Armadale Uniting Church

Church Council Minutes - Feb 2007
 

ARMADALE UNITING CHURCH

MINUTES OF CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT RITA BERRY ROOM

20 FEBRUARY 2007

 

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

 

APOLOGIES -  Margaret Turnbull, Robin Ahin.

 

MEETING OPENED at approximately 8.05 pm with the playing of recording of Psalm, Lenten reading from “Bread & Wine” and prayer.

 

MINUTES  - Minutes of November and December meetings confirmed.

 

BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES – It was noted that Kooyong Chamber Players would like to receive a share of the proceeds of the 125th Anniversary, and Judith and Betty will arrange for this.  Other items as discussed under relevant headings below.

 CORRESPONDENCE

          Tools for Ministry – Kit received.

          Brochures re seminars etc – To be placed on table in lobby.

          Hall letting – letter from Cheryl Mason re request for hall letting from a martial arts class, who would want to use the complex at all available times (in effect, Thurs and Fri nights, and Saturdays).   Having regard to the effect that this would have on the ability to accept casual bookings – especially concerts - on Saturdays, and possibly represent competition for Richard who conducts karate classes and has been a reliable user, it was felt that the request should be declined.  

 

FAITH AND SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

Planning            - Judith has developed a theme for every week in the coming year.

          Music – A meeting had been held at the Turnbulls on 19 February, and it was proposed that a number of concerts would be held during the year, on Sunday afternoon 22 July (Roxanne Hislop – David McNicoll would arrange), Saturday evening 22 September (Susan-Anne Walker “Cabaret”) and Sunday afternoon 25 November (a repeat of last year’s community concert, with the 3 groups that use the hall).   The attendees at the meeting had been Judith, Marg Turnbull, David and Christine, so some support with the arrangements would be appreciated.

          It was also proposed that the talented musicians in the Congregation would be invited to participate in the Service on the 5th Sunday

          Sunday School – Arrangements were in hand for this to occur on 3 Sundays each month, with the 3rd Sunday of each month being  a Family Service.  Judith was proposing that the teenagers would be asked to assist with the Sunday School.

          Religious Instruction – Judith is not proposing to be actively involved in 2007.   This will give her more time for pastoral care and working in the Parish generally.

          Easter – 2000 postcards had been ordered.    These include a Tenebrae service for Thursday evening.

          John Bell workshop – Judith would like to organise a Workshop on Saturday 2 June, to be conducted by John Bell who is visiting from the Iona Community (see http://www.iona.org.uk/index.htm).    If conducted at AUC, there would be 3 separate sessions during the day.  This would involve AUC in underwriting the day, but in view of the fact that John is well known and this would be his only metropolitan session, the day would be sure of good support.  However, the matter does need to be discussed with Presbytery.  It was agreed that Judith should progress the proposal and that AUC was prepared to underwrite it.

          Continuing development – Judith was unable to attend “Daughters of Faith” seminar in 2006 (group is limited to 15), conducted by the Jewish Christian Muslim Association but is considering applying for another conference by this Association on the theme of inter-faith dialogue in July.  

          Centre for Theology and Ministry - noted that this has been formed following the amalgamation of various institutions, and is now based at a new building on College Cres.

PROPERTY

          Piano – it was agreed that the piano should be on the same side of the Church as the organ, which will be possible if the choir stalls are relocated to the north transept.   This is not a large job – only the front screen is fixed (by screws to the floor).  The pews themselves can be moved. David F will organise this.   However, discussion occurred about fitting “dolly wheels” to the piano, at an estimated cost of $500-$1000.   Although these would obviously facilitate movement of the piano when required, some hesitation existed about the cost.  Judith will review this aspect. 

          Property matters generally – David F reported on various maintenance items (poison laid for mice, blocked sewer fixed, favourable feedback on pews no longer sticky in the heat).    It was financially prohibitive to replace the globes in the spotlights above the organ due to current OH&S requirements.  The problem with the organ on the preceding Sunday was a “one-off” due to the heat.

          Manse.    Judith and David F to review options for updating heating units, especially downstairs.

TREASUER’S REPORT

          Annual accounts – Betty Terrell presented the annual accounts for the year to December 2006, and reported on various matters of note, including that there had been a small surplus for the year.  It was agreed that these should be presented to a Congregational Meeting to be convened.  Various dates for this were discussed,  the most likely being 25 March.

          Thanks to Betty -  The meeting passed a vote of  thanks for the work undertaken by Betty Terrell for her on-going and consistent work in this role, as typified by the preparation of such a comprehensive report so promptly. 

 GENERAL BUSINESS

          Disciple program – To resume on Monday nights.

          Lenten Studies – Judith will run a daytime program if there is sufficient interest.  This will be based on short stories by Sara Maitland.

          Speakers – Judith has arranged for presentations by the President of Victoria/Tasmanian Uniting Church Adult Fellowship on 27 February (Lesley McMullin will lead the reflection), by  Mark Zirnsak, director of the Justice & International Mission on 4 March and by Jenny Ellis, director of the Share appeal on 25 March.

          Pancake Day - $89.80 was collected.  Agreed that a donation of $100 to the appeal should be made.

          Organ Transplants – Bruce McMullin spoke about the need for donors to register, and distributed appropriate forms.

          Link to Country Parish – the person at Synod with responsibility for this area has moved, but Judith will see if she can follow up.

          Meeting night – After discussion, it was suggested that the 3rd Thursday would be a more convenient night for Council meetings (subject to being checked with those not present).

                       

PASTORAL CONCERNS  - Judith provided a report.   She also asked for volunteers for a Visitors roster, so that pastoral visits can be better structured.   Training will be provided.

 

NEXT MEETING  - agreed that meetings should continue to be monthly during 2007, and (as mentioned above) it is proposed that they should be on the 3rd Thursday of each month.  On the basis that this is acceptable to Council members not present, next meeting would be at 8.00 pm, Thursday 15 March, Rita Berry Room.  

 

MEETING CLOSED with the Benediction at 9.50 pm.