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Ministry team report March 2025

1. Ian Ferguson

1.1. Planning

I am planning to engage with our Strategic Projects in the following ways:

1.1.1. Project 1: Welfare

I am looking forward to meeting the new welfare coordinator once they are appointed. I can then negotiate my role in relation to them.

1.1.2. Project 2: Program of multicultural and intergenerational events

The Lenten multi-cultural bible study commences next week.

We have had an influx of new Chinese speaking visitors over the past few weeks (probably aligned with the beginning of the school year). Many of them are bringing children and young people.

1.1.3. Project 3: Integrated social media and streaming presence

We have redesigned our worship slides as a small step towards renewing our online presence.

I have been emailing the congregation with discussion questions about my reflections and have been receiving some interesting responses.

1.2. Worship

Lent has commenced with our Ash Wednesday service last week. Further planning will be done for Holy Week over the next few weeks.

Met with Anthony McMullen from Uniting World to plan for our COP service on 30/3.

1.3. Pastoral Care and Community

(excluding confidential conversations and pastoral visits)

I conducted a funeral for Margaret Hui.

I have had a series of wedding interviews for the 3 weddings I am conducting later this year.

1.4. Missional Church

I taught the English Class a couple of weeks ago which was as enjoyable as usual.

I am attending the Hub most weeks and enjoying stimulating conversations there.

1.5. Wider Church

Met with my ministry supervisor.

Planning for our visit to Indonesia in May this year.

Met with the JNC and Presbytery reps for a positive catchup.

1.6. Other Tasks Undertaken

Attended the Finance Committee meeting. Raised questions about the representation of Finance on the Church Council.

Presented at the UCAF meeting.

Attended the Word Day of Prayer service at St Luke’s Mt Waverley.

Helped facilitate the musical afternoon on 9/3.

2. Di Paterson

I have presided at 2 funerals, neither were from either of the Churches one in Lilydale and the other was the wife of a gentleman I had done a funeral for 18months ago. It was good to share in the Ash Wednesday Service with Ian, it was well attended.

The IT system in the Chapel at Strathdon is a little antiquated and dropped out the last time I was there, so there were no hymns, sadly. This month I am hoping to use the words on overhead and CDs to sing along with. This month will be my last services at Strathdon.

I delivered flyers for the Book Sale and also helped with the set up and on the day of the sale. It was a busy time but it was excellent to have so many willing helpers to make the sale so successful.

Went on the 3rd Saturday Walk, which was most enjoyable. I also walk on Monday morning, at Jells Park with the girls and catch up with the boys at GOMER.

Have done quite a bit of visiting in Nursing Homes, Hospitals and Supportive care.

Attended the World Day of Prayer Committee meeting on ZOOM and enjoyed the World Day of Prayer service at Beaumaris UC. I missed the Mount Waverley Service due to presiding at a funeral.

I have had supervision, ministry support group, team meetings, visiting, Leisure Time and UCAF. I took my days off and went to Point Lonsdale overnight to catch up with friends.

Listened to a Ministry Candidate at the Ministry Formation Committee and she will present at the next Presbytery meeting. The Bayside Church Group continues to meet as we get to know each other and how we can support one another.