Armadale Uniting Church

Church Council Minutes - June 2006
 

ARMADALE UNITING CHURCH

MINUTES OF CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT RITA BERRY ROOM

13 JUNE 2006

 

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

 

APOLOGIES - Lyn Ferguson (overseas), David Fallick, Stephen Mason, Margaret Turnbull, Yvonne Smith

 

MEETING OPENED at 8.05 pm with prayer.

 

MINUTES of meeting on 9 May 2006 as circulated taken as correct.

 

BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES 

          Organ – Noted that at the ad hoc meeting on 21 May, the members of Council then present agreed to the repairs outlined at the last meeting and the congregation was informed.    A deposit for the work would shortly be payable, and the work would be undertaken during August.

          A substantial donation towards the cost of the work had been received and some fund-raising activities would be developed (including at the 125th Anniversary),

          Property - Keys –  Noted new keys had been distributed.   Thanks to the a sub-committee of Judith, David Fallick and  Bruce McMullin (Lyn Ferguson being overseas)

          Property – Letter to Hall users – This had been sent.  .

          Church Anniversary – It was noted that arrangements were in progress, and the sub-committee had met immediately before the present meeting. It was now proposed that all activities would be on Sunday 22 October.   Through Judith’s connections, 2 test tickets were available from Cricket Australia, and this would form the basis of an auction.    Ideas for other items that could be auctioned were sought – perhaps donations from local traders?  Judith was willing to co-ordinate this aspect..    A number of very helpful lists of former members had been received (including from Bruce & Lesley McMullin, Win Vears and Betty Terrell), and Graeme is creating a database.    Discussion occurred regarding approaches to former ministers and their families..  Robin would appreciate items for the history display by 19 July.

          Web-site – This was under active  development, the only glitch being in uploading the files (to be checked with Rohan Prior at Synod).

 

FAITH AND SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

          Easter services – Judith noted the comments made at the last meeting regarding the various services.

          Disciple course – This had commenced on Monday evening, but further expressions of interest would still be most welcome. 

          Harvest Festival – noted that this had been well supported.

          Blessing of the animals – It was noted that Judith proposes that this will occur on 8 October (St Francis of Assisi Feast Day is 4 October).  Photos of pets would generally be appropriate!

          Combined service with Holy Advent – It was noted that this would occur on 9 July (at AUC).

          Roster – Bruce has prepared and distributed the roster of duties for next 6 months (with assistance from Nicholas Barclay).

          Children – Ad hoc arrangements are applying at present, but the consensus remains that the children should remain in Church.   Judith is looking for assistance with a puppet theatre (Note – Robin subsequently assembled one).   Judith is considering the possibility of a study group g\for the teenagers.

          Rearrangement of pews – perhaps consideration could be given to a side aisle?  However, may be an issue in having pews of the appropriate length.

          Weddings – some discussion\n occurred about this ministry, but Judith pointed out that it is very time-consuming for her.   Hence while of course she is delighted to conduct weddings, it was agreed that the Church should not pro-actively promote this role.

 

 

PROPERTY

          Issues raised by Gentle Exercise – Nothing further heard.

          Manse – Is a backlog of maintenance developing?   David to be approached to review with Judith.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

          Treasurer’s Report – Although no detailed financial report was due this month, Betty commented on a number of aspects.   Adequate cash was on hand (approximately $4860), but a number of accounts for payment were due, including a substantial account for insurance.   Betty would also like to retrieve the records (presently being audited) to enable her to prepare end of financial year statement of payments to individuals who had been paid during the year.

 

CORRESPNDENCE

 

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

GENERAL BUSUINESS

          Sign – Judith and Bill are investigating options for a new sign – further report next meeting.

          Presbytery consultation –Judith noted that she and Ann Lovell had visited Heatherton Dingley in this capacity.

          Nominations for election as Elders and to Council  – These had been notified as required in the Order of Service.   Yvonne Smith and Stephen Mason were not standing for re-election, and Lyn Ferguson was overseas (but could be co-opted on her return) (Regulation 3.1.12(a)).

 

PASTORAL CONCERNS included Sylvana,  Ed Hallifax, Norma McNolty, Jeanine Purdy, Betty Emms,  Colin, Phyl Comport (Lesley reported that she had visited her at Sefton Lodge, Hawthorn), Ida Reeves, Betty Terrell and others

 

NEXT MEETING to be at 8 pm, Tuesday 11 July

 

The meeting concluded at 9.20 pm with the Benediction.