GLEN WAVERLEY UNITING CHURCH

MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION

held in the Worship Centre at 8pm on Monday 19 Mar 2012

Minutes

1 Welcome and Apologies

The chairman Eric Armstrong welcomed 60 members to the meeting. Received apologies from Heather Hon, Faye Wagon, Ray Wagon, Diedre Reynolds, Evelyn Fleming, Robin Pope, Keith Bowndy, Jan Clarke, Ryan Clarke, Graeme Pottinger, Helen Boucher, Dave Boucher, Jason Mann, Kat Mann, Colin King, Yan Emms and Stephen Emms.

==== 2 Devotion ==== Given by Alanee Hearnshaw. Alanee told a story about wild geese and explained the analogy to worship. She furthermore quoted the Book of Leviticus, where David danced for the land and Jonahs’ reluctance. “Jesus gave no ready answer to complex questions – he reminds us that we are at our most dangerous when we think we have all the answers.”

=== 3. Confirmation of Minutes of Meeting held on Monday 21 Nov 2011 ===; Were taken as a true record. Moved: David Morgan, Seconder: John Hurst.

=== 4. Matters arising from the previous Minutes ===; Council elections were conducted. 282 attended worship in all services. From this, 233 submitted votes and all 8 councillors where overwhelmingly elected.

=== 5. Correspondence ===; Nil

=== 6. Church Organ Review ===; Spoken by Robert Fleming. He explained that the church organ is beginning to age, and specified problems on the circuit boards which result in inadequate accompaniment for the organ’s intended use. He outlined that there are three options; purchase a new instrument (~$24-26,000), repair (~$4-6,000) or just do nothing and the organ will gradually deteriorate. The advantages of the first option; would have a working organ, warranty of at least 10 years, long-term investment (of 30+ years). A new organ will also introduce a faux pedal, as well as the ability to bring out the melody when playing 4-part harmony in standard hymns. Advantage of the second; it is a lot cheaper. Robert explained the disadvantage of the second option however; we will still have an old instrument after the repair with only a 12 month warranty which could leave us with the same problem we have now in 12 months time. Trade in on current organ is approx $2,000 from two separate quotes. Robert then discussed 2 general points; Firstly, that this church is constantly changing and that we need to ask if our congregation will still desire an organ in 20 years or will things have changed so that we don’t need an organ. Secondly; in 20 years time will there be anyone to play the organ. A report will be made by the organ committee which will produce a recommendation to be brought to the church council to bring it to the next congregational meeting before any decision will be made.

It was pointed out that this is not a motion to be passed through at this congregational meeting, but rather a report to inform members of the current situation. John Hurst clarified that church council does have the authority to pass through a motion form the organ committee without it being presented to a congregational meeting.

=== 7. Recommendations for Community Outreach Projects (COP) ===; A reminder was given that COP applications are due Next Sunday on the 25th of March.

=== 8. On The Way Together: Mission Reports ===;

• a. Faith Development;

Given by Belinda Clear. Focused on more on faith development issues rather than worship issues. She started with the lenten study with many members who are participating in these groups. Throughout the remainder of the year she will be looking at including more ways for the congregation to be included in these studies. Report received and met with much applause.

• a. Inclusive Community;

Given by Jan Clear. Explained a success story with the lunch yesterday where 45 people attended! A big thankyou to Fay Wagon for typing up the timetable. Raised $440 for pancake day - $100 more than last year. Report received and met with much applause. Committee has some new ides: group support for 40+, for single people and community lunch for combined services. An official thankyou to Marge Collins, Faye Wagon, Alison Clarkson, Joy Jackson and Barbara Thompson for their ongoing help, encouragement and enthusiasm.

• a. The Hub;

Given by Judith Greenwood. Explained that there are now four groups; playgroup, leisure group, COOEE and the hub involved. There is still a need for one leader and a few helpers.

• a. Community Outreach;

Given by Lyn McDonald. Gave an update from the different Congregational Outreach Projects. Specifically also spoke about kids hope and invited Carolyn Blakemore to introduce what kids hope do and Gail Irvine to speak about her Mentor experience. They were both met with much applause. Lyn then moved a motion to spend $1000 ($880 for the registration fee and $120 for a petty cash fee) on the kids hope program in 2013. “The Motion That Glen Waverley Uniting Church includes in its annual budget as from 2013 an amount to cover the Annual Affiliation Fee to Kids Hope AUS, plus a small “petty cash” amount for the craft materials and other overheads for the Mentors.” Motion moved by consensus, and met by much applause.

=== 9. Comment from the Church Council ===; Given by John Hurst. Report from Church Council

=== 10. Comment from the Ministry Team ===; Given by Greg Fry. 46 people going to children and family camp this weekend. He also invited everyone to a dawn service at Jells park at 6:15am on Easter Saturday. Alison Clarkson then made an appeal to anyone who would like to come to any of the ministry to seniors devotions as an assistant. On Sat 19th may, seminar to seniors – health to nutrition, legal issues, everyday finances and social services. Alison's Seniors' Ministry report can also be found at Report from Seniors' Ministry

=== 11. Comment from Elders ===; Report given by Belinda Clear on the monthly elder meetings and the topics they have covered in their bible-studies.

=== 12. Comment from Presbytery Representatives ===; Given by Alison Clarkson. They meet every 2 months on average on a Saturday. Currently looking for a third representative of our congregation in these presbytery meetings. The next meeting is on the 26th of May with Daryl Gooder – he speaks emergents on Christianity. Alison invited everyone to come along to here Daryl.

=== 13. Election of one Representative to Port Phillip East Presbytery ===; There is still a vacancy for a third representative to the Port Phillip East Presbytery. (as commented in item 12).

=== 14. Other Business ===; Lyn McDonald informed the meeting that 44 people going to a family camp in Phillip Island this weekend with a few added day visits as well.

=== 15. Benediction ===; Greg Fry prayed and then closed in grace. Meeting finished at 9:30.

CategoryCongregation