Digest of Presbytery Meeting held at Euroa Uniting Church Thursday November 17th 2016
The meeting commenced with worship led by Rev Mark Blackwell. Mark stressed the importance of engaging the congregation during worship, the power of story and the need to explain theology to children.
Telling the Story:Rev Rhonda Kissick shared reflections on her recent Long Service Leave spent as a volunteer at Yirrkala in the Northern Territory. Rhonda noted that many of the First peoples are more interested in establishing treaties which will enable them to practise their own law rather than grappling with the issue of sovereignty. People live very simply there with few material resources but share their homes with the extended family.
Rev Brian Spencer showed some of the video snapshots he has placed on the Warranga UCA website. Brian likes talking with people who are passionate about what they do and perhaps their stories may inspire others. To date he has interviewed Rev Gi Won and Kate Fraser.
David Patterson: Development Manager UCA Funds Managementspoke of the Fund’s emphasis on ethical investment, their support of Share and Uniting Age Well programmes, and work with JIM Unit in discussions with the big 4 banks about the practice of online gaming and betting and the funding of accounts through credit cards. Churches and individuals wishing to invest with UCA Funds are encouraged to contact David.
Howard Clark: Uniting World thanked the congregations of Presbytery of NEV who have raised $23,000 in the last year to support the work of Uniting World. UW aims to build partnerships with other communities with an emphasis on alleviating poverty and injustice. Programmes included building wells in Fiji to provide clean water, training mid-wives in Sudan. 90% of all money donated is used in specific projects. Congregations are urged to support the Everything in Common Gift Catalogue this year.
Memorial Minute: Rev Myrle Lancaster passed away 14th August 2016. We gave thanks for Myrle’s long life of service as a Deaconess and later as a Minister of the Word serving in Portland, Morwell, Preston, Mernda and Corryong. In retirement Myrle continued to lead worship in many North East congregations.
Wendie Wilkie will conduct a final Sacraments Course in December. Please contact Wendie asap if you would like to attend this course. Wendie will retire Feb 28 2017. Talks are being held with many congregations without a minister in placement, about the possible engagement of a Presbytery Resource Minister .Standing Committee requested and have received $100,000 over 3 years to assist in the facilitation of this programme. Presbytery was pleased to host Peter Thomas , recently appointed Executive Director Property for four days. Peter met with many ministers and church representatives in this time.
Wandilogong Grants were announced: $500 to Upper Murray Children’s programme, $500 Shepparton Child Safe Fencing, $330 UnitingCare Wodonga Family Support, $500 to support NCYC Bus Trip.
Presbytery voted unanimously to support the extension of Rev Rosalie Rayment-Hewitt’s placement at Shepparton for up to 3 years from 2018.
Presbytery agreed to write to the Synod Standing Committee expressing their concern over the delay in the formation of the Presbytery Implementation Team and any consultation with Presbyteries following the resolutions of the Synod meeting.
Wendy Allen was presented with her certificate of completion following her Period of Discernment. Wendy is moving to Western Australia and our thoughts and prayers go with her.
Presbytery approved the accreditation of Peter Jackman as a Lay Preacher.
Presbytery members and associates are invited to the closing service of Toolamba UCA Sunday December 4th, 2016 at 2:00pm Helen Collins, Chairperson Presbytery NEV