Armadale Uniting Church

Church Council Minutes - 20 September 2007

ARMADALE UNITING CHURCH

MINUTES OF CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING HELD AT RITA BERRY ROOM

20 SEPTEMBER 2007 

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

 

APOLOGIES -  Margaret Turnbull, Bill Rush (travelling), Lyn Ferguson.

 

MEETING OPENED at 8.15 pm with reading from Luke (parable of the Dishonest Manager) and discussion.

 

CHAIR – Judith conveyed Margaret Turnbull’s appreciation for the support recently provided to her family, including at the service for Ed Hallifax on 19 September.

 

MINUTES  - Minutes of August meeting confirmed.

 

BUSINESS ARISING FROM MINUTES

 

          Audit – Betty Terrell suggested that a letter of appreciation should be sent to the auditor (agreed).   She reported that he commented that 2 people should be present when the offering is being counted and both should sign the sheet.

 

          Retreat – Judith is preparing a letter inviting expressions of interest, which will also cover Family Camp and consent to appear on list of names and addresses.   Responses to be collected during visiting program.   (See below re visiting).

          Church Family Camp – to occur at Camp Wilkin, Anglesea, 9 – 11 November.  An option would be for this to start on the Saturday morning instead of the Friday evening, but the consensus was to start on Friday.

          Community Concert, 2 December– Judith has in hand.

          Other items as noted below.

CORRESPONDENCE

          Various appeals – including Lord Mayor’s Appeal for Hospital Sunday.

          Synod – Tools for Worship including details re Synod (at LaTrobe Univ), lectionary for 2008, and other information.

          Strathdon – newsletter.

          UC Mission & Services – order form for 2008 calendar.

          Christian Meditation Group – meets at Gardiner on Tuesday evenings..

FAITH AND SPIRITUAL LEADERSHIP

          Membership of the Church -  See below.

          Synod – As previously noted, Judith will attend most of Synod (subject to childcare arrangements)  - 23 to 26 September at La Trobe Uni. See http://synod2007.victas.uca.org.au.   Opening service at 5 pm on Sunday 23 September. 

          Joint Service – Judith will discuss whether this should occur during September, and the matter was left to her and Fr Val (Looking doubtful, especially as Andrew is away).

          Disciple /Thursday Morning Group/Sunday Kids Club - Continuing.

          Baptisms – Judith following up with Jo, and Nicole & Judy Gough are likely to proceed (final decision is for Judith who has issues re level of commitment).

          Visiting – Judith is progressing the “Care & Commitment” project.  She is finalising a letter to be followed up by the visiting program.  It will deal with Retreat, Camp, Address List etc.  Visitors (and anyone else interested) to attend a training session.    This is likely to included Ann L, Robin A, Margaret T, Yvonne S, Ian T, Bruce & Lesley McM, Bill R, Lyn F and Emily M (possibly Janine or Tanya).

          Justice Project – There have been some  changes to take account of the impression that the Darebin meeting had been a little politicised, and accordingly it has been decided that the moderator is to be Stephen Charles QC and Frank Brennan (from Sydney) is to be keynote speaker.    Numerous community groups have been contacted, and a number have agreed to be named on the flyer, and others are supportive (although opting not to be named as sponsors), and City of Stonnington has made the Malvern Town Hall available.  We understand that Judith has been taking a lead role and has done much of the work, with Fr Val Rogers and Andrew Somerville also involved through the East Stonnington Ministers Association.  See www.justiceproject.com.au.

PROPERTY

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

          Manse – Heater for downstairs has been orders (“IXL Ultimate”) and the split system is to proceed for upstairs.

          Blocked toilet – This has occurred again, and has been fixed.   Hall users to be informed that events such as this are expensive.

TREASURER’S REPORT

          Betty presented a comprehensive report for the period January to August 2007 and gave an overview of the main issues (including investment of funds with UC Funds).

GENERAL BUSINESS

          Driving Roster – Assistance will be provided to Betty T whenever required.

          Thanks – Ann expressed thanks for the hall being made available for Evelyn's party.

          Children – It was commented that their presence is most good to have.

CHURCH OF PASSIONATE DISCIPLES

          Membership of the Church -  Discussion occurred regarding the paper called “A Church of Passionate Disciples” regarding membership of the Church (see http://assembly.uca.org.au/.).  This is to be considered by the Assembly after review by Standing Committee.  It sets out 5 principles regarding Church membership and  places particular importance on the annual Covenant Service.  It will be first item on the agenda at the next meeting.

 

PASTORAL CONCERNS – Amongst others, Turnbull family and Eileen Ryan.

 

NEXT MEETING - 3rd Thursday of October – 18 October, at the Reta Berry Room, 8.15 pm

 

MEETING CLOSED with the Benediction at 9.50 pm.