Wesley Church Council Report to Congregation 14 March 2024
1. Council elected from their membership Chair Jan Sismey, Secretary Susan Akhurst and Treasurer Robert James each for a 12 month term per regulations.
It was again noted that all Council members are busy in the wider congregation as well as in sub committees and small groups. Sonia Di Mezza’ s first meeting will be in April.
2. Holy Week opportunities for worship, reflection and meditation were noted as an opportunity for the congregation to invite the wider community.
Lenten Studies led by Revs Geoff and Bruce are being appreciated.
3. Combined Thanksgiving Service of Worship on 21 April will require a small group of volunteers to consider the shape of the service and morning tea to follow. If able to assist, please speak to Rev Geoff Dornan, a member of Council or Wesley office staff.
4. Property: Progress has been made on a considerable number of issues around parking and maintenance of buildings and grounds. It is anticipated we will soon be in a position to see progress on Foyer carpeting with major assistance from hail insurance.
Council decided that wheelchair access to Lancaster Hall will be improved by upgrading access via the side door facing Fitzroy Street. Scope and costing is under consideration.
5. Congregational Life AGM held 25 February 2024: The accompanying minutes were approved. In response to the question taken on notice about attendance by interested persons at Church Council meetings it is noted:
Congregations elect representatives to Church Council to give consideration to questions of policy for operation of the
congregation. There is a conflict between 'openness' and 'confidentiality'. In keeping with the ethos and practice of the Uniting Church, some elements of Church Council proceedings such as the initial opening and devotions remain open to everyone. However, because of requirements of confidentiality, many of the discussions of Church Council must be ‘in camera’. Often information is provided in confidence and this confidence must be respected. Moreover, matters which are works in progress may span several meetings (e.g. waiting for quotes, deciding on priorities), requiring continuous attendance.
Church Council sets the highest priority upon keeping the congregation well informed on a monthly basis through reporting back, and encourages members of the congregation to continue offering their insights and suggestions in written form.
Council welcomes policy proposals if provided to the Secretary at least a week before meeting to provide members with time for adequate consideration. It is expected that such notification would include a Rationale and at least one Proposal for change showing possible resourcing of people, property and finance. For example, at the February Council meeting, a rationale and proposal for one service was gratefully received and given close attention.
Tarlie Alcock, Paul Chen, Geoff Dornan, Robert James, John Sutton (Acting Secretary), Jan Sismey (Chair).
Susan Akhurst (apology), Jenny Dean (apology)
