Armadale Uniting Church

Church Council Minutes - May 2007
 

ARMADALE UNITING CHURCH

MINUTES OF CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT RITA BERRY ROOM

17 MAY 2007 

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

 

APOLOGIES -  Nicholas Barclay, Robin Ahin,  Margaret Turnbull

 

MEETING OPENED at 8.05 pm with prayer.

 

MINUTES  - Minutes of April meeting confirmed.

 

BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES –

 

          Concerts during 2007 –Melissa Langton is unavailable for 22 September (she will be in 42nd Street) and has suggested either 8 September or 13 October.   The decision whether to change the date or stay with 22 September  but substitute someone else was left to the Sub-committee.   

          John Bell workshops (2 June) – Approximately 60 registrations received so far, the majority for all day, including a number from country areas but not very many from AUC.    John Bell is already here, see the Synod web-site for details.   Timings are 10.30 to 12 noon “The Hidden Humour of the Old and New testaments”,  1 pm to 2.30 for “Going Private in Public” and 3 to 4.30 for “Singing with the Local Church”.   Action items ----

          Assisting with UniChurch Bookstore (which will include Iona Community materials) – Bill R has liaised with Bookstore.  Options for staffing this were discussed, as Bookstore staff may not be available

          Catering – tea and coffee will be supplied with biscuits for morning and afternoon tea, and also at lunch time.   Set up to be at 3 pm on Friday, and also 7.30 pm if needed

          Jams/Handcrafts – stall to be set up in Hall

          Piano – “dolly wheels” have been fitted by Daniel Bush to the piano in the Church, and both pianos have been tuned.  Total cost $920.    Note that piano may be wheeled quite easily, but not over carpet.

          National Church & Life Survey  - see below. 

          Request from Ann Ahin to use hall – discussed and it was thought that this was acceptable, so long as adequate arrangements for security were made

          Synod – various mailouts

          Stonnington Council – re condition of brick parapet (safety issue).   Relates to the Orrong Rd Church, to be referred to St Martins Hawksburn.

 

FAITH AND SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

          Disciple program – This is continuing.

          Mothers Group – Fortnightly meetings, the group although quite small has included some mothers who are not otherwise in regular contact with the Church.    It would be helpful to buy some materials to form a library – this was agreed in principle.

          Dalai Lama – suggested that information about his presentation(s) should be in Notices.     

          Sunday School/Family service –meeting held on 6 May to discuss leadership issues, especially ways of sharing the load.    The meeting was useful, but the issues are still being considered.

.         Continuing development – Judith missed Presbytery Ministers’ Retreat on 7 – 9 May (due to Stephanie's illness).  Doug Miller to preach on 17 June, which will be his final service before taking up appointment at Wesley.   Sub-committee of Judith, Lyn F and Ann Lovell to consider a presentation to Doug and Leonie. Judith will be on study/annual leave on 3 and 10 June.  Wal Baker will take these services. 

          Joint Service – this was at Holy Advent on 29 April, and although it was regarded as successful in many ways, it wasn't well attended by Baptists and AUC.   The 5 pm time doesn’t seem to suit many people.   Father Val, Andrew and Judith to meet to review the way forward

          Centre for Theology and Ministry – as previously noted, the official opening is on Friday 15 June.  John Bell will attend (as will Judith).

PROPERTY

          1 Clarendon St – In relation to the approach by the Neighbour (Neil Jack) regarding a proposal that the Council storm water drain that is supposed to be on their property being placed by Stonnington on the strip of Church land on the east side of the hall, the issue is not likely to proceed in the near future as the Council has no budget for this (presumably not in the year 2007-8).   David F had spoken to Stonnington who would require an easement if the work proceeded.   Presumably this would mean that the Property Trust would be involved, who may not be as sympathetic as this Council.

          Watson's air conditioner – need to write to confirm that it is encroaching on Church land.   No record exists of anything that has previously been said/written.   Graeme H will prepare a draft for review by David F.

          Church roof – David is making arrangements for repair.

          Organ lights – Bruce McM's electrician is prepared to replace these. Obviously long-life fluorescent globes should be used.  Bruce to proceed with arrangements.

          Manse - Updating heating units.  Judith has obtained quotes, after reviewing the options.  Still some matters of detail to be considered.  Judith and David F will formulate a proposal.

TREASURER’S REPORT

          Report for year to 30 April 2007 – Betty presented the Statement of Receipts & Payments, details of Investments and Update of budget for May to August.    It was noticed that there are some significant payments during this period (especially insurance), and the property matters mentioned above will also involve additional costs.

GENERAL BUSINESS

          National Church & Life Survey –  There was a brief discussion, but detailed review deferred.

          Working bee –  held on 12 May.  Much useful work was undertaken.

          Emergency Procedures – held over.

          Writing Prayers for the People  – Judith conducted a session on this for those interested at the manse, which went well.

          Memorial service for Owen Parnaby – took place at Queens College on 2 May – Judith attended.

          Roster – Agreed that preparation of the Communion elements should be rostered (at present, Nicholas and Catherine Barclay are doing this, and before them it was handled for many years by Brice and Lesley).   A number of people volunteered for this.  Some discussion about sources of grape juice.

          Next  Roster – Bruce is preparing a draft.  There was a discussion about encouraging all who are rost­ered to make every effort to discharge their duties, or arrange a substitute if they are unable to do so.

          Communion Elements – Judith was agreeable to them being on the front table from the outset, rather than being carried down during the communion hymn.

          Distractions during recent Baptism – concern was expressed that some of the visitors and their children could have been more respectful during the Baptism on 6 May.

          Cheryl's leave – Judith to speak to Cheryl re arrangements for hall bookings during Cheryl's forthcoming leave.

 

PASTORAL CONCERNS - Judith provided a report, mentioning among others that Betty Terrell was shortly to have a cataract operation

 

NEXT MEETING - 3rd Thursday of June – 21 June, at the Manse 8.00 pm.

 

MEETING CLOSED with the Benediction at 9.50 pm.