Church Council Minutes

19 JULY 2007

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

APOLOGIES - Rev Judith Watkins, Ian Thomas, Ann Lovell, Margaret Turnbull.

MEETING OPENED at 8.15 pm with reading from Colossians.

CHAIR – Judith's unfortunate absence was noted with regret. Moved by Bruce McMullin, seconded Robin Ahin that Bill Rush occupy the Chair. Carried.

MINUTES - Minutes of June meeting confirmed.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES –

Retreat – noted that Judith had announced that this was proposed for Sunday 20 October .

Family Camp – on hold.

Concerts during 2007 – Confirmed that it had been decided to concentrate on the community concert in December and not proceed with the other 2 concerts.

CORRESPONDENCE

In the absence of Ian Thomas, Graeme Harris tabled the correspondence as collated by Ian:

Stonnington – the Council proposed that parking on north side of Clarendon Street should to be limited to 2 hours during the week. Although the (very limited) time for making submissions to the Council had passed, the Church had no particular concerns with the proposal. In fact, on balance it might be marginally beneficial, by promoting a higher turnover of spaces during weekdays. Note that the street sweeper restrictions on Friday (when a permit is required) would continue to apply.

Synod – Tools for Ministry: including detailed copyright protocol information (GH to review in conjunction with Judith, noted that we do hold at least one copyright licence), Together in Song catalogue (including both soft and hard copy versions and CDs), and other materials.

South Port Mission – request for assistance.

Synod – monthly letter from acting Secretary, including reference to holding of Synod on 23 to 26 September at La Trobe Uni. see http://synod2007.victas.uca.org.au. Opening service at 5 pm on Sunday 23 September. Photos of children requested for display. Some of the issues to be discussed are mentioned, in particular, a paper 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.

Synod – re new Presbyteries, and request for confirmation of representatives. In particular, is Ann Lovell still prepared to act as AUC's lay representative? Noted that although more travel might be required to attend full Presbytery meetings (as the presbytery will be geographically larger), it is envisaged that there will be fewer meetings, and that more matters will be dealt with by sub-committees. Suggested that Judith should discuss with Ann (response requested by 14 September).

Camberwell Choral – details of concert at Hawthorn Town Hall 29 July.

Presbytery – follow up letter re "Report on Strategic Congregations", giving us a further opportunity to comment (concern having been expressed with the previous assumption that "silence constitutes assent"). To be referred to Ian Thomas to respond if thought necessary (perhaps after discussion with Judith). However, the understanding of Council was that, after having made submissions on the draft report, AUC didn't have any major issues with the final report.

Synod – Appeal re Gippsland Flood Relief

UCA Overseas Aid - Appeal re overseas aid, especially Sudan.

FAITH AND SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

Services during Judith's absence- Arrangements have been made for Deaconess Val Aumann to conduct the service on 22 July and for Rev Peter Aumann to do so on 29 July

Joint Service – noted that this is now be held at Holy Advent at 5 pm on 22 July (not 29 July as originally proposed), and Archbishop Philip Freier will preside and preach.

Doug Miller's Induction at Wesley – This will occur at 7 pm on 22 July. The difficulty of supporting both these events was noted, and was regrettable but seemingly unavoidable.

PROPERTY

Watson's air conditioner. David F reviewing draft letter.

Manse – David gave an update on the heating units. One possibility would be to provide portable gas heaters (but this was subsequently ascertained not to be possible). A quote for electric heaters had been obtained, but it was thought that on-going running costs were likely to be high. Favoured option is to install new gas heaters in the existing locations.

TREASURER’S REPORT

Betty presented a detailed statement of receipts & expenditures for the half-year to the end of June, together with associated budget and other statements. It was noted that---

Insurance – due to be paid shortly, although less than last year, it still amounts to approximately $7216).

Children’s Group – materials to be acquired, as previously agreed..

GENERAL BUSINESS

Audio visual equipment – Discussion occurred re the status of the audio and audio visual equipment currently in use. It was thought that it might be possible to fine-tune the speaker system. In particular comments were made that speakers must be close to the microphone in order for it to be effective, and there have been some recent instances of slight feedback (latter may just need the bass level to be turned down a little).

The discussion also extended to the possibility of a more permanent screen and perhaps a computer operated projector. Some concern was expressed that this 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 (high on the wall in the north transept, perhaps?) as well as securing any projector (wall mounted in a secure compartment, as done at universities, perhaps?).

The matter was referred to a sub-committee comprising (initially) Keith Ferguson, Ian Thomas and Graeme Harris.

Directory – David Fallick has arranged for the details of those who attended the John Bell seminar and who left their contact details to be recorded in a database.

Driving Roster – especially for Norma McNolty and Ida Reeves. Betty T does this every week, but she will be away from the beginning of August. Graeme H to make appropriate arrangements (he will be able to cover this task most Sundays, but will request back-up support by email).

National Church & Life Survey – Deferred in view of Judith's absence.

PASTORAL CONCERNS – A number of people were mentioned, including Judith, Stephen and Stephanie, Peg Gray ((who has had a fractured vertebrae plus a bad reaction to the pain killer she was initially prescribed), Ida Reeves and others. It was noted that Mrs Barbara Abbey had moved from Broadmead, and is now at Moorfields Box Hill, 75 Thames St, Box Hill Vic 3128. Colin may have moved from the area.

NEXT MEETING - 3rd Thursday of August – 16 August, at the Reta Berry Room, 8.15 pm

MEETING CLOSED with the Benediction at 9.35 pm.

Church Council Minutes - 19 July 2007

ARMADALE UNITING CHURCH

MINUTES OF CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT RITA BERRY ROOM