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
Minutes of Congregational Meeting Sunday 15th February
UNITING CHURCH OF AUSTRALIA
EASTWOOD UNITING CHURCH
Minutes of Congregational Meeting held in the Worship Centre
Sunday 15th February 2026 at 11am
1. Opening
The meeting opened with Acknowledgement of Country and opening prayer led by Sophie Edington as Congregational Chair.
There were 36 present in the Centre and 1 on Zoom.
2. Apologies:
Peggy Looby, Daisy Hsiong and Madeleine Hsiong
3. Confirmation of Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 27th July 2025 were adopted by consensus, moved by Michelle Loxton and seconded by Ian Batey.
4. Church Council Elections
A written ballot was held to elect members nominated to join Church Council.
The result of the election was that the below three nominees will join Church Council:
- Michelle Loxton (nominated by Janelle Dodd, seconded by Phil Looby)
- Bob Springett (nominated by Mark Leal, seconded by Phil Looby)
- Vivien Chow (nominated by Janelle Dodd, seconded by Phil Looby)
It was noted that Kerry Springett has retired from the Church Council and the meeting
acknowledged and appreciated her significant contribution both to the Council and the life of
the Church generally.
5. Receipt of 2025 Annual Reports and Financial Statements to June 2025
The following 2025 Annual reports were emailed to members and printed copies were available at the church: Church Council, English Language Classes, Minister’s Report, Children’s Ministry. The reports were received by consensus, proposed by Val Bird, seconded by Marion Gledhill
Treasurer Janelle Dodd presented a summary of the Financial Statements for July 2024 to June 2025. The Financial Statements, as approved by Church Council, subject to audit, were received by consensus, proposed by Janelle Dodd and seconded by Trevor Bird.
Questions were raised by the congregation regarding the donations to Seeds of Growth, the possibility of a ten-year maintenance plan for the Church premises, expected costs in the coming year, and financial risks related to property maintenance. These were answered by the Treasurer.
6. General Business
Treasurer Janelle Dodd also provided the congregation with information from the draft Financial Statements from for the financial year to date. This included noting that the donations to date from the congregation were below the budgeted estimate. The Treasurer also updated the congregation on progress (~$3,800) towards our commitment to raise $5,000 for the Uniting World Disaster Readiness and Climate Change project by the end of June 2026.
The congregation asked for an update regarding the NREMA Grant and progress with hiring a youth Resource Worker. Phil Looby, Chair of the Church Council, directed the congregation to the update in the Church Council report and summarised progress.
In discussion, it was requested that Church Council consider two aspects of our mission and how we can improve in these areas:
7. Close
The meeting closed in prayer led by Rev. Seung Jae Yeon
EASTWOOD UNITING CHURCH
Minutes of Congregational Meeting held in the Worship Centre
Sunday 15th February 2026 at 11am
1. Opening
The meeting opened with Acknowledgement of Country and opening prayer led by Sophie Edington as Congregational Chair.
There were 36 present in the Centre and 1 on Zoom.
2. Apologies:
Peggy Looby, Daisy Hsiong and Madeleine Hsiong
3. Confirmation of Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on 27th July 2025 were adopted by consensus, moved by Michelle Loxton and seconded by Ian Batey.
4. Church Council Elections
A written ballot was held to elect members nominated to join Church Council.
The result of the election was that the below three nominees will join Church Council:
- Michelle Loxton (nominated by Janelle Dodd, seconded by Phil Looby)
- Bob Springett (nominated by Mark Leal, seconded by Phil Looby)
- Vivien Chow (nominated by Janelle Dodd, seconded by Phil Looby)
It was noted that Kerry Springett has retired from the Church Council and the meeting
acknowledged and appreciated her significant contribution both to the Council and the life of
the Church generally.
5. Receipt of 2025 Annual Reports and Financial Statements to June 2025
The following 2025 Annual reports were emailed to members and printed copies were available at the church: Church Council, English Language Classes, Minister’s Report, Children’s Ministry. The reports were received by consensus, proposed by Val Bird, seconded by Marion Gledhill
Treasurer Janelle Dodd presented a summary of the Financial Statements for July 2024 to June 2025. The Financial Statements, as approved by Church Council, subject to audit, were received by consensus, proposed by Janelle Dodd and seconded by Trevor Bird.
Questions were raised by the congregation regarding the donations to Seeds of Growth, the possibility of a ten-year maintenance plan for the Church premises, expected costs in the coming year, and financial risks related to property maintenance. These were answered by the Treasurer.
6. General Business
Treasurer Janelle Dodd also provided the congregation with information from the draft Financial Statements from for the financial year to date. This included noting that the donations to date from the congregation were below the budgeted estimate. The Treasurer also updated the congregation on progress (~$3,800) towards our commitment to raise $5,000 for the Uniting World Disaster Readiness and Climate Change project by the end of June 2026.
The congregation asked for an update regarding the NREMA Grant and progress with hiring a youth Resource Worker. Phil Looby, Chair of the Church Council, directed the congregation to the update in the Church Council report and summarised progress.
In discussion, it was requested that Church Council consider two aspects of our mission and how we can improve in these areas:
- Ecumenicalism and connecting with our neighbouring churches locally
- Living up to being an affirming church and reaching out to the LGBTQIA community
7. Close
The meeting closed in prayer led by Rev. Seung Jae Yeon
Saturday 31st January, 2026 - Church Council Meeting Update
(a half day meeting to plan our priorities for 2026)
In the meantime we will be putting some extra effort into building our existing young adult group / ministry.
The appointment of a part time Young Families worker has been put on hold and will follow at a later time.
Next Church Council meeting Thursday 28th March, 2026.
Church Council members: Phil Looby (Chair), Janelle Dodd (Treasurer), Lesley Bradbury, Kerrie Springett, Jermaine Yan, Mark Leal, Wynne Cheng, Rev Kiduk Hwang, John Brunton (Minutes), Michelle Loxton, Rev Seung Jae Yeon (Ministry team leader), and Rev Marion Gledhill
Phil Looby, Council Chair
(a half day meeting to plan our priorities for 2026)
- The Council reflected on the Ministry and Mission activities over 2025 (both one-off events and our regular activities).
We shared what we were most thankful for in 2025 and we do indeed have much to be thankful for – our people, our worship, our small groups and activities, the connections made and the relationships built.
We considered our Mission Plan 2025-2029 and reaffirmed our commitment to it – that it still reflects who God is calling us to be in Eastwood.
“Visible, Relevant, Inclusive and Active”
“That the highest priority in mission must be to the demographic with Asian heritage that characterises the Eastwood centre and its surrounds”
We discerned priorities for 2026 which in addition to our regular activities include but are not limited to:
- Embracing and promoting the 2026 theme 'Together'.
- Supporting our various Worship Services and in particular the new ‘Easy English’ Worship
- Potluck lunches to promote relationship building
- Building on our Bible Study and Small Groups
- Trialling and implementing Sunflower AI (see further below)
- Young Adult 'activities' and employment of a Young Adult Resource Worker (see further below) - Easy English Service
Easy English Service will recommence on 9th February, 2026 and run for the first Term with a review to be held at the end of the Term. Volunteers are needed to assist in making this a success. - NREMA Grant – Young Adult Worker
The working group to appoint a part time Young Adult Resource Worker has held phone and face to face interviews with the various applicants. Some of the applicants withdrew their applications during this process and, after interview, others were not appropriate for the role under consideration. Disappointingly, we will now need to recommence our search for a suitable applicant.
In the meantime we will be putting some extra effort into building our existing young adult group / ministry.
The appointment of a part time Young Families worker has been put on hold and will follow at a later time.
- Sunflower AI
Sunflower AI is a new translation App that allows immediate in person translation in multiple languages. It allows users to hear or read in their preferred language and can be used in Church Services and other gatherings.
Further discussions will be held with Sunflower AI in early February, and if appropriate the Council has given approval to proceed with a trial in early 2026. - Congregational Meeting
The Congregational Meeting to approve the 2025 Annual Reports and Financial Statements, and elect / re-elect Council Members will be held on Sunday 15th February, 2026 after the 9.30am service. - Important upcoming dates for the calendar
- Saturday 7th February Church Working Bee
- Monday 9th February Easy English Worship recommences
- Sunday 15th February Congregational Meeting
- Monday 16th February Weekly Bible Studies commence
- Tuesday 17th February Pancake Tuesday and
- Tuesday 17th February Lunar New Year
- Wednesday 18th February Ash Wednesday
- Sunday 1st March Blessing of the Students and BBQ
- Sunday 8th March Pot Luck lunch
- Sunday 8th March Days for Girls (after lunch)
- Friday 20th March CCA Market Day Engagement
Next Church Council meeting Thursday 28th March, 2026.
Church Council members: Phil Looby (Chair), Janelle Dodd (Treasurer), Lesley Bradbury, Kerrie Springett, Jermaine Yan, Mark Leal, Wynne Cheng, Rev Kiduk Hwang, John Brunton (Minutes), Michelle Loxton, 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