AnnualReport2021

Group

Adult Group

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

FELLOWSHIP

Current Office Bearers:

Bev & LindsayBrown, Jill & BillNorquay

Membership numbers:

33

Usual meeting attendance:

25

Meeting times and days:

First Friday of the Month 12:30pm

Locations used by Group:

Restaurants for Lunch

Highlights of the year:

DECEMBER: Our only get together for 2021 - for lunch at the Mountain View Hotel. Other attempts were made throughout the year to meet but were cancelled due to Covid-19.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

Badminton

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Enjoy exercise, fun & fellowship while playing

Current Office Bearers:

OnnChin IanMcMillan LynneBoyer

Membership numbers:

Usual meeting attendance:

5 since last lockdown

Meeting times and days:

Monday & Thursday 7:30 to 10pm

Locations used by Group:

Hall

Highlights of the year:

We returned to playing after each lockdown, but the last one really affected our numbers. Some of our usual players I suspect are unvaccinated so cannot play. We have a regular group of 5 who play Mondays. We hope to resume Thursday as well when our numbers increase. We still have a lot of fun.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Keep rear foyer and back room free for the erection of table tennis tables. This is difficult when groups leave table and choirs out or use the area for storage.

Group

Broadcast Ministry

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide broadcast facilities for worship services to a global audience. To record and create DVD’s for distribution to GWUC members and other interested parties. To create and support an in-home and hospital ministry. To record significant worship and other events. To provide technical assistance to both the Ministry team and other worship space users.

Current Office Bearers:

WarrenGreenwood is contact point

Membership numbers:

5

Usual meeting attendance:

As & when required, online or at GWUC

Meeting times and days:

As & when required, online or at GWUC

Locations used by Group:

GWUC – Beeac, Kerang, Johnsonville, Trafalger, and as invited, and a global audience.

Highlights of the year:

With the 2021 COVID impacts, this team has enabled the ministry team to provide and maintain a variety of in-home worship, prayer, reflection, and meditation support to a global audience. The outreach also supported our country congregation partners in the same way.
Weekly worship was viewed and supported by over 350 logins each week, Prayers and Reflections were viewed by more than 50 persons each week (on average).
There are over 236 people (globally) who have “Subscribed” to this ministry on YouTube and our website, and who receive an automatic email whenever we are streaming worship.
The ability to stream funerals and other special events through-out the pandemic has been of great support for families, and the wider community, with these services being viewed local/interstate/overseas.
Through a generous bequest allocation, we have been able to enhance our resources with new cameras, recording equipment and hardware to both extend and simplify the process.
In addition, this year, we were the location for the recording of all Synod 2021 pre-recorded worship, prayer and bible study sessions, where the Moderator and others used our expertise to prepare for a “Synod in lockdown” year.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

We thank the Church Council, and congregation for their on-going support, and the sometimes intrusive activities. Like all groups we invite others to join the team.
We would appreciate ongoing funding for the ministry, and encouragement. The tech team, like the ministry team, have allocated a great deal of time to make this work.
In particular, we would like to thank the ministry team for their co-operation and creative planning of worship. They have done a spectacular job under difficult circumstances.

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 (recently renamed to Kingsway) 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:

Six members plus usually a member of the ministry team.

Usual meeting attendance:

Six

Meeting times and days:

First Monday of the month when possible. In 2021 there were three meetings.

Locations used by Group:

The Communications Committee meets in a meeting room at the church.

Highlights of the year:

The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the Communications Committee. The group chose not to meet by zoom and hence was only able to hold a few meetings. The status quo for communications activities was maintained including significant work behind the scenes to repair and keep operational the wiki. A disappointment was failure to progress work to update our on-line platforms and refresh the web site. This will be a priority in 2022 in line with the Integrated Social Media and Streaming Presence project being developed by Church Council.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

We are seeking at least two new members for the Communications Committee. The committee needs at least one new member with a passion for using social media as a communications channel. The committee needs at least one new member with a passion for keeping the web-site design contemporary.

Group

ESL

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To help new arrivals, within the local community, to practise English conversation skills and improve reading and writing.

Current Office Bearers:

JanClear is the convenor and eight volunteers lead the classes or help the students.

Membership numbers:

about ten students.

Usual meeting attendance:

ten to twenty students.

Meeting times and days:

Thursdays 11.45-12.45pm.

Locations used by Group:

The classes are held in the church hall, near the storage cupboards.

Highlights of the year:

There were no classes between January and March 2021. A roster and list of topics were organised for term 2. A small number of students attended class on 22 April, 29 April, 6 May and 13 May. Topics for these classes included Australia Day and Mothers’ Day. There were no more classes held during 2021.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Encourage those who volunteer as tutors.
Visit classes.
Offer to lead some classes.

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 information about the life of the congregation. 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 eg change to using Xero in 2022;
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 until Dec 2021 and then Xero in 2022 ;
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 and ensure external Audit is finalised by mid-Year;
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:
KenCoutts

Membership numbers:

Five members plus usually a member of the ministry team.

Usual meeting attendance:

Bi-Monthly

Meeting times and days:

Second Tuesday bi-monthly 7.30PM- 9.30PM

Locations used by Group:

A meeting room or Office at the church but with Covid-19 in 2021 most meetings on Zoom. December meeting is a morning tea or breakfast at Convenor’s home.

Highlights of the year:

During 2021
* The Finance Budget and expenditure Items were approved and we ended with a sound financial result and have spent funds from the Deferred Maintenance Reserve to update Carpets, Televisions and sound system.
* ideas for Changes to process and activities format have been reviewed and will be implemented in 2022 following input from external firm. Conversion to Xero.
* Treasurer confirmed for further 2-3 years from January 1, 2022.

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:

Normally about 8 times a year, on a Sunday for afternoon tea or for tea, but this year less due to Covid.

Locations used by Group:

Our homes, on Zoom, in a park or Garden Nursey café.

Highlights of the year:

Ongoing support, friendship and care that is given by members of the group to others in the group. This year this was done by phone calls, emails, SMS and Zoom for most of the year. We did actually get to meet and share as a group a few times. Also sharing individually at times.
As a group donating money to charities at Christmas.

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 - Gold

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

A group of members meeting in homes and sometimes other venues, but this year mainly on Zoom.

Current Office Bearers:

Sue Morgan convenor

Membership numbers:

15

Usual meeting attendance:

12

Meeting times and days:

Irregular on Zoom and in person.

Locations used by Group:

Members homes and Zoom

Highlights of the year:

We managed to have a book sale. Several meetings in homes and more on Zoom enabled us to remain connected.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

None

Group

FISH - Red

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Families in sharing homes

Current Office Bearers:

Membership numbers:

Usual meeting attendance:

Meeting times and days:

Locations used by Group:

Highlights of the year:

Red Fish have not met in the past two years and I feel that it is time to delete our group. We had a good group over the year and it certainly served its purpose.

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:

Jan Clear and Norma Saxton

Membership numbers:

24 includes Donna and Jim Robinson in Canada

Usual meeting attendance:

18

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. Due to the pandemic this year, the group physically met five times and one Zoom get together.

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 one milestone 80th birthday.

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: Deb Leigh
2. Music selection and purchase: Deb Leigh
3. Liaison with ministerial team: Deb Leigh
4. Librarians: Lise Hales (borrowing) assisted by Maria Gillies plus Robin (for stocktake)
5. Music borrowing: Lise Hales assisted by Maria Gillies
6. Performance calendar/schedule: John Snare – updates on schedule on wiki
7. Roll: Robin Pope
8. Friends of Free Spirit register: Geoff Willis
9. Scarves and ties: Joy Allen
10. Prayer and care: Joy Allen (sop), Lyn Maslen (alto), Kaye Morgan (Tenor) and Mike Foo (Bass)
11. Treasurer: John Snare
12. Historian including performance record: John Snare
13. Supper roster: Lyn Maslen
14. Stage managing events: Lyn Maslen
This year additional leadership was needed and provided to accommodate the circumstances of Covid-19 restrictions.
1. Kaye Morgan hosted every zoom practise and edited together video and audio of ‘covid-choir’ songs
2. Russell Lang assembled and edited the audio for new ‘covid-choir’ songs.
3. Additional part choir leaders were needed to deal with not being able to meet together as normal. Lynn Peters helped the sopranos, Jacob Davey helped the tenors, Lyn Maslen sometimes helpied the altos and sometimes helped the basses, and Deb Leigh helped the bases and sometimes the altos.

Membership numbers:

39 members plus some occasional visitors

Usual meeting attendance:

30 members

Meeting times and days:

Practice weekly on Wednesday evenings. Prior to the Covid-19 restrictions the intent was as follows: Singing at worship or other events both in 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 held in the Church.

Highlights of the year:

1. The Covid-19 pandemic continued to affect Melbourne in 2021 and for periods of time, personal attendance at worship was not possible.
2. As in 2020, Free Spirit practiced and contributed to worship together and virtually as circumstances demanded. Free Spirit was able to contribute to worship on site seven times in April, May, August, November and December. A visit to the High Street Road Uniting Church in July was also possible.
3. Free Spirit added video to the following previously recorded songs: '10,000 reasons', 'He's Sweet I Know', 'We Will Glorify', and 'How Beautiful'.
4. Free Spirit contributed to the 'Spring Thing' virtual concert.
5. Free Spirit provided a version of Happy Birthday to help Bill Morgan celebrate his 106th birthday.
6. A zoom-choir recording of 'Little Drop of Heaven' was prepared for use in January 2022.

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:

DavidMorgan convenor

Membership numbers:

30

Usual meeting attendance:

Variable this year.

Meeting times and days:

Monday 10am

Locations used by Group:

Jells Park or Zoom

Highlights of the year:

Another disrupted year. Madelines has been intermittently open for takeaway. Some members have walked and had takeaway coffee. Others have remained on line. The restaurant have now said that they will not open on Monday mornings for the foreseeable future, so we are looking for a new home for 2022.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

One possibility is that we meet at the church and Muddings supply coffee

Group

Inclusive Community MG

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To encourage and develop supportive relationships within the church family, to maintain and improve pastoral care and welcoming procedures, offer hospitality, support Seniors’ Ministry, receive reports from bereavement support group, prayer support group, supportive care link group, cradle roll convenor and communications group.

Current Office Bearers:

Convenor JanClear, members-FayeWagon, RevNeilPeters, DiPatterson, BarbaraThompson, LaurelMuir, AlisonClarkson, MarjorieCollins.

Membership numbers:

8

Usual meeting attendance:

7

Meeting times and days:

Week days.

Locations used by Group:

Meetings are held in the chapel or rooms 2,3 or 4.

Highlights of the year:

No special functions were held in 2021.
We had two committee meetings-one on 8 April and the other on the 25 May.
Pastoral care links were maintained especially with church members living alone. As visits were not allowed, communication was through zoom, email or phone calls.
Sunflower welcomers were organised for the months- July to September. We were unable to use this roster as services were live streamed most of these Sundays.
Good communication and co-operation between committee members.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Provide ideas for welcoming and pastoral care.
Help with special functions.

Group

Keep Fit Group

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

A group of ladies who met for exercise

Current Office Bearers:

Eileen Scott: convenor.

Membership numbers:

Usual meeting attendance:

Meeting times and days:

Locations used by Group:

Highlights of the year:

Unable to meet during COVID, and with declining numbers and advancing age, the group decided to disband during 2021

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

Men's Fellowship

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Fellowship among older men, learning from invited speakers

Current Office Bearers:

Committee of BillNorquay DavidSimpson ColinKing DougNewberry KeithWest

Membership numbers:

Usual meeting attendance:

Did not meet in 2021

Meeting times and days:

Locations used by Group:

Highlights of the year:

No meeting held during 2021 due to the pandemic. Cash on hand $30.95

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

A meeting is to be held early in 2022 to ascertain if further meetings will be held.

Group

Munch with a bunch

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To support church members who live alone or are isolated and newcomers.

Current Office Bearers:

There are no office bearers.

Membership numbers:

40-50

Usual meeting attendance:

40-50 plus Inclusive Community committee members.

Meeting times and days:

lunch time on Sundays.

Locations used by Group:

RSL, hall, kitchen and fellowship area in the church.

Highlights of the year:

We didn’t hold any functions in 2021.
Our Card and Correspondence convenor, Faye Wagon continued to send cards.
Alison Clarkson, Di. Patterson and Jan Clear organised care packs for several members of our congregation who are in care or live alone. These were delivered in October and December. We received positive responses from people who received these packs.
We also had an afternoon tea in December, at Alison Clarkson’s home for ladies who had been widowed in the last three months of the year. These ladies appreciated the opportunity to discuss their experiences and problems.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

To help with driving when we meet outside the church complex.
To help with hall and kitchen cleaning when lunches are held in the church complex.
To attend a function.

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:

Ken Coutts Convenor

Membership numbers:

JudyLowe, KatieHaala, LesleyArmstrong
JohnMuir

Usual meeting attendance:

Usually 4 but have had 5 at one meeting in early 2021. Covid-19 restrictions then eliminated our planned meetings used 2 zoom meeting .

Meeting times and days:

Saturday mornings Possible – Feb, May, July, Nov.
But unsure re 2022 with current restrictions.

Locations used by Group:

Home of Convenor – Hope to get together in late February 2022

Highlights of the year:

* An important year re forward staffing and planning re our staffing mix and fit for the forthcoming 3 - 4 years with favourable outcomes.
* Input and finalisation of succession planning outcomes and provision of transition with AlaneeHearnshaw agreeing to a further 3 years plus option of a further 2 years, subject to Congregation meeting and then Presbytery signoff. Approved and signed off
* supported Church Council with input as to Rev Neil Peters transition arrangements and detailed planning re Jan 2024 of existing team. Provided detailed summary of issues and timings and requirements to lock in our plans. Will be involved re roll and actions
* Completion of Extension of contract for Di Paterson and change to Pastor position designation in early 2020 and then renegotiation of DiPaterson’s contract in December 2021 and potentially 2022.
* Manage employment and performance issues for Church Council in terms of our contracts and legal obligations under employment law and awards and the application of Job * Keeper in 2021.
* Review and Updating of Office Manager role and Hours and agreement through Church Council and further extension for another 3 year with salary increment. Agreed with documentation completed January 2021with small salary increment.
* Extension of Welfare Coordinator in December 2021 for 2022 year. Gained sign off and engagement with Presbytery and Uniting via GavinBlakemore.
* Review of Office Hours confirmed current arrangements.
* Updated processes and review of our Annual Leave processes and the availing and planning of A/L for 2020 and 2021. Done.
* Manage and approve LSL issues for our team with Neil and Alanee planning such for 2021. Done
* Agreement as to Office Hours and Staffing over Christmas / New Year December 2021.
* Creation of Provision for LSL (annual basis) - Done.
* Maintain Office Manual as a working document for GWUC processes still further work to update current document (to be updated after conversion to Xero from MYOB and following process review.
* Maintain our Employment contracts and Personal Records securely.
* Manage our salary and allowances records and reporting to Synod P & C and via award reviews and correspondence from CSPS .
* Extensive dealings with Synod Payroll CSPS (Michelle Ennis).
* Process extension of contract re JemmaGraham as Children and Families Worker. Still awaiting PRC Signoff now expected Feb 2022.
* Used Zoom for 2 meetings and updates.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

None we receive input and strong support from Chair-person , Secretary and other members of CC

Group

Playgroup Volunteers

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide a safe, friendly and supportive place for young children, up to school age, and their Carers to meet, socialise and form friendships and contacts when new to Glen Waverley and surrounding neighbourhoods

Current Office Bearers:

ChrisKrahn Leader

Membership numbers:

Due to lockdowns over last 2 years attendances small – 2-3 children & carers per session

Usual meeting attendance:

As above

Meeting times and days:

Monday and Tuesday only during school terms. Time 10.00-1200

Locations used by Group:

Rooms 2 and 3 and outside playground with occasional activities in main hall

Highlights of the year:

Unfortunately minimal highlights due to lockdown restrictions

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Assistance with advertising in the church community and neighbourhood for attendees
Recruiting facilitators for the groups. Currently we have only 4 volunteers (2 for each session) leaving no replacement options.
Continue to assist with playground maintenance
Weekly vacuuming of carpets and mopping of wet areas

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 - WarrenGreenwood

Membership numbers:

8 (plus roster volunteers – over 50)

Usual meeting attendance:

8

Meeting times and days:

1st Monday of each month, 7:30pm

Locations used by Group:

Room 4

Highlights of the year:

* Work-permits were required most of the year for anyone preforming property tasks. We wish to thank Joanne Boldiston for facilitating these documents. Property maintenance was able to be continued throughout the pandemic.
* Rental income dropped dramatically (around $52,000), but by deferring some expenditure we assisted the Treasurer in minimising the impact – Note: 2021/2022 rentals are already recovering.
* Replaced the carpet in the Foyer, Fellowship, Office, Vestry’s and worship space with matching carpet tiles. (These were funded by the Deferred Maintenance Reserve thereby reducing demand on the current budget.)
* Through a generous bequest, replaced the old analogue audio mixing panel, microphone stands and cable distribution network with a new, more robust and flexible digital system.
* Removed the ceiling mounted Data Projector in the worship space and installed a second LED 86inch TV. (This will greatly reduce maintenance requiring hoists and willing volunteers.)
* Careful Kitchen Crew continued to pass all Monash Council Food Safety inspections even during lockdown. Their work is greatly appreciated. Inspections were again awarded 5 Star compliance – the highest level.
* Continued to reduce water demands by the gardens and lawns with more heat tolerant plants.
* All ASMER (Safety testing) was completed in accordance with regulations and legislation.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

We would like to recommend a special “Volunteer thank you worship”, for all the church volunteers in every group, without whom, GWUC would cease to exist.

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:

45

Usual meeting attendance:

Due to Covid, no Special Morning Teas were held this year.
Visitors to The Hub varies – can be 1 or 2 or can be over 20 but only operated a few weeks in 2021. Any Small Hub Group business was dealt with via email not meetings this year.

Meeting times and days:

Normal times -THE HUB SMALL GROUP meets once a year and emails other times when needed.
THE HUB aimed to operate in 2021 on Tues and then also Thurs 10am – 12pm. THE HUB Special Morning Teas weren’t held in 2021 but are usually held 5 times a year 10am – 12pm on a Thursday or Wednesday.

Locations used by Group:

Fellowship area, foyer, and kitchen.

Highlights of the year:

Unfortunately, due to Covid, The Hub normal activity only operated a few weeks in 2021. I was able to keep in contact with Hub Volunteers via email and phone calls during the year. Not really possible to keep in touch with Hub Visitors.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Please pray for THE HUB, our volunteers and visitors.

Group

UCAF

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To enable members to share in Christ’s mission, meeting together for Fellowship, Service and Worship.

Current Office Bearers:

President/Secretary: Margaret Duncan
Vice President: Barbara Thompson
Treasurer: Norma Saxton
Committee: Geraldine Fleming, Maureen Ball, Diana Coles, Beverly McGlead

Membership numbers:

37

Usual meeting attendance:

24

Meeting times and days:

First Tuesday of the month 10 am – 12 noon

Locations used by Group:

Chapel and Church, kitchen, hall.

Highlights of the year:

Because of the pandemic we only achieved 2 meetings form 2021.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Church works in with us extremely well.

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:

Welfare Coordinator: ElinorMcCluskeydeGarza
Secretary/Treasurer: FayeMcDougall

Membership numbers:

3

Usual meeting attendance:

4 times per year

Meeting times and days:

Flexible but usually held on Tuesday during the day

Locations used by Group:

GWUC

Highlights of the year:

Highlights
* Donations from the congregation both monetary and material (food) for the outreach to clients
* Grant of $3000 received from the ‘Sammy Stamp’ Committee. This will be used for pharmacy vouchers, travel cards and food purchases
* Toy and food donations form Wesley College
* Use of an Educational Trust fund to purchase school devices for vulnerable families.
Coping with Pandemic
* Continued to receive requests for support
* Some clients unvaccinated - safety concerns around this for committee members and clients
* During lockdown and when case numbers have been high, clients were spoken to on the phone by a member of committee to assess their needs and provide counselling and listening. On nominated days during the week, Faye and Elinor prepared food parcels and Coles vouchers in advance. Clients were met outside briefly to receive the material support. Those who had cars were ask to stay in cars to ensure less exposure.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

* Donations of food
* Referring people to Welfare Committee if any church member needs Welfare assistance
* More Welfare Committee members