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Armadale Uniting Church |
Church Council Minutes - 16 August 2007
ARMADALE UNITING CHURCH
MINUTES OF CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT RITA BERRY ROOM
16 AUGUST 2007
PRESENT- Rev Judith Watkins (chair), Bruce McMullin, Lesley McMullin, Ian Thomas, Bill Rush, David Fallick, Margaret Turnbull, Graeme Harris.
APOLOGIES - Betty Terrell (travelling), Ann Lovell, Lyn Ferguson, Robin Ahin (ill), Nicholas Barclay.
MEETING OPENED at 8.15 pm with reading from Hebrews and commentary on “Faith”.
CHAIR – Judith expressed appreciation for the support recently provided to her.
MINUTES - Minutes of July meeting confirmed, after noting that Judith is also to be on sub-committee to consider technology.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES
Retreat – noted that this is to occur on Saturday 20 October 2 to 4 pm, at Carmelite Monastery, Kew. Although they do not request payment, it was agreed that a donation of $100 should be given.
Church Family Camp – to occur at Camp Wilkin, Anglesea, 9 – 11 November. Another group will be present but we only need to join them for meals. Individual rooms (family/double etc), cost $86 including all meals. Judith is seeking volunteers to help in the planning.
Community Concert, 2 December– Tuesday Singers and Recorder Orchestra will participate, but Kooyong Players have declined. Judith will approach other groups (possibly including Male Choir?). Proceeds to Christmas Bowl?
Stonnington re Clarendon Street parking – Council has confirmed to Judith that the changes do not affect the parking arrangements in Clarendon St adjacent to the Church.
Strategic Congregations – Ian has responded to Presbytery, broadly agreeing with their views in relation to Armadale but dissenting on the idea of a coffee shop (given the competition from High Street!).
Other items as noted below.
CORRESPONDENCE
Various appeals – requests for assistance.
Synod – monthly letter including details re Synod and procedures to archive records.
FAITH AND SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP
Membership of the Church - As mentioned in previous minutes, a paper (“A Church of Passionate Disciples”) has been prepared regarding membership of the Church (see http://assembly.uca.org.au/.), which is to be considered by the Assembly after review by Standing Committee. Judith suggests that Council members should review it, in preparation for discussion at next meeting. Although the whole paper should be read, of particular significance is that a “person’s tie with the local congregation be expressed in an annual covenant service such as that offered in Uniting in Worship 2. This will normally occur at the beginning of the year, as soon as people return from holidays. [It is envisaged] that within the covenant service will be embedded a section which invites individuals to commit to specific ways they will live out their baptism in the year to come……”
Synod – Judith will attend - 23 to 26 September at La Trobe Uni. See http://synod2007.victas.uca.org.au. Opening service at 5 pm on Sunday 23 September.
Presbytery – Ann will continue to attend.
Joint Service – This occurred on 22 July and Archbishop Philip Freier preached.
Doug Miller's Induction at Wesley – This occurred on 22 July. Attendance was reasonable.
Disciple - Program has resumed.
Thursday morning group – Judith gave a short report regarding the focus of this group..
Sunday Kids Club – Broadly seems OK, some tweaking of program still occurring, particularly to engage teenagers. There has been a good response to the material.
Baptisms – Judith has had 2 requests. Jo has made tentative enquires, and plans to attend a service to take the matter further. Nicole & Judy Gough have had a frank discussed with Judith, as a result of which Judith is satisfied that an appropriate level of commitment exists. Agreed to be guided by Judith in this matter.
Visiting – Judith is progressing the “Care & Commitment” project, including preparation of letter to be delivered.
PROPERTY
Watson's air conditioner. David F reviewing draft letter.
Manse – David and Judith reported on the position regarding heating units, and the various relevant considerations were discussed. It was agreed to proceed with a moveable electric heater (“IXL Ultimate”) plus 3.5 kw split level system for upstairs (including switchboard upgrade if necessary). DF to follow up.
TREASURER’S REPORT
No report as Betty is travelling. Books are understood to have been audited.
GENERAL BUSINESS
Audio visual equipment – Discussion occurred re the status of the audio and audio visual equipment currently in use. It was noted that the speaker system seems to be operating satisfactorily, so long as batteries are replaced when needed. A range of views existed as to whether enhanced visual equipment could lead to a lessening of the spiritual feel in the Church, as well as the practical issues as to where to place any screen and security issues for any projector and computer. It was noted that the matter is initially being reviewed by a sub-committee of Judith, Keith Ferguson, Ian Thomas and Graeme Harris.
Justice project – it was noted that Judith, in conjunction with Fr Val Rogers and Andrew Somerville, is working with the Justice Project (www.justiceproject.com.au) to arrange a forum in Higgins before the Federal election where all the candidates could address the issue of social justice.
September Communion – will coincide with APEC and may be an opportune time to note the increasing intolerance of dissent and departures from good sense that are affecting our communities.
Driving Roster – especially for Norma McNolty and Ida Reeves. Graeme has this in hand during Betty’s absence.
National Church & Life Survey – Judith remains committed to discuss, especially issues that may exist re worship.
PASTORAL CONCERNS – Amongst others, Keith McMullin.
NEXT MEETING - 3rd Thursday of September – 20 September, at the Reta Berry Room, 8.15 pm
MEETING CLOSED with the Benediction at 10.10 pm.