Thursday 26th March, 2026 - Church Council Meeting Update
Church Council Membership Changes
Church Council members: Phil Looby (Chair), Janelle Dodd (Treasurer), Michelle Loxton, Mark Leal, Vivien Chow, Wynne Cheng, Bob Springett, Rev Kiduk Hwang, John Brunton (Minutes), Rev Seung Jae Yeon (Ministry team leader), and Rev Marion Gledhill
Phil Looby, Council Chair
- The Council welcomed Michelle Loxton, Vivien Chow and Bob Springett to the Council following their formal election to the Council at the February Congregational meeting.
At the same time we accepted the resignation of Kerrie Springett and Leslie Bradbury from the Council and recognised and thanked them for their contribution to the Council over many years. - Sunflower AI
The trial period of Sunflower AI has been very successful, enabling people to participate in worship services in their own language, to follow on in English if desired, and resulting in an increase in Chinese speaking participation at the 9.30am worship service.
There has also been a reduction in the amount of worship translation preparation required by the office.
As a result it was resolved to increase the subscription to Sunflower AI to allow longer hours of use in significantly more languages. - Easy English Worship
Commenced its term on the 9th February with strong participation of over 20 regular attendees and 5-6 volunteers.
It was acknowledged that this has been a very successful Mission activity and the support of volunteers is vital for its continuation. Sign up sheets are available in the foyer.
A request for a small amount of funding for the End of Term lunch was approved. - Young Adult Resource Worker
The search for someone to fill the above positions continued without success and another round of advertising and promotion commenced. Funding for the role is available from the Uniting Church NREMA grant.
(Note – subsequent to the Council meeting we have again been unsuccessful in finding a suitable applicant) - Growth and Mission Consultation Questionnaire
Presbytery is to conduct the above consultation with the Church Council at a special meeting to be held on Thursday evening 25th June at 7pm.
Prior to the consultation all members of the Congregation will be aske to complete a survey / questionnaire which will assist the Presbytery team in their consultation. Details to be advised. - In other areas:
- a comprehensive report form Rev Seung Jae was distributed and discussed.
- recent activities were highlighted including Pancake Tuesday, the Church working bee, Ash Wednesday and Days for Girls.
- upcoming activities (since past) included the CCA Market Day, Easter services and the Palm Sunday Potluck lunch.
- Rev Marion Gledhill and Rev Kiduk Kwang were approved by Presbytery to continue as Ministers in Association at Eastwood Uniting Church - Financial
The financial reports were table for consideration and discussion.
The financial position of the congregation remains tight particularly due to the shortfall in offerings / collections.
It was resolved to table / publish a graph detailing the targeted offering for the financial year and what might be required to make the budget. This should be spoken to at an upcoming service and in particular there should be an emphasis on increased and regular giving by direct debit.
Church Council members: Phil Looby (Chair), Janelle Dodd (Treasurer), Michelle Loxton, Mark Leal, Vivien Chow, Wynne Cheng, Bob Springett, Rev Kiduk Hwang, John Brunton (Minutes), Rev Seung Jae Yeon (Ministry team leader), and Rev Marion Gledhill
Phil Looby, Council Chair
Eastwood Uniting Church Ongoing Mission Plan for 2025-2029 and
Congregational Meeting 15 September 2024
The draft Eastwood Uniting Church Ongoing Mission Plan for 2025-2029 was endorsed by Church Council on
1 August 2024, to initiate discussion and enable deliberations regarding the future mission and ministry of the Congregation. During August a summary of the document was translated into Chinese and Korean languages to ensure all members of the Congregation can actively participate in this process. On the 8th September 2024 Church Council facilitated discussion sessions following the 9.30am Worship service where questions were answered and any further contributions considered. Church Council finalised a revised draft document that was adopted at a Congregation meeting on 15th September 2024.
Click here to view the draft document.
Click here for the minutes of the Congregational Meeting
1 August 2024, to initiate discussion and enable deliberations regarding the future mission and ministry of the Congregation. During August a summary of the document was translated into Chinese and Korean languages to ensure all members of the Congregation can actively participate in this process. On the 8th September 2024 Church Council facilitated discussion sessions following the 9.30am Worship service where questions were answered and any further contributions considered. Church Council finalised a revised draft document that was adopted at a Congregation meeting on 15th September 2024.
Click here to view the draft document.
Click here for the minutes of the Congregational Meeting