The Glen Waverley Uniting Church PSALTERLink to CouncilAgenda20230123 > CouncilMinutes20230123
MINISTRY TEAM REPORT January 2023
Neil’s Report
The ministry team were pleased with what we were able to offer during Advent and Christmas. The Congregational Christmas lunch had 93 people attend. That is more than myself and the organisers thought coming out of covid. The Remembrance Service in December was well attended and as always, very moving. The Indonesian Christmas celebration was a grand event. It was a celebration of culture, faith, and an inter-faith event. There are things we could learn from this event going forward but I will put my thoughts into the appropriate setting.
The Nativity worship was very well received. The Installation was set up in room 1 and feedback has been encouraging. Thanks to the team who put this together.
Christmas Eve had two services. 7 pm was low in attendance but had strong support online – 50 log ins by 10 pm Christmas Eve. The 11 pm Coffee and carols had 38 people attend. The vast majority had a hot drink and that provided a lovely time to meet and share before worship. Thanks to the committed and strong kitchen/barista team. I think the service was well received.
Then there were two services Christmas Day and both were quite well supported. There were a good number of visitors – extended family, interstate and overseas and one couple joined us from their morning walk seeing we had a service about to begin. There was one family who attended for the first time and they have been online with us for at least 3 years.
A huge thank you to our tech team and musicians who covered so many services during December. They put in a lot of time in preparation. Joanne did a great job in the office as well.
I am writing early knowing that we still have the New Year’s Eve service to come.
I am excited to have the Rev Hoon You join us from February for 6 months.
After Christmas I shared with Di Paterson in the funeral service for Margaret Valentine at Black Rock Uniting Church. Margaret attended at GWUC for a couple of years before moving to Beaumaris to be closer to her family. She continued to join us online for worship.
I am about to enjoy a break, try and survive moving house, and look forward to what 2023 has to offer GWUC. As a congregation and a ministry team we are continuing to go through a time of transition. That brings a level of stress, uncertainty, and hope for the future.
I have been receiving good support and care from the Presbytery ministers. The ministry team continues to enjoy working together.
Lastly, I am advising church council that I will have ear surgery on Wednesday 8 Feb and will have maybe 2 days sick leave.
Di's report
What a lead up to the Christmas Season and the celebration of Christmas. Enjoyed a gathering of Ministry Agents for dinner at Mt Eliza Church. It was a lovely way to celebrate the amazing work done over the past 2 years with the Covid lockdowns etc. I have continued to meet with and walk with the GOWERS at Jells Park and also catch up with the GOMERS at the Church. I have continued to visit people and make heaps of phone calls.
There have been a few funerals one at GWUC, one at Black Rock, that I shared with Neil, and one at Williamstown. It is always an honour to support the families at these challenging times.
I was delighted to be able to attend Alanee’s Commissioning at Lorne. They seem really pleased to have her and I’m sure she will be a real blessing to the Church and the people of Lorne.
I attended Presbytery where we spent time farewelling Duncan McLeod as he moves to his new role at eLM. I also attended Code of Ethics Training where we discussed the importance of Supervision.
It was fun to have a team photo during the Nativity Photo sessions. I also enjoyed morning tea to raise money for Welfare, an excellent effort by The Hub Committee and helpers.
I attended Munch with a Bunch for a lovely Christmas dinner at the Church. A special thanks to Faye Wagon, Joanne Boldiston and the cheerful volunteers from Inclusive Community. I also attended the Leisure Time Christmas Afternoon Tea, a lovely time for the guests and visitors. I attended Aqua Fish’s breakup tea at GWUC, another enjoyable time catching up with all the members of this group.
It was good to be involved in the Christmas Eve Services at GWUC and shared in the Christmas Day Service at Black Rock.
We have had a few people in hospital and rehab and I have been able to visit these people. There is still a bit of restriction regarding visiting in hospitals and especially at Nursing homes and retirement villages.
I have had supervision and have met with a couple of ministry colleagues for mutual support.
- Pastoral Care
PS When you table this report I will just be finishing a week’s leave to go to a Guide Jamboree in Ballarat, I hope to return fit and well.