretary - Ken Hutchinson
Treasurer - CliffBaker
Committee - AlisonClarkson, AlisonHawkins, RossVevers & PatVevers, MargaretFraser, BarbaraThompson, LaurelMuir, JeanetteCoutts, ElwynPederson

Membership numbers:

Approximately 61

Usual meeting attendance:

Leisure Time Guest Attendance averages about 16, Committee Meetings about 10

Meeting times and days:

Guests every Monday, excluding the Christmas and Public Holidays. Committee Mondays 6 times per year

Locations used by Group:

Mostly the Fellowship area, the Kitchen & Room 1 at the church. Around 5 times a year outings at varied locations are arranged

Highlights of the year:

For the first time in many years we are likely to have a guest waiting list - currently we have only 2 vacancies and 5 enquiries.
The December Christmas Party was a real highlight. Not only did we have a good number of volunteers at the morning tea, the varied entertainment was excellent and the decorations and food quality for the lunch party were outstanding.
The outings are always very popular with the guests - this year we went to the animal farm at Warook, Morning Melodies at Lilydale, and lunches at Sandringham, Lynbrook & Dandenong.
The Community interaction was good, we participated in Monash Council planning, the Seniors Expo and the PALS activities.
We were pleased to welcome new volunteers, including some from outside the church congregation

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

We are very grateful to the Church Council for the services we receive from the office, maintenance and general assistance from all Council initiated activities. We are hopeful that these will extend to the future.
Our biggest need is for volunteer helpers over the whole range of the Leisure Time activity - drivers, cooks, kitchen leaders and helpers and hosts. Promotion of Leisure Time's needs by the Church Council could be a way of achieving our desired outcome

Group

Men's Fellowship

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide an opportunity for men to meet in Christian fellowship, listen to a guest speaker and share experiences over a cuppa.

Current Office Bearers:

MalcolmChamberlain

Membership numbers:

28

Usual meeting attendance:

20

Meeting times and days:

2pm 1st Tuesday of the month, excepting November (Cup Day) and January.

Locations used by Group:

Room 1 (Chapel)

Highlights of the year:

Feb EricArmstrong (Football umpiring)
March EvanLaidlaw His ministry
April Alain Young Healthy Ageing & Life Style
May JohnHurst Mathematics & Science
June Cancelled Fred Vanclay's funeral
July ArthurDavey The Polynesian Islands
August David Karolly Climate Science
September Surprise Day Imprompture life history talks by
members
October DavidSimpson ""A little fiction""
November No meeting
December Break up
I am retiring after being group leader for 22 years, and also a special thanks to Peter Claridge for his many years as role coordinator.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

None at this stage

Group

Ministry to Seniors

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

The Mission of the Ministry to Seniors is ‘to minister to senior members of Glen Waverley Uniting Church in spiritual, pastoral, social and supportive ways, and to the wider community through links with retirement villages, hostels and nursing homes.’

Current Office Bearers:

AlisonClarkson (Coordinator)
Support Team: JanClear, ElwynPederson, SusanKaroly, JanRoberts

Membership numbers:

All seniors in congregation
8 leaders/pianists/singers for devotions at nursing homes, etc

Usual meeting attendance:

40-100 at quarterly services
15-20 at seminar
20-30 at light lunches after 11.00am service

Meeting times and days:

Services approx quarterly on Sundays at 2.30pm
Seminar annually on a Friday, 10.00am to 3.00pm

Locations used by Group:

Church, Fellowship area, Kitchen, Room 1, Foyer, depending on event

Highlights of the year:

Spiritual: Devotions at age care facilities; services for seniors at GWUC
Pastoral: Home and hospital visiting with communion if required
Social: Afternoon tea group, regular lunches after 11.00am services
Supportive: Seminar - speakers on safety in the home, safe church policy and elder abuse, armchair exercises
Special Events: Praise service of favourite hymns; celebration of Seniors Week with music and afternoon tea; assisted on Leisure Time stall at Monash Council Seniors Expo
I have been privileged to assist with or conduct funeral services for senior members of the congregation
I am grateful to ElwynPederson and JanClear who looked after our seniors while I was overseas.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

2 leaders of devotions at age care facilities are not able to continue in 2017.
Leaders and musicians need to be available during the day. Please let me know of anyone you think might be interested in assisting the team.

Group

Monday Night Bible Study

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide members with opportunities to gather regularly for fellowship and through lively conversation on bible passages and through recommended book studies members share their faith journey and encourage one another to be sent to homes and communities doing God's work

Current Office Bearers:

JitTan is the prime mover and others in the group have volunteered to facilitate in sessions

Membership numbers:

15

Usual meeting attendance:

20

Meeting times and days:

2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 7.30 pm

Locations used by Group:

Room 2

Highlights of the year:

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

Munch with a bunch

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

The aim of the group is to provide fellowship and a luncheon date for those who live or dine alone.

Current Office Bearers:

There are no office bearers. Activities are organised by members of the Inclusive Community Missional Group committee.

Membership numbers:

Forty to fifty.

Usual meeting attendance:

Forty to fifty

Meeting times and days:

Sunday lunch.

Locations used by Group:

Waverley RSL GWUC hall.

Highlights of the year:

These lunches have been well received by those who attend and numbers indicate that
it is an important part of our church’s program. The members feel that they belong to
the group.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

It may be possible for some Church Council members to attend one or more of these lunches.

Group

Prayer Request

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To pray privately for our members needs and for the needs of those outside our church.

Current Office Bearers:

BeverlyMcGlead.

Membership numbers:

Fifteen

Usual meeting attendance:

No meetings convened.

Meeting times and days:

Nil

Locations used by Group:

No group.
People Pray at their own time and wherever they are.

Highlights of the year:

Three private Prayer Requests for 2016.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Nil

Group

Property Committee

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To maintain, expand and care for the Property/s used by the Glen Waverley Uniting Church for the benefit of all of the congregation and act as a stewardship caretaker for those properties on behalf of the Uniting Church in Australia.
To generate income from the property in a manner that is consistent with the UCA and GWUC philosophies.

Current Office Bearers:

Chairperson = Warren Greenwood

Membership numbers:

11

Usual meeting attendance:

10

Meeting times and days:

1st Monday of each month, 7:30pm

Locations used by Group:

Room 1

Highlights of the year:

* Reduction of Solar Panel loan from $48,000 to $24,500 via rebates and savings and a significantly reduced power bill.
* Rental income again in excess of total property costs which means that all 2016 costs (and more) have been fully covered by rentals.
* Redesign of the Water Harvest System, returning the lawn sprinklers to mains pressure and new garden sprinklers to make more efficient use of the captured water.
* The conversion of the worship centre main lights to LED.
* Careful Kitchen Crew again continues to pass all Monash Council Food Safety inspections and being awarded 5 Star compliance - highest level.
* No major accident injury incidents during 2016
* The completion of reducing the pew sizes giving greater flexibility in worship and ease of moving the pews.
* It was with enormous sadness that we accepted the resignation of Ross Lennon late this year. The contribution Ross has made over 25 years as a member and as Chairperson cannot be underestimated both in monetary terms and devotion and skill. Ross has helped ensure our property remained at its best. A great servant of God and of the congregation.
* The unbelievable dedication of the volunteers who sweep, mow, clean and repair the complex. Every week, rain hail sleet or snow, as they say. It is incredible that we have over 70 people who give generously of their time.
* The dedication of the property team.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

* We continue to want to encourage more women to join the property committee, but our efforts have been unsuccessful. Now, Vida Foo is no longer a Church Council member we have also lost her.
* With the success of our church mission to reach into the wider community, we see more people from a wide variety of ethnic, social and non-Christian backgrounds who feel at home in our complex, which is wonderful. We are also then faced with greater cleaning and general maintenance costs due to cultural behaviours and understandings. Property would appreciate the understanding of Church Council of these challenges and the continued support in managing the impacts of new and different activities on our buildings and services.

Group

The Hub

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To be a place where people can meet and we can welcome, offer hospitality and grow relationships with people in the local community and in our church.
To continue to grow our current activities -
The Hub normal activity, special morning teas at The Hub, nativity dress ups for children etc.
To create activities arising from the needs of the people in our community.
To connect with other groups in the community and to grow partnerships with
them.

Current Office Bearers:

JudithGreenwood - Co-ordinator
LaurelMuir - Secretary
The Hub Small Group - JudithGreenwood, LaurelMuir, KayeMackinnon, DebGraham, LynneBoyer, PamelaMcDonald, GeraldineFleming, GailIrvine.

Membership numbers:

50 volunteers

Usual meeting attendance:

The Hub Small Group Meeting - 8
Number of visitors to The Hub varies. Can be 1 or 2, or 10 - 12.

Meeting times and days:

The Hub Small Group met once in 2016 - Thursday 9 am.
The Hub operates Tuesday and Thursday 10am - 2pm, Wednesday 10am - 12noon during school terms.
Special Morning Teas on Thursday or Wednesday 10am - 12noon.

Locations used by Group:

Foyer, kitchen and also fellowship area for special morning teas.

Highlights of the year:

Special Morning teas at The Hub for 2016 - Well attended, great atmosphere, more and more new people from the community attending, and familiar faces coming back.
Some family and friends of GWUC people, others seeing notices in the Monash PALS booklet or the local paper etc.
Hot Cross Bun Morning Tea in March - $403.15 donated to The Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Australia's Biggest Morning Tea at The Hub in May - $640.75 donated to the Cancer Council Victoria.
Cupcake Day for the RSPCA at The Hub in August- $400 donated to RSPCA.
Seniors' Morning Tea at The Hub in October - $417.10 donated to research into Motor Neurone Disease.
Christmas Morning Tea at The Hub and Children's Nativity Dress-up photos in November and December - $232 donated to GWUC Welfare to be used for the needy at Christmas.
Continued support and participation in some of our morning teas from The Body Shop and Muddings Bakery.
Many people continue to come to The Hub to practise speaking English in an informal conversation. They feel at home at GWUC and even make their own cuppa and offer to make one for our volunteers! Many visitors have said how much they appreciate The Hub and all our Volunteers. Some of our visitors meet at The Hub and then also meet at other times thus forming friendships.
The Hub events also advertised in Crosslight, the GW Library, Victorian Seniors' Festival booklet and GWUC monthly and weekly bulletins.
Over 60 families came to The Hub for their children to dress up in Nativity dress-ups and have their photo taken. This was a wonderful opportunity for us to talk with the children and their parents about the real Christmas story.
Colouring -In books given to children in Playgroup, Mini Maestros and GWUC children were very much appreciated by both children and parents.
The Hub had a display at the Glen Waverley Library for the month of March. We don't know if anyone came to The Hub because of this display, but it is good for The Hub to have a presence in the community. The Hub also took part in the Monash Seniors' Expo which gave us the opportunity to tell others in the GW community about The Hub and to continue to have that presence in the community.
It was great to have some of our Hub visitors helping at our church fete, and also helping at our Hub morning teas.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Please pray for The Hub volunteers and our visitors to The Hub.

Group

UCAF

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To enable members to share in Chrit's Mission, meeting together for Fellowship, Service & Worship.

Current Office Bearers:

BarbaraThompson President
MargaretDuncan Secretary
NormaSaxton Treasurer

Membership numbers:

50

Usual meeting attendance:

35

Meeting times and days:

First Monday of the month at 10am, except January and November

Locations used by Group:

Fellowship area, kitchen and room 1. For May lunch, Church, hall, kiitchen & Fellowship area.

Highlights of the year:

It was very rewarding to have an average attendance of 35. We have had some excellent speakers & heard of the work of Mission without Borders, Share, Wesley Mission, School Cahplaincy in the City of Monash. Rev. Barbara Higgins acted out the life of Mary Magdalene.
Our highlight for the year was our "High Tea"with guest speaker Patricia Begg. It was attended by 140 guests & we raised in excess of $1600. We have been able to donate over $1700 to 5 organisations. A very successful year.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

We are able to operate without any assistance other than occasional help with equipment required by our speakers.

Group

Uniting Voices

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To enhance the worship life of the church through music and song

Current Office Bearers:

Co-conductors: BarbHurst, ElwynPederson
Accompanists: RobertFleming, NoelaBartlett, ElwynPederson
Treasurer: BevBarnfield

Membership numbers:

26

Usual meeting attendance:

20

Meeting times and days:

Rehearsals: Thursday 8pm,
Worship Services: 1st and 3rd Sunday 11am

Locations used by Group:

Room 1 and Church

Highlights of the year:

We sang at services on most first and third Sundays from February till Christmas. We joined with Free Spirit for the Anniversary service.
We took part in a Seniors Service.
We supplied morning tea at both the fete and the Book fair.
We took part in the annual Ecumenical Choral Service.
We prepared and sang a service at Christmas.
We have welcomed back our friend and accompanist Noela who had been unwell for the first half of the year.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Keep the piano tuned.