The Glen Waverley Uniting Church PSALTER
Congregation Meeting - AGENDA
8pm, Monday 21 Nov 2012
Held in the Worship Centre at 8pm on Monday the 21st of November, 2011. Meeting began with acting chair Neil Skilton and then passed to Eric Armstrong as newly appointed Chair of the Congregation. who immediately amended agenda to appoint Eric Armstrong as chair of the congregation and consequently chair for the rest of this meeting.
Welcome
The acting chairman welcomed 64 members to the meeting and immediately advised an adjustment to the agenda to appoint Eric Armstrong to the vacant position of Congregational Chair and to chair the rest of this congregational meeting.
Apologies
Received from: BlairFeenaghty, RewaFeenaghty, PeterBaker, EvelynFleming, HerbFleming, LynneBoyer, NicoleBoyer, JacquiKing, JanClear, MargaretLemke, AlanLemke, JanClarke, BrianClarke, HeatherRobison, AlanRobison, MonaMacklin, GeoffWillis, AshleyIrvine, AnnEelderink, DavidBoucher.
Devotions
Given by Greg Fry. Reading from Jeremiah 33, Greg read about advent, picking up the theme of hope, reflection and the first candle of hope from the advent reef.
Church Council Nominations
Announced amendment to the agenda to add Church Council Nominations as item 3a. Through the standard nomination process Alison Clarkson was nonimated. When moved to this meeting there was overwhelming acceptance of Alison’s nomination.. Due to some confusion in the nomination process, some of the congregation was not aware of November’s (2011) Church Council Nominations or aware of which current Church Councillors time had expired. Because of this, vacancies are open as of now and will close on Friday, 27th of January for anyone who wants to forward a nomination for Church Council. A question was asked to publish a list of candidates ready for re-adoption who want to continue their role on Church Council to ensure this error does not happen again. The Chair passed this query on to Church Council to follow up.
Confirmation of Minutes
of Meeting held on Monday 4 Jul 2011 were taken as a true record. Moved: Barbera Thompson, Seconded; David Morgan. .
Matters arising from the previous Minutes
Appointment of a Chair
Addressed by acting chair in item 1 of this meeting.
Final amounts for distribution through COP
To be reported by LynMcDonald in his report in item 8d.
Appointment of a third representative to Presbytery
Eric called for nominations from the floor. No nominations were received, therefore it is still required of the Church Council to appoint a third representative (as decided in item 13 from the Congregational Meeting on the 4th of July, 2011.)
Office Administrator position
HeatherHon has been appointed for 3 days a week until 31 Dec after which she will increase to 4 days a week (Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri).
BelindaClear is filling in on a sessional basis for the days that Heather is not available (including into the new year).
- Church Council will review the situation in the new year to see if a more permanent appointment is required.
Faith Development Survey
JohnHurst re-explained that the council is concerned if we as a church need a five-day appointment. Currently we are appointing Belinda to fill in the shortfall, but we do have do reconsider for the future. The Faith Development team have completed a survey of worship services, and a recommendation from Council will be brought to this meeting under item 7a.
Correspondence
Nil
Report of Decisions and Recommendations from Church Council
John spoke, giving a comprehensive detailed report from the Church Council which can be viewed on the church wiki. Summarised points are below but the full report can be found on the GWUC Wiki;
Annual Report from Council
Spoke on Debbie Davey’s thorough report.
Issues with worship times. Changing from 9:30 to 9:15 slot, concious that this might work but might also not be a perfect time for everyone in the congregation
Moved a reccomendation that this meeting approves the current 9:30am service to change it’s starting time to 9:15am beginning at start of February, 2012. Many questions were raised around the 9:15am starting time and discussion ensured for 10 minutes but all members agreed to pass this time change on a majority basis.
Annual reports from every group in the church have not been heard. A reminder has not been sent yet but David Morgan will send a reminder this week.
Official thanks to Belinda Clear for her help in the church office. This was met with acclamation.
On The Way Together (OTWT) is in its second year of operation. Doesn’t think that OTWT from 2008/09 is the completely correct long-term vision and are consequently still looking for small adjustments to make this happen. Asked non-OTWT members to consider joining to help in doing so.
Election of Treasurer
Technically is a council decision but meeting showed overwhelming support for the election of new Church Council Treasurer Peter Stuart after David Jackson has resigned.
Finance: Budget for 2012
Reported given by David Jackson.
David talked lightly on a few of the figures displayed on the projector The report shown had an incorrect amount given in one area but David is still confident that this year resulted in an approx $40,000 surplus.
Vida Foo has co-ordinated large fundraising efforts for the past three years (thanks Vida!) but has now indicated that she is stepping down from this.
David would like to move that council spend $44,940 from the reserves to balance the budget. A question was raised that after the reserves have been used up to balance the budget for 2012 how much will be left? David answered with approximately $80,000. Proposed: David, seconded; John Muer.
Eric thanked David for all the work he has done in his role as treasurer. This was met by much applause.
Pastoral Care, Property & Communications Committees
Chinese Church (around 40ish people) worship here every Saturday evening.
Communication Committee has had changes to bulletin layout, the newview has been restarted and a new notice board has been given for continued discussion.
The church database is now up and running. 534 of 1444 have not returned their database forms. Estimated saving of $20 per year per person once database has been compiled electronically. Of the 910 responsed currently received, 887 are now confirmed members.
Question raised by LynMcDonald; when will newview be sent electronically? John replied with as soon the newview’s electronic size is made smaller it will be sent out.
On The Way Together
Community of Faith
Report given by Colin King.
Highlighting a few things; Thanks because he is new to the community, particularly to Belinda and Jan Clear for the use of their home..
Renamed to Faith Development Group.
Declared position of convenor vacant for next year
Inclusive Community
JanClear is an apology and nominated Fay Wagon to present her report on her behalf. Report received and recorded in the Congregational meeting folder.
Has met monthly on the whole year.
Planning celebrations on past 20 years
Munch with a bunch has been well attended
The Hub
Report given by Judith Greenwood, received and recorded in the Congregational meeting folder.
Summary of events of the year
Next year continuing on Tuesday and Thursday, but would like to start up on Wednesday. Currently looking for volunteers on a Wednesday.
Outreach
Report given by LynMcDonald, received and recorded in the Congregational meeting folder. Summarised are the general tasks that the Outreach group helped with this year 2011 Fete total; $24,793.25 (and maybe a bit more to come). Distributed to COP this Sunday during lunch at our anniversary.
Habitat for humanity; continued support.
Kenya project; 7 people attending (23rd December – 23rd January). Fundrasing events & small donations continue to be received.
$500 donated to Charlton flood victims.
Lyn is stepping down as coordinator.
Comment from the Ministry Team
Given by GregFry. On behalf of the team; appreciated Belinda and Heather in their meetings for childrens and family team. Secondly, thank you to the entire congregation in all their volunteer efforts from mowing to flower preparation.
Need to encourage people to develop their gifts and exercise their ministry as we have an ‘ageing’ community with many people who are stepping down from their positions.
From AlisonClarkson; her wish for next year is to have a few members of the congregation to come along for devotions at older age homes. Advertised positions can be seen in the newview. Not to lead, but just come to be there.
Presbytery; Alison is one of current representatives and gave us an update on the last last Prespetary meeting . Bill was acknowledged for being ordained for 66 years.
Comment from Elders
Report given by RossMackinnon, received and recorded in the Congregational Meeting folder
Ross gave us an update on the Elders meeting and how they journeyed in worship and faithful discussion to discern their relationships with God. Giving emphasis that it is not the elders job to ‘grumble and complain’ but to support and encourage our ministry team and to do ‘like st paul’ and give thanks to everything. Particular thanks was also given to Belinda Clear.
Comment from Presbytery Representatives
Was given by AlisonClarkson at the end of item 9. JohnHurst (our second Presbytery member) did not want to add anything.
Other Business
Given by GaelO'Brien, who mentioned KayeMackinnon who does a marvellous job to run playgroup three days a week and to coordinate this with a supportive volunteer group around her.
Benediction
RosemaryCarter prayed and then closed in grace. Meeting finished at 9:40