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OUTREACH MISSIONAL GROUP MINUTES, JULY 2014
Meeting held in Room 4 GWUC at 7:45pm, Thursday 3 July 2014
1. WELCOME AND APOLOGIES
In Attendance: AndrewHosking, NeilPeters, HeatherWilkins, KayeMackinnon, FairlieMackinnon, FayeMcDougall, JudyLowe, AmySpark
Apologies: MeaganLowe (SP), LynMcDonald, RobinPope, AlaneeHearnshaw
2. DEVOTION
Yahweh is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
In grassy meadows He lets me lie.
By tranquil streams He leads me
to restore my spirit.
He guides me in paths of saving justice
as befits His name.
Even were I to walk in a ravine as dark as death
I should fear no danger, for you are at my side.
Your staff and your crook are there to soothe me.
You prepare a table for me
under the eyes of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup brims over.
Kindness and faithful love pursue me
every day of my life.
I make my home in the house of Yahweh
for all time to come.
(Heather Wilkins library content)
Discussion then followed, with reference to this passage having a peaceful, reassuring feel.
3. COG - No.2 BBQ FORUM
Amy's friend, Erin Wicking, has been confirmed as the speaker for September 2014. Amy will ask her requirements for the presentation and obtain some promotional information to advertise the event prior. Andrew has offered to again make a video for advertising.
No news on Dr. Maithri Goonetilleke - Swaziland - Possible Dreams International (Son of minister at East Burwood) on availability for future Forums.
Perhaps Dee and Dan Rutherford, who started and run Kivuli Projects in Kenya, could be asked to speak at some time. Awaiting Lyn's return for response.
Thoughts that the December Forum may need to be scaled down, due to the time of year. A suggestion tabled that it could highlight the current year's COP projects and serve pizza for lunch. Everyone to think about this. Would too many interested people be away, have they heard it all before at the Congregational Meeting / COP saturation?? It was felt that the Forum should still take place to some extent, to maintain the routine. To be revisited at the next meeting.
M. Isah has been presented Sunday 29 June at 11.00am and BBQ Forum, and congratulations to all involved. Andrew will email Rowan our thanks for cooking. There was a question about the venue and the ease of hearing the speaker and seeing the presentation. Sitting at tables in the hall gives a good atmosphere. In future speakers will have headsets and those who are having difficulty will be encouraged to move closer for ease of sight and sound.
Future events at GWUC will see a meshing together of different activities, with interaction between the Missional Groups to co ordinate and prevent clashing of events. GWUC Admin will also monitor.
The menu for the June Forum BBQ was well accepted. Rowan has been asked about the possibility of soup and / or salad for next time. It was felt that some variety would be good. Rowan has provided the ingredients, but Amy will ask him about his expenses in the future and encourage him to accept some money for reimbursement this time. We currently have $260 in kitty.
4. BUSINESS ARISING
4.1. COP
Still awaiting response for outcome regarding Steve F's email - as per June minutes. He assures Andrew that he is on it. He has been informed that we need the information by mid July.
Rev Neil has suggested that we show grace in dealing with this application. All agreed that by outlining our resolutions and receiving clear information this would be our hope and most likely outcome. Lyn has already furnished us with banking details from Kenya, that Andrew will check for completeness and accuracy from our end. Perhaps we could ask the Rutherford's help and opinion at times, if required, as they are local to us and are involved in Kivuli area.
4.2. COP 2014
COP Selection Panel Members are still moving to provide COP literature for COP 2014 pamphlet for Congregational Meeting.
4.3. Kenya
Pastor William $40,000ish+ worth of land is being rented for 12 months pending purchase investigations. Shipping containers are being investigated for possible use as school buildings.
Global Development Group (who Kivuli also use), contacted for assistance, have been advised to the board of Kerry Children's for furthering the application. Lyn sees their paper work as arduous and they will need much assistance via him.
4.4. Asylum Seekers
Congratulations have been extended to the 3 GWUC members who attended the march on 22 June, via the Monthly Bulletin.
Seven people are on the Asylum Letter Writing campaign list. Heather has not heard of anyone yet receiving a reply.
Heather read us part of the homily given by the priest at Geelong following the recent Asylum Seeker death.
Lentara require $45,000 per month for their Asylum Seeker Projects. They are receiving good support from Brunswick Uniting Church, particularly in the use of buildings.
Chris Drummond and Fairlie Mackinnon have joined the Asylum Seeker Committee at GWUC.
Heather recently attended the Monash Council Asylum Seeker Week event.
4.5. Baguia
Two friends of the Lowe family from Baguia are coming to Melbourne in July. One of them would like to come and worship with us on 3 August. Judy will send Neil an email to discuss how this should be handled. A suggestion of a welcome, and invitation to stay for morning tea and an informal chat was suggested.
5. REPORTS AND NEW INFORMATION
5.1. Pitjantnatjara Bible Translation Project
Paul Eckert will be in Melbourne again 10 August. Rev Neil is negotiating service content.
5.2. Habitat - Brush with Kindness
Still no dates for 2014 BWK available.
They have sent an invitation for 40 people to attend a workshop on how to declutter a house.
6. GWUC COMMUNICATIONS
6.1. Church Council
Recent C.C. meeting was a "think tank" with Missional Group Coordinators and functional leaders. The feel was very much Outreach and evangelistic. There was good discussion about where the Church is heading and how to raise the profile beyond just the fete. What do we need to do, both within the congregation and also outside the congregation?
Similar workshops are now taking place for the congregation to attend.
C.C will gauge support for projects and what people want, and publish results when complete.
C.C. will use Missional Groups to follow through ideas. People with a passion for certain projects will be encouraged to get involved, not just the Missional Group members.
6.2. Outreach Think Tank
On behalf of C.C. Judy asked Outreach to think about future directions and possibilities to explore.
Rev Neil's recent invitation from the Korean Church opens up different possibilities. They are interested to see our different styles of worship, and are keen to build a link between us, and their local community. We have a number of Korean families attending playgroup.
Mulgrave U.C. are also keen to build a link between our 2 churches.
It was thought we should be looking both inward and outward, to strengthen our community here, both in faith and to be better equipped to support the greater community.
A suggestion of more outreach in Kingsway and the greater Glen Waverley community in general.
Next year, perhaps the BBQ Forum could have local speakers, talking about local issues.
How can we discover what other Outreach activities GWUC members are doing?
Discussion to continue at the next meeting.
7. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
7.1. Additional Speakers
A visiting Indian Missionary couple (David and Lina Reichart) is speaking at 9:15 and 11:00am services on 20 July. A light lunch in the hall following services will be served, consisting of soup and sandwiches. (Gold coin donation.) Rowan will be asked to help with the soup and ingredients will be on hand for people to make their own sandwich. Faye will obtain bread from Baker's Delight and Kaye will investigate salad fillings. Kaye and Fairlie have offered to think about a slice also.
7.2. Kivuli
There will be a trivia night to raise funds for Kivuli on Saturday 4 October.
8. NEXT MEETING
Next meeting to be held at GWUC Room 4, 7:45pm, Thursday 7 August 2014
No guest speaker.
9. BLESSING
Jesus, who offers the waters of life,
you have put your life into our hands;
now we put our lives into yours.
Take us, renew us and remake us.
What we have been is past.
What we shall be, through you, still awaits us.
Lead us on, to serve those in need.
Take us with you.
Amen
Prayer adapted by Heather Wilkins.