GWUC Future Directions Steering Committee Meeting 3 Notes

14 May 2013

  1. Community of Love focus. The meeting began with an informal sharing of personal and spiritual stories. Individual responses to the Romans 15:13 verse were discussed and compared to the “hope” and abounding we need at GWUC. Steering committee members reported on progress they had made with introducing more Bible-focussed spirituality to our own groups.
  2. 1st letter to congregation – was distributed to 140 email recipients and 200 hard copies were available at stewards’ table. Well received.

  3. There are a number of individuals who are not happy with specific issues – mostly being addressed to Church Council. To date, very few current Church Council members have had pastoral contact with a minister. GregFry has agreed to talk with a short list after consultation.

  4. Rumours are circulating about changes, new minister, etc. We need to provide facts and be "myth busters". Info re JNC and selection process to be circulated on 19 May 2013.
  5. 2nd letter to congregation – updated wording of Mark’s draft to be circulated to Steering Committee for final version to be distributed on Thursday with church bulletin.
  6. Inviting feedback from congregation – Steering Committee members to announce in services on 19 May 2013 that they are available for input/feedback to 2nd letter following services.

  7. Input from Missional Group convenors and groups to proposed structure – As far as possible, we would like all existing and proposed groups to be aligned with a Missional Group. This will assist current Church Councillors and Elders to find an alternative focus for their commitment. We will need strong lay leadership for all 4 Missional Groups and the 3 support groups (Property, Finance & Communication). These leaders will need initial and ongoing support and mentoring. It would be helpful to have an initial draft list of MG groups prior to the ChurchCouncil meeting on 21 May 2013 (for use of Steering Committee only?). Individual groups to also be asked where they think they best fit.

    • Action: MarkEaston & JohnHurst to discuss expanded role for Faith Formation MG at 15/5 meeting

    • Action: MargaretFraser to speak to convenors of Inclusive Community, Outreach and Community Hub asap and advise JohnHurst

    • Action: JohnHurst to collate feedback on Wiki.

  8. 3rd letter to congregation – We will focus on (1) Missional Groups with lists to assist people with transition to the proposed new church structure and to discern a new energy and calling and (2) a Community of Love focus, including an invitation to a Discernment of Spiritual Gifts session open to all.
  9. Church Council/Elders meeting on 7.45pm, 21 May 2013.

    • Action: All to attend. BraceBateman to give verbal report. The following Church Council meeting is on 18 Jun 2013.

  10. Proposed Timeline –
    1. Proposed structure put to vote at Congregational Meeting on Mon 1 Jul 2013
    2. If approved, information about role of new Church Council to be circulated widely, guidelines for Church Council membership to be drafted (eg. gifts, ages, ethnicity), information session held, nominations called, and elections conducted.
    3. Current Church Council to continue until new Council Council is in place – end Sep 2013.

Next meeting: 8pm, 23 May 2013 at the church.

Items flagged for agenda:

ChurchFutureScMinutes20130514 (last edited 2013-07-21 04:39:49 by JohnHurst)