MinistryTeamReport202108

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MINISTRY TEAM REPORT August 2021

Neil’s Report

I continue to exercise ministry despite the challenges of the lockdown and the impact that the level of restrictions continue to make on the team’s capacity to exercise ministry. We continue to do the best we can and people have appreciated the ministry offered. I was able to lead, with the assistance of DiPaterson, the funeral service for MargaretMacGregor. Margaret was a faithful member of our church and when she was well worshipped regularly at the 11 am service. I have also planned a private committal service for JenniferMollet which was postponed by the family. Later there will be a thanksgiving service at our church. Jennifer has had a long fight with cancer. She had a strong faith and she and Graham have appreciated being part of the congregation for the last 5 years. It was a privilege to share in Jennifer and Graham’s journey.

I have taken sick leave for 4th August and 11th – 13th August.

I wanted to share some notes from my recent reading and reflections. I hope it triggers your thinking. I am highlighting how strategic and important our online presence is and how it needs further thinking and intentional engagement.

ONLINE AND HYBRID CHURCH LEARNINGS. (Ministry Matters USA)

Think of those joining online as a new outer ring of church involvement. Some may progress to attending in person and some may not. Some previously regular attenders will choose to stay online for a variety of reasons.

Think of your congregation as not meeting in one place but in 40 different locations. The challenge is helping those online to feel connected and that they are part of the community of faith.

Churches need to adjust from an offering plate to receiving offerings online. Four suggestions for encouraging people back to church.

1. Have a focus on kids and families. This group will find it easy to stay away. This group provides life and energy when they are present, engaged and involved.
2. Focus on community not content. Relationships are important. The best preaching will not bring people back. People will seek community after being isolated and hesitant about meeting people.
3. Develop a communication plan. Begin with emails but don’t stop there. You need to develop a plan that expands to all social media channels. Talk up your safety protocols. People need to know this is a safe place to come to.
4. Do not pressure people to come. People will return when they are ready and perhaps even when they think it is worth it.

Points taken from links in an article by Paul Franklyn, Associate Publisher Abingdon Press. I want to give you a feel for what is happening through the number of You tube log ins to view a GWUC service.

This highlights that online worship is a very significant ministry. This is a real responsibility and a significant opportunity. Looking back some services last year have now had 700 and 800 views. I was amazed.

Neil

Di’s Report

It seems like a broken record to again say, “Unfortunately due to lockdown…….” But sadly, here we are again in lockdown and as the wise saying goes, “the hardest part of a 7day lockdown is the first 3 weeks! We hardly had time to breath between Lockdown #5 and lockdown #6 has caused us to yet again, close the Church and not visit people.

I have rung a number of people for birthdays and just say Hi and had ZOOM planning meetings and ZOOM get to togethers in place of face-to-face meetings.

I have attended a couple of ZOOM team meetings after enjoying one face to face team meeting. It was excellent to be able to be part of the induction of Rev Sharon Hollis as the new President of the Assembly, this was thanks to ZOOM.

As part of worshiping with Cheltenham/Mentone we have been sharing in their MUT study group, which is interesting and enjoyable. I attended a Women in Lay Ministry ZOOM meeting; these meetings are very beneficial to us all. I also had a meeting with Craig Mitchell and a team to work on some of the Lay Preacher accreditation standards and also Lay Pastors. Met with a ministry colleague as part of a support network.

I was honoured to share in Presiding at a Funeral, with Neil, in between lockdowns, and it was good to celebrate this amazing life.

I have had Supervision and Spiritual Direction in between lockdowns.

• DiPaterson
  

  • Pastoral Care.