Diff for "AnnualReport2023"

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:

Meeting times and days:

As & when required, online or at GWUC

Locations used by Group:

GWUC – Beeac, Kerang, Johnsonville, Trafalger, and many others and a global audience. Average “hits” each week = 250

Highlights of the year:

• Weekly worships were viewed and supported by over 200 to 250 logins each week despite live worship resuming, Prayers and Reflections continued to be viewed by more than 50 persons each week (on average). As well as congregations near and far away, many of our own members, shut-ins or just persons having a rest, still enjoy logging into the services each week rather than attending. They have told us they still feel a part of the congregation when they do that.
• There are now over 394 people (50% increase globally on 2022 numbers) 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 has been of great support for families with members unable to get to the event, and the wider community, with these services being viewed local/interstate/overseas.
• We have been blessed by a young member of the congregation wanting to learn and participate in this ministry (Danial Wojak) who has become very competent and of great assistance. Others are also showing an interest in learning.
• The professional and supportive participation of the Ministry team in this outreach. It has been hard for them to engage with members of the congregation through a camera, but they have been wonderful. Understanding how to use microphones and also understanding how their image and stories are shown in many other churches has helped lift the quality of our ministry. Not all of the leaders of worship have understood these challenges, but the broadcast team have worked with them and tried to “make them look good” as the saying goes.
• We get a great deal of feedback and appreciation from many people on how they enjoy the worship options.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

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.
Continue to help all leaders of worship understand that the congregation each week is not those they see in the pews and to learn that things they show need to be visible in many different locations and so need thought when using them.
Copyright continues to be a challenge in this ministry – Synod does not provide adequate support, but fortunately places like CCLI have a wonderful help desk. But in the end, the Broadcast team and the Ministry do what they believe is fair and appropriate and always try to ensure creators of words and vision are acknowledged for their creative input.

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:

Chair: AlisonClarkson
Secretary: DavidMorgan

Membership numbers:

9

Usual meeting attendance:

8

Meeting times and days:

Third Monday of each month on Zoom

Locations used by Group:

Zoom

Highlights of the year:

* Committing to fund two full time ministers.
* Finding two full time ministers. Thank you JNC2022

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

Community Hub MG

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide oversight of the various Community Hub Groups

Current Office Bearers:

GeraldineFleming – Chair
KayeMackinnon- Secretary
LynneBoyer- Badminton
NeilPeters- Church Council
JudithGreenwood- The Hub
ChrisKrahn- Playgroups
SusanKaroly- Craft
FayeMcDougall- Welfare
LaurelMuir- Leisure Time

Membership numbers:

9

Usual meeting attendance:

9

Meeting times and days:

4 times a year

Locations used by Group:

Room 2

Highlights of the year:

Encouraging to see numbers increasing to pre-Covid numbers in some groups. Disappointing that Playgroup numbers remained low as we have such a great facility. Low numbers may be due to more care being available through Government grants.
Leisure Time has changed its format and numbers are encouraging but more volunteers are still needed. The Hub is running very well once a week and the 4 fund-raising morning teas a great success.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

Database Users

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To maintain the church rolls in the database.

Current Office Bearers:

Convenor: DavidMorgan

Membership numbers:

12

Usual meeting attendance:

Meeting times and days:

Meeting as needed but mainly by email

Locations used by Group:

Highlights of the year:

* Having RussellGreenwood improve the security of the database.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

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 is compiled and communicated effectively. 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 Finance 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 and the presentation of a Monthly Executive summary using a suite of Management Reports;
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 and that all assumptions are readily explained;
5. continue to develop our Finance automation using Xero in 2023 and 2024 and improving our process and authorities;
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 using current methodoly;
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: Ken Couts

Membership numbers:

Five members plus usually a member of the ministry team in 2023 and Committee members have agreed to continue. With Retirement of Rev NeilPeters we need to assess options.

Usual meeting attendance:

Bi-Monthly or tri-monthly. Had 4 meetings in 2023 plus a Christmas get together

Meeting times and days:

Second Tuesday bi-monthly 7.30PM- 9.30PM with a Christmas meeting in December

Locations used by Group:

A meeting room or Office at the church. .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 and strong financial result for 2023. We have transferred funds to assist in rebuilding our Deferred Maintenance Reserve after significant spending from the Deferred Maintenance Reserve to update Carpets, Televisions and sound system.
* ideas for Changes to process our financial Accounts and activities format have been reviewed and were implemented in 202 and updated in Mid-2023 post successful Conversion to Xero.
* Treasurer confirmed for further 2-3 years from January 1, 2022 and this was confirmed in Dec 2023.
* Implemented a Standardised monthly Executive Suite of Reports.
* Received advices in November 2023that Kingsway Welfare Foundation has been registered as a Charity. Still await approval of Tax status from ATO.
* Successfully seeded the Future Fund during 2023 and will have a Balance of $10,500 as at 31 Dec 2023
* Have completed draft communication documents for The Future Fund and these will be communicated across our Congregation in period of April- June 2024.
* Audit completed and Endowment fund incorporated in GWUC Financials for 2022 year and Audited in June 2023.
* Strong year rebuilding our Balance Sheet. We are in an excellent position.

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 FISH groups.
Members also care for each other pastorally.

Current Office Bearers:

The convenors in 2023 have been Anne and Ian McMillan.
The convenors in 2024 will be Geraldine and Robert Fleming.

Membership numbers:

We have 24 members including Donna and Jim Robinson, in Canada.

Usual meeting attendance:

We usually have about 18 members, at most meetings.
Meeting times and days:

Meeting times and days:

Meetings are held every 6-8 weeks, mostly Sundays for afternoon tea, lunch or dinner.

Locations used by Group:

We mostly meet in members’ homes.
Highlights of the year:
We celebrate members’ special birthdays and anniversaries. There is a high level of fellowship within the group. Some members meet at other times for coffee.
We mostly meet in members’ homes.

Highlights of the year:

We celebrate members’ special birthdays and anniversaries. There is a high level of fellowship within the group. Some members meet at other times for coffee.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

None.

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:

15

Meeting times and days:

Mondays 10am

Locations used by Group:

Fellowship area and kitchen

Highlights of the year:

A more settled year of meeting at the church. We now use Piatella for coffee, supplemented by hot chocolate made in the church kitchen. We have assumed responsibility for putting out the bins. We miss the lake walk, but Madelines remains closed on Mondays, and meeting at the church has advantages of less noise and controlled ventilation during the ongoing pandemic.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

GWSC pancakes

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide pancakes on a Thursday morning at Glen Waverley Secondary College.

Current Office Bearers:

Loosely organised via Signal app

Membership numbers:

9

Usual meeting attendance:

6

Meeting times and days:

Thursday mornings during school term.

Locations used by Group:

By the music room aat GWSC

Highlights of the year:

* Continuing without Alanee.
* Having extras from outside our congregation.
* Having NeilPeters and LindaLi fill in for us.
* Recruiting ChrisWaddell
* Having teachers tell us that "Thursdays are different thanks to you"

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

People & Culture

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

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

Current Office Bearers:

Ken Coutts Convenor

Membership numbers:

Katie Haala, Lesley Armstrong , Tess Joyner and John Muir

Usual meeting attendance:

Usually 4 but have had 5 at one meeting in early 2023. Meetings in 2023 have been replaced by demi regular updates and detailed summaries and then 2 zoom meetings . Met in Feb2023 and then had 3 updates

Meeting times and days:

Saturday mornings Possible – Feb and cancelled the June and August meetings.
Did have telephone and written update in , August and Nov in 2023.

Locations used by Group:

Home of Convenor and GWUC Fellowship area– Hope to get together in late February 2024.

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 after the resignation of Alanee Hearnshaw in July 2022 and arrival of Chris Waddell in October 2023.
-Input and finalisation of succession planning outcomes and provision of transition with Rev Neil Peters planning to retire in December 2023 / January 2024 and initial communication with Rev Ian Ferguson in late 2023
-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 and agreed a Manse allowance from January 2023 and finalised Neil’s A/L arrangements.
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 Di Paterson’s contract in December 2022 and recently in December 2023 for 2024.
-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 and further extension for another 3 year (from April 2024) with no further salary increment following that finalised in December 2022 and implemented in January 2023. Agreed with documentation completed January 2023 small salary increment.
-Extension of Welfare Coordinator in December 2022 for 2023 year. Gained sign off and engagement with Presbytery. Subsequently, Elinor resigned in mid-Year to assume a role in Mental Health with more hours and broader experience challenges.
-Recruitment process completed with John and Tess and a successful appointment finalised with commencement in September 2023 and agreement to 12 month extension post probation to December 2024. A successful outcome.
-Review of Office Hours confirmed current arrangements and again reviewed with Joanne in late November 2023.
-Updated processes and review of our Annual Leave processes and the availing and planning of A/L for 2023 with detailed reporting process successfully implemented.
- Need to review LSL for Di Paterson in Feb 2024
-Agreement as to Office Hours and Staffing over Christmas / New Year December 2023 with Joanne availing of 2 weeks leave.
-Creation of Provision for LSL (annual basis) – Funds accrued
-Had intended to maintain Office Manual as a working document for GWUC processes. This still requires updating (to be updated after conversion to Xero) delayed again until March / April 2024.
-Maintain our Employment contracts and Personal Records securely. Done
-Manage our salary and allowances records and reporting to Synod P & C and via award reviews and correspondence from CSPS.
- Have had extensive dealings with Synod Payroll CSPS (Michelle Ennis).

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

-None we receive input and strong support from Chair-person, Secretary and other members of CC.
-Strong relationship with Presbytery (through Jay Robinson) and Synod P & C
-Seeking to identify another experienced HR person to join our committee in 2024.
-We welcomed Tess who brings strong operational HR expertise to support the strong skills of Katie Haala and the writer.
-We value the input and knowledge of GWUC from Lesley and John

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: MargaretDuncan
Vice President: BarbaraThompson
Treasurer: Norma Saxton
Membership numbers:

Membership numbers:

30

Usual meeting attendance:

22

Meeting times and days:

First Tuesday of the month at 10.00 am

Locations used by Group:

Fellowship area and Chapel
Highlights of the year:
Thought provoking devotions at each meeting.
Commitment Service.
Easter Service.
Guest speakers:- David Fraser, David Karoly, Bill Norquay, Dr. Anne Newton,Kirsty Porter (Umbrella Dementia Cafes), Rev. Graham Bartley.
A music group from Wesley College entertained us before a fund raising luncheon. We were able to pass $1072.40 to our Welfare group.
Fellowship area and Chapel

Highlights of the year:

Thought provoking devotions at each meeting.
Commitment Service.
Easter Service.
Guest speakers:- DavidFraser, DavidKaroly, BillNorquay, Dr. AnneNewton,Kirsty Porter (Umbrella Dementia Cafes), Rev. Graham Bartley.
A music group from Wesley College entertained us before a fund raising luncheon. We were able to pass $1072.40 to our Welfare group.

Any needs that Church Council can assist: