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Ministry team report August 2025

1. Ian

Over the past month, I have been struck again by the rich tapestry of ministry we share as a congregation. From moments of deep worship to community engagement, from pastoral conversations in quiet corners to gatherings that draw many voices together, God’s Spirit continues to weave our life and witness into something greater than any one of us could create alone.

1.1. Indonesia Trip

On Sunday 10th August, we gathered after worship for a special presentation on our Indonesia visit. Through stories, photos, and videos, we relived our encounters with our sisters and brothers in Minahasa. The light lunch that followed was more than a meal—it was an act of solidarity, raising significant funds for Angel Malonda, the impoverished theological student whose ministry journey we are privileged to support. In the lead-up, I met via Zoom with Angel and Pastor Dan to coordinate our presentation, ensuring it reflected the warmth and hospitality we had experienced.

1.2. Worship

I preached in worship on 27th July and 10th August, including Holy Communion for the Indonesian congregation on 27th July. Our service on 13th July used materials focussing on NAIDOC Week. The Worship Committee is planning services for September following the Season of Creation theme. This will dovetail with our bible study series.

1.3. Faith Development

I am planning for our next Bible study series which begins on August 21. The focus will be on God’s ongoing work of creation, reconciliation, and renewal in the creation stories from Genesis and other places.

1.4. Pastoral Care and Community

In recent weeks, I have been alongside people in times of both joy and grief. There have been two funerals. I helped lead Evelyn Fleming’s with the majority of the work of preparation and leadership being done by Rev Julie Ross. The other was Jan Clarke's led by Di. I also met with two couples preparing for marriage, and enjoyed informal pastoral catch-ups over coffee and meals.

1.5. Missional Church

I led our English classes on 7th August with a focus on “feeling words”. This group is booming with each session a place of language learning, cultural exchange, and warm human connection. I attended the Hub on Tuesdays once school holidays ended. I met with Tamara our Welfare Coordinator and introduced her to the congregation on 10th August.

1.6. Wider Church

I joined the Presbytery meeting via Zoom on 23th July, participating in conversations that shape our shared mission and witness. Together with 3 other members of our congregation, I am preparing for the Synod meeting 30th August - 2nd September. My role as Facilitation Group Convener will require a couple of extra meetings beforehand including a run-through of the Agenda on August 13th. I also met this month with a group of local ministers for collegial sharing and support. I attended the annual retreat of my Ordination Group on 8th August (we are coming up for 30 years of annual meetings).

1.7. Other Tasks Undertaken

I attended Ministry Team meetings, the Inclusive Community Mission Group, the Community Hub Mission Group, the Outreach and Social Justice Mission Group, and the Adult Group lunch. Throughout the month, I engaged in informal networking with church members and local community contacts, recognising that ministry often happens in the spaces between formal appointments. I helped man the answering machine and followed up a few administrative matters during Joanne’s holiday break.

1.8. In Conclusion

As we move into the coming weeks, I give thanks for the faithfulness, creativity, and care that I see in our congregation. May we continue to be open to the Spirit’s leading, ready to step into new opportunities to worship, learn, care, and serve.

1.9. Recommendation

That Ian take annual leave from 20th October to 2nd November.

2. Chris

It has been an exciting and encouraging month in ministry at Glen Waverley Uniting Church, with new opportunities for connection, learning, and growth. Earlier this week, I attended a professional development event focusing on exploring new and creative areas for ministry. The gathering brought together over 90 participants from across Victoria and was led by Matt Harry and Tanya Walker. It was a valuable time of inspiration and collaboration, with churches sharing innovative ministry ideas. I was able to highlight some of the creative things we have been doing at GWUC, including our school holiday programs and our English conversation classes. It was encouraging to see how these ministries resonated with others and to gain fresh ideas that we might adapt in our own context. This month also saw the launch of our young adult ministry. Five of us gathered at Grill’d for a wonderful time of discussion, connection, and sharing our journeys. We finished the evening with frozen yoghurt, which was a fun and relaxed way to end the night. The group will continue to meet on the first Sunday of each month, beginning as a social space but with the aim of including a faith element as it develops. Our newly launched Sunday morning Teen Bible Study/Sunday School program has been another significant highlight. Attendance has been excellent, with positive engagement from both regular youth group members and those who had not previously attended Sunday morning services. The youth are actively engaging with the lectionary readings, asking insightful questions, and exploring how these teachings can be applied in their daily lives. The inclusion of a general prayer time has created a supportive atmosphere where young people can share their requests and expressions of gratitude. The conversations have been stimulating and thoughtful, and we are excited to see this group continue to grow in both numbers and depth. As we look ahead, we give thanks for the way God is guiding us into new spaces of ministry, and we remain committed to finding creative and meaningful ways to connect with our congregation and the wider community.

3. Di Paterson

It has been a busy month with lots happening in the Church and other outside activities. I was the guest speaker at the Southern Metro OAM Society in Sandringham, which was an interesting challenge. I attended the World Day of Prayer Committee meeting to work on preparations for the AGM in August. I attended an extra Presbytery meeting to discuss some proposals from the Presbytery to this month’s Synod. I enjoyed a walk with the 3d Saturday walkers at Norton Park.

I walk on Monday morning, at Jells Park with the girls and catch up with the boys at GOMER. I am continuing to transport a couple of ladies so that they can come to Leisure time. The afternoon teas are very special to them. I also bring a lady to UCAF. I have attended UCAF and Leisure Time.

We enjoyed a winter theme at GWUC with the children from Mount View PS at the Mount View Hub. The children had a fabulous time and enjoyed making marsh mellow snowflakes and making and decorating snow flake and snow men cookies.

I have attended a number of funerals and I was honoured to preside at the funeral for Jan Clarke, who has been a hard-working Church member over the years.

As mentioned last month, I will be taking some more leave from September 28th – October 5th to shift rubbish and clean toilets and showers on a Girl Guide Jamboree in NSW. I may extend that leave as my Canadian family are coming to Australia to celebrate my mother-in-law’s 100th birthday.

MinistryTeamReport202508 (last edited 2025-08-14 03:08:15 by IanFerguson)