Wesley Uniting Church Council Report to Congregation for 14 August meeting
Council noted Gratitude and Thanks to the congregation and individuals for particular
events in the last month:
• Phone calls, letters, emails and texts of appreciation received in regard to hosting of
the Ecumenical Worship Service for the opening of 48th Federal Parliament on 22
July. We are grateful to Robert James for taking the opportunity to contribute helpful
feedback at the followup meeting.
• Wesley Foyer was a successful choice of venue for the Ecumenical Board Games
Night led by Luke Keenan on 9 August.
• CRISP Committee’s superb efforts in welcoming the Zardeh family. Following a late
evening arrival at Sydney airport on 12 August, the family of 6 with a team of 5
welcomers travelled by road to Canberra the next day. The CRISP team was well
prepared and have enabled short term accommodation, food, clothing, translation,
transport, phones and hospitality. As a result, some support services are in place and
longer term options are being explored together. All members of the Zardeh family
have warmly expressed surprise and gratitude for this opportunity after 14 years in a
refugee camp.
Ann Yan was welcomed as a co-opted member of Council until the the February 2026
AGM. Ann brings new perspectives and skills to the Council at this particular time.
Ongoing maintenance and upgrades to property continue with the next opportunity for
congregational contributions being a Working Bee on the morning of Saturday 6
September.
Changes to Uniting Financial Services (UFS) computer system have required some extra
time and patience from staff and volunteers of Wesley Church and Music Centre.
Feedback about the workability of changes has been communicated to UFS and helpful
responses received.
Diary Note: We look forward to the annual Wesley Finance AGM after a combined
service and morning tea on on 28 September.
Jan Sismey (Co-opted Chair) for: Tarlie Alcock, David Benger, Liz Chan, Jenny Dean,
Sonia Di Mezza,, Robert James, Kathie Potts, John Sutton. Apologies:
Rev. Geoff Dornan, Keith Hart
