AnnualReport2017

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:

Read and discuss amicably books we have selected

Current Office Bearers:

Don Reid (Secretary)

Membership numbers:

15

Usual meeting attendance:

15

Meeting times and days:

1st Wednesday of the Month

Locations used by Group:

Homes of Members

Highlights of the year:

Oone of our Members, Jan Balson, has resigned.
She was a founding member. During her long service to the club she has managed to read 300 books. We are grateful for the contribution she made and wish her well for the future.
We read 11 books per year and rate the content and discussion of each.
Criticism is accepted if soundly based
Last year 6 were rated very good, 4 good, and 1 fair.
The results show that our members do get a lot of enjoyment from the club

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Our membership is restricted to 15 by the provision of books.
We do now have a vacancy. Usually it is filled by word of mouth.
If your assistance is required you will be advised

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

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 - 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

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

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

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: