Diff for "MinistryTeamReport201901"

Link to CoucilAgenda20190130 > CouncilMinutes20190130

MINISTRY TEAM REPORT JANUARY 2019

Neil’s Report

I am writing this report in early January before I go on leave. December is always a very active month in the life of our congregation as it is for many congregations. A lot of people put in extra effort and time in December, planning, preparing and doing. The ministry team also has to put in extra effort in December. Each member of the team brings their particular contribution to our shared ministry. Alanee and Di both have great gifts for ministry and I am very thankful for the current team dynamic.

December 2nd was a big day with a 10 am service in the morning which launched our theme “making room this Christmas”. The Indonesian celebration was a wonderful night and the dance tableaux was both stunning and moving. I want to acknowledge the creative work of Faye Wagon and Jo Boldiston along with Alanee in relation to the sanctuary and the church. The creative team and the ministry team worked very intentionally to make our theme work. The use of church decorations, video clips, business cards, Christmas flyers, the opening of doors all worked to enhance our theme. The Living Nativity service on December 23rd was one highlight and very well received. Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services were also well received. At 5.30 Christmas Eve, Grinch tried to stop Christmas which created the opportunity to tell the real story of Christmas.

Uniting Voices did very well leading a service of 9 Readings and Carols. That afternoon there was a Senior’s Carols service with Free Spirit. The Remembrance Service was well received and well attended by 80 people. Thanks Faye and Jo for a lovely supper and setting the mood. Also Judith Greenwood and her team did a great job with the stable scene, photos, colouring books and cards.

I conducted two baptisms and a wedding with a translator which was a first for me.

There were many break ups and parties to attend. These included the Playgroup Christmas party, the Chinese Dad’s playgroup last session, UCAF Christmas service, AGM and lunch, Leisure Time Christmas party, The Hub morning tea, Adult Group break up, the Youth Group break up, Glennallen School thank you morning tea, Free Spirit break up, Uniting Voices dinner and the afternoon tea ladies Christmas feast.

I was pleased to meet with a few of the Wesley College student leaders, their chaplain, Rev Graham Bartley, and 2 staff who brought three car loads of food and Christmas presents for our local welfare work and in support of UnitingCare Broadmeadows. A week or so later a generous financial donation was received from students, staff and parents to support our local welfare work and the Christmas Bowl.

Preparing for worship, team meetings and some pastoral work were also part of December.

After receiving two prompts, I eventually decided to hold a New Year’s Eve service at 11 pm with supper at 10.30 pm. I had hoped 20 might come but I realized this was completely unknown and new. I was greatly encouraged and stunned when 54 people attended and participated very well in the service. Faye Wagon looked after supper and Lynn Peters agreed to play the keyboard. I felt like I only knew about half the congregation. This seems to be a strategic service cross-culturally.

Neil Peters