AnnualReport2019

Group

Adult Group

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Fellowship

Current Office Bearers:

Bev & LindsayBrown

Membership numbers:

36

Usual meeting attendance:

25

Meeting times and days:

First Friday of the Month at 8pm

Locations used by Group:

Chapel & 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:

None

Group

Asylum Seeker Support

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide assistance to the needs of asylum seekers within our community

Current Office Bearers:

Convenor: RobinPope
Joint rep on OEASSN: HeatherWilkins

Membership numbers:

8

Usual meeting attendance:

7-8

Meeting times and days:

Irregular

Locations used by Group:

Private homes

Highlights of the year:

2019 has seen the support for asylum seekers from this congregation transition towards more specific objectives.
Outer Eastern Asylum Seeker Support Network
We have continued our association with the Outer Eastern Asylum Seeker Support Network, whose meetings are frequently attended by a representative from the Lentara (agency of Uniting) who keeps us informed of Lentara’s current activities. OEASSN has itself had to reconfigure its focus, as we have shrinking financial support and now have oversight of only one property housing asylum seekers. Most of Lentara’s properties are now in the north and western suburbs. OEASSN membership comprises representatives from Uniting Churches in Melbourne’s south-east, and our fund-raising efforts are now directed more towards the overarching Lentara organisation than to specific supported properties. Some members have made links with other asylum support groups in both church settings (Camberwell Uniting, CAPSA) and community (Montmorency) in our geographic area in order to pool ideas and activities.
Our church’s group is represented at the OEASSN monthly meetings at the home of the chairperson, Rev Graham McAnalley.
Asylum Seeker Support at Glen Waverley Uniting Church
Facing the hard fact that the Waverley/Monash area is too expensive an area for asylum seekers, we also recognise that our best efforts should be directed towards education about the plight of asylum seekers, and raising money and goods in support of their welfare.
Donations of food, clothing, small household items
As we have done for many years now, we continue to collect donated items for asylum seekers. The two marked boxes in the foyer are cleared regularly by the AS group, and the goods are mostly passed on to David Spitteler (from GWAC) and the Asylum Seeker Centre he operates in Dandenong. In 2019 we cleared in excess of 74 boxes of clothing and household linen and 10 boxes of food. This effort will continue in 2020.
Fundraising
1. We have attempted various ways of raising funds. In April 2019 we held a BBQ at Tasman Meats in Pinewood which was a second attempt at raising funds in this way. It cleared the grand total of $82.80 from a morning in the freezing cold, and has been judged a non-viable return for the effort involved.
2. Various musical instruments which were donated for the use of asylum seekers were surplus to requirements and these were sold on e-bay by Bill Norquay for $2181 (less e-bay expenses).
3. Money raised from honey sales (begun originally by UCAF, taken over by Heather Wilkins, now succeeded by Margaret Fraser) has provided a steady source of income, totalling many thousands over a long period. This year we have banked $342.85
4. Following our usual practice, Lyn Maslen submitted an application on our behalf for COP funding from the proceeds of the GWUC fete. This year we were granted $3400, for which we/ Lentara were very thankful. This was forwarded to Lentara.
Education/Awareness of the Plight of Asylum Seekers
1. On May 5 we organised a Sunday afternoon showing of Julian Burnside’s film Border Politics in the worship centre of our church. We received $93 in donations as a result, although the main purpose was not in raising money but in raising awareness. Given that it occurred just before a federal election, it was interesting to note that the small attendance from our own congregation was equalled by the number of ‘outsiders’ (ie people from other churches and the community).
2. During two of the morning services on May 5 (the same day the film was shown) we had one of the Lentara social workers address the congregation. He spoke of the work Lentara does with asylum seekers, providing a power point presentation and some anecdotal stories to illustrate. This was well received by those present, although it helped underline that it is the personal stories that affect the listeners the most, rather than details about organisational operations. Without any current personal contact with asylum seekers it seems that the problems they face are too far removed from GWUC daily lives to have much impact.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

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 required Online or on site

Locations used by Group:

Wherever needed - but often online

Highlights of the year:

o Continued close relationship with Beeac;
o Special worship support for Johnsonville;
o Support and help of other congregations wanting to start a broadcast ministry;
o The ongoing and awesome manner in which the ministry team are inclusive to our broadcast churches;
o Visits to many of our partner congregations during the year;
o Training young “Levi” in supporting tasks;
o Commencement of live Youtube broadcasts allowing any number of people, anywhere to watch our two primary services;
o The relationship developed with partner churches using our worship material

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Broadcast (including sound and vision equipment generally) equipment is ageing and showing signs of disrepair due to extensive use by many groups and people. Grant monies have been expired and some high cost equipment will need replacement. It has been approved in the 2020 budget as Deferred Maintenance expense.
It would be helpful if Church Council continues to see this as a priority ministry and outreach task for resourcing.

Group

Church Council

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

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

Current Office Bearers:

GlynHowells (Chair)
DavidMorgan (Secretary)
KenCoutts (Treasurer)

Membership numbers:

11 See CouncilGroup

Usual meeting attendance:

9

Meeting times and days:

Monthly meetings, usually on the fourth Wednesday of the month

Locations used by Group:

Room 2 GWUC

Highlights of the year:

Welcoming new members.
Signing up to the Presbytery Mission project and meeting with CraigMitchell.
Initiating Chinese Dad's Playgroup.
Receiving several substantial bequests, and funding the ChoirOfHope from one of them.

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: JohnSnare

Membership numbers:

7

Usual meeting attendance:

5

Meeting times and days:

First Monday of the month when possible. In 2019 there were five meetings.

Locations used by Group:

A meeting room at the church.

Highlights of the year:

1. The Glen Waverley Uniting Church web and wiki pages continue to be maintained. Both of these see very active use.
2. Working with Jo Boldiston to support routine communications.
3. Working to improve our Facebook effectiveness, including a workshop on social media.
4. Updating documention of our multiple communication channels (see CommunicationsChannels).
5. Contribution of a Christmas tree to the 2019 Advent celebrations.

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:

Sharing of lunch and a game of Scrabble

Current Office Bearers:

PamelaMcMaster

Membership numbers:

3

Usual meeting attendance:

2

Meeting times and days:

Every Friday at lunchtime

Locations used by Group:

Fellowship area

Highlights of the year:

Seeing the other activities going on around us, especially the children with hearing difficulties and the Christmas trees.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

ESL

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide formal English tuition for people from the community including HUB visitors.

Current Office Bearers:

Co-ordinator JanClear. Tutors- LynnPeters, LynneBoyer, MargaretDuncan, GeraldineFleming, JudithBoucher, VeronicaWood, GlendaCox, DougNewberry, AnneMcMillan, ThelmaNichols, JennySchon (volunteer from the community).

Membership numbers:

3 tutors are rostered on every Thursday during school terms. 1 tutor leads, the other 2 tutors are helpers. There is a topic for every week. students do reading, writing and conversation, related to the topic for the week.

Usual meeting attendance:

Student numbers vary from 1 to about 20.

Meeting times and days:

The classes are held on Thursdays during school terms from 12.45-1.45.

Locations used by Group:

Classes are held in the storage cupboard end of the hall but we sometimes use room 4 (if that is free.)

Highlights of the year:

There are no specific highlights except that it has been great to see students improving in English. They are all very enthusiastic.
It has been good to welcome Jenny Schon as a tutor. She has had many experiences and enjoys working with our tutors.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

It would be good if Church Council members could attend a class sometimes and also be on the lookout for new tutors.

Group

Finance Committee

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide full financial and accounting processes, reporting and administration for GWUC. Using current technology and records management whilst liaising with appropriate external suppliers in compliance with current GAAP requirements.

Current Office Bearers:

KenCoutts, Treasurer

Membership numbers:

Rev NeilPeters, WarrenGreenwood, AndrewAdams, BenKrieger, MattGraham

Usual meeting attendance:

5 or 6

Meeting times and days:

7.30pm- 9.30pm 2nd Tuesday alternate Months

Locations used by Group:

Office at GWUC

Highlights of the year:

* Handover Treasurer’s role from Ashley Irvine to Ken Coutts completed.
* Implemented successfully the updated and new MYOB accounting package.
* Maintained full accounting records and reports.
* Completion of External Audit of GWUC Accounts and Endowment Account.
* Presentations to Congregation Meetings with additional detail and information
* Renegotiated the Lease of New Printer.
* Completion of annual Returns and Reports to Synod and Presbytery.
* Completion of Budget for 2020.
* Initiated review of Banking arrangements.
* Progressing review of External audit arrangements

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 WarrenGreenwood

Membership numbers:

21

Usual meeting attendance:

17

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 etc. followed by afternoon tea.
Sharing with each other individually or as a group in our homes.
As a group donating $100 to TEAR, and $430 to the Bunyip CFA to help families affected by the bushfires.
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 $591.20 to GWUC Welfare from the Christmas Lunch. 

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Continue to see the FISH groups as an important part of the pastoral care within our church.
Recognise that small groups are very important in a large church.

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:

IanMcMillan and AnneMcMillan

Membership numbers:

24 including Donna and Jim Robinson in Canada

Usual meeting attendance:

17

Meeting times and days:

Usually meeting approximately 6 weeks apart mostly on 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:

The high level of fellowship still continues in the group. We celebrated three milestone birthdays a 70, an 80 and a 90

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:

1. Music director: DebLeigh
2. Music selection and purchase: DebLeigh
3. Liaison with ministerial team: DebLeigh
4. Librarians: Lise (borrowing) assisted by MariaGillies
5. Music borrowing: Lise Hales assisted by MariaGillies
6. Calendar/schedule: JohnSnare
7. Roll & performance record RobinPope
8. Scarves and ties: JoyAllen
9. Prayer and care: vacant
10. Treasurer: JohnSnare
11. Historian: JohnSnare
12. Friends of Free Spirit Register: GeoffWillis
13. Supper roster: LynMaslen
14. Hosting rehearsals: MiriniLang and RussellLang
15. Stage managing events: LynMaslen

Membership numbers:

29 members plus some occasional visitors

Usual meeting attendance:

23 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 RussellLang, 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. Participating in special Easter, Seniors and Christmas worship services at Glen Waverley Uniting Church.
3. Participation in the Glen Waverley Uniting Church combined anniversary choir in June.
4. Visits to Cowes Uniting Church in March and Hampton Park Uniting Church in August to contribute to their worship.
5. Participation in Christmas concerts at Bluecross Livingstone Gardens and Estia Health Manor (Grace Manor)

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

None identified.

Group

GOMER

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

A fellowship group for retired men

Current Office Bearers:

Convenor:DavidMorgan<<BR>>

Membership numbers:

40

Usual meeting attendance:

25

Meeting times and days:

Monday at 10 for coffee at Madelines, or 9:15 for a walk

Locations used by Group:

Jell's Park

Highlights of the year:

Leana's birthday. (Our ""angel"" waitress who looks after us.)
Frequent visits from Neil & Di.
Our tenth anniversary.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

Inclusive Community MG

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To encourage development of supportive relationships within our Church Family, to maintain and improve pastoral care and welcoming procedures, to offer hospitality, to support Seniors' Ministry, to receive reports from bereavement support, the prayer support group, supportive care link group
cradle roll and the communications group.

Current Office Bearers:

JanClear is the Convenor. Other members are RevNeilPeters, RevDiPaterson, FayeWagon, BarbaraThompson, LaurelMuir, AlisonClarkson and MarjorieCollins.

Membership numbers:

8 . MarjorieCollins is unable to attend our meetings now but helps with hospitality.

Usual meeting attendance:

7

Meeting times and days:

We meet on weekdays at the church.

Locations used by Group:

We use one of the meeting rooms for our meetings and use the hall, fellowship area and kitchen for functions.

Highlights of the year:

1) Increased attendance at Munch with a Bunch functions (MWAB), light lunches and Bring and Share lunches (formerly (CLUB 2019).
2) Honest, open discussions.
3) Co-operation at Hospitality functions.
4) The Christmas Tree display.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Give us ideas about welcoming and pastoral care.
Offer to help with special functions.

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. BillNorquay, DavidSimpson, ColinKing, DougNewberry, KeithWest

Membership numbers:

35

Usual meeting attendance:

16

Meeting times and days:

First Tuesday of the month at 2pm

Locations used by Group:

Chapel & fellowship area.

Highlights of the year:

Get together for Devotions and Guest Speaker monthly except January & November
Highlights included learning of outreach activities of the GWUC congregation, such as Choir of Hope.

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 those living and working in retirement villages and nursing homes that we visit.

Current Office Bearers:

We don’t have office bearers.

Membership numbers:

AlisonClarkson, DiPaterson and I organise services (including entertainment four times a year. JanRoberts organises afternoon tea. AlisonClarkson and JanClear present
devotions in local aged care facilities. Evelyn and HerbFleming help with the singing at Minarock (Glen Waverley Nursing Home).

Usual meeting attendance:

Forty-five to one hundred attend seniors’ services. Staff members and residents attend devotions in the facilities that we visit. Numbers vary.

Meeting times and days:

Seniors’ services are held on Sunday afternoons. Devotions in aged care facilities are held on weekdays.

Locations used by Group:

We use the church, foyer, fellowship area, kitchen and room 1.

Highlights of the year:

1. Positive reception in aged care facilities.
2. Fellowship evident at Seniors’ services.
3. Free Spirit’s contributions to seniors’ services.
4. The visit of the Evans Family in October. They entertained us at our High Tea.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

It would be good if every Church Council member could attend one Seniors’ service during the year.
Be on the lookout for volunteers to take devotions at one of the aged care facilities, regularly or as emergencies.

Group

Munch with a bunch

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide pleasant dining experiences for this who dine alone and newcomers.

Current Office Bearers:

There are no office bearers. Inclusive Community Committee members organise lunches.

Membership numbers:

40-50.

Usual meeting attendance:

40-50 plus committee members.

Meeting times and days:

Sundays about every 4-6 weeks.

Locations used by Group:

RSL. Hall, kitchen and fellowship areas when lunches are held at the church.

Highlights of the year:

Lunches are well attended and becoming more popular. We contact those who do not reply when invitations are sent. (pastoral care)
Newcomers are now invited to Munch with a Bunch.
Some lunches were held at the RSL and some at the church. We get a caterer for lunches at the church. Transport is a problem-to get people to the RSL and get them back again-parking is difficult.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Offer as volunteer drivers to get those who need transport to and from the RSL.
Help with hall cleaning after a lunch at the church.
Attend one or more lunches during the year.

Group

People & Culture

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide a knowledge, support and administration framework for all employment and staffing matters for GWUC.

Current Office Bearers:

KenCoutts Convenor

Membership numbers:

JudyLowe, KatieHaala, LesleyArmstrong , JohnMuir

Usual meeting attendance:

Usually 4 but have had 5 at one meeting

Meeting times and days:

Saturday mornings – Feb, April, July, Nov

Locations used by Group:

Home of Convenor

Highlights of the year:

* Completion of Extension of contract for Di Paterson and change to Pastor position designation.
* Manage employment and performance issues for Church Council in terms of our contracts and legal obligations under employment law and awards
* Review and Updating of Office Manager role and Hours and agreement through Church Council
* Recruitment of Office Manager role via a Recruitment and Interview process
* Review of Office Hours.
* Agreement as to Office Hours and Staffing over Christmas / New Year.
* Creation of Provision for LSL (annual basis).
* Maintain Office Manual as a working document for GWUC processes.
* Maintain our Employment contracts and Personal Records securely.
* Manage our salary and allowances records and reporting to Synod P & C

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

-None

Group

Playgroup Volunteers

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:

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, Friday during school term time

Locations used by Group:

Playground, Rooms 2 & 3

Highlights of the year:

The GWUC should be very proud of our Outreach program in this area.
We are serving the young families in Glen Waverley in a positive way. Giving them the time that they are able come, relax with their children and socialise with other parents.
We the leaders are very conscious of this need in the community for people to socialise with each other.
As a multicultural country we place a lot of emphasis on acceptance of each other and the customs of their countries.
We celebrate Chinese New Year, the Festival of Lights and celebrations of other nationalities, which also includes our Christian celebrations and to show them our commitment to our personal faith.
At Christmas we usually entertain the UCAF ladies. This year two of our Mums asked if they could be responsible to organise this activity. This was a surprise as one was a Christian and the other a Hindu. It was just wonderful watching these young mums work together.
This is exactly what we are all working towards accepting and respecting each others beliefs.
The Welfare Group have been so supportive to us.
We have Mums come to us who are struggling with the problems of life. We have referred them to this group who has given wonderful support to these Mums. Thank you.
We were approached by a student, studying Pre School and Child Welfare at Dandenong TAFE, if we could accept her to do her 10 week placement. This did require extra time in supervision and writing a report which we did gladly.( all O’Kd by Church Council).
We have been approached by another student to do her 10 week placement for 2020.
We will be interviewing her soon.
The need to increase 2020 fees, to help with toilet cleaning, from $30 to $35/ term /family for single children and $45/ term /family of two or more children.
The Playgroup has been operating for about 12 years and at this time some equipment needs to be replaced. We are hoping that the bequest that has come to the church will help with the replacement of this equipment.
As a group of 7 leaders who are all retirees who love our trips overseas, taking care of our grandchildren or unfortunately having health problems means at times we are struggling to run Playgroup with the result we have temporarily suspended Wednesday morning group until we can recruit more leaders.
To the Property Committee, a thank you for your support, Church Council and all other groups in our community who have willingly supported us. This also includes the Youth Group for painting the wall in room 3 which looks fantastic and quite groovy also hoping that they will paint the cubby house in really bright colours to jazz up the playground.
It is just great to have Neil pop in at times and talk to everyone. It shows the parents that this group is valued by the church community.
We don’t hear much from Chinese Dad’s Playgroup, but is reported to be going well
I know that I can speak for all the leaders and say what a delight and privilege it is to be able to serve the community and church in this way. To be with Mums, Dads, Grandparents and children is a joy and delight giving us the opportunity to express our christianity in a most positive, practical way

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:

11 - 1 Retiree 2019 Herb Fleming, 1 new Church Council Representative Ryan Chan

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:

o Replace Fellowship carpet (matching chapel) with carpet squares;
o Purchase and storage of sufficient carpet squares to replace Foyer in 2020;
o 50 new lightweight chairs for the Chapel;
o Additional small round tables for general use;
o Replace hot water system at 15 Southdown;
o Let a contract for installation of solar panels at 15 Southdown ave manse to be completed early 2020;
o Continued reduction of Solar Panel loan from original $48,000 now down to $4,000 via rebates & savings -full repayment due by Feb 2020.
o Two new Pumps for the Water Harvest System to maintain the complex toilets and 2 manses;
o Maintaining high rental usage, ensuring a Nil cost to the congregation of all property expenses. (Also, full recovery of outstanding rental by Office Management);
o Construction of a “Swale” at the northern entrance that will ensure no future flooding in the office or entrance area;
o Continued replacement of lighting to LED - Office completed;
o Initiated contract cleaning for Toilets thereby relieving volunteers from this task and enhancing the standard of cleaning. All hire groups (and a couple of church groups with paid membership) are contributing to this new charge.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Recognition and understanding that after 30 years use, more of the complex will need repair and replacing requiring the use of the Deferred Maintenance Reserve. The pressure on this reserve will increase during 2020/2021, where projects such as the Water Harvest System ($32,000 grant 2001) Broadcast ministry ($24,000 grant 2015/6) Visual Technology - Leisuretime Grant - $1,000) and the Sound System, Office equipment, Toilets and Kitchen will all need significant repairs and will have to make use of the Deferred Maintenance Reserve, as any beneficial effects of the original grants has been consumed.
Continued appreciation and acknowledgment of all volunteers.

Group

The Hub

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To be welcoming and offer hospitality. To grow relationships with our visitors. To connect with other community groups. To continue our current activities and create new activities arising from the needs of people in our community.

Current Office Bearers:

Co-ordinator – JudithGreenwood
Secretary – LaurelMuir
THE HUB SMALL GROUP – JudithGreenwood, LaurelMuir, KayeMackinnon, DebGraham, LynneBoyer, PamelaMcDonald, GeraldineFleming, GailIrvine, AndrewHosking.

Membership numbers:

47 volunteers

Usual meeting attendance:

Small Group meeting – 9
Visitors to The Hub – varies. Can be 1 or 2 or can be over 20.
Special Morning Teas – 80-100.

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.
THE HUB Special Morning Teas are held 5 times a year 10am – 12pm on a Thursday or Wednesday.

Locations used by Group:

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

Highlights of the year:

A new activity was started called the Mount View HUB. Six children with hearing impairments from Mount View Primary School plus 4 teachers met with 12 Hub volunteers, who they called special friends, to help improve the conversational skills of the children when they are in the community. This proved to be a very successful activity loved by the children, the special friends and the teachers. It will continue in 2020 with 3 of the same children plus 3 new children.
Our Special Morning Teas at The HUB were well supported by people from the wider community as well as our own GWUC friends. The total of donations received from our 5 morning teas was $5,720 which was given to various community charities.
Muddings Bakery continues to support us with our morning teas. Monash PALS continue to advertise THE HUB and our morning teas in the PALS booklet.
Many people continue to come to THE HUB to practise speaking in English.
They all seem to feel very much at home at THE HUB and in our church.
THE HUB has become better known in the wider community thanks to advertising in various places including the GW Library. The Library also allows THE HUB to have a display in one of their glass cabinets for a month each year.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Please pray for THE HUB, the volunteers and visitors.
We have many people come to THE HUB regularly, some more than one day a week. They like to help us to be involved in our church activities. What could be our next step to bring these people closer into our church community?
Open to suggestions.

Group

UCAF

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To enable members to share in Christ's mission, meeting for fellowship service and worship.

Current Office Bearers:

For 2020:
President/Secretary, Margaret Duncan.
V.P. Barbara Thompson,
Treasurer Norma Saxton.

Membership numbers:

45

Usual meeting attendance:

Average 30

Meeting times and days:

First Tuesday of the month at 10 am.

Locations used by Group:

Chapel, fellowship area. Church and hall on special occasions.

Highlights of the year:

Monthly speakers.
Mid-year luncheon, usually May.
Cake stall at the fete.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Help is sometimes needed to use the visual display on the TV. through a computer.

Group

Uniting Voices

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide choral music for use in traditional worship and at other times as appropriate

Current Office Bearers:

Director : Lyn Bromage
Accompanist : Robert Fleming
Treasurer : Bev Barnfield

Membership numbers:

23

Usual meeting attendance:

20+

Meeting times and days:

Practice : Thursdays (Feb to mid Dec) 7.45pm to 9.30pm.
Worship Services : 11.00am 1st and 3rd Sundays of the month (Feb to Dec).

Locations used by Group:

Room 1 for practice and Church for worship.

Highlights of the year:

We have had an exciting year as Lyn continues to challenge us with different and interesting music.
Our two main events this year have been singing for the Liesuretime Guests at their last meeting and breakup, and on Sunday 15th Dec participating in a Lessons and Carols Service at 11.00am. On both these occasions we were privileged to have Lyn's Granddaught, Miranda Bromage join us. On the latter occasion we were treated to solo performances by Miranda and two other members, John Colvin and Ken Coutts.
We also participated in the Christmas tree display during December with a tree decorated with musical motives by Margaret Colvin.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

We are thankful for the support we receive from many attendees at the 11.00am services and also for financial support received from Church Council.

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 hampers to needy families; and discretely channelling the generous donations that come from our congregation and the community.
Frequently our recipients are homeless or recently out of prison; sometimes there is psychiatric or physical disability; many are on Centrelink or other government benefits. Some are refugees.
Some we help do not have good budgeting and other practical skills, and have empoverished 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:

Co-Ordinator; DorothyLockhart
Secretary/Treasurer: FayeMcDougall

Membership numbers:

4

Usual meeting attendance:

4

Meeting times and days:

Tuesdays Quarterly, but email liaison as required.

Locations used by Group:

GWUC

Highlights of the year:

Summarise the achievements, excitement and any special events during the year)
This year has been challenging with our peak project involving the generous provision of time, money, household goods, food, transport and prayers by most of our congregation.
Our outcome was the resettling of a pregnant mother (‘Anna”), with four children who as the victim of serious family violence presented as very traumatised and with practically nothing. The family was resettled in rental accommodation at a safe distance from harm, with furniture, clothing, food, other medical, psychosocial and community supports. This challenge could not have been achieved without the tremendous support we received from our congregation and other community organization with whom we liaised.
Our congregation support is a constant. We have ,during the year ,received donations from the COP Committee, UCAF, the HUB, and many individuals and families.
Wesley College have continued their generous giving with toys, food and funds donated in December.
Centrelink Staff, across the road, generously had a Christmas Giving Project in December with the theme of ‘Breakfast”. Welfare was the fortunate recipient.
Our Committee continues to attend Monash Municipal and regional Community Welfare meetings , sharing information and training.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

The Welfare Committee is extremely grateful for the many ways in which we are assisted by the whole church.
Reference was made in last year’s report to the need for assistance by a Social Worker employed by GWUC to enhance the service we currently provide, and to bring a fresh approach, if required. A change in leadership in any group is both ‘normal ‘ and ‘desirable’.
As previously stated, a carefully selected, trained and experienced Social Worker a few hours per week could potentially enhance the mission of GWUC in the future.