Church Council Minutes

8 AUGUST 2006

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

APOLOGIES, Ann Lovell, Lyn Ferguson.

MEETING OPENED at 8.00 pm with prayer and reading .

MINUTES of meeting on 11 July 2006 as circulated taken as correct, subject to correction of the minute relating to the sign – should have been “agreed on”.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES

Organ – Work had commenced, and should be finished (or close to) this week. No account yet received for the deposit.

Sign – Material as noted at last meeting to be circulated shortly.

Church Anniversary. Judith reported on discussion that had occurred at the sub-committee immediately before the meeting: Complex should be open on Saturday 21 October, and concert is looking likely. There would be a suggested donation for the concert. Trading table and auction also proposed for Saturday. Robin Ahin has prepared a very impressive slide show, which would be able to be continuously displayed (Judith can hopefully arrange for a projector). Co-ordinators are needed for the trading table and auction (some names were suggested, to be approached). Also, items for the auction are needed. Sunday will involve the 10 am service followed by international lunch. No formal payment for the lunch would be expected, although there would be an opportunity for donations to be made to the organ fund. The service would be based on the normal service, but previous ministers would be invited to give a short talk at lunch. Address list now in reasonable shape (although always room for improvement), and Graeme would mail out preliminary notice in the next week or so. Margaret Turnbull confirmed that it is in order to name her as the person to receive responses.

FAITH AND SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

Disciple course – The program is continuing.

Family Services – continue to be on the 2nd Sunday, and also on other occasions when appropriate

Missional Community – Judith reported on the retreat she had attended on this topic. It had included an excellent address by Randall Pryor. Judith had facilitated a discussion group of clergy from small rural churches (originally intended to be urban churches). She had found this and the retreat overall stimulating.

Baptismal Requests – Judith has received these from Michelle for Teagin and Jeanine for Eliza. 26 November has been suggested (possibly both on the same day). Judith will discuss the form of the vows to be undertaken by the parents with them.

PROPERTY

Organ – see report above

Gentle Exercise – Cheryl will follow up as and if appropriate.

Manse –David will review with Judith. (NB Lyn’s comment at previous meeting that Keith could undertake some routine work).

TREASURER’S REPORT

Treasurer’s Report – No formal report this month. Discussion regarding amount to be contributed to Mission & Service Fund, and agreed that “challenge” amount of $3000 should be contributed (in lieu of requested amount of $2950). Thanks were also expressed to Betty for her continuing work, including attending meetings as called on.

CORRESPNDENCE

List –tabled, as prepared by Ian Thomas. Action as per list to be taken.

GENERAL BUSINESS

Combined Meeting of the Kooyong Road church councils– This will occur at 7.45 pm on Tuesday 29 August, at the Armadale Baptist Church. All members of the AUC Council are invited, to meet with the equivalent bodies of Holy Advent and the Baptist Church to discuss Issues in the Congregation and Community. The objective is to get to know each other and to identify opportunities to work together. Lesley commented that some years ago there had been an Armadale Inter-Church Council. Each Church would be invited to give a 7 minute presentation. It was agreed that David Fallick should lead this, with input from Robin Ahin, Betty Terrell and Bruce McMullin

Leave – it was noted that Judith would be taking study and annual leave from 26 August until 3 September for her annual retreat and a Women in Ministry conference. Rev Robyn French will lead worship on 27 August and Rev Fran Barber will lead worship on 3 September. Judith would also be attending a Ministry in a Time of Transition conference on 19 to 21 September, and a Preaching and Teaching in the Year of Luke conference from 14 to 16 November, and may be able to take some of the annual leave due to her at the end of October.

Pastoral Care – Judith is keen to re-activate Pastoral Care List. Amongst other things, this would be a means of broadening the relationship of a number of people with AUC (some of these relationships are at present very dependent on Judith). Judith would like to hear from anyone who could contribute to a ministry of visitation, and would be prepared to train people for this (for example, why visit, acting with sensitivity, use of prompts (eg newsletter).

Intercessions – Judith will also provide training for those who lead the intercessionary prayer. She will email those involved.

Presbytery Consultation at Heatherton Dingley – Judith and Ann plan to provide their report on 20 August. They will leave immediately after the sermon.

National Church & Life Survey – due to be undertaken soon. Noted that we have to pay even to be surveyed!

PASTORAL CONCERNS included Ed Hallifax, Norma McNolty, Owen Parnaby, Betty Emms, Colin, Tabatha, Reg, Sylvana and Susan Y and others

NEXT MEETING to be at 8 pm, Tuesday 12 September

The meeting concluded at 9.45 pm with the Benediction.

ELDERS AND CHURCH COUNCILLORS

Elected November 2005

Church Councillors -

Nicholas Barclay, for a period of 5 years

Graeme Harris, for a period of 5 years

Ann Lovell, for a period of 5 years

Elected June 2006

Elders -

Bruce McMullin, for a period of 3 years

Betty Terrell, for a period of 3 years

Ian Thomas, for a period of 5 years

Lesley McMullin, for a period of 5 years

Church Councillors -

Robin Ahin, for a period of 5 years

Margaret Turnbull, for a period of 1 year

David Fallick, for a period of 5 years

Bill Rush, for a period of 5 years

Elected July 2007

Lyn Ferguson was elected as Elder for a period of 4 years:

(Please let me know if any corrections need to be made to the above)

Church Council Minutes - August 2006

ARMADALE UNITING CHURCH

MINUTES OF CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT RITA BERRY ROOM