Congregational Minutes - March 2006

ARMADALE UNITING CHURCH

MINUTES OF CONGREGATIONAL MEETING HELD ARMADALE UNITING CHURCH

5 MARCH 2006

PRESENT - Ian Thomas (Chair), Rev Judith Watkins and approximately 35 members, adherents and visitors.

MEETING OPENED with Prayer at 11.15 am

MINUTE SECRETARY

Resolved that Graeme Harris be appointed as minute secretary (Moved Ian Thomas, seconded Keith Ferguson).

MINISTER’S REPORT

Copies of the Minister’s Report were circulated. Rev Judith Watkins spoke about some of the issues mentioned, including responsibility for Cornwall has passed to Harrison Community Services. Thanks were expressed to all concerned. The new arrangements are working very well.

David McNicol has been appointed Director of Music, and he is supported by Christine Oldham on the days when he is unavailable.

Elections for Elders and the Church Council will occur within the next few weeks.

Bible Studies - Judith is organising the Disciple program, in 5 week blocks, with 3 blocks for the rest of 2006. Proposed times are Monday evenings at 8 pm and Friday mornings at 10 am. There may also be some participants from neighbouring congregations. There is a cost for the materials but this will not be allowed to stand in anyone’s way.

The report was received on the motion of Steven Mason, seconded Bruce McMullin, and appreciation expressed for Judith’s continued good work.

TREASUER’S REPORT

Accounts for 2005 – Betty Terrell circulated these and drew attention to:

Offerings through envelopes/direct debits were at about the rate as in the previous year, and open plate offerings were slightly up.

The amount from “special efforts” during the year was well down

One helpful legacy (Ruth Sampbell) had been received.

Receipts from property formed a important component

Significant property outgoings were incurred.

$10,000 from the funds invested had been drawn down (not sustainable in the longer term)

Discussion on the accounts included Judith’s report that the Church Council is establishing a sub-committee to address issues of what now appears to a structural deficit.

The accounts were received and Betty was thanked by acclamation.

GENERAL BUSINESS

Secretarial arrangements – Ian Thomas has accepted the position of correspondence secretary of the Church Council, and Graeme Harris is minute secretary.

125th Anniversary –This year is the 125th anniversary of a Church on the Kooyong Road site and a sub-committee of Council had been formed to plan for an appropriate “Back to Armadale” day.

The meeting concluded at 11.35 am with Ian Thomas being thanked by acclamation for his work as Chairman.