SUGGESTION BOX
This page is ThePsalter suggestion box. To make a suggestion, click the Edit (Text) or Edit (GUI) link above, and type in your suggestion immediately after this paragraph. Don't worry about dating it, or formatting it in any way. Just type your comment!
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Current Suggestions under consideration
Photos
2012-02-21 06:30:13 (paper suggestion box, unsigned)
Everyone asked if they would like to donate a photo of themselves and/or their family to keep at the Church so everyone can get to know each other better. Currently there are many people we know by name but cannot match easily with a face. This would be especially helpful when someone is ill. Their photo may be displayed near the prayer book. They could also be asked if they would like to write some comments (brief) about themselves and their family. These (photos and comments) could be a page (max) each and kept in a book in the foyer or even better around the walls of the hall or passages so everyone can see the church family and pray for those with needs at a particular time.
2012-02-21 06:39:02 JohnHurst This may be a difficult one. I'm not sure that people in the church are ready for this. We do it for Councillors and Elders, but I suspect some resistance may be found amongst other members of the congregation. I'll take this suggestion to Council.
Church Cleaning
2011-07-17 02:00:00 (paper suggestion box, signed)
It would appear that it is about time to employ/subcontract the GWUC cleaning.
As has been re-iterated over the last few years, the number of people prepared to volunteer for cleaning is diminishing.
As we have organizations paying to use our facilities, could not resources be found for the cleaning? Organizations and indeed the congregation expect facilities to be cleaned to a standard. Volunteers have done an amazing job in keeping the standard high. However, there have been times when rostered arrangements have been "forgotten".
Our base, at GWUC for ministry and mission work, needs to be maintained as our forebears have kept it. Surely, if the congregation was asked to help out with this expense, to some extent, it would respond.
I know that <my partner and I> are not likely to continue with cleaning responsibilities at the church in the New Year. It is hard not to feel self imposed pressure to help out.
We are an ageing congregation - no news! A few young people will not be able to do, by themselves, what the previous generation did.
Enabling people to do paid employment is also missional.
2011-09-26 02:52:15 JohnHurst A challenging suggestion! I shall take this to the Property and Finance Committees for their responses, and then present them to Council for a decision.
9:30 Music and Chorus Repeats
2011-04-20 01:10:39 (paper suggestion box, signed)
At the 9:30am service could we please not repeat the verse and choruses 3 times. Once, yes, twice maybe, 3 times is too much. The words are good but the repeats are too onerous. Maybe a real hymn once in a while.
2011-04-20 03:33:32 JohnHurst I have passed this comment on to the Community of Faith, with whom responsibility for worship rests.
2011-05-08 23:30:25 JohnHurst Community of Faith have discussed this suggestion, and have asked the 9:30 planning group for a response. Note that CoF is planning to review all worship services later this year.
Resolved Suggestions
EMailed Bulletins
2012-06-23 02:25:36 (wiki suggestion box, unsigned) We receive the Bulletin electronically & particularly appreciate its format whereby it can be printed at home the same as is issued in hard copy at church. One of the benefits of electronic copy should be to reduce the amount of paper used, or at least not to increase it. Can we suggest that a note is put in the e.mail sending the Bulletin that if printed at home it should be brought to church instead of picking up a copy there.
2012-06-23 02:43:57 JohnHurst: Done! This is what you will see:
Please do not reply to this message Final test! --John Hurst, -- Chair of Glen Waverley Uniting Church Council -- 5 Fran Court, Glen Waverley, VIC 3150 ~ ~~~&#: -- [email protected] +61 3 9803 9346 _..___ ---____@___H__ -- (mob 0407 569 292) |_____[_|_________[__]_ -- http://www.ajhurst.org/~ajh oo oo oo O--O--O o=o -- -- Nerd is the new cool (Emma Ayres) This is from the Suggestion Box: if you print this at home, please recycle your printed copy by bringing it to church on Sunday to share with others (and thus reduce our printing costs).
Note: The turnaround on this suggestion was only 18 minutes - how good is that!?
Children in Church
2011-05-16 05:37:41 (paper suggestion box, signed)
We have attended GWUC for over 30 years, usually attending the 0900/0930 services, but occasionally the 1100.
We were disappointed when the 4 o'clock Childrens' Service was commenced as it took away from the family part of the service, despite our own children are now adults. Over recent weeks we have been further disappointed with the diminishing attendance at the 0930 service which greatly detracts from the atmosphere.
The combined 10o'clock services are always well attended and very inspiring, especially the recent Easter Sunday service which was truly inspiring.
We understand that circumstances change, we are aware that the 0930 service is in a trial period and we are also aware of the differing style of services and audiences the 0930 and 1100 services cater to.
We realize you are probably aware of these concerns from other members, and we would like to register our support for a weekly lO o'clock service, combining the 0930 and 1100 congregations and incorporating or alternating both styles of worship.
Thank you for all your time and goodwork.
2011-05-19 22:18:46 JohnHurst (see also my response to the previous item below.) Council, at a workshop in mid 2009, discussed very carefully the option of moving to a combined 10am service, but rejected this because it saw two rather distinct forms of service being appreciated by members of the congregation. If you browse ChurchWorshipServices, you will see how we have tried to identify the various styles of worship, and the philosophies and structures behind them. We think this is a valuable model for the Glen Waverley Uniting Church at this time. While it seems we cannot please everyone in the congregation with timing and styles of worship, we are trying our best to provide as much range and choice as we can within our limited budget. We are asking for the congregation's support and understanding in this pilgrim journey. Personally, speaking as a choir member, I regret the loss of the 9.00am service and its diversity of vocal praise to God, but we are trying to make the best of a move to 11.00am, and that change has also brought about the merging of The Choir and Deo Volente (now called Uniting Voices), which I think is a Good Thing.
2012-02-21 06:47:17 JohnHurst (see also my response to the previous item below.) It is perhaps ironic that when running the January 10am combined services, some people were distressed that the service was not more "traditional". It must be pointed out that these are combined services, with a variety of worship styles, and hence will not have every liturgical item to everyone's taste. It aptly demonstrates that the Council made the correct decision to retain distinct times and service styles for the 3 current morning services.
Worship Music, Styles and Times
2011-05-16 05:34:48 (paper suggestion box, signed)
A few suggestions and questions:
- Could 9.30 be put back to 9.00, and even called the new 9.00, so there is still a difference notified?
- There seems to be a new push for 4.30 (by apparently some of the 9.30 advocates), do they really want to do both or what?
- Could we please have some different music, for at least some of the new service? I stress that there is absolutely nothing wrong with the musicians, it is a pleasure to see and hear them, but there is a lot of contemporary music that many people know (and most of that music, I believe, is in the cupboard).
- It would just feel more like we had been to church. I know this sounds like a compromise, but there are a lot of people who don't mind "in-between" music, who do not want to be relegated to 11.00 all the time.
This has been a joyful and happy place since we came here nearly two years ago - may it continue - but the world is full of compromise, and we are not all that old,and we like being with younger people. WHY WOULD WE NOT?
2011-05-19 22:18:46 JohnHurst You raise several points all of which seem to relate to the 9.30 service. You will be aware that the Community of Faith has been asked by Council to review not only the 9.30 service (as was agreed at the Nov Congregation Meeting last year), but also all the other services. 4.30 in particular has been in a state of flux because of the departure of Debbie Davey from the Ministry Team, and it was she who took the lion's share of arranging the 4.30 worship. Several members of 4.30 want to see it continue, and have volunteered to arrange the service, with help from the MT from time to time. Community of Faith have agreed to a timetable for the review, which is to happen during August and September.
2012-02-21 06:47:17 JohnHurst The Faith Development Group administered a survey late last year to ascertain the feelings about worship times and styles. A number of different structures were proposed and considered at Council, and the main outcome (for now) was to move the timing of the 9:30am service. At the congregational meeting on 21 Nov 2012, it was decided to adopt the suggestion from Council that the 9:30am service be moved to 9:15am, to avoid overlap issues between the 9:30 and 11 services. Council has also decided to explore the other alternatives over the coming year. One significant change has been the (re)appointment of a Children and Families Coordinator, to look after the planning of the 4:30pm services. While it is appreciated that some people miss the presence of children at the morning services, those attending the 4:30pm service were very strong in their support of that service, and it was felt that it would be inappropriate to relocate them to the morning just to satisfy the feelings of onlookers.
Electronic Bulletin Inserts
2011-05-08 23:27:53 (email, signed)
Being a good recipient of the electronic form of the Bulletin I used to decline a paper copy when offered one by the stewards. Occasionally I came unstuck, when there is an insert needed during the service - e.g. a set of responses (which can impact me more if I'm also playing organ).
I've taken to always asking the stewards if there is any insert needed for the service, and they don't seem to know, so for safety I now accept a full paper copy again ! I'd envisaged a system where a separate pile of 'service' inserts could co-exist when needed, and the stewards choose from one of the 2 piles depending on the recipient's need. Shouldn't be too hard to implement ? (GeoffWillis ♫)
2011-05-10 05:19:21 JohnHurst Sorry not to have got on to this earlier, Geoff, but this is something for the Communications Committee, which met last night. I will forward this to the committee for their attention.
2012-02-21 06:43:49 JohnHurst This has now been resolved by CommunicationsCommittee with the new look Bulletin. Inserts are now a thing of the past, and orders of service (when available) are handed out as a matter of course.
Choirs at 9:30
2011-07-04 03:25:22 (paper suggestion box, signed) The 9:30am service is not gathering more people. Please give us at least one of the church choirs, not always the groups which expect us to sing over and over the last lines of THEIR choice. And/or combined 9:30 and 11:00 at 10 o'clock services with traditional and all age combinations.
2011-07-04 03:25:22 JohnHurst Do I detect a recurring theme here? (See other comments below.) Speaking for the new Uniting Voices choir (united, because it seemed silly to have two choirs at the one 11am service), it was clear that when the 9:30 service style was proposed, there was no room for the old Choir. Many Choir members felt hurt and betrayed by this thinking, because it has become clear that that is really the only change in the 9:30 service - the omission of the choir and organ.
As chair of Council, I do separate my personal views from the council views. I actually think (as chair) that it very important to support the 9:30 style, and to try and make a go of it. Personally, I feel that we have not found the right time slots. Please bear in mind that the Faith Community group is reviewing the 9:30 service, and we should wait to hear from that review before instituting dramtic changes. In the same spirit, I'm not in favour (nor is the Council) of merging services into one 10am service, other than for special occasions, such as the 5th Sunday, and Anniversary services. Council feels that there is a need to run a service in the style of 9:30. In the meantime, please feel free to express your views about any of the services!2012-02-21 07:11:03 JohnHurst Note that Free Spirit now sings regularly at 9:30/9:15 every second month.
Church Life and Mission
2011-06-26 01:20:14 (paper suggestion box, signed)
May I make the following suggestions re our Church life and work?
Following the most informative service conducted by [Paul] Bartlett in which we learned something of the work of Frontier Services would it be possible to have other services in which our people learn of what is being done beyond our Parish. Maybe such could be quarterly. I know a lot of it and it thrills me to be part of a church that reaches out in so many ways - and to so many people round the world, but I am sure that a lot of our people do not - to their misfortune.
Then - and this may seem premature but time flies. Some three years ago I made the suggestion to the Minister (sic) that maybe our choir(s) could approach the management at The Glen to seek permission to sing, on a couple of occasions at least, Christmas Carols. It was thought a good idea but ... Maybe the time is ripe to take that up. Schools do so during the day and what a wonderful chance to go to the people instead of expecting them to come to us.
2011-06-26 01:20:14 JohnHurst Both very good suggestions. When I was on the COP committee, we tried to make sure that a representative from each of the supported groups came to the church to tell us how the donations were put to work. Paul's talk was in fact one of these, but we have not always been successful in inviting others to come and share their stories. It does happen, and maybe there should be more of them. I shall pass this on to the Outreach Group, under whose management the COP programs reside.
On your second suggestion, I can relate that some years back (maybe in response to your suggestion at the time?), the Glen Waverley InterChurch Council approached The Glen management to place a manger scene somewhere in The Glen. We were rebuffed at the time, but I recall seeing a manger scene somewhere in The Glen last year, so perhaps the management has softened their stance? I will take it up with the GWICC again. I'm sure the choirs will be only too pleased to participate in such a ministry!2011-09-26 02:31:19 JohnHurst Some further developments. The GW InterChurch Council has been negotiating with The Glen management, and have reached an agreement with The Glen to allow a number of church choirs to participate in singing carols during Advent. The offer has been made to a number of local churches, and we are awaiting responses from them. Our choirs are considering their response.
State of Room 3
2011-04-20 01:10:39 (paper suggestion box, signed)
I think it is absolutely terrible, the state of the carpet and floor in the kindergarten room. Babies are crawling about on this stained carpet which is past shampooing. For the Property Committee to say it will cost $6000 and to wait 7 years is really dreadful. Surely they could look up some bargain flooring. I am willing to have a coffee morning and afternoon to start raising funds, at my home. This playgroup is a wonderful outreach to non-church members and new arrivals in Australia. It makes a very poor impression to see this dirty floor which can't be washed or swept. How can we give to others when we can't even look after own own? Please follow this up. PS "Charity begins at home!"
2011-04-20 03:33:32 JohnHurst I shall certainly follow this up with the Property Committee. Basically, it comes down to priorities. Do you want outreach or charity at home? We don't have money for both. Personally, I would rather be giving to others than insisting upon a spick and span church. "Charity begins at home" is a very poor aphorism, not worth of a missionary church. Jesus did not seek to look after his own interests. Read Acts 2:45 for the contradiction of this saying. Nevertheless, I shall ask Property Committee to revisit this issue. Maybe there is some compromise.
2011-05-03 23:33:32 WarrenGreenwood Thank you for the feedback. Firstly I do need to correct some incorrect information in the comment. Property Committee agreed to revisit the carpet condition in 12 months, NOT 7 years. We have asked the playgroup leaders to utilise the room to its maximum so that when we replace the carpet with vinyl similar to that in other areas of the complex, we have had good value for our money. And in the meantime we are monitoring its safety and condition. Steam cleaning that is performed 3 times a year does dramatically improve the area. Unfortunately, due to OHS requirements, we cannot replace it with "cheap domestic" vinyl as we have nearly 4000 people each month use our complex and we must guarantee safety. That is why the priority at the moment is to replace the worn and dangerous step carpet in the fellowship area, and outside the kitchen near the hall. We have undertaken to replace the entire room 3 carpet and vinyl during 2012. The congregation takes seriously its responsibilities about safety and although stained, the carpet is not dangerous. Finally, like in our own homes, we do not wish to have a patchwork of different vinyl and carpet throughout the complex. We would like it to be just as nice in another 20 years time and not looking tacky.
Water Jugs at Morning Tea
2011-04-20 01:10:39 (paper suggestion box, anon) At morning tea could we get a jug of cold water and some plastic cups for the children. It would save all the mums from going into the kitchen.
2011-04-20 03:41:18 JohnHurst I have passed this suggestion on to the relevant people. 2011-04-24 03:02:25 JohnHurst This is now in place. Thank you for the suggestion!
Wiki Attractiveness
2011-03-23 19:42:45 (anon) Is it possible to make wiki homepage of GWUC more visually attractive?
2011-03-23 20:54:59 JohnHurst Not sure what you mean by "visually attractive" - beauty is in the eye of the beholder, so one person's attractive may be another's ugly! But you can change the theme of how your pages look (without changing it for other people):
Click the link Settings at the very top of the page.
Click the link Preferences on the page that appears.
Find the Preferred theme pull-down menu, and select your preferred style (you will have to experiment to see these).
Click Save at the bottom of the page, and you are done!
Also, have a look at http://moinmo.in/ThemeMarket. If you find anything you like there, let me know, and I will set it up for you. Caveat: different themes re-arrange many of the links on the displayed wiki pages. This will render invalid many instructions in these pages about how to use the wiki. For example, the instructions above only apply to the modern, modernized, and modernized_cms themes. The modern theme is set as the default theme.