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MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION - Minutes

Held in the Worship Centre, 4 Jul 2011. Meeting chaired by Graeme Frecker, Chair of the Congregation.

1. WELCOME

The Chairman welcomed 72 members to the meeting. He advised the meeting there was a small adjustment to the Agenda, at the request of the Ministry Team. Their report will include the devotions.

2. APOLOGIES

received from: Jacqui King, Colin King, Pam McDonald, Lyn McDonald, John Kenez, Warren Bartlett, Lorraine Bartlett, Alan Robison, Heather Robison, Merle Robinson, Neil Leister, Ross Mackinnon, Keith Boundy, Graham Pottenger, Merold Milner, Graeme Milner, Geraldine Fleming, Robert Fleming, Elwyn Pederson, Helen Boucher, David Boucher, Kaye Morgan.

3. DEVOTIONS

given by Rosemary Carter, who read from Romans, and spoke about Celebration and Diversity. Pictures were shown of activities at GWUC, whilst Roger Vass played the piano. She then led us in prayer.

4. MINISTRY TEAM REPORT

Rosemary, Greg and Alanee all spoke, and gave focus to the people at GWUC developing their relationship with each other. How do we see our church? How do the team lead a congregation of this size? We are a community of faith – doing something together. Worship, Outreach, Inclusive Community, The Hub, Faith, - all encourage people to grow in faith.

5. CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

of the meeting of March 22, 2011 were taken as a true record.
Moved: John Hurst, Seconded, Margaret Williams. [A comment from the floor - re the absence of Minutes being sent electronically. – The Secretary will follow this up].

6. BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES

Nil

7. CORRESPONDENCE

Nil

8. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CONGREGATION OUTREACH PROJECT 2011

Heather Hon gave this report, and acknowledged the work of Neil Leister and Alice Barelli who met with all the applicants to gather a fuller understanding of their chosen projects.
Heather then spoke to a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation and gave details of all the projects recommended by the selection panel.
Details of these projects are here.

• Friends of Baguia Inc [East Timor] $3,600
• Habitat for Humanity Australia [Vic] Inc $4,500
• Hotham Mission Asylum Seeker Project $2,500
• Mission in Action [Kenya] $7,400
• New Hope Counselling $1,500
• Rubaga Youth Development [Uganda] $ 500
  • Total $20,000

Heather then put the following motions to the meeting:

8.1. Motion 1:

“That the total proceeds from the 2011 GWUC fete are allocated to COP Projects”.
Seconded: Michael Coles.
There were no questions.
Carried by consensus.

8.2. Motion 2:

“That the proceeds are allocated as per COP Panel Recommendations”.
Seconded: Kaye Mackinnon.
There were no questions.
Carried by consensus

8.3. Motion 3:

“If proceeds are less than $20,000, re-allocation of funds is at the discretion of the COP Selection Panel:.
Seconded: Margaret Lemke.
There were no questions.
Carried by consensus
The Chairman, Graeme Frecker thanked Heather, and the Selection Panel for their work.
The meeting responded with acclamation.

9. CHURCH COUNCIL REPORT

Chair of Church Council, John Hurst spoke to a comprehensive PowerPoint demonstration, which showed the work of the Council for the first half of 2011. There were questions asked and answered:

• Debbie Davey’s placement finished, at her request, at the end of April 2011.
• 9.30 service – Community of Faith to undertake a review of services, including 9.30 service, during August.

• A graph showing attendances at the various services was shown.

• The Office Manager position.

Irene Marriott sought permission to speak to the meeting.
Irene spoke of her concern at Wendy Wyatt’s departure from the office, and asked that the Church Council re-visit the decision.
John Hurst responded that he believed the matter to be confidential to the Council, and it was not appropriate to open it for discussion at the meeting.
Wendy’s contract ends on August 31st, 2011.
Graeme Frecker then read the “Statement of Employment”.
Position will be advertised within a matter of weeks, and Church Council Executive will organise a selection panel.
Irene Marriott then read a statement from members of Club 2011.
Statement tabled, available at CongMeeting4Jul2011Tabled01.

10. “ON THE WAY TOGETHER” – intentions for Mission 2011

10.1. Community of Faith

report prepared by Colin King circulated to meeting and attached.

10.2. Inclusive Community

report given by Jan Clear – attached.
John Hurst informed the meeting that Jan Clear is involved with 18 of the 70 groups at GWUC. The meeting responded with acclamation.

10.3. The Hub

report given by Judith Greenwood – attached.
Thanks to Judith for her delicious biscuits. The meeting responded with acclamation.

11. ELDERS REPORT

Report given by Belinda Clear – attached

12. PRESBYTERY REPORT

Given by John Hurst

13. ELECTION OF REPRESENTATIVES TO PRESBYTERY

Current representatives; John Hurst, Alison Clarkson, Brian Clarkson [deceased] All positions declared vacant.
Nominations called for.
Michael Coles nominated John Hurst.
David Morgan nominated Alison Clarkson [subject to her acceptance on her return from overseas].
John Hurst and Alison Clarkson were duly appointed. The meeting responded with acclamation.
David Morgan moved, Rosemary Carter seconded, “ that Church Council have responsibility to seek to appoint a third representative”. Carried by consensus

14. ELECTION OF SECRETARY OF CONGREGATION

This position was declared vacant.
Margaret Williams nominated Faye Wagon. Nomination declined.
Alanee Hearnshaw nominated Neil Skilton, Seconded: Michael Coles.
No further nominations received.
Neil Skilton was appointed.
The meeting responded with acclamation.

15. ELECTION OF CHAIR OF CONGREGATION

This position was declared vacant. Graeme Frecker’s term of office expired. Not re-nominating.
There being no nominations this will need to be revisited at next meeting of the Congregation. The position remains vacant.

16. CLOSURE

Greg Fry thanked Graeme Frecker and Faye Wagon for their service.
The meeting responded with acclamation.
The Benediction was said together.