Armadale Uniting Church

Church Council Minutes - June 2007
 

ARMADALE UNITING CHURCH

MINUTES OF CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT RITA BERRY ROOM

21 June 2007 

PRESENT- Rev Judith Watkins (chair),  Bill Rush, Betty Terrell, Ian Thomas, David Fallick, Lyn Ferguson, Margaret Turnbull, Nicholas Barclay, Graeme Harris.

 

APOLOGIES -  Bruce McMullin, Lesley McMullin, Ann Lovell, Robin Ahin. 

 

MEETING OPENED

at 8.05 pm with reading from 1 Corinthians 3, first paragraph from Basis of Union and prayer.

 

MINUTES  - Minutes of May meeting confirmed.

 

BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES –

 

 

          Concerts during 2007 – Still issues with dates!   In view of the uncertainties regarding availability of performers, and the time likely to be taken working through the complexities which, at least in Judith’s case, may be better able to be spent on other priorities, it was decided to concentrate on the community concert in December and not proceed with the other 2 concerts.

          John Bell workshops (2 June) – This had been well supported and the feedback was very positive.    One comment suggested group break-outs, but this would have required a different format for the day.   All the arrangements went well, thanks to some great support from within the Congregation.   Total takings were $3340, with expenses of $266 plus fee payable to Centre for Theology & Ministry of $250 (a donation in addition to this was offered but declined).   Discussion occurred about possible future seminars.

          National Church & Life Survey  - see below. 

          Stonnington Council – letter re condition of property (not AUC) returned to Property Trust.

 

FAITH AND SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

          Disciple program – This will resume in the coming week (suspended while Judith on leave).

          Thursday Discussion Group (previously  Mothers Group) – Fortnightly meetings continue, with agenda alternating between study and general discussion.  Some materials to form a library have been purchased.

          Sunday School/Kids Club – the attendances each Sunday are encouraging, but program is still emerging.  Judith is reviewing suitability of “Seasons of the Spirit” study materials – she is obtaining a sample pack.  If it is suitable, she will purchase 2 packs (one for 3 –5 y o,. and one for next age group), at a cost of $290 if ordered by August.    Judith is considering leading the 5th Sunday group (needs to arrange someone to take the service while children are at work).

.         Continuing development – Judith attended Wisdom’s Feast seminar for 5 days at Centre for Theology & Ministry, and was inspired by John Bell and Janet Childers.  She is reviewing developmental options for the rest of the year, including formal “Spiritual Companioning” program or course on retreat leadership. 

          Joint Service – this will be held at AUC at 5 pm on 29 July.

          Centre for Theology and Ministry – as previously noted, the official opening was on Friday 15 June.  Judith attended, during Wisdom’s Feast seminar.

          Retreat – Judith is preparing plans for a possible Saturday afternoon retreat (about 2 hours) at the St Celia room, Carmelite Monastery, Kew.

          Family Camp – Judith is looking into the possibility of a family camp on 9 – 11 November.   She has tentatively booked a venue at Belgrave, and will visit to check the facilities (these include cabins with en suites).  Cost is $25 per person accommodation only, or $99 per person with 5 meals.

CORRESPONDENCE

          Synod – various mailouts.

          Doug Miller commemoration at Koornang – details.

 

PROPERTY

          Watson's air conditioner.   Graeme H has yet to prepare a draft letter for review by David F.

          Church roof – repair has occurred.

          Manse - Updating heating units.  Judith and David F still formulating a proposal.

TREASURER’S REPORT

          John Bell – net proceeds $2848

          Insurance – due to be paid shortly, but account has not yet been received (Betty has been informed that there has been a delay).

GENERAL BUSINESS

          Roster – Bruce has prepared this with input from Nicholas Barclay, and copies have been  distributed.

          Communion Elements – The proposal that they should be on the alter table from the outset, rather than being carried down during the communion hymn, was trialled in June (Wal Baker officiated) – this doesn’t seem to have given rise to any concerns.   Judith noted that those responsible for preparing the communion elements should ensure that they use grape juice (not apple and blackcurrant or similar).

          Directory – Judith proposes that this should be updated as part of the visitation program.  David F arranging for input of contacts from John Bell seminar (for use as mailing list in relation to forthcoming events).

          National Church & Life Survey –  Judith commented on aspects of the results and the changes since the previous survey, and there was a discussion about the outcomes with particular consideration of relative low ranking on Faith and Worship (do we need to modify worship so as to develop a greater sense of God’s presence - one suggestion is that we could use a Creed from time to time) and modest result as to Inclusion.  Higher rankings for Leadership and Vision were noted.   The results are worthy of further discussion, at Council (perhaps particularly in relation to Worship), and should also be shared with the Congregation.

 

PASTORAL CONCERNS - Judith provided a report, mentioning in particular Ida Reeves (note that Ida has subsequently moved to hostel accommodation).

 

NEXT MEETING - 3rd Thursday of July – 19 July, at the Reta Berry Room, 8.15 pm (note later time, to fit in with Guides).

 

MEETING CLOSED with the Benediction at 10.15 pm.