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

Communications

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

The CommunicationsCommittee is a sub-committee of the ChurchCouncil. 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 GWUC.s 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:

Five

Meeting times and days:

First Monday of the month when possible. In 2023 there were five meetings.

Locations used by Group:

The Communications Committee meets in a church meeting room, usually room 2.

Highlights of the year:

The status-quo for communications activities was maintained including work behind the scenes to maintain and keep operational the web site and the wiki.
The web site, especially the home page was tidied up. An ‘I’m New’ button with a linked page was created with information that might be of use to both people thinking of joining the congregation and people who are new in the congregation.
Thanks to SachinRemson, we now have a much better understanding of our Facebook presence and are slowly improving its use.
It is pleasing to report that, though her work in the Church Office, JoanneBoldiston is able to routinely keep the ‘Latest News’ section of the website current and to routinely post to our church Facebook page.
JohnHurst has implemented an approach to archive old wiki pages. They are still available, but the archiving process reduces the size of the operating wiki. The archived pages are currently on the same server as the wiki, but could be moved, e.g., if space becomes a problem.

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

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

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 $60 per year, 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. Music Database: to be maintained by JohnSnare who will add music when it is purchased and upload a copy of the updated database in .numbers and .pdf formats to the FreeSpirit wiki page.
4. New music: LiseHales to stamp/number/name/prepare music, ready for use.
5. Music monitors: (at least 1 monitor for each part but other assistance will be required at times.)
* Sop – EvelynFleming
* Alto – MariaGillies
* Tenor – YanEmms & JacobDavey
* Bass - MichaelKennedy & MichaelFoo
6. Performance calendar/schedule: John Snare – updates on schedule on wiki
7. Roll & performance record: VidaFoo
8. Friends of Free Spirit register: GeoffWillis
9. Scarves and ties: JoyAllen
10. Pastoral support (Prayer and care): JoyAllen (sop), JacquiKing (alto), KayeMorgan (Tenor) and ColinKing (Bass)
11. Treasurer: JohnSnare
12. Historian: JohnSnare
13. Supper roster: MargaretColvin
14. Stage managing events: LynMaslen

Membership numbers:

34

Usual meeting attendance:

30

Meeting times and days:

Practice weekly on Wednesday evenings.
Singing at worship or other events in both with Glen Waverley Uniting Church and elsewhere up to 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:

Free Spirit regularly contributed to worship on the fourth Sunday of each month except January.
Free Spirit contributed to:
• Easter worship on Good Friday and Easter Day; and
• The Indonesian festival in May
Free Spirit and friends presented a fund-raising concert in September and raised $2653.30 for our church welfare programme.
Free Spirit contributed to:
• The induction of Chris Waddell in October
• The Heatherton-Dingley Uniting Church Service of thanksgiving for all that our dogs do for us.
• The service of Release for Neil Peters in December
Free Spirit members contributed $1767 to support Choir of Hope members throughout the year.

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:

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

Kids Church

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Faith development and worship for children attending the 9.15am service. Building of community and friendship amongst children. Development of leadership skills for young teens.

Current Office Bearers:

Convenor Annette Wojak

Membership numbers:

14

Usual meeting attendance:

8-10

Meeting times and days:

Sunday 9.15am during school terms

Locations used by Group:

Room 2 primarily, also playroom and outdoor play space

Highlights of the year:

It was a year filled with exciting moments as children made discoveries about God’s love. The introduction of the NIVr bibles each week is growing their familiarity with the Word and growing their personal development of faith. The children’s weekly prayer writing enabled them to contribute their prayers of the people to a service in term 3. Sharing of craft and other activities such as making morning tea biscuits has created opportunities for building shared connections with the wider group of church members. Children have demonstrated their sense of belonging and community and welcomed two new squad members and visitors. Children also contributed to the Induction service of ChrisWaddell.

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

Playgroup Volunteers

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide an ongoing meeting time and place for young children to learn to socialise,
play and participate with some organised activities with other children of similar age, and their carers to socialise with other adults as often they are newcomers to area

Current Office Bearers:

2023 leaders were Chris Krahn, Kaye Mc Kinnon, Lesley Lamble, and Rosalie O’Dea then joined by Yolanda Lovel and Shantha Vivekanantha in second half of year.
Chris Krahn and Lesley Lamble will be emergency volunteers in 2024 and Rosalie O’Dea is uncertain of availability in 2024 due to family commitments.

Membership numbers:

2023 saw 10-12 registrations at beginning of year but dropped to 4-5 when we ceased Monday session and only had 1 session/week

Usual meeting attendance:

4-5 children with 1-2 carers each, usually grandparents

Meeting times and days:

Tuesday, except on Public Holidays and during School holidays

Locations used by Group:

Rooms 2 and 3 and outside playground

Highlights of the year:

Our Playgroup is for socialising young children and offers carers a chance to talk to others, especially when newcomers to the area. Highlights for year was watching their ongoing development, both children and carers. Some birthdays were celebrated and our last session for the year saw Santa come and special morning tea contributed by all.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Yes, we need to recruit more volunteers to assist on meeting days with set up, Morning tea, and pack up and Mandarin speaking volunteers to talk to carers who don’t speak English. With more volunteers we may be able to return to more meeting days/ week

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:

Group

Welfare Committee

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

The purpose or mission of welfare is to provide social support and assistance to individuals and families in need, ensuring their well-being, promoting equality, and enhancing quality of life.

Current Office Bearers:

Ian, Faye, Ray

Membership numbers:

3

Usual meeting attendance:

Every 3 month

Meeting times and days:

last meeting was Tuesday 31st October 2023
from 10:00am - 11:00am

Locations used by Group:

Glen Waverley Uniting Church

Highlights of the year:

Throughout the year, the welfare department has had numerous achievements and exciting events. One notable event was the annual Christmas celebration, where the department organized the distribution of hampers, toys, food, and Coles vouchers to families in need. This initiative brought joy and a sense of community during the holiday season, ensuring that everyone could experience the spirit of Christmas.
Additionally, the welfare department has made significant progress in providing counselling and wellbeing services. They have developed various programs and initiatives aimed at promoting mental health, emotional support, and overall well-being for individuals and families. This achievement has resulted in countless positive outcomes, as individuals have been able to access the help they need and improve their overall quality of life.
Overall, the welfare department has had a highly successful year, marked by their efforts to provide essential resources and support to those in need. The Christmas event and the emphasis on counselling and wellbeing have been significant highlights, highlighting the department's commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

I wanted to express my deepest appreciation for the incredible effort and support the church council has provided to our community. Your dedication to the welfare and well-being of others is truly commendable. Ray