Report to Wesley Congregation
Church Council Meeting 9 February 2023
Second Morning Tea. Whilst continuing to encourage broad participation of all worshippers at 10.00 am, Council has responded to requests for Morning Tea after the later service. Offers of assistance should be recorded on the attached invitation. Responses will indicate capacity to enable this opportunity for relationships building.
A Suggestions Box is provided at the Wesley Office counter. Please use this to record constructive feedback, addressed to the person or church group thought most able to assist. A response can be expected if a recognisable signature is included.
9.00 am Worship Planning Team. Rev Geoff Dornan has contacted those who have offered to participate. The aim is to better enable forward planning, creativity and teamwork.
Elders Workshop Tuesday 7 Feb Council grateful notes:
- Tarlie Alcock is appointed as Facilitator of Elders
- Strengthening of emphasis of pastoral care in Eldership
- Discussion of change of title of Elder to Pastoral Carer, and Eldership to Pastoral Care Team
Since the resignation of Robert Henderson as Chair, there has been discussion concerning a reorganisation of Elders to underscore the pastoral role, with emphasis upon formation, equipping, debriefing, and otherwise supporting the eldership so it functions less as a council and more as a team. The approach above reflects some changes in the Uniting Church Regulations regarding Elders. The stipulation that 50% of Church Council members are active elders remains, but future emphasis will be less focused on the separate Elders meeting as a ‘business’ council’ and more upon the dynamics of pastoral support.
The question of a change in the title of ‘elders’ to ‘pastoral carers’ was raised. This would not mean any change in how elders are nominated and elected. Discussion included ‘updating’ the term so that it may be a more natural fit for younger people, who frequently balk at the term. It was noted ‘elder’ aims to identify discernment rather than age.
Music ministry for worship. Council is aware of the need to update short and longer term planning. Ministers and Council Chair will utilise feedback from the Music Coordinator and Treasurer to provide Council with options for current worship services. It is noted that Wesley Music Foundation Chair Jenny Dean reported that recruitment of scholars for 2023 is hoped to include one or two additional voice scholars to contribute to worship and choir.
Wesley Website is seen to be a suitable access point for ongoing access to Church Council reports to the congregation after they have been included in Notices.
Next Church Council Meeting, Thursday 9 March 2023, 7.30 pm
Jan Sismey on behalf of Council
