19th January 2023 Church Council Meeting Update

19th January 2023 Church Council Meeting Update
  
- Resignation of Rev Dr Amelia Koh-Butler Minister of the Word from 1st March 2023:
Rev Dr Amelia Koh-Butler has made arrangements for Sunday services in the medium term. At present there is no apparent need for a full-time supply placement before mid year. Several ministers from within the Congregation and from adjacent Congregations will be available for pastoral matters.
The SCC Presbytery has been informed but as yet there has been no advice from Presbytery on what action is required. The Church Profile will be updated to facilitate the process of calling a new minister.
Nominations are requested from the Congregation for 6 positions on the Joint Nominating Committee (JNC). Nominations will be considered at the Congregation Meeting on 12 February 2023.
 
- Intercultural Missional Leadership Development – Mission Labs.
There was a wide-ranging discussion about actions needed to implement this project including what needs to be addressed immediately and the need for continuing management from March 2023 (when Minister of the Word Rev. Dr. Koh-Butler leaves), including the draft Operations Manual being prepared. These matters will be subject to further discussion by Church Council. The Mission Labs project is to be considered by the Congregation meeting on 12 February 2023 to seek Congregation support for the project and the required EUC commitments to Synod proceeding.
 
- Emma Jarvis reported there had been two trials of Mainly Music and EUC has submitted an application for accreditation. Eastwood will be advertised as a centre once accredited by Mainly Music. Documentation will establish a model for future Mission Labs.
 
- The Finance report prepared by the Treasurer for the 2021/2022 financial year was discussed and adopted. The accounts will be presented to the Congregation at the meeting on 12th February, prior to forwarding to the auditor.
 
- Two applications to Synod for Candidate for Minister of the Word have been received. The applicants have concluded a period of discernment. Initially, consideration of the applications is a matter for Presbytery but the candidates will be interviewed so Church Council can inform Presbytery of its opinion on the applications.
 
- Property: Information was provided regarding a health and safety issue related to the basement storage areas used by EUCMS. Extensive areas of mould have been found and professional remedial treatment is required. The EUC Musical Society to be formally advised of the health and safety issue, and requested to remove stored material from the basement area for the foreseeable future.
 
- Inclusive church. Jason Masters explained that the Congregation has yet to make a formal statement about being an ‘affirming’ Church despite statements on its website about our agreed value of inclusion. It was proposed that a recommended resolution be presented to the Congregation meeting. The wording of the resolution will be drafted by Jason Masters with assistance from Rev Dr Amelia Koh-Butler. Jason will distribute information to assist the Congregation consider the matter.
 
 
- A Church Council Annual Report for 2022 has been prepared. Groups in the church are requested to submit 2022 annual reports by the end of January for presentation to the 12th February Congregation Meeting.
 
CONGREGATION MEETING 12th FEBRUARY, following the 9.30am worship service.
Matters for consideration:

• Initiate action to call a new minister of the word to EUC, including nominating EUC members for the presbytery Joint Nominating Committee (JNC) to consider suitable persons to fulfill this placement.
• Consider 2022 Annual reports and financial statements 2021/2022.
• Consideration of Mission Labs project and Grant Agreement.
• Consideration of Resolution regarding Inclusive Church.

 
Next Church Council meeting Thursday 23rd February.
 
If you have any comments/questions or issues you wish Church Council to address, please contact any member of the Council: Emma Jarvis (Chair), Janelle Dodd (Treasurer), Lesley Bradbury, John Brunton (Minutes), Jermaine Yan, Jason Masters, Kerry Springett, Mark Leal, Rev. Dr. Amelia Koh-Butler (Minister), Rev. Tennyson Chan (Community Minister), Linda Brunton (Congregation Chair).
 
Linda Brunton, Congregation Chair.