The Glen Waverley Uniting Church PSALTERLink to CouncilAgenda20181024 > CouncilMinutes20181024
MINISTRY TEAM REPORT OCTOBER 2018
Neil’s Report
I am very pleased with how my health is progressing. Rarely do I have any discomfort. Only occassionaly do I get tired these days. Members of the congregation continue to show their support and concern.
Here are a few highlights from the last month:
- Sheila and Angel invited me to take part in the trial of Chinese Fellowship. This went very well with about 23 people attending. The program included exercise, fun games for English revision, Bible reading, gospel songs and a short talk about the church from me. Then afternoon tea. It seemed very successful.
- I was invited to attend a multi faith symposium titled “Together we can”. This was well attended and six inter faith council groups sharing of their activities over the last year.
- I attended for a while the first Chinese dad’s playgroup. I was introduced as the minister and was invited to lead a nursery rhythm. Thirteen children attended with their dad.
- I, along with Di and Alanee, had the opportunity to meet the moderator of the GMIM synod in Northern Sulawasi, Indonesia. He invited me to come and stay longer next year. This was a privilege as he was in Melbourne with his wife for just 4 nights.
JanClear and I attended a “Being a Welcoming Church seminar” in Box hill. This was thought provoking and potentially helpful for us going forward.
I enjoyed being part of the fete along with so many other willing and hardworking volunteers. It is a great event that our church puts on and puts us in touch with our local community.
I, along with Di, was able to lead the service giving thanks for the life of Lorraine Hooper. Lorraine was a 11 am worshipper, enjoyed lunches and UCAF, and was a willing servant. Lorraine had been involved with this church for 61 years.
The office and volunteers facilitated the service giving thanks for the life of Darryn Wright.
I attended the code of ethics which was on the use of social media.
I enjoyed working with so many others from our congregation at the fete. It is an event that brings the congregation together and brings us in to contact with the local community. Well done to all involved.
The 10 am Combined service following the fete seemed to be well received. It was good to acknowledge the contribution of Roger and Jenny Vass as well as Peter and Julie Trewin.
I plan to take 3 weeks annual leave from Monday 7th January and returning to work Tuesday 29th January 2019. I will also take one of the extra days that church council asked me to take on Monday 5th November 2018.
Di’s Report
It is a joy to be part of the team at Glen Waverley, where we have the opportunity to spend time with people, to share in their joys and support them through the tough stuff of life. We have had a few people in hospital following surgery and illness and I have followed up with home visits or further hospital visits to these people.
We were saddened by the passing of one of our members and it was an honour to walk with the family and to share, with Neil, in her funeral and Thanksgiving service.
I have visited a number of people and have spent time sharing some deep stuff. It is always an honour to visit people as they journey and to support them as they face some of the hurdles for the future.
I have attended GOMER a few of times, to catch up with people and to hear how people are travelling, this often leads to a pastoral visit to someone who is unwell or struggling. I have also chattered to people at the HUB and at other times around the Church. There has been some times of Pastoral listening and it is always an honour to support in this way.
I have attended a Code of Ethics training on the use of Electronic Media and the helps and pitfalls. It was a very helpful training but I am aware that I am not an electronic media whiz, so I am hopefully safe!
I have been involved in a Mission Study with Black Rock Uniting and the Presbytery with regard to a future property proposal, we are awaiting the outcome of this meeting. The Black Rock congregation were very excited when I was commissioned as a Pastor at their Worship@6 service at the end of September.
It was also exciting to attend Presbytery to hear Heather Hon present for endorsement for ordination, subject to completion of studies and receiving a placement, we were all delighted that Presbytery has endorsed Heather.
I have met with the Uniting Church Minister’s group in my area at Black Rock/Sandringham/Cheltenham and Moorabbin, these meetings are very supportive and encouraging.
I was delighted to attend the wedding service of Dietrich and Lois in early October. It was a wonderful celebration and a large number of people who were very happy for them both.
I guess the most exciting thing for this month has been the Church Fete and it was wonderful to be involved in helping to set up and also to help on the day of the fete. This year the team wore T-Shirts to encourage people to say “Hi” to us, this proved an amazing experience. It is amazing to watch and be involved in a Church working so well together at the fete, the hard work to prepare and the clean up after. A really wonderful day where the community comes to share and support the work of the Church in this place.
I have had Spiritual Direction and Supervision which are a very important part of my journey in Ministry.
DiPaterson – Pastoral Care Worker.