#acl All:read

Link to CouncilPage

= Open Church Council Meeting Minutes =
 17/10/13  Time 2:00 -- 3:00
 
== Open with prayer ==
GraemeFrecker opened the meeting with prayer.  

We are walking into the unknown.  We are here because of the requirements of others.  We are not directly affected, but are part of the wider fellowship.  Recriminations are not helpful.  

We seek to forgive and be forgiven.  To face the needs of others.  To soften the hurts and heal the hearts.  
 
== Message ==
 * EvanLaidlaw spoke of the "new territory" in which we find ourselves.
  * A call to share our strengths with others.
  * We have a duty of care, a role to play, in other congregations.
  * Shock, grief and pain need our care.  Hows and Whys are for another day and place.
  * Call to us to share the grief.
  * Text "When one part of the body suffers,the whole body suffers"(1 Corinthians 12:26)
  * Matthew 7 v1 about judgement is also relevant.
 * HelenStewart 
  * Presbytery requested that we have a Council meeting this week.
  * We decided to make it an open meeting.
  * The effect on us is indirect.
  * Divestment is "selling off property."
  * Time line of information received is appended to CouncilAgenda20131017
 * Questions & Comments:
  * How did we get here?
   * Our information is incomplete.  Ask it at Presbytery.
   * The failure of Acacia College is the major cause.
  * The newspapers have misrepresented the situation of Golden Square in Bendigo.  Go to the primary source.
  * 7:30 Report tonight has a report.  It may not be correct.
  * Acacia College story is not simple.  The developer went bankrupt and then died.  We need to move on.
  * We also need to remember those involved in the process that led to this, as well as those affected.
  * Also those who went to the College and suffered from its closure.
  * Feelings of sadness and apprehension, but we need to do it.
 * AlisonClarkson addressed the question of nearby properties affected.
  * Placements Committee assured Alison that ministers affected will go to other churches.
  * Closest congregations are in Yarra Yarra Presbytery, Ringwood east and Blackburn North.
  * Liz !McMillan advised:
   * A card to assure them of support.
   * Offers of practical help in inventory etc.
  * For some congregations, closing will be a relief.
  * Some of the buildings, e.g. East Heidelberg, are not used by a congregation.
 * BelindaChung read the scriptures.
  * 1 Corinthians 12:26
  * Luke 10. The good Samaritan. "What must I do to receive eternal life?"  "Who is my neighbour?"
 * How can we support neighbouring congregations?
  * Funds for packing up, etc.  Our vacancies mean that we have savings this year. 
  * Transport, in the future, for members of closed congregations.  Community buses are available for hire.
  * Invitation for members of closing congregations to visit and tell us their story.
  * Reach out to individuals whom we know, and invite them here.  Some congregations will survive the loss of their buildings.
  * A small group from Glen Waverley Uniting visit another Church as an act of support.
   * Free Spirit have offered to visit and sing for affected Congregations.
  * Pray for the affected Congregations and inform them that we are upholding them in prayer.
  * Team of Congregation members meet each week at a specific time to pray for affected Congregations through the transition process. This would require a Convenor for this task to draw the prayer group together and ensure the ongoing commitment of the prayer group.  HerbFleming volunteered to do this.
  * Offer to provide morning tea/afternoon tea/supper for a Congregation.
 * [[TIS692]] was sung.
 * The meeting closed with a prayer to which all were asked to contribute.

== Resources ==
 * [[http://www.ucappep.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Newsbeat-October-Special-UoF-edition-2013.pdf|NewsBeat]]
 * [[http://www.listeningpost.victas.uca.org.au|Synod website]]
 * [[http://listeningpost.victas.uca.org.au/projects/uniting-our-future-uca-victas|Updates from Synod.]]
 * [[http://listeningpost.victas.uca.org.au/projects/uniting-our-future-uca-victas/documents|Fact sheets.]]
 * Invitational appeal for donations to reduce the need to sell properties. [[attachment:DivestmentsAppeal.pdf]]


Recorded by DavidMorgan