Link to reports for 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009,

GWUC Annual reports for 2017

This collection of annual reports was presented to the congregation in March 2018.

Adult Group
Asylum Seeker Support
Badminton
Book Club
Communications
Database Users
Finance Committee
FISH - Aqua
FISH - Orange
FISH - Red
FISH - Yellow
Free Spirit
GOMER
Inclusive Community MG
Leisure Time
Men's Fellowship
Ministry to Seniors
Monday Night Bible Study
Munch with a bunch
Playgroups
Property Committee
Rosters - Kids Activity Time
The Hub
UCAF
Uniting Voices

Group

Adult Group

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Fellowship

Current Office Bearers:

Alan & Sandra Barnard, Alan & Margaret Lemke.

Membership numbers:

40

Usual meeting attendance:

20-400

Meeting times and days:

First Friday of the month at 8:00pm

Locations used by Group:

Room 1

Highlights of the year:

Morning tea at Madeline's at commencement of the year.
An evening getting to know our own members.
Final get together for the year at our Christmas Dinner.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

We have no volunteers to take on the role of leadership / group coordinators for 2018. Any suggestions from Parish Council as current leaders are not available for 2018. We would appreciate any help from Parish Council.

Group

Asylum Seeker Support

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Advocate for support of Asylum Seekers within the community

Current Office Bearers:

Rev Neil Peters - Chairman of Outreach Missional Group

Membership numbers:

9

Usual meeting attendance:

2

Meeting times and days:

First Tuesday of the month (4-6 WEEKLY)

Locations used by Group:

Foyer, Off-site

Highlights of the year:

Large cash sums raised through various events such as the “Honey Money,” Staffing of Lions Op Shop Mt Waverley, Food and toiletries and clothing/household goods raised through collection.
Periodic Newsletter contributions to raise profile of the issues.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Maintain support of the ventures outlined through the oversight of Outreach Missional Group.

Group

Badminton

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Promote community fellowship through participation in badminton and Table Tennis

Current Office Bearers:

Convenor: Onn Chin
Member: Lynne Bowyer, Andrew Hosking,
Brady Trewin, Ian Mc Millan, Sony Simanjuntak, Graham Pratt

Membership numbers:

24

Usual meeting attendance:

12-16

Meeting times and days:

Mon, & Thur 7:30-10 pm

Locations used by Group:

Church Hall for badminton and Annexe for TT

Highlights of the year:


Numbers attending was still high at 12-16. Attendance on the additional day was not sustained and this was eventually dropped to minimise resources in ensuring supervision.
Attendance of the local community was good and a number of young people came to play both badminton and TT. Invariably as the players improved, they move on to other clubs which catered to their needs. So average standard players stay on the not so young group keep the standard of play at a reasonably high level.
It should be noted that a number of members from the community in this group helped in the Church Fete this year as they did last year. This is appreciated.

Management of the opening and closing of the hall is well done now and there is adequate supervision of the activities. The current office bearers have helped ensure supervision is adequate on the nights the hall is used.
Special mention to Brady who has picked up the role of ensuring the resources are available on the nights the court is used and also some training of the younger players. He is also taking on additional administrative activities.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

None at this stage.

Group

Book Club

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To select books, read those provided, and amicably discuss the content of the text

Current Office Bearers:

Don Reid --- Secretary

Membership numbers:

15

Usual meeting attendance:

15

Meeting times and days:

"8pm 1st Wednesday of the month,February to December
No meeting January"

Locations used by Group:

Members homes in turn

Highlights of the year:

"We have lost one of our founding members, and a staunch supporter of the Club. Jan Balson has resigned for personal reasons
We do evaluate the experience of reading and discussing the book
This year most have been rated very good or good. It means that members are enjoying the experience of reading the books we selected"

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Unfortunately membership is limited to 15 due to the number of books Any vacancy is usually filled by word of mouth.Your help could be requsted if there is a problemi

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: John Snare

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 2017:
1. Refreshed the signage inside the car park notice board
2. The home page of the web site is routinely updated with news and event posters to ensure that it appears active.
For 2018:
1. Attempt to assist the congregation become more active using social media.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

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

Database Users

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

The group of members authorised to access the church rolls database.

Current Office Bearers:

No formal structure

Membership numbers:

9

Usual meeting attendance:

All meetings are eletronic

Meeting times and days:

NA

Locations used by Group:

NA

Highlights of the year:

Basically satisfactory operation. Improvement of the resistance of our emails to being classified as "spam" and not delivered.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:


Group

Finance Committee

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Timely and accurate reporting of all church income and expenditure.

Current Office Bearers:

Ashley Irvine (Treasurer), Warren Greenwood, Neil Peters, and Matthew Graham.

Membership numbers:

4

Usual meeting attendance:

4

Meeting times and days:

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

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 support, friendship and pastoral care to others in the group.

Current Office Bearers:

Judith and Warren Greenwood

Membership numbers:

20

Usual meeting attendance:

About 16

Meeting times and days:

About 8 times a year, usually on a Sunday either for afternoon tea or for tea.

Locations used by Group:

Some get-togethers in each other's homes, others in parks, gardens or other locations.

Highlights of the year:

Ongoing support, friendship and care that is given by members of the group to others in the group.
Visits to different gardens and Nurseries followed by afternoon tea.
Sharing by just talking together as a group.
As a group donating over $400 to Frontier Services at Christmas.
Supporting GWUC as a group by organising Hot Cross Bun M/tea after the Good Friday Service, and the GWUC Christmas Lunch.
Being able to donate to $770 to GWUC Welfare from the Christmas Lunch.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Support and grow the FISH groups -
In a large church to be a part of a smaller group is really important.

Group

FISH - Orange

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

An environment in which to foster fellowship and support between group members, and to promote belonging and involvement in the wider community of the church.

Current Office Bearers:

Contact: Annette Wojak

Membership numbers:

25

Usual meeting attendance:

10-16

Meeting times and days:

Sunday lunch or afternoon tea on dates arranged by members, 4 times per year

Locations used by Group:

Homes and parks

Highlights of the year:

It was a quieter year of gatherings than usual, but sharing in food and games together at Jells Park, the Family Camp and Church luncheons have been lovely.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

-

Group

FISH - Red

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Look out for each other

Current Office Bearers:

LynneBoyer

Membership numbers:

21

Usual meeting attendance:

6

Meeting times and days:

Irregular

Locations used by Group:

Church

Highlights of the year:

We try to support each other in a pastoral sense. We sit together at church functions eg Christmas lunch. We do not meet as a FISH group anymore.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:


Group

FISH - Yellow

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

to provide social networks under the umbrella of the FISH groups. The members pastorally care for one another.

Current Office Bearers:

"2017 - Norma Saxton and Jan Clear
2018- Anne and Ian McMillan, Heather and David Bailey"

Membership numbers:

joined our group again

Usual meeting attendance:

rs attend the functions

Meeting times and days:

Generally we meet on Sunday night but this is flexible. We are meeting on Australia Day weekend for lunch.

Locations used by Group:

Generally we meet in members' homes. Sometimes we go to a movie or another public function.

Highlights of the year:


Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Our group functions well. We know that we can call for assistance if needed.

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 assisted by Maria Gillies
Calendar/schedule: John Snare
Roll & performance record: Robin Pope
Scarves and ties: Marj Snare
Prayer and care: vacant
Treasurer: John Snare
Historian John Snare
Friends of Free Spirit Register: Geoff Willis
Supper roster: Lyn Maslen
Fete: Yan Emms

Membership numbers:

29 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. Participation in the Glen Waverley Uniting Church combined anniversary choir in June.
3. Fund-raising concert for the Peppertree Hill retirement village in June (proceeds $150 contributed to the Glen Waverley Uniting Church outreach programme).
4. Contribution of music to worship at the St. Michael's Uniting Church (August).
5. Contribution of music to worship at the Southern Mornington Peninsula Uniting Church at Rosebud (September).
6. Ran the silent auction at the fete raising approximately $4009 in October and assisted with setting up and packing up.
7. Sale of a fund-raising CD. The CD was funded by Free Spirit members. Net proceeds in 2017 $200.
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:

DavidMorgan

Membership numbers:

37

Usual meeting attendance:

25

Meeting times and days:

Monday mornings at 10am.

Locations used by Group:

Madelines Restaurant, Jells Park

Highlights of the year:

Contining appreciation by members of the opportunity to get together.
Visits from ministerial team members.
Great support for members with health problems.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:


Group

Inclusive Community MG

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

to encourage the development of supportive relationships within the church community, to improve pastoral care and welcoming procedures, to offer hospitality within the church family, to encourage those involved in
Seniors’ ministry, Bereavement support, prayer support, Supportive Care Link,
cradle roll and communications.

Current Office Bearers:

Jan Clear -Convenor

Membership numbers:

8

Usual meeting attendance:

7 or 8

Meeting times and days:

Often Thursdays, morning or afternoon.

Locations used by Group:

Church rooms.

Highlights of the year:


Arrange Munch with a Bunch lunches every 6-8 weeks at the RSL or the church.
Organise light lunches monthly after the 11am services.
Support Club 2017 and seniors’ activities.
Support ministry team members and others involved in pastoral care and visiting.
Have a representative on Communications committee.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Provide volunteers as required to support all programs, including pastoral care.

Group

Leisure Time

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Leisure Time, staffed entirely by volunteers, is a community program designed to assist isolated Monash seniors and their Families. The program provides a friendly day out, addresses social isolation and aims to develop positive relationships and promote human dignity in an inclusive and non-discriminatory way. Leisure Time is aware that its guests are pensioners, and hence participant's costs are minimised

Current Office Bearers:

Acting Chairperson: CliffBaker
Secretary: KenHutchinson
AlisonClarkson, JeanetteCoutts, JoyceEnnor, MargaretFraser, AlisonHawkins, LaurelMuir, BarbaraThompson, PatVevers, RossVevers

Membership numbers:

Committee - 11
Total Volunteers - 60
Guests - 23

Usual meeting attendance:

Meetings are organised by Day Leaders, each of the four Mondays operated in each month has a different group of volunteers.
On the Monday's about15 volunteers are involved, whilst Guest attendance is currently averaging 18 +

Meeting times and days:

Mondays, excluding Christmas & Public Holidays 10.30 am to 2.00pm. Outings are usually outside these times

Locations used by Group:

Fellowship area, Room 1 & Kitchen at the Church, Outings at selected outside venues

Highlights of the year:

The Christmas Party was certainly one of the year's highlights. Guests, their families, and volunteers met for morning tea and then were entertained by choirs from the Glen Waverley Primary School. The guests, Ministerial staff, the committee, day leaders and some volunteer helpers then enjoyed an excellent lunch in party mode, followed by a short Church Service led by Alison Clarkson.
Five outings were enjoyed by the Guests - apart from the Christmas Breakup these are the Guest's highlights and are much looked forward to. In 2017 outings included smorgasbord lunches, a movie and two more formal lunches - Sandringham & Dandenong.
Financially Leisure Time was embarrassed by riches this year, with a Monash Council Grant and a grant from the Pinewood Bendigo Bank (the “Pinewood Pitch”). As a consequence, we were able to minimise guest outings charges, offer free services to guests in Senior's Month and contribute $2600 to the Church for a Hearing Loop in Room 1.
Relationship with Monash Council was maintained (particularly through the PALS booklet) and we are grateful for financial assistance through an $1870 grant and the free use of a Council Bus for outings.
We have been without a Coordinator since April 2015 and sorely miss such a person. However the interim arrangement, which shares duties around the Committee, appears to have operated well, with little or no effect on Guest's enjoyment.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Leisure Time appreciates the support which Church Council provides in many ways, and hopes this will continue in 2018. Our most urgent needs are
1. To recruit a Coordinator. As indicated above, the organisation of programs is satisfactory, but ongoing pastoral care for Guests could be improved.
2. To increase the number of Leisure Time volunteers. We have had some success in this area recently, but can always improve our service with additional volunteers - volunteers are the essence of the operation.

Group

Men's Fellowship

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Fellowship among older men.
Learning from invited speakers.

Current Office Bearers:

Committee of five: Keith West, Bill Norquay, Graeme Frecker, David Simpson,
Colin King.

Membership numbers:

23 attendees in 2017

Usual meeting attendance:

18

Meeting times and days:

First Tuesday in the month at 2pm.

Locations used by Group:

Chapel, Room 1 at Church

Highlights of the year:

Mark Zirnzac - Director of JIM Group The work of JIM within the Uniting Church.
Julian Hill - MP for Federal Seat of Bruce.
Ian Fraser - The State Library of Victoria.
David Godfrey - Development of the Melways Street Directory
Mission to Seafarers Chaplain
Di Paterson - Pastoral Care worker.
Bill Norquay - His visit to the Exhibition of Terra Cotta Warriors in China.
Film on the Thylacine.
Ross Lennon - Traditional final meeting with a humorous film.

Sadly death and departure of former attendees.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Continuing permission to use Church facilities.

Group

Ministry to Seniors

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To minister to senior members of the congregation in spiritual, pastoral, social and supportive ways, and to the wider community through links with retirement villages, hostels and nursing homes; to offer fellowship in an inclusive way across the GWUC community.

Current Office Bearers:

Alison Clarkson, Coordinator until end of February 2017
Leaders of Devotions: AlisonClarkson, JanClear, SusanKaroly, BeverlyMcGlead, ElwynPederson.
Musicians: RosemaryCondon, Evelyn and HerbFleming, ElwynPederson, RogerVass

Membership numbers:

Senior members of GWUC congregation

Usual meeting attendance:

Varies depending on activity: 40 - 100

Meeting times and days:

Sunday March 19 2.30pm Senior Service
Sunday July 16 2.30pm Praise Service
Sunday Oct 15 2.30pm Seniors’ Month Celebration
Sunday Dec 10 2.30pm Carol Service

Locations used by Group:

Church, Kitchen, Fellowship Area, Room 1 if needed

Highlights of the year:


Each service and event is a highlight in its own way. Afternoon tea after each service is as important as the service. People come together and enjoy the fellowship, especially those living alone. !
We have also continued to conduct devotions at aged care facilities; Monash Gardens, Glen Waverley Nursing Home, Waverley Valley and Weary Dunlop on a regular basis, as part of our outreach to the local community. The residents look forward to our visits. I have greatly appreciated the assistance of the leaders and musicians. !!

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Although there is no longer a designated Coordinator of Ministry to Seniors it is important that senior members of the congregation continue to feel cared for or included. I suggest that this ministry is recognised as part of Inclusive Community Mission Group, so that similar services and events can continue to be organised. !
Two of our pianists, Rosemary Condon and Elwyn Pederson, will not be available in 2018. Elwyn has also led devotions. As I am still preparing the roster, I would be pleased to hear of any member of the congregation I might approach about these
positions.

Group

Monday Night Bible Study

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide members opportunities od sharing their faith stories. These are done by meeting regularly and by studying Bible passages and also by studying recommended books on specific topics.

Current Office Bearers:

Jit Tan is the prime mover of the group helped by others who volunteer to lead as well

Membership numbers:

13

Usual meeting attendance:

10

Meeting times and days:

2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 7:30pm.

Locations used by Group:

Room 2 at GWUC

Highlights of the year:

Seasons of the Spirit inclusive program for the congregation for 2017
Lenten Study in Feb/March entitled "Worship in the Light of the Cross"
"The Art of Living", a study of Proverbs

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Jit Tan will stand down for 2018 because of personal reasons and he hopes someone will take over.

Group

Munch with a bunch

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide fellowship and a pleasant dining experience for those who live or dine alone.

Current Office Bearers:

No office bearers. Lunches are organised by Inclusive Community group

Membership numbers:

40-50

Usual meeting attendance:

40-50

Meeting times and days:

Sunday lunch every 4 to 6 weeks

Locations used by Group:

RSL or GWUC hall

Highlights of the year:

Lunches are well received by those who attend. Planning the Much with a Bunch lunches is an important part of the Inclusive Community group meetings. We also see the luunches and the follow up before and after as an important part of our pastoral care program.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

It would be good if some members could attend a lunch, maybe once a year.

Group

Playgroups

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide a safe, friendly, welcoming and supportive place for mothers and their young children.

Current Office Bearers:

Coordinators: BevRichardson and ChrisKrahn

Membership numbers:

About 80 children, 60 adult carers

Usual meeting attendance:

Average per day over year about 16 children

Meeting times and days:

10 am - 12 noon, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday during school term time

Locations used by Group:

Playground, Rooms 2 & 3

Highlights of the year:

o New babies born to playgroup families
o Special welcome to Dietrich- his skills are much needed!
o Special occasion parties - farewells to families returning home overseas, birthdays, sharing food from other cultures
o Christmas parties and photos
o Welcoming new families via The Hub

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Willing assistance from the Property Committee is much appreciated
Support and visits from Neil, encouragement from Ministry Team and Church Council are also much appreciated
We are still short of dedicated leaders and committed helpers for Monday, Wednesday and Friday

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, 7:45pm

Locations used by Group:

Room 1

Highlights of the year:

o Continued reduction of Solar Panel loan from original $48,000 now to $19,991 via rebates & savings and a significantly reduced power bill.
o Solid rentals income during 2017. Income continues to cover expenses with the exception of the new unplanned, unbudgeted security system.
o CCTV security installation in key high-risk areas and a personal alarm system to protect staff and Welfare team.
o Careful Kitchen Crew continue to pass all Monash Council Food Safety inspections and were awarded 5 Star compliance - highest level.
o No major accidents or injury incidents during 2017
o A new member of the Property Committee - Mirini Lang
o Installation of a bike rack and redesign of car park area to provide improved disabled parking options and access to the church.
o Successful receipt of a $2,600 grant to cover the cost of installing a Hearing loop in the Chapel for use by a variety of groups. Installed 19th December 2017.
o The invitation to participate in a Commonwealth Grant by the local MP to the value of $12,000 for Air Conditioning in the church - a final agreement pending.
o The amazing 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. However, they are aging and we may need to supplement the tasks with paid help.
o The dedication of the property team.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

o As Church Council develop and deliver the new missional programmes, and as various programs are modified or extended, Property Committee would like as much notice as possible so that any new facilities or equipment can be managed in a safe and appropriate manner. For example: - An understanding that domestic quality furniture or equipment may not be safe or the best choice for use in a public building such as ours.

Group

Rosters - Kids Activity Time

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To educate young minds about the love of Jesus Christ

Current Office Bearers:

Kerryn Leister
Belinda Chung (ended service at end of 2017)

Membership numbers:

18

Usual meeting attendance:

6

Meeting times and days:

Sundays during 9:15 Worship

Locations used by Group:

Room 2 and 3 of GWUC

Highlights of the year:


We started the year with our three different age groups running concurrently, with a group prayer and chat starting our sessions before Mice and Kat moved to Room 3 with Dog staying in Room 2.
As the year progressed it became clear that the Dog group was starting to come to a natural end, with it's attendees all in lower High School starting to attend Youth Group as regular participants. So whilst one group ended, the kids felt comfortable to transition to another church group which is great!
Kerryn and Belinda spent time re-working the term planner to accommodate better the different stages of development rather the age brackets. We had some quite young minds who were keen to do things that were originally planned for older minds. The planner was much easier to prepare week to week with both Kerryn and Belinda finding less time was needed to prepare for the week's lesson.
Term 1 was spent focusing on New Testament stories, ending with some time spent on Easter, although this proved tricky with Easter falling at the very end of the Term break, meaning the last time the group ran in Term 1 was a month before Easter. Term 2 and 3 were spent looking at the Old Testament and the prophets. Term 4 continued for a couple of weeks on the minor prophets and then moved into Advent.
Kerryn and Belinda had some positive comments regarding their group prayers, with the most feedback received regarding the Christmas Bauble prayers. This did not “play out” as Kerryn and Belinda had intended with a communication breakdown regarding the Empty Christmas tree.
Belinda decided that come the end of 2017 will be her last Kids Church. This was the right decision for Belinda and her family.
Kerryn will continue in 2018 but there is no plan yet as to how best support her in this. Belinda and Kerryn were a well-oiled machine and it is the relationships that make the group so positive. This must be reflected in whatever plan in implemented.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:


Church Council can assist the program in 2018 by encouraging members of the congregation able to assist Kerryn in running the program on a Sunday morning. Commencing the year without the direct support of another adult every Sunday morning is a daunting task, and practical assistance of this type will help the program to continue to grow. It will also ensure that the program is Child Safe compliant without the onus for this falling directly onto the sole leader each week. Consistent faces on a Sunday is an essential element in establishing the connections within the group (as proven by the contraction of the group when this was not happening). Kerryn and Belinda have worked hard to grow the group, and while they understand that while the current format of the group has changed with Belindas departure, they have both felt that their view for the direction of the group has been widely supported by the Congregation.

Group

The Hub

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To be a welcoming place offering hospitality and growing relationships with our visitors. To connect with other groups in the community. To continue our current activities and to create new activities arising from the needs of people in our community.

Current Office Bearers:

Co-ordinator - Judith Greenwood
Secretary - Laurel Muir
THE HUB SMALL GROUP - Judith Greenwood, Laurel Muir, Kaye Mackinnon, Deb Graham, Lynne Boyer, Pamela McDonald, Geraldine Fleming, Gail Irvine, Andrew Hosking.

Membership numbers:

45 volunteers

Usual meeting attendance:

Small Group Meeting - 10.
Visitors to The HUB varies - can be 1 or 2, or 10 - 15.

Meeting times and days:

THE HUB Small Group meets once a year and emails other times when needed.
THE HUB operates Tues and Thurs 10am - 2pm, Wed 10am - 12noon in school terms.

Locations used by Group:

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

Highlights of the year:

Special Morning Teas at The Hub - regular visitors from the community coming. An amazing total amount in donations received from these morning teas - $4,518.50.
Hot Cross Bun M/Tea supporting Royal Children's Hospital Good Friday Appeal - $700
Aust. Biggest M/Tea supporting Cancer Council Victoria - $1,056.50.
Special Slice M/Tea supporting Parkinson's Victoria - $1,007.
Seniors' M/Tea supporting Motor Neurone Disease - $1,155.
Christmas M/Tea and Nativity Dress Ups supporting our GWUC Welfare - $600.
Continued support and participation from Muddings, The Body Shop and Monash Council PALS.
Visitors continue to come to practise speaking in English. Many come regularly and feel at home at The Hub and in our church.
Advertising of The Hub in various places is resulting in The Hub being well known in the community.
The HUB display at Glen Waverley Library for the month of March.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Please pray for The Hub volunteers and our visitors to The Hub.
Now that people are coming regularly to The Hub, what will be our next step?

Group

UCAF

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To develop & strengthen fellowship & to raise awareness of the Ministry and mission of the church.

Current Office Bearers:

President: BarbaraThompson
Vice-President and Secretary: MargaretDuncan
Treasurer: Norma Saxton

Membership numbers:

55

Usual meeting attendance:

40

Meeting times and days:

First Tuesday of the month at 10a.m.

Locations used by Group:

Fellowship area & Room 1

Highlights of the year:

We had many inspiring speakers during the year & and our highlight was our fund raising lunch in May with guest speaker Gemma Jones from Craft Victoria. We show cased the talents of a number of peoplein out congregationwith a display of their Arts & Crafts. We were also delighted with the results of the cake stall at the Fete; a great response from our members and the congregation.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

We are travelling quite well & able to cover any costs from our membership fees but are happy to know that Church Council are there if we need help.

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: Barb Hurst, Elwyn Pederson
Accompanists: Robert Fleming, Noela Bartlett, Elwyn Pederson
Treasurer: Bev Barnfield

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 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 prepared and sang a Lessons and Carols service at Christmas.
This will be last report I write for UV. Elwyn is moving to Goolwa, Wallis is moving to Camperdown, Noela is retiring, and I am retiring. The choir is trying to find another conductor but at this time, there has been no replacement found.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:


AnnualReport2017 (last edited 2019-01-30 23:30:23 by DavidMorgan)