Diff for "AnnualReport2018"

Group

Adult Group

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Fellowship

Current Office Bearers:

Bev & Lindsay Brown

Membership numbers:

40

Usual meeting attendance:

25

Meeting times and days:

First Friday of the month at 8pm

Locations used by Group:

Room 1 & Fellowship area

Highlights of the year:

Afternoon Tea at Madeline’s to start the year in February & Final get together for Christmas Dinner at Wheelers Hill Hotel.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

Book Club

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Select and then discuss amicably books received from selections

Current Office Bearers:

Secretary Don Reid

Membership numbers:

15

Usual meeting attendance:

15

Meeting times and days:

7.30pm 1st Wednesday each month

Locations used by Group:

Members houses

Highlights of the year:

Two of our long serving members retired this year, to our regret. Jan Balson and Graeme Frecker. Both made a significant contribution to the Club
We welcome two new members Wendy Pepper and Judy Lowe.
At the end of each meeting members are requested to rate the reading and discussion.
Most books rated high, so we can conclude we have had a successful year
Note that membership is restricted due to the number of books available on loan.
However we do welcome enquiries of interest in the club.
We did participate in the book sale at the fete and thank the volunteers for its success.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Place details of meetings in Church Circular

Group

Broadcast Ministry

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

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

Current Office Bearers:

Co-Ordinator - WarrenGreenwood

Membership numbers:

4

Usual meeting attendance:

4

Meeting times and days:

As and when required

Locations used by Group:

Wherever needed

Highlights of the year:

"Training of Jesse Lang which supported his Queens Scout award.
Trafalgar and Yarragon congregations using our worship services
Continued close relationship with Beeac.
Special worship support for Johnsonville for their 125 years of worship and their CFA/SES service
Contact with Morwell and other churches wanting to make use of our worship
Support and help of other congregations wanting to start a broadcast ministry including Pilgrim (SA).
The ongoing and wonderful way the ministry team are inclusive to our broadcast churches.
Visits to many of these congregations during the year"

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Encouragement and understanding when creating worship experiences to acknowledge how it will be received by users of our worship

Group

Careful Kitchen Crew

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Members of CKC aim to provide guidance and leadership to ensure that Food safety Standards are understood and maintained by all users of the Church kitchen.

Current Office Bearers:

Food Safety Supervisor: Yan Emms
Food Safety Trainer: Margaret Fraser
Secretary: Nicole Robertson
Kitchen Roster: Deb Graham

Membership numbers:

9 members representing various groups active at GWUC.
Margaret Fraser - Leisure Time
Deb Graham - Uthies & Young Families
Nicole Robertson & Lynne Boyer – Youth Grp, Badminton
Diana Coles – HUB & UCAF
Andrew Hosking – Property committee
Yan Emms, Maria Gillies, Doug Newberry – committee members.

Usual meeting attendance:

Usually 7 to 8 members are present

Meeting times and days:

We meet 4 times a year in Room 2 on a Monday night to support, discuss and hopefully resolve safe food handling issues.

Locations used by Group:

Each CKC member is rostered once or twice on a monthly basis to inspect and maintain the cleanliness of the kitchen and record weekly fridge & freezer temperatures during their rostered month.

Highlights of the year:

1.GWUC kitchen received a 100% score when inspected for Food Safety compliance by the City of Monash in April 2018. We continue to enjoy the maximum rating of 5 Stars which is the City of Monash Golden Plate Award.
2. New cupboards erected alongside the kitchen servery has provided much needed space to house the fund-raising Honey and crockery for the Indonesian group.
3. The recent purchase of a much larger freezer will ensure the safe keeping of frozen products and allow storage of larger portions when catering for church events.
4. The food stalls at our Grand Fete were regularly checked by Margaret Fraser for safe food handling with no major issues to report.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

Communications

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

The Communications Committee is a sub-committee of the Church Council. The Communications Committee works to ensure that information about the life of the congregation is readily available to interested people and that members of the congregation know what is going on.
Specifically, the Communication Committee's role is to:
1. oversee and coordinate all communications across the congregation ensuring that they are done in a timely and inclusive manner;
2. introduce new methods of communication as appropriate;
3. 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. ensure that all church communications are clear, appropriate and that no bias or offensive content is present;
5. continue to develop our online and web presence as an outreach activity;
6. maintain all brochures and promotional material used by GWUC;
7. seek to make best use of community material to publicise events and activities at GWUC;
8. liaise with Property Committee and make use of, and manage, any external signage;
9. take advantage of free promotional media wherever possible (i.e. Real Estate boards);
10. publicise and communicate Presbytery and Synod activities and events; and
11. 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. In 2018 there were five meetings.

Locations used by Group:

A meeting room at the church.

Highlights of the year:

During 2018
1. The website is routinely maintained and a multicultural section was added.
2. There are about 4000 wiki pages containing information relevant to the life of the congregation.
3. Ideas for an ‘acknowledgement directory’ were considered and presented to Church Council.
4. Postcards for visitors were updated and reprinted.
5. The Church overview brochure was updated.
6. Prepared Facebook and Instagram templates to make it easy for someone to take-over social media oversight.
7. The Moon Festival letterbox drop resulted in attendance by new people.
8. Connections cards have been updated.
9. Postcards and real-estate boards for Easter and Christmas were produced.
10. Business cards were updated.
For 2019
A decision will have to be made about the Glen Waverley Uniting Church Facebook site. It needs a champion and usage; otherwise it may be best to shut it down.

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

Cooee

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Friendship and support

Current Office Bearers:

Geraldine Fleming (just check in occasionally to make sure all well)

Membership numbers:

Usually 3

Usual meeting attendance:

3

Meeting times and days:

Fridays 12noon - 3pm

Locations used by Group:

Fellowship area

Highlights of the year:

Sadly the passing of Wendy Pratt, a long time participant of this small grop.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Thoughts and prayers

Group

Fete Committee

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Raise funds for the congregation's approved outreach projects by facilitating the annual church fete.

Current Office Bearers:

Sue Morgan, Peter Anderson, Murray Lowe (committee members)

Membership numbers:

3

Usual meeting attendance:

3

Meeting times and days:

As required

Locations used by Group:

Church premises

Highlights of the year:

A successful church fete held on 20 October that raised $23,687.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

None

Group

Finance Committee

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

The Finance Committee is a sub-committee of the Church Council. The Finance Committee works to ensure that all financial information about the life of the congregation is readily available to interested people and that members of the congregation know what is going on in terms of all Financial information required for the effective running of the Church.
The Finance Committee maintains all financial records in terms of required Accounting practices. The finance committee oversees the audit processes (external) completed annually.
Specifically, the Communication Committee's role is to:
1. oversee and coordinate all Finance documents and materials across the congregation ensuring that they are done in a timely and inclusive manner;
2. introduce new methods of finance management and process as appropriate;
3. facilitate the production of a Budget and then Financial Accounts in a variety of formats (to bring the congregation together through the use of information and management reporting);
4. ensure that all church finance communications are clear, appropriate and that no bias or offensive content is present;
5. continue to develop our Finance automation using MYOB ;
6. maintain all records of funds received and expenses incurred in appropriate formats as used by GWUC;
7. seek to make best use of Standard accounting methodologies to present material to publicise our financial Accounting position to all parties within the GWUC community;
8. liaise with Property Committee and make use of, and manage, any external rental activities and ensure these are recorded and managed effectively;
9. take advantage of all available information to present our Accounts and financial information for Audit in a timely fashion;
10. publicise and communicate Presbytery and Synod directives and activities and events in relation to Finance activities; and
11. encourage, support and assist all forms of Finance Committee communications across GWUC.

Current Office Bearers:

Coordinator:
Ken Coutts

Membership numbers:

Five members plus usually a member of the ministry team.

Usual meeting attendance:

Monthly

Meeting times and days:

Second Tuesday monthly

Locations used by Group:

A meeting room at the church.

Highlights of the year:

During 2018
1. The Finance Budget and expenditure Items were approved and we ended with a sound financial result.
2. Ideas for Changes to process and activities format have been reviewed and will be implemented in 2019.
3. A Budget summary will be distributed to the Congregation.
4. Audit schedule is agreed and in hand.
5. New Treasurer secured for next 3 years commencing January 1. 2019.
For 2019
1. A review of Banking and signing authorities to be implemented.
2. Update of financial transaction processes included in the Office Manual.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

N/ A

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:

21

Usual meeting attendance:

16

Meeting times and days:

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

Locations used by Group:

Our homes, 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, nurseries, Arthur’s Seat etc. followed by afternoon tea.
Sharing with each other individually or as a group.
As a group donating $410 to TEAR, Act for Peace and Uniting World at Christmas.
Supporting GWUC as a group by organising Hot Cross Bun Morning Tea following the Good Friday Service, and organising the GWUC Christmas Lunch.
Being able to donate $500 to GWUC Welfare from the Christmas Lunch.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Support the FISH Groups
In a large church to be a part of a smaller group is important.

Group

FISH - Gold

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

A group of members meeting in homes and sometimes other venues.

Current Office Bearers:

Convened usually by SueMorgan

Membership numbers:

15

Usual meeting attendance:

12

Meeting times and days:

Every couple of months

Locations used by Group:

Homes and restaurants

Highlights of the year:

Supporting the Chin's through Cynthia's illness.
The annual Book Sale.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

FISH - Purple

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Social and support of each other.

Current Office Bearers:

Membership numbers:

18

Usual meeting attendance:

Varies

Meeting times and days:

Varies - approx 6 weeks

Locations used by Group:

Homes and café’s

Highlights of the year:

We continue to support each other in joy and times of need.

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:

Ian and Anne McMillan

Membership numbers:

22 Joy Wahner and Eileen Scott have joined our group this year.

Usual meeting attendance:

16

Meeting times and days:

Usually meet approximately 6 weeks apart mostly Sundays for either lunch or dinner. We meet on Boxing Day at the Flemings for morning tea and Australia Day for a BBQ lunch.

Locations used by Group:

Generally we meet in members" homes.

Highlights of the year:

Unfortunately we lost member David Bailey, and gained two new members Joy Wahner and Eileen Scott. The high level of fellowship still continues in the group.
We were able to arrange a get together with our overseas members Donna and Jim Robinson whilst they were visiting Australia.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Nil

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: Lise Hales (borrowing) assisted by Marie Gillies
Music borrowing: Lise Hales assisted by Maria Gillies
Calendar/schedule: John Snare
Roll & performance record: Robin Pope
Scarves and ties: Joy Allen
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:

31 members plus some occasional visitors

Usual meeting attendance:

27 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. Visits to Cowes Uniting Church in March and Dingley-Heatherton Uniting Church in November to contribute to their worship. The latter was a special service devoted to companion animals.
4. Fundraising concerts at Glen Waverley Uniting Church, Burwood Heights Uniting Church and Croydon Uniting Church. A total of $4910 was raised for Possible Dreams International, Lantara Welcome Centre, and the Glen Waverley Uniting Church programme.
5. Ran the silent auction at the fete raising approximately $2667 in October and assisted with setting up and packing up.
6. Participating in special Easter and Seniors services at Glen Waverley Uniting Church.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

None identified

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. A group of wives and others meet nearby.

Current Office Bearers:

DavidMorgan convenor

Membership numbers:

35

Usual meeting attendance:

25

Meeting times and days:

Monday mornings at 10am for coffee all year round. Walk departs at 9:15am.

Locations used by Group:

Madelines restaurant at Jell's Park

Highlights of the year:

"Contining appreciation by members of the opportunity to get together, including some from outside the congregation.
Visits from ministerial team members.
Great support for members with health problems.
Excess cash collected in ""the jar"".
The sign presented to us by a couple at a neighbouring table. See link
"

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

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
Secretary
Committee

Cliff Baker
Ken Hutchinson
Alison Clarkson, Jeanette Coutts, Joyce Ennor, Margaret Fraser, Alison Hawkins, Laurel Muir, Susan Karoly, Barbara Thompson, Pat Vevers, Ross Vevers

Membership numbers:

Committee - 12
Total Volunteers - 55
Guests - 23

Usual meeting attendance:

In 2018 Meetings were organised by Day Leaders, each of the four Mondays operated in each month had a different group of volunteers.
On regular Mondays about15 volunteers were involved, whilst Guest attendance currently averaged 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:

Leisure Time celebrated 40 years of operation in October. A morning tea (brunch) was attended by volunteers, past and present, including some who had participated during Leisure Time’s first year of operation. Current guests, ministerial staff and selected outside guests, including Monash Council representatives, also enjoyed the morning.
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 Christmas Service led by Di Patterson.
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 2018 outings included smorgasbord and more formal lunches, Morning Melodies at the Knox Club, a film and basket lunch at the Pinewood theatre and a visit to Menzies Creek, to see Puffing Billy, followed by lunch in Ferntree Gully.
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. Financially, Leisure Time virtually broke even for the year.
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.
However, operations in 2019 will be reduced as unfortunately we do not have enough volunteers to maintain existing services. A Special Committee on December 9 decided that normal sessions would only be held on the first and third Mondays, but that 5 outings and the Christmas Party could remain as guest highlights. Operations will be reviewed at the April 2019 AGM

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 2019, in spite of the reduced services we have been forced to deliver.
Our most urgent needs are to increase the number of Leisure Time volunteers. We have had a little success in this area recently, and will continue our efforts and hopefully will eventually be able to resume the weekly operations – volunteers are the essence of Leisure Time. To recruit a Coordinator would be a big step forward.

Group

People & Culture

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

The People & Culture Committee is a sub-committee of the Church Council. The People & Culture Committee works to ensure that policies, process and practices about Human Resources actions and initiatives as to employment and team initiatives within our congregation is readily available to interested people and that members of the congregation know that our policies and practices are consistent with the policy framework of the Uniting Church as evidenced through Synod People and Culture practices and the laws of the land as per Fair work and Industrial Law practices.
Specifically, the People & Culture Committee's role is to:
1. oversee and coordinate all employment practices and communications across the congregation ensuring that they are done in a timely and inclusive manner;
2. introduce relevant practices and methods of People & Culture processes and communication as appropriate;
3. facilitate the completion of Performance reviews for all members of our Ministerial Team and employees using a standard methodology (to bring the consistent measurement of performance and review capabilities);
4. ensure that all church policies as to employment and development are clear, appropriate and that no bias or offensive content is present;
5. continue to develop our manual of process and policies within an Office Manual which records the operational requirements of our Office Staff and maintain the currency of that document.
6. Provide a reference point as to Human Resource activities for the congregation
7. maintain all practice methodology used by GWUC in the employment and management of our staff brochures and promotional material used by GWUC in staff matters;
8. liaise with Property Committee and Finance Committee make use of, and manage, any external resources in our people engagement;
9. publicise and communicate Presbytery and Synod activities and processes re staff events and People & Culture management; and
10. encourage, support and assist all employees of GWUC.

Current Office Bearers:

Coordinator:
Ken Coutts

Membership numbers:

Five members

Usual meeting attendance:

As required

Meeting times and days:

Irregular once or twice plus ad hoc meetings as to specific subjects

Locations used by Group:

A meeting room at the church or at home of Ken Coutts.

Highlights of the year:

During 2018
1. The Performance Reviews were completed and favourably received.
2. Review of the role of Community Planter and subsequent challenges with making that role redundant.
3. Reviewed all Position Descriptions and referred to PRC and confirmed
4. The Church Office Manual was regularly updated.
5. Prepared Review of Office Practices and Staffing for Church Council.
6. Supported The study and relief programme for Heather Hon who finalised her Ministerial training and graduated in 2018.
7. Progressed contract renewal and extension for Di Paterson
Items and Challenges for 2019
A decision will have to be made about the Glen Waverley Uniting Church Office hours and staffing requirements in early 2019.
Transfer Office Manual onto Wiki.
Training for New Appointee as Office Manager
Completion of First Aid programme.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

We are seeking at least one new member for the People & Culture Committee.
Preferably someone with Current People & Culture experience in a Not for Profit environment or in a legal environment dealing with employment law.
We are fortunate to have a Committee with strong HR practical and technical knowledge.

Group

Prayer Request

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

GWUC Prayer Requests

Current Office Bearers:

Private prayer

Membership numbers:

15

Usual meeting attendance:

n/a

Meeting times and days:

n/a

Locations used by Group:

Own homes

Highlights of the year:

Being needed

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

-

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.

Current Office Bearers:

Chairperson - WarrenGreenwood

Membership numbers:

10

Usual meeting attendance:

10

Meeting times and days:

1st Monday of each month, 7:45pm

Locations used by Group:

Room 4

Highlights of the year:

"New Member Fairlie Mackinnon and Retirement of Peter Trewin
Installation of Air Conditioning in the Worship Centre
Continued reduction of Solar Panel loan from original $48,000 now to $13,000 via rebates & savings and a significantly reduced power bill.
Continued rentals income during 2018
Reliable work by the many cleaning and mowing volunteers
Recovery of the lawns and gardens by the garden and lawn team following 8 years of drought like conditions"

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

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 community groups. 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:

46 volunteers

Usual meeting attendance:

Small Group Meeting – 9
Visitors to THE HUB varies. Can be 1 or 2, or can be 20 - 25.

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 – 12pm in school terms.
THE HUB Special Morning Teas are held 5 times a year 10am – 12pm.

Locations used by Group:

Foyer, Kitchen and also fellowship area for Special Morning Teas.

Highlights of the year:

Special Morning Teas at THE HUB – More people from the wider community coming regularly.
Total of donations received over the year at these morning teas - $5,564.70.
Donations given as follows – Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal – $950.
Cancer Council Victoria -$1,535.90
Parkinson’s Victoria - $1,610.
Motor Neurone Disease - $888.80.
GWUC Welfare - $580.
Continued support from Muddings and Monash Council PALS for these morning teas. Advertising in the PALS booklet brings in many people from the wider community.
Many visitors continue to come regularly to THE HUB to practise speaking in English. Many feel at home at THE HUB and GWUC.
Advertising of THE HUB in various places, including the Glen Waverley Library and Monash PALS booklet is resulting in THE HUB being well known in the community.
THE HUB had a display in one of the glass cabinets at the Glen Waverley Library for the month of March.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Please pray for THE HUB volunteers and visitors.
We have many people coming to THE HUB regularly, some a few days each week. They want to help us, to be involved in our church. What will be our next step to bring these people closer into our church community? Open to ideas!

Group

Uniting Voices

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide appropriate choir music to enhance worship, usually at the 11.00am traditional Service.
To maintain a Fellowship and Pastoral Support group for the members

Current Office Bearers:

Choir Leader: Lyn Bromage
Accompanist: Robert Fleming
Treasurer: Bev Barnfield
Contact Person: Herb Fleming

Membership numbers:

24

Usual meeting attendance:

18 - 24

Meeting times and days:

Practice: Thurs. 7.45pm to 9.30pm
Service Participation: 1st & 3rd Sun (generally 11.00am Service)

Locations used by Group:

Practice: Room 1
Worship: Choir Stalls

Highlights of the year:

Our year started with a great deal of anxiety and doubt about the future as Elwyn Pederson, our esteemed leader, had returned to her home state of South Australia to settle.
We received encouragement from the congregation to seek a replacement. This was no ordinary task as we were looking for someone who could volunteer their time, have the skills to lead a choir and who understood the Church calendar to add to worship.
Our prayers were answered when Lyn Bromage approached us. Her aunt, who is a member of our congregation, showed Lyn the advertisement in Crosslight. With her Aunt’s encouragement (push), Lyn contacted Uniting Voices. It was with the greatest delight that the Choir found that it had a leader, who filled the necessary requirements and more. Lyn has fitted into the group amazingly and enjoys her involvement as much as the Choir does.
The Church Council approved the payment of travel expenses to and from Lilydale for six months. This has since been extended. Some members of the congregation donated towards this.
Our year culminated with the Nine Lessons and Carols which Lyn prepared.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

As indicated above, Council has agreed to fund Lyn’s travelling expenses on an ongoing basis. This is greatly appreciated by Lyn and the Choir.

Group

Welfare Committee

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Our Christian imperative is to care for the poor, and the Welfare Committee endeavours to contribute towards this enormous task.
In our interactions and various interventions with, or on behalf of those we see, we pray that and attempt to, in some way, make a difference in the lives of those we serve.
Assistance may include providing a ‘listening ear’; counselling on a number of levels; sharing a prayer; referring or accompanying ( if required) to an appropriate community agency; providing food or supermarket vouchers; assisting with travel costs; distributing Christmas hampers to needy families; and discretely channelling the generous donations that come through our congregation.
Sometimes our recipients are homeless or recently out of prison; sometimes there is mental illness or physical disability; many are on Centrelink and other Government benefits. Some are refugees.
Some of those we help do not have good budgeting and other practical skills and have impoverished social backgrounds.
We seek to offer a compassionate Christ centred response, trying never to be judgemental.
Confidentiality and respect underpin our work.

Current Office Bearers:

Chairperson: Dorothy Lockhart
Secretary/Treasurer: Faye McDougall

Membership numbers:

4

Usual meeting attendance:

4

Meeting times and days:

Tuesdays Quarterly

Locations used by Group:

GWUC

Highlights of the year:

Demands on Welfare Assistance in the relatively prosperous suburb of Glen Waverley are quite significant, and increasing monthly.
Our Committee is generously supported by many of our Church’s Groups, particularly UCAF, Hub Functions and our Christmas lunch. We have also received a significant grant from the COP Committee and many individual donors. Church family members frequently approach to inquire, ‘What do you need?’
There appears to be a general interest in Welfare’s activities for which we are most grateful.
Within the past year three invitations to brief GWUC Groups on what we do.
The Welfare Committee’s participation in the Monash municipality’s and regional Welfare Providers’ Networks and training is regular and there is considerable collaboration amongst local welfare groups.
At Christmas time students from all levels within Wesley College donated an overwhelming amount of toys, food and finances.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

‘More of the same support’ from within our church would be so appreciated and facilitate our purpose to ‘care for the poor’ in the ways listed above.
In 2018 an approach was made to Church Council to please consider the part time employment of a Social Worker to head up the Welfare Committee as stipulated in our Policy.
As there are no Social Workers from within our church volunteering to
join the Welfare Committee, employing one for a few hours weekly needs to be considered.
The writer of this report has been on the Welfare Committee since 2005 and chaired it since 2009.
A change of chair within any organisation is normal and potentially healthy.
Church Council could assist by further consideration of the recommendation to employ a trained and experienced Social Worker to enhance the mission of GWUC in the future.