Armadale Uniting Church

Church Council Minutes - April 2007
 

ARMADALE UNITING CHURCH

MINUTES OF CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT RITA BERRY ROOM

19 APRIL 2007

 

PRESENT- Rev Judith Watkins (chair),  Bruce McMullin, Lesley McMullin, Bill Rush, Betty Terrell, Robin Ahin,  Margaret Turnbull, Ian Thomas, David Fallick, Lyn Ferguson, Graeme Harris 

PRESENT- Rev Judith Watkins (chair),  Bruce McMullin, Lesley McMullin, Bill Rush, Betty Terrell, Robin Ahin,  Margaret Turnbull, Ian Thomas, David Fallick, Lyn Ferguson, Graeme Harris.

 APOLOGIES -  Nicholas Barclay

 

MEETING OPENED at approximately 8.00 pm with reading from John 21.

 

MINUTES  - Minutes of March meeting confirmed.

 

BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES –

 

          Concerts during 2007 – Judith provided an update.   Roxanne is not available (for July concert), so David McNicoll has booked Helen Noonan.  The ticket price is envisaged to be $20.   Judith has approached Melissa Langton and Mark Jones for the 22 September concert, who are available but would charge $1000 (reduced from $2000).    Some discussion took place about this figure, but the consensus was that it would be acceptable.     A commitment to all 3 concerts was desirable at this stage so that they could be promoted as a series (including the community group concert in December).

 

          Discussion occurred about supporting the series.   David McNicoll and Judith have been liaising with the artists, and David Fallick and Robin Ahin agreed to co-ordinate the publicity.   The remaining requirement relates to co-ordination of bookings – to be discussed further.

 

          John Bell workshops (2 June) –  Judith and Bill Rush are arranging the publicity.  Toorak UC have offered support, perhaps in relation to the morning and afternoon teas.   Further discussion occurred in relation to the provision of lunches, possibly with an external caterer, but the consensus was that the effort would be disproportionate, especially as some attendees would BYO and there are numerous cafes etc in the vicinity.  Judith will look after John Bell. If there is a good financial outcome, some contribution should be made towards the Centre for Theology & Ministry’s underwriting of John’s trip. Bill Rush agreed to handle bookings, and Judith will talk to Robin Ahin about preparing a flyer. See Iona website - http://www.iona.org.uk/index.htm

 

          Dolly Wheels for Piano  - As previously mentioned, David McNicoll had an estimate of between$500 and $1000. Judith has obtained a quote of $660 – agreed to proceed with this.  Note that even with dolly wheels, care will need to be taken when moving piano across carpet.  Discussion re arrangements to tune piano (Ian Chambers does this).

         

          Other items – as discussed under relevant headings below.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

          National Church & Life Survey – report received, see below.

          Synod – Proposal for smaller number of Presbyteries, to be 7 in Victoria from 2008 instead of 13 as at present.    Armadale will be in Port Philip East (query if this is final name?), but a number of other congregations are yet to be allocated.  The intention is that Presbyteries will be better resourced (3 paid positions in each), but there will be consequential changes at Synod.  

          Synod – policy on “serious incidents” (to be notified within 72 hours).

          Nepean Presbytery handbook – the last one.

          Bentleigh UC – invitation to induction on 29 April.

 

FAITH AND SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

          Disciple program – This is continuing.

          Mothers Group – to meet on 3 May and thereafter fortnightly at 10 am on Thursdays, to develop faith and answer childrens’ questions.   Anyone is welcome, but focus is on mothers and children.

          Sunday School/Family service – the children and their parents all want to seem to go out of the Church during the service.  Planning these services is a challenge, and Judith intends to call a meeting on 6 May at 3 pm to discuss the issues, especially ways of sharing the load.

          Easter/Cards – these appeared to achieve some responses at Easter, and it was suggested that they should be preferred to paid advertising in the future.

.         Continuing development – Judith to attend Presbytery Ministers’ Retreat on 7 – 9 May, and following this Wal Baker will take the service on 13 May.  Doug Miller to preach on 17 June this day (his final service before taking up appointment at Wesley).   Judith will also be on study/annual leave on 3 and 10 June.  Wal Baker will also take these services.  Consider marking the occasion in some way for Doug and Leonie.

          Joint Service – to be at Holy Advent on 29 April, at 5 pm.  Discussion re Good Friday service – the Baptists preferred to concentrate on the joint service and did not join us.   Discussion occurred about the tradition in the Parish of joint services, and it was suggested that this should continue in future years if possible (particularly Good Friday next year).

          Centre for Theology and Ministry – the official opening is on Friday 15 June.  John Bell will attend..

PROPERTY

          1 Clarendon St – Neighbour (Neil Jack) has approached the Church in relation to the Council storm water drain that is supposed to be on their property but has apparently fallen into disuse since the renovations of the property by the previous owner.  They would like the Church to consider having the drain placed by Stonnington on the strip of Church land on the east side of the hall.   While the Council had no basic objection to the proposal, it was felt that it needed to be sure that all the issues were taken into account.  For example, would Stonnington require an easement?   What restrictions or implications would follow for the future use of the land by the Church?    David F would respond to the neighbours to the effect that the Church was considering the matter, and talk to Rob Turnbull to identify any issues.

          Watsons air conditioner – need to write to confirm that it is encroaching on Church land (after checking what has previously been said/written).

          Manse - Updating heating units.  Judith has obtained one quote, but will look into other options.

TREASURER’S REPORT

          Invoice for Easter cards – received.   Good Friday appeal raised $145.  No formal report this month.

GENERAL BUSINESS

          National Church & Life Survey – The extensive materials that had been received were noted.   There was a brief discussion, but detailed review deferred.

          Appeals – suggested that where Open Plate collections go to an appeal (as on Good Friday), the amount should be mentioned in a future Order of Service       

          Working bee – to be held on 12 May.  Ann Lovell will co-ordinate taking an inventory in the kitchen, Graeme Harris will trim some of the plants.

          Emergency Procedures – held over.

          Congregational meeting – next Sunday, 25 March.

          Sermons on the web  – Judith is giving thought to this (Krystyna is encouraging this).  The Council also thought it would be a good idea.

          Memorial service for Owen Parnaby – to occur at Queens College on 2 May

                       

PASTORAL CONCERNS  - Judith provided a report, mentioning among others that Ed Hallifax had recently celebrated her 89th birthday

 

NEXT MEETING  - 3rd Thursday of May – 17 May, at the Manse 8.00 pm.

 

MEETING CLOSED with the Benediction at 10.05 pm.