Armadale Uniting Church

Church Council Minutes - 27 March 2008

ARMADALE UNITING CHURCH 

 

MINUTES OF CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT RETA BERRY ROOM 27 MARCH 2008

 

PRESENT-   Bill Rush (chair), Betty Terrell, Bruce McMullin, Lesley McMullin, Ian Thomas, David Fallick, Lyn Ferguson, Robin Ahin, Nicholas Barclay, Graeme Harris.

 

IN ATTENDANCE – Martin Wright.

 

APOLOGIES - Margaret Turnbull, Ann Lovell.

MEETING OPENED at 8.05 pm with prayer.   The meeting confirmed that Bill Rush should act as Chair.

MINUTES - February minutes confirmed (ABM/WR).  

BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES

             Judith’s Farewell – Noted that this had occurred, and a vote of thanks was carried by acclamation to Robin Ahin and all who assisted in the lunch, as well as with the combined lunch with Holy Advent and Armadale Baptist earlier in February.

             Data Projector – Laminated instruction sheet to be prepared (in progress).  Appeal for funds is still open (some way to go yet – mention in notices).

             Treasurer and Auditor – BT confirmed her desire to hand over the position of Treasurer in the next 12 months.   This needs to be someone who can attend Church and Council meetings regularly (would probably be made a member of Council).   In relation to an auditor (needed now, for last year’s accounts), enquiries so far have not yet been successful, but some suggestions were made and further possibilities will be considered.

             Parish Directory – GH has received this from Judith.  

             Manse - see below.

CORRESPONDENCE

IT tabled the following:

             Newsletter and promotion materials – “Ten Commandments” resource pack, Strathdon, Bible Society, UCA Frontier Services, UCA Commission for Mission, “Sock it to You”, Theatre Organ Society.

             Stonnington Council – Guidelines & Application for community grants.

             National Christian Youth Council 2009 - material for next conference (to be held in Perth?)

             UCA – OH&S & Risk Management Training Schedule – passed to NB

             Presbytery of Nepean – UC information March 2008.

             David McNicol – letter.

             Marg Turnbull – end of term as member of Council. Noted with regret, and appreciation expressed for her time on Council.

             National Church & Life Survey – account for 2006 survey.

FAITH AND SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

             Visitation -  It was noted that Judith had provided visiting training to 11 members of the Congregation, and some of these had formed a Care & Communications Group (Robin Ahin, Catherine Barclay, Lyn Ferguson, Janine Purdy and Ian Thomas).  A copy of the list of visitors was circulated subsequent to the meeting.   Discussion occurred as to the appropriate feedback from persons making visits.   Pastoral matters should be promptly communicated to Martin (or the Minister), but in addition there was a suggestion that the Council should exercise general oversight over the program to ensure that it was occurring.

             Report by Martin – Martin drew attention to the fact that he will have already been at Armadale for 4 weeks on the forthcoming Sunday.   The arrangements are that he should spend 2 days on pastoral care and 1 on worship, which he is managing by splitting most days between both duties.   He has been active in visiting, but needs to be kept informed about people who would benefit from a visit, as well as feedback generally on what else is required (discussion occurred about the East Stonnington Ministers’ Association and relationships with Andrew Somerville and Val Rogers).