Armadale Uniting Church

Church Council Minutes - November 2006
 

ARMADALE UNITING CHURCH

MINUTES OF CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT RITA BERRY ROOM
14 NOVEMBER 2006

 

PRESENT- Judith Watkins (chair),   Ian Thomas,  Bill Rush, Betty Terrell,  Ann Lovell,  Graeme Harris.

 

APOLOGIES -  Bruce McMullin, Lesley McMullin,  Robin Ahin,  Nicholas Barclay, Margaret Turnbull, David Fallick, Lyn Ferguson.

 

MEETING OPENED at 8.15 pm with and reading from Mark 13 and Bonhoeffer and  prayer.

 

MINUTES of meeting on 10 October 2006 as circulated taken as correct.

 

BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES 

          Church Anniversary.    It was agreed that this had been very successful.   The concert on Saturday 21 October was particularly appreciated by all – it was suggested that thought should be given to making this a regular event (perhaps annually).   The Recorder group and Singers had declined a share of the proceeds, and Judith was still to speak to the Kooyong Players (but they had incurred some costs).   Robin Ahin’s impressive slide show and displays were favourably commented on by many people.  The service on Sunday and lunch went well, and the number who attended was gratifying.   Peter Fallon’s photos are now on the internet at http://www.castlesoftware.com.au/default.asp?topic=11195.  

 

Hopefully he will make available a CD of them, which we will be able to copy and distribute.

 

CORRESPONDENCE

 

          National Church Life Survey 2006 – see General Business

 

          Other correspondence – routine matters, to be attended to by Ian Thomas.   

 

FAITH AND SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

          Preaching & teaching in the Year of Luke – Judith is attending this conference, and has found it most worthwhile.

          Combined Service with Holy Advent – arrangements to be finalised shortly (subsequently confirmed that this will occur on 3 December – no service at AUC on that day)

          Sunday 19 November – Service is to be taken by Rev Ken Gilson.

          Christmas services – As Christmas is on a Monday this year, Judith thinks it will be appropriate to have both the normal Sunday service as well as the Christmas Eve service on the 24th, plus the Christmas Day service on the 25th.

                      

PROPERTY

          Floor – Karate group are concerned about splinters from parts of the floor (where the platform used to be?).   Judith to talk to David about ways of remedying this.  Ann has a sander – perhaps it would be adequate to sand the floor?

          Mouse – noted in kitchen.    First line of treatment will be to lay some poison.   Bill Rush was persuaded to do this.

          Hall lettings – Cheryl had raised with Judith the attitude of Council to an approach that had been received to let the hall to a family to have a 12 year old birthday party with 25 guests.    Discussion occurred and although the final decision was left to Cheryl, the Council would prefer not to allow such a party to occur as an evening function but, so long as an adequate deposit was held, it could accept such a function in the daytime.  [Note – the booking was subsequently declined, as it was proposed to occur in the evening]

          Sign – consideration deferred.    There is some suggestion that it may be appropriate to re-consider whether to proceed with it.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT

          Treasurer’s Report – Betty presented the report for the period January to October 2006, and drew attention to a number of items.   The cash position was comparatively healthy, and it appeared likely that $2000 (or thereabouts) could be reinvested in partial repayment of the amount drawn down earlier in the year. Thanks were expressed to Betty for her continuing work, including attending meetings as called on.

GENERAL BUSINESS

          National Church Life Survey 2006 – The materials for this had been received.  The Uniting Church would like this to be undertaken during November, and in view of the fact that a week’s notice was required, it would be necessary to complete the forms on 26 November.   To give people time to consider the questions, the forms could be made available the previous week.   Graeme Harris agreed to distribute the forms (as Ian Thomas would be away), which could then be returned to Judith or him, ready for Ian to collate and send in.

          Police checks for adults working with children – resolved that the Church would pay the costs of these where they were required.

          Publicity for Christmas services – Judith raised the issue whether cards to obtain cards to drop in letter from Synod (cost of $115 for 2000) and/or pay $250 to be included in Stonnington Leader.   After discussion, it was accepted that the cards should be obtained, if it was not too late, otherwise it might be appropriate to use the Leader.

          Christmas Tree gifts – Judith will discuss with Bruce whether it would be more appropriate for these to go to Prahran Mission, or Kildonan as in the past.

                       

PASTORAL CONCERNS included Ed Hallifax, Norma McNolty (Betty had taken her to hospital for her operation which appears to have been satisfactory.  In due course, she will go to Hopetoun for rehabilitation),, Owen Parnaby, Betty Emms,  Colin (seems to greatly appreciate our support, even though it is challenging at time), Ida Reeves (Harrison are very supportive),  Sylvana (Ann continues to keep in touch), David Hayter (has returned from England – apparently this went well, even though his brother died before he arrived) and others

 

NEXT MEETING to be at 8.15 pm, Tuesday 12 December, at the Manse.   Partners are invited

 

The meeting concluded at 9.55 pm with the Benediction.