AnnualReport2022

Group

Adult Group

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Fellowship

Current Office Bearers:

Bev & Lindsay BROWN, Jill & Bill NORQUAY

Membership numbers:

35

Usual meeting attendance:

25

Meeting times and days:

First Friday of the Month at 12:30pm

Locations used by Group:

Restaurants for lunch.

Highlights of the year:

The February, March & April lunches were cancelled due to Covid-19.
We met at the Mountain View Hotel for lunch for the rest of the year. The last lunch was on Friday 2 December 2022.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

NO

Group

Asylum Seeker Support

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide assistance to those seeking asylum in Australia

Current Office Bearers:

RobinPope

Membership numbers:

5-6

Usual meeting attendance:

Meetings informal

Meeting times and days:

Locations used by Group:

In homes or at GWUC

Highlights of the year:

During the pandemic, donations for the use of Asylum Seekers continued to be collected in the boxes in the church foyer. Donations of food, clothing, linen, cleaning agents etc were collected by the 4-5 members of the committee whose names were on the roster, and then delivered to the home of David Spitteler, who ran the Support Centre in Dandenong. This continued until mid 2022, when David closed down his operations, after 25+years of voluntary work.. The ASRC (Asylum Seeker Resource Centre) located initially in Footscray, had by then opened a new centre in Dandenong. Two members of the committee (Robin and BarbaraChamberlain) have visited this centre and made contact with a view to offering them support in the same way, although our focus in the future will be on providing specific items for their well-stocked food bank. They have no space for storing other items. We will resume the donation boxes in the new year.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Making sure that the congregation is frequently reminded that their donations are of great assistance. This can be done by messages in the weekly news bulletin, in issues of The Kingsway, and by recognising the needs of asylum seekers by marking World Human Rights Day or Refugee Day by presenting factual information about their treatment by our government - especially those who have been in detention for up to 9 years with no resolution in sight, or those 31000 whose claims have not been processed and are waiting in limbo for a determination.

Group

Badminton

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Have fun and keep fit

Current Office Bearers:

LynneBoyer. OnnChin.

Membership numbers:

20

Usual meeting attendance:

12

Meeting times and days:

Monday 7:30pm to 10pm

Locations used by Group:

Hall

Highlights of the year:

Numbers have increased with many new members becoming regular and old members returning. The Christmas breakup was enjoyed by 22 current and previous players.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Nil

Group

Bible Study Group

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Our Bible Studies are drawn from the biblical text which often involves Theology, Church History, the Biblical Text and Personal Development.

Current Office Bearers:

SusanKaroly (Coordinator)

Membership numbers:

LynnPeters, PamelaMcDonald, Rewa and BlairFeenaghty, AnnWardell, MiriniLang, KeithSutherland, BillNorquay, LindaLi, AnnaYeo, AlisonBarr

Usual meeting attendance:

11

Meeting times and days:

2nd and 4th Monday, 7.30-8.30pm

Locations used by Group:

Zoom

Highlights of the year:

This year we have taken the opportunity to move from Genesis to Revelation to understand how, where, when and by whom the texts were written. Using Historical Criticism we determined why the theme of the books were important, using Source Criticism we were able to compare the biblical texts with non-biblical texts, using Textual Criticism were able to examine the original text and the translated text, and so forth. The study examination was completed in a glossary style with the view of determining how the biblical theme of God’s covenant with humans has not changed.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

It would useful to have funds for specific bible study resources that could be purchased as text books.
It would also be useful to extend Bible Study to other forms of study such as determining one’s gifts or call to discipleship. This could be done as short courses or in a seminar style.

Group

Broadcast Ministry

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide broadcast facilities for worship services to a global audience. To record services for distribution to GWUC members and other interested parties. To create and support an in-home and hospital ministry. To record significant worship and other events. To provide technical assistance to both the Ministry team and other worship space users.

Current Office Bearers:

Chairperson = Warren Greenwood

Membership numbers:

5

Usual meeting attendance:

4

Meeting times and days:

As & when required

Locations used by Group:

Available space or online

Highlights of the year:

As we emerged from COVID the need for Online worship did not decline as much as we had expected. In fact, our worship has become a replacement offering for many churches, individuals and Community groups (nursing homes) that developed an appetite for online worship.
The ministry has grown our reach and is now enjoyed by quite large numbers.
We have a subscriber database of over 350 people worldwide. This is in addition to the (approx.) 100 logins that occur each week after live worship has finished. The YouTube and Google statistics show that we have viewers in US, UK, China, Indonesia as well as locals.
Recently, we gained the ability to also detect how many downloads of worship from our website and found that there had been more than 300 downloads for some of our services.
We have been able to provide live coverage of weddings (to China) and funerals (UK, US and Indonesia) and live worship to our sister church in Indonesia. The ministry has had a far-reaching success beyond our expectations.
We also have stories of people coming to our physical worship because of watching online. And we are aware that blind people watch due to the quality of the worship delivered by our ministry team.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

We would again like to thank the ministry team for their co-operation and creative planning of worship. They have done a spectacular job under difficult circumstances.

Group

Careful Kitchen Crew

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide leadership, training, advice and supervision regarding the implementation of GWUC's Food Safety program. We aim to assist groups using the kitchen to understand and apply safe food handling practices. Our members monitor the cleanliness of the kitchen and undertake weekly tasks to ensure that the kitchen remains a safe and usable shared space.

Current Office Bearers:

Convenor and Food Safety supervisor: Yan EMMS [2022/23]
Deputy Food Safety Supervisor: Margaret FRASER {2022/23]
Secretary: Deb GRAHAM [2022/23]
Crew Members: Lynne BOYER, Kaye MORGAN, Anna REMSON
Retired Members: Nicole BOYER, Diana COLES, Maria GILLIES, Doug NEWBERRY

Membership numbers:

6

Usual meeting attendance:

5

Meeting times and days:

3 times a year and via email

Locations used by Group:

Fellowship space

Highlights of the year:

* Annual kitchen inspection by Monash Council held in June received 100% clearance
* Based on the types of events held at GWUC, we are now a class 3 food operation, which requires less record keeping and saved half the registration fee that was required for a class2. CKC members will continue to ensure our good standard of safe food handling practices.
* Many group and church leaders undertook an online training session called DO Food Safely and received certification when they passed the test at the end of training.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Kitchen lino will require replacement

Group

Church Council

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

The Church Council shall give priority in its life to building up the Congregation in faith and love, sustaining members in hope, and leading the Congregation to a fuller participation in Christ’s mission in the world. This priority shall be reflected in the agenda of its ordinary meetings.” (UCA Regulation 3.1.2a)

Current Office Bearers:

Chair GlynHowells
Secretary DavidMorgan

Membership numbers:

10

Usual meeting attendance:

9

Meeting times and days:

Third Monday of each month on Zoom

Locations used by Group:

Zoom

Highlights of the year:

* Setting up a Joint Nominating Committee.
* Congregation commitmennt to a second full time ministry position.
* Giving challenge to the congregation.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

Communications

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

The Communications Committee is a sub- committee of the Church Council. The Communications Committee works to ensure that information about the life of the congregation is readily available to interested people and that members of the congregation know what is going on.
Specifically, the Communication Committee's role is to:
1. oversee and coordinate all communications across the congregation ensuring that they are done in a timely and inclusive manner;
2. introduce new methods of communication as appropriate;
3. facilitate the production of a church magazine (recently renamed to Kingsway) in a variety of formats (to bring the congregation together through the use of information and entertainment);
4. ensure that all church communications are clear, appropriate and that no bias or offensive content is present;
5. continue to develop GWUC's online and web presence as an outreach activity;
6. maintain all brochures and promotional material used by GWUC;
7. seek to make best use of community material to publicise events and activities at GWUC;
8. liaise with Property Committee and make use of, and manage, any external signage;
9. take advantage of free promotional media wherever possible (i.e. Real Estate boards);
10. publicise and communicate Presbytery and Synod activities and events; and
11. encourage, support and assist all forms of communications in GWUC

Current Office Bearers:

Coordinator: John Snare

Membership numbers:

Five members plus usually a member of the ministry team.

Usual meeting attendance:

Five

Meeting times and days:

First Monday of the month when possible. In 2022 there were three meetings.

Locations used by Group:

The Communications Committee meets in a meeting room at the church.

Highlights of the year:

The Communications Committee met face to face again in 2022 after the disruption of the Covid years.
The status quo for communications activities was maintained including work behind the scenes to maintain and keep operational the web site and the wiki. It is pleasing to report that after collateral? damage associated with Zuckerberg’s pre-covid dummy spit, we were able to regain control of our Facebook site and it is now routinely used as a communications channel; thank you JoanneBoldiston. A disappointment was failure to progress work to update our on-line platforms and refresh the web site. While the Integrated Social Media and Streaming Presence project specified by Church Council was a priority, little progress was possible because we were unable to find a person in the congregation willing to take the lead on this project. We will try again in 2023.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

We are seeking at least two new members for the Communications Committee. The committee needs at least one new member with a passion for using social media as a communications channel. The committee needs at least one new member with a passion for keeping the web-site design contemporary.

Group

Community Hub MG

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide oversight of the various Community Hub groups listed below.

Current Office Bearers:

GeraldineFleming (chair)
KayeMackinnon (secretary)
FayeMcDougall – Welfare
ChrisKrahn –Playgroups
JudithGreenwood -The Hub
LaurelMuir – Leisure Time
LynneBoyer – Badminton
SusanKaroly – Craft
RevNeilPeters – Council

Membership numbers:

9

Usual meeting attendance:

9

Meeting times and days:

4 times a year Feb, April, July, October

Locations used by Group:

Room 2

Highlights of the year:

Delight that the various groups are returning to their normal activities.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

ESL

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To help new arrivals, within the local community, to learn more about the English language and practise English Conversation skills, reading and writing.

Current Office Bearers:

JanClear is the Convenor.

Membership numbers:

In 2022, we had four tutors and six helpers.

Usual meeting attendance:

10-20 students-numbers were closer to 20, most weeks.

Meeting times and days:

Classes began on the 5 May, in 2022 and were conducted throughout the year, in school terms . The classes are held on Thursday mornings 11.15am-12.15pm.

Locations used by Group:

We have used room 4, as tables and chairs are set up and we have an air conditioner, TV and white board.

Highlights of the year:

Highlights. 1) We have had two helpers who speak Mandarin and this has been a great help when the students have difficulty understanding the tutor’s instructions. One of these helpers sends a What’s App message to the students a couple of days before the class so that they have some time to think about the topics.
2) Rosters and topics are prepared by the Convenor and distributed by email. One tutor is rostered on each week. The tutors are free to change the topic.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Encourage our tutors and helpers.
Visit one or more of the classes.
Offer to be a leader or a tutor.

Group

Faith Development MG

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

The Faith Development Missional Group was formed to help people both within and beyond the GWUC congregation in their spiritual journeys individually and communally. All who want to learn more about developing their relationship with God's Divine Presence are welcome in our community.
Our aims are:
• Encouraging and facilitating opportunities for people of all ages to grow and develop their relationship with God and its impact on their life in an ever-changing society.
• Empowering people to share their faith questions and providing safe places for people to wrestle with these questions.
• Listening to what people are 'seeking' and empowering and resourcing them to search for answers.
• Encouraging people to seek opportunities at all times to share their faith and help those around them to grow in their spiritual journey.

Current Office Bearers:

SusanKaroly (Coordinator), AlisonClarkson, JohnHurst, RossMackinnon, NeilPeters

Membership numbers:

Usual meeting attendance:

Meeting times and days:

Locations used by Group:

Highlights of the year:

During covid the missional group has not met but kept in touch via email. However, the many programs that are overseen by the group continue. They are:
Blogspot in Kingway Magazine: Ross Mackinnon
Bible Study (Tuesday 7.30pm, 2nd & 4th week): Susan Karoly
Intercultural Bible Study (Tuesday 7.30pm 1st & 3rd week): Lina Liu
Asking Questions. The Heretics (Friday 10.30am):
Prayer Time on line (Wednesday 7.30am) Neil Peters
Monthly Reflection on line (Thursday 7pm)
The Notice Board: Susan Karoly
Meditation (Tuesday 2pm-2.30pm; fellowship 2.45pm-3.15pm): Susan Karoly
Monthly Meditation on line: Susan Karoly

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

Finance Committee

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

The Finance Committee is a sub-committee of the Church Council. The Finance Committee works to ensure that information about the life of the congregation is compiled and communicated effectively. That members of the congregation know what is going on in terms of all Financial information required for the effective running of the Church.
The Finance Committee maintains all financial records in terms of required Accounting practices. The Finance Committee oversees the audit processes (external) completed annually.
Specifically, the Finance Committee's role is to:
1. oversee and coordinate all Finance documents and materials across the congregation ensuring that they are done in a timely and inclusive manner;
2. introduce new methods of finance management and process as appropriate eg change to using Xero in 2022 and the presentation of a Monthly Executive summary;
3. facilitate the production of a Budget and then Financial Accounts in a variety of formats (to bring the congregation together through the use of information and management reporting);
4. ensure that all church finance communications are clear, appropriate and that no bias or offensive content is present and that all assumptions are readily explained;
5. continue to develop our Finance automation using Xero in 2022 and improving our process and authorities;
6. maintain all records of funds received and expenses incurred in appropriate formats as used by GWUC;
7. seek to make best use of Standard accounting methodologies to present material to publicise our financial Accounting position to all parties within the GWUC community using current methodoly;
8. liaise with Property Committee and make use of, and manage, any external rental activities and ensure these are recorded and managed effectively;
9. take advantage of all available information to present our Accounts and financial information for Audit in a timely fashion and ensure external Audit is finalised by mid-Year;
10. publicise and communicate Presbytery and Synod directives and activities and events in relation to Finance activities; and
11. encourage, support and assist all forms of Finance Committee communications across GWUC.

Current Office Bearers:

Coordinator:
Ken Coutts

Membership numbers:

Five members plus usually a member of the ministry team.

Usual meeting attendance:

Bi-Monthly

Meeting times and days:

Second Tuesday bi-monthly 7.30PM- 9.30PM with a Christmas meeting in December

Locations used by Group:

A meeting room or Office at the church .December meeting is a morning tea or breakfast at Convenor’s home.

Highlights of the year:

• The Finance Budget and expenditure Items were approved and we ended with a sound financial result and have spent funds from the Deferred Maintenance Reserve to update Carpets, Televisions and sound system.
• ideas for Changes to process our financial Accounts and activities format have been reviewed and were implemented in 2022. Conversion to Xero.
• Treasurer confirmed for further 2-3 years from January 1, 2022.
• Implemented a Standardised monthly Executive Suite of Reports

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

FISH - Purple

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Support, Friendship and Pastoral care to all members.

Current Office Bearers:

Fiona and NeilLeister

Membership numbers:

19

Usual meeting attendance:

16

Meeting times and days:

Either Saturday or Sunday for evening meal or afternoon tea. We meet between 6 - 8 weeks.

Locations used by Group:

Our homes or café’s

Highlights of the year:

During the pandemic we had a couple of zoom meetings. General support of the group.
Some of the boys with others have a regular bike ride each Monday morning . A great opportunity for support and friendship.
We have managed to get together on several dates this year.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

None

Group

FISH - Tangerine

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Families in Sharing Homes

Current Office Bearers:

AnnetteWojak

Membership numbers:

Usual meeting attendance:

Meeting times and days:

Locations used by Group:

Highlights of the year:

The Tangerine Fish group suspended activity as a result of covid and have not yet recommenced.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

FISH - Yellow

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide social networks under the umbrella of FISH groups. Members also care for each other pastorally.

Current Office Bearers:

The convenors in 2022 have been Norma Saxton and Jan Clear. The convenors in 2023 will be Anne and Ian McMillan.

Membership numbers:

We have 24 members including Donna and Jim Robinson, in Canada.

Usual meeting attendance:

We usually have about 18, at most meetings.

Meeting times and days:

Meetings are held every 6-8 weeks, mostly Sundays for afternoon tea, lunch or dinner.

Locations used by Group:

Highlights of the year:

As members were worried about COVID, we didn’t use homes, as we have in the past. In February, we met at Jells Park for a BYO picnic tea. We had dinner on members’ decks, a few times, during the year but most meetings were held in nurseries, parks, and gardens where there were outdoor areas and we could use these areas for afternoon tea.
We celebrate members’ special birthdays and anniversaries. There is a high level of fellowship within the group. Some members meet at other times for coffee.
Church Council assistance.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Our group doesn’t need any assistance from Church Council.

Group

Free Spirit

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Music can warm the soul and bring us closer to the Lord! Free Spirit is a group of people who aim to enrich worship through music - and sometimes have some fun with other types of music as well. Free Spirit is regularly part of the worship at the Glen Waverley Uniting Church, but also likes to be part of worship with other congregations from time to time.
Free Spirit is self-funding; each member contributes $1 per week, used to buy music and cover other expenses.
Free Spirit operates under a privacy policy in accordance with Glen Waverley Uniting Church guidelines.

Current Office Bearers:

* Music director: DebLeigh
* Music selection and purchase: DebLeigh
* Music management
* Music Database: to be maintained by JohnSnare who will add music when it is purchased.
* New music: LiseHales to stamp/number/name/prepare music, ready for use.
* Music monitors: (at least 1 monitor for each part but other assistance will be required at times.)
* Sop – EvelynFleming
* Alto – MariaGillies
* Tenor – YanEmms & JacobDavey
* Bass - MichaelKennedy & MichaelFoo
* Performance calendar/schedule: JohnSnare – updates at FreeSpiritSchedule
* Roll & performance record: VidaFoo
* Friends of Free Spirit register: GeoffWillis
* Scarves and ties: JoyAllen
* Pastoral support (Prayer and care): JoyAllen (sop), JacquiKing (alto), KayeMorgan (Tenor) and MichaelFoo (Bass)
* Treasurer: JohnSnare
* Historian: JohnSnare
* Supper roster: MargaretColvin
* Stage managing events: LynMaslen

Membership numbers:

36 members plus some occasional visitors

Usual meeting attendance:

30 members

Meeting times and days:

Practice weekly on Wednesday evenings.
Singing at worship or other events in both with Glen Waverley Uniting Church and elsewhere up to twice a month, including with Glen Waverley Uniting Church worship on the fourth Sunday of each month (except December and January) alternating between 9:15am and 11:00am services.
A small group from Free Spirit members contributed to worship at 11:00am on the second Sunday of many months (but not January and December)

Locations used by Group:

Practice is held in the Church.

Highlights of the year:

1. After the Covid-19 years, Free Spirit was able to get back to normal in 2022.
2. Free Spirit regularly contributed to worship on the fourth Sunday of each month except January.
3. Small groups made up from Free Spirit members often provided music in worship on the second Sunday of each month (but not January and December).
4. Free Spirit presented a concert at Hampton Park Uniting Church in March as part of a community arts festival.
5 Free Spirit contributed to worship at Dingley Uniting Church in March.
6. Free Spirit contributed to Easter and Christmas worship.
See also FreeSpiritHighlights2022

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

None identified.

Group

Friday Morning

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To look into the deeper roots of Christianity and achieve a greater understanding of the teachings of Jesus beyond the limitations of placed by the early developers of Orthodoxy. We share a grave concern for the future of the church and Christianity as younger generations desert the churches

Current Office Bearers:

AlisonBarr, PeterStewart, HeatherWilkins, MoiraMannix, BobbieRooks, PeterBaker, EricArmstrong, AlanLemke, NeilGraham, BillNorquay

Membership numbers:

10

Usual meeting attendance:

8-10

Meeting times and days:

Friday morning 10AM

Locations used by Group:

Room 3

Highlights of the year:

Over the year we have studied many books and publications by theologians and some from retired ministers who have after many years being restricted by church doctrine have spoken out for change. Bishop John Spong, Dudley Hyde, Bill Loader, Val Webb, David Tacey and Ian Gutheridge are a few of our favourite authors

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

No special needs other than a little photocopying, the office is very helpful

Group

GOMER

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

A Fellowship group for retired men

Current Office Bearers:

DavidMorgan convenor

Membership numbers:

30

Usual meeting attendance:

15

Meeting times and days:

Monday 10am

Locations used by Group:

Fellowship area

Highlights of the year:

A full year of meeting at the church. Muddings closed and we now use Piatella for coffee, supplemented by hot chocolates made in the church kitchen. We have assumed responsibility for putting out the bins. We miss the lake walk, but Madelines remains closed on Mondays, and meeting at the church has advantages of smaller numbers and controlled ventilation during the ongoing pandemic.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

Inclusive Community MG

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To encourage and help to develop supportive relationships within the church family, to maintain and improve pastoral care and welcoming procedures, offer hospitality, support Seniors’ ministry, receive reports from sub-committees.

Current Office Bearers:

Convenor JanClear

Membership numbers:

seven members

Usual meeting attendance:

six or seven members

Meeting times and days:

The meetings are held on weekdays.

Locations used by Group:

Highlights of the year:

We receive reports at each meeting from our sub-committees -bereavement support, prayer support, supportive care link, pastoral care, cradle roll and communications. These reports are discussed and action is taken by committeee members, if necessary.
The introduction of sunflower welcomers has been successful. The roster is prepared by the Inclusive Community MG Convenor each month.
The committee members have prepared and served light lunches after the 11am service, once a month. We prepared special morning teas for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day and lunch for a Congregational meeting.
Newcomers were welcomed as guests, at the Munch with a Bunch Christmas lunch.
There is good communication and co-operation between committee members.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Provide ideas for welcoming and pastoral care.
Help with special functions.

Group

Leisure Time

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Leisure Time is a community outreach program that has been established for the principal objective for providing services for housebound and elderly within the City of Monash 

Current Office Bearers:

SusanKaroly (coordinator), MargaretFraser (deputy), KenHutchinson (Treasurer), AlisonHawkins (care and communication), AlisonClarkson (Newsletter), PatVevers (transport coordinator), LaurelMuir (minuting), JeanetteCoutts and BarbaraThompson. 
 

Membership numbers:

Volunteers (35); Guests (25) 

Usual meeting attendance:

30

Meeting times and days:

1st Monday of each month, 2-3.30pm 

Locations used by Group:

GWUC

Highlights of the year:

The LT program changed this year from a full day program to an afternoon tea. This change was due to the drop in the number of volunteers, and the drop in number of guests. It was decided to make a concerted effort to reach out to Congregational members. These members were identified by AlisonClarkson and JanClear. The combination of congregational and community guests has proved to be most successful.  
Faye Wagon set the style of the afternoon tea with four special high teas. The committee are most grateful to Faye in assisting in this changeover of the program.  
Attendance to the Christmas afternoon tea was extended to all volunteers and guests, Neil Peters and Joanne Boldistone. 
A mini giftbag of either containing Christmas Biscuits, or Christmas Cake was given to all present. 

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

Meditation Group

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

A weekly of time of quiet and contemplation. Using a selection of methods such as mindfulness, lectio Divina, visualisation, breathing and music we learn how to build an inner feeling of peace that helps us to cope with the difficulties in our life, and build a stronger bond of love with God. 

Current Office Bearers:

SusanKaroly

Membership numbers:

15

Usual meeting attendance:

10

Meeting times and days:

Tuesdays, 2-2.30pm 

Locations used by Group:

Zoom

Highlights of the year:

The group has continued to meet via zoom during the pandemic. Members of the group are mainly from GWUC but also have non-GWUC members. There is an opportunity of fellowship after meditation between 2.45-3.15pm via zoom. 
The highlight of the year was the whole group was able to meet for a Christmas Luncheon at the Church of Christ café in Montclair Road. 

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

Men's Fellowship

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

Fellowship among older men, learning from invited speakers

Current Office Bearers:

Committee of BillNorquay DavidSimpson ColinKing DougNewberry KeithWest

Membership numbers:

Usual meeting attendance:

Meeting times and days:

Locations used by Group:

Did not meet in 2022 due to pandemic

Highlights of the year:

No meeting in 2022.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Group

Munch with a bunch

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To support church members who live alone or are isolated and newcomers.

Current Office Bearers:

There are no office bearers.

Membership numbers:

thirty-five to fifty

Usual meeting attendance:

thirty-five to fifty plus Inclusive Community committee members.

Meeting times and days:

Sundays every six to eight weeks-lunchtime

Locations used by Group:

Highlights of the year:

Inclusive Community committee members have prepared and served light lunches on the 1st Sunday in the month after the 11am service. These lunches have become more popular.
Inclusive Community committee members catered and served at a couple of Munch with a Bunch lunches when the RSL was unavailable. These lunches were very successful.
Newcomers who attended our December lunch appreciated having the opportunity to meet church members, during the lunch.
We have continued to send sympathy and get well cards and cards congratulating church members.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

It would be lovely if Church Council members attended a light lunch or a catered lunch.

Group

People & Culture

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide a knowledge, technical support and administration framework for all employment and staffing matters for GWUC.

Current Office Bearers:

KenCoutts Convenor

Membership numbers:

JudyLowe, KatieHaala, LesleyArmstrong, JohnMuir

Usual meeting attendance:

Usually 4 but have had 5 at one meeting in early 2021. Meetings in 2022 have been replaced by regular updates and detailed summaries and zoom meetings

Meeting times and days:

Saturday mornings Possible – Feb, June, August , Nov in 2023.

Locations used by Group:

Home of Convenor – Hope to get together in late February 2022.
Church meeting room

Highlights of the year:

(Summarise the achievements, excitement and any special events during the year).
-An important year re forward staffing and planning re our staffing mix and fit for the forthcoming 3-4 years with favourable outcomes after the resignation of Alanee Hearnshaw in July 2022.
-Input and finalisation of succession planning outcomes and provision of transition with Rev Neil Peters planning to retire in December / January 2024
-supported Church Council with input as to Rev Neil Peters transition arrangements and detailed planning re Jan 2024 of existing team. Provided detailed summary of issues and timings and requirements to lock in our plans and agreed a Manse allowance from January 2023.
Will be involved re roll and actions
-Completion of Extension of contract for Di Paterson and change to Pastor position designation in early 2020 and then renegotiation of Di Paterson’s contract in December 2022 and potentially 2023.
-Manage employment and performance issues for Church Council in terms of our contracts and legal obligations under employment law and awards.
-Review and Updating of Office Manager role and Hours and agreement through Church Council and further extension for another 3 year with salary increment finalised in December 2022 for implementation in January 2023. Agreed with documentation completed January 2023 small salary increment.
-Extension of Welfare Coordinator in December 2022 for 2023 year. Gained sign off and engagement with Presbytery.
-Review of Office Hours confirmed current arrangements.
-Updated processes and review of our Annual Leave processes and the availing and planning of A/L for 2022 and 2023 with detailed reporting process implemented. Done.
- Manage and approve LSL issues for our team with Neil and Alanee planning such for 2022. Done
-Agreement as to Office Hours and Staffing over Christmas / New Year December 2022.
-Creation of Provision for LSL (annual basis) - Done.
-Maintain Office Manual as a working document for GWUC processes still further work to update current document (to be updated after conversion to Xero from MYOB and delayed until March / April 2023.
-Maintain our Employment contracts and Personal Records securely.
-Manage our salary and allowances records and reporting to Synod P & C and via award reviews and correspondence from CSPS.
- Extensive dealings with Synod Payroll CSPS (Michelle Ennis).
- Process extension of contract re Jemma Graham as Children and Families Worker for 2 months approx. from end of January 2023 to Easter.
-

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

-None we receive input and strong support from Chair-person , Secretary and other members of CC.
-Strong relationship with Presbytery and Synod
-Seeking to have another experienced HR person to join our committee in 2023.

Group

Playgroup Volunteers

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To provide a welcoming, safe, friendly and supportive place for parents, grandparents or carers and their young children to meet and play together.

Current Office Bearers:

ChrisKrahn assisted by KayeMackinnon, LesleyLamble, Rosalie O’Dea and RebeccaCornall

Membership numbers:

Average term membership 9 children plus accompanying parent or carer

Usual meeting attendance:

4-9 children plus accompanying parent or carer

Meeting times and days:

10am -12 midday on Monday and Tuesday

Locations used by Group:

Rooms 2 and 3, outside Playground

Highlights of the year:

Witnessing developing friendships of parents or carers new to area
Witnessing social developments and achievement of skills of children aged 6 months to 5 years old
Allowing adult participants to improve their English speaking skills and join community activities including GWUC assistance programs

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Assist with advertising in the Monash community.
Maintenance of outdoor playground and equipment.
Cleaning of floors and carpet in indoor play areas.
Most importantly help is desperately needed with recruiting helpers for playgroup as we only have 4-5 volunteers which incorporates 2 volunteers on each day we operate, but if one is not able to attend on rostered day cover falls on those already involved

Group

Property Committee

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To maintain, expand and care for the Property/s used by the Glen Waverley Uniting Church for the benefit of all of the congregation and act as a stewardship caretaker for those properties on behalf of the Uniting Church in Australia.
To generate income from the property in a manner that is consistent with the UCA and GWUC philosophies.

Current Office Bearers:

Chairperson = WarrenGreenwood

Membership numbers:

8

Usual meeting attendance:

8

Meeting times and days:

First Monday of each month

Locations used by Group:

Rooms 1 or 4

Highlights of the year:

As GWUC has emerged from the COVID restrictions most, but not all, of the Property users have returned to normal rental behaviours. To entice them back we chose not to increase the 2022/2023 rental charges, but a small increase will be introduced late 2023. The specific highlights of 2022 are as follows:-
* The 5 year carpet update project throughout the complex has been completed.
* The replacement of all incandescent or hyalogen lighting, with efficient LED lighting has continued. We have replaced about 50% of all lighting.
* The solar system continues to deliver huge savings (of around $10,000 p.a.) to our congregation.
* Solar panels were installed on 17 Southdown (same as 15 S/D) and are working really well.
* In February we applied for a Department of Sustainability 50% of capital cost grant to replace the broken Foyer and Fellowship in-ceiling heating system with heating and cooling. We were successful and received a grant of $10,025 being 50% of the total project costs. The installation of 4 Inverter A/c units has been completed and they are working brilliantly. They are also significantly lower cost to run.
* Careful Kitchen Crew continued to pass all Monash Council Food Safety inspections and recently have also been successful in having our church classification reduced from Class 2 to Class 3 meaning a halving of annual fees and reduced Food Safety administrative tasks. (In my language we are no longer considered to be a Restaurant Classification) This is a big step in easing of the workload on everyone.
* No major accidents or injury incidents occurred during 2022
* Throughout 2022 there was an amazing dedication of the volunteers who sweep, mow, clean and repair the complex. Every week. It is incredible that we have over 50 people who give generously of their time. However, like reported last year, they/we are aging, and tasks are being simplified and reviewed to ensure their necessity or current frequency.
* The dedication and reliability of the small property team.
* We have been successful in getting a few people to do small tasks rather than large, rostered tasks. This has been wonderful.
* With the departure of the 17 Southdown Ave manse occupant in October, work has commenced on refreshing the manse for a future occupant. Similarly with 15 Southdown, we will have work to do in 2023 as Rev Neil Peters moves into his own new home.
* Again, I would like to thank all our hirers and congregation members who have respected our property and ensured it is maintained in good condition.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Like all groups, we would welcome volunteers to do small tasks.

Group

The Hub

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To welcome and offer hospitality to all who come to The Hub. To grow relationships with these visitors. To make connections with other community groups. To continue our current activities and, if possible, create new activities arising from the needs of people in our community.

Current Office Bearers:

Co-ordinator – JudithGreenwood
Secretary – LaurelMuir
THE HUB SMALL GROUP – JudithGreenwood, LaurelMuir, GeraldineFleming, KayeMackinnon, DebGraham, LynneBoyer, AnnetteWojak.

Membership numbers:

33 volunteers – this number includes those who help at The Hub sessions, and those who just help at our Special Morning Teas.

Usual meeting attendance:

Visitors to The Hub varies each week. Can be 1 or 2, or 10 or more. Average for the year about 4 or 5. The Hub only operated 3 terms in 2022. The Hub Small Group met once during the year – 6 attended.

Meeting times and days:

The Hub Small Group met once during the year and emailed other times. The Hub operated on a Tuesday morning 10am – 12pm during terms 2, 3 and 4. Special Morning Teas at The Hub were held during the year, 1 on a Wednesday and 3 on a Thursday morning, 10am – 12pm.

Locations used by Group:

Fellowship area, foyer and kitchen.

Highlights of the year:

It was great to be back at The Hub again after covid restrictions in the past few years. Some of our visitors who came to The Hub in 2019 were happy to be back at The Hub and to see us again. A few are coming regularly.
Our Special Morning Teas were attended by a good number of people including some from the wider community. While these numbers were not as many as in pre covid times, we felt there was a good atmosphere and plenty of conversations taking place.
Coping with the pandemic – When The Hub wasn’t operating we kept in contact by emails and phone calls. Now that we are operating again, it’s great to see people in person. Our Hub volunteers are doing a great job!

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

Please pray for The Hub, our volunteers and our visitors.

Group

UCAF

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To enable members to share in Christ’s mission, meeting together for fellowship. Service and worship.

Current Office Bearers:

President: Margaret Duncan
Vice-President: BarbaraThompson
Treasurer: NormaSaxton
Secretary: MargaretDuncan
Committee: GeraldineFleming, DianaColes, MaureenBall

Membership numbers:

35

Usual meeting attendance:

Average of 24

Meeting times and days:

1st Tuesday of the month

Locations used by Group:

Fellowship area, Room 1

Highlights of the year:

Our Guest Speakers in 2022 were Susan Karoly, Alanee Hearnshaw, Maria Gillies, Rev Linley Liersch and Meredith Allan, Pauline McKinnon, Keith Hallett, Dr. Cheryl Threadgold OAM, Ross Mackinnon. Our speakers brought a variety of topics including their live and interests, Japanese/Chinese embroidery, effects of having a disability in todays society, history of Sunday School, Amateur theatre and its history in Victoria, relaxation and meditation methods and benefits and the origin of TAFE. Because of Covid restrictions no special food was included at morning tea. There was no May fund raising luncheon.

Any needs that Church Council can assist:

No we feel well catered for thank you.

Group

CraftGroup

Purpose, Aim or Mission of the Group:

To offer a time of fellowship through the medium of craft. This program is open to members and non-members of GWUC.

Current Office Bearers:

SusanKaroly (Cordinator)

Membership numbers:

GaelOBrien, RewaFeenaghty, GeraldineFleming, MaureenBall, RuthDayment,

Usual meeting attendance:

5

Meeting times and days:

2nd & 4th Monday, 10-2pm

Locations used by Group:

GWUC

Highlights of the year:

Craft Group had been operating as an independent group but this year was delighted to come under the umbrella of the Community Hub.
With the Church Fete being cancelled for three years, it was decided to use left over craft items from the LT cupboard with the view of having a Christmas Market. With the support of LT items and sponsorship the market was held over two Saturdays and over $1500 was raised for welfare ministry.

Any needs that Church Council can assist: