Annual Report 2009
Sunday 24th May 2009
Blackwood Church of Christ
BLACKWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Sunday 24th May 2009 at 11:30am in the Chapel
AGENDA
1. Welcome and opening prayer
2. Apologies
3. Minutes
(1) Annual General Meeting held on 25th May 2008
(2) Half Yearly Meeting held on 16th November 2008
4. Business
(1) Ministry Report
(2) Elders Report
(3) Financial Report
(4) Other Reports
5. Constitutional changes
(1) Clause 6.4.4
Replace the existing clause with the following:
"Voters shall record the desired votes by marking the ballot papers in the appropriate manner in the square opposite the candidate or candidates for whom they wish to vote."
(2) Clause 6.4.5
Delete the words “located in the foyer of the Chapel”
6. Any other business
7. Closing prayer
Contents
Minutes of the Blackwood Church of Christ 2008 AGM
Minutes of the Blackwood Church of Christ Half Yearly Meeting 18th November 2008
Ministers Report
Elders Report
Treasurers Report
Secretary’s Report
Kids Hope Report
Property & Facilities Report
Beacon Report
Resource Centre
Bookworms Reading Group Report
Kidzone Report
APY Land Discipleship Adventure Annual Report
Child Safe Report
Vintage Youth Ministry with Seniors Report
Extreme Annual Report
Basketball Report
Shoppers Creche Report
Small Groups Report
Christian Education
Friendship Centre Report
Friendship Centre Financial Summary
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
of the BLACKWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST
Held Sunday 25th May 2008 in the Chapel
Present:
Marcello Botelho, Allison Botelho, Nicola Butler, Dawn Chivell, Janet Combridge, Nina Corlett-McDonald, Jeni Davies, Robert Davies, Janet Fitton, Russell Fitton, Alison Gunn, Elisa Haynes, Don Hemer, Carolyn Hemer, Colin Jones, Helen Jones, Brian Kell, Andrew Knight, Jayne Knight, Denise Knight, Judy Lawrence, Peter Lawrence, Chris Lawrence, Esther Maskrey, Alan Moore, Maxine Moore, Graeme Murley, Peggy Nelson, Verity Riessen, Peter Russell, Margaret Russell, Charlie Shears, Chris Shears, Grant Slade, Cheryl Slade, Linda Sleep, Bette Small, Alice Stephenson, Ailleen Templeton, Ian Templeton, Graham Thomas, Judy Thomas, Andrew Tidswell, Lorraine Todd, Philip Verco, Claire Verco, Ennis Westphalen, David Whyatt, June Will.
Apologies:
Ross Barclay, Beryl Barclay, Malcolm Beard, Marlene Beard, Trevor Brettig, Jaqui Brettig, Mark Butler, Don Harvey, Aileen Harvey, Mike Haynes, Lorraine Lewis, Meg Murley, Greg Ratcliff, Les Ratcliff, Mark Riessen, Robert Stephenson, Edda Thomas, Ronald Todd, Margaret Whyatt, Ric Williams.
Welcome and Opening Prayer by Andrew Tidswell.
It was noted that there was a quorum present and also that Mark Riessen was absent due to illness.
Minutes of Previous Meetings
Annual General Meeting: Held May 27th 2007 Accepted
Half Yearly Business Meeting: Held November 18th 2007 Accepted
Business
1. Ministry Report
Don Hemer spoke to the Minister’s Report in Mark’s absence.
He reiterated Mark’s thanks to Jonathan Moore, Lorraine Todd, Phil Verco and Ian & Aileen Templeton all of whom have now concluded their ministry roles but were significant in helping Mark settle in to his new role.
Other highlights included:
§ Kidzone: Special thanks to Andrew Knight for picking up the vision and ‘running with it’, for his signs, and to the other leaders for their help
§ Kids Hope: This is a wonderful way of expanding our vision outside of this church
§ Blue Christmas: A moving and much appreciated service
§ Welcome Pack: Great to see this come to fruition after a long time of dreaming/planning
Don reiterated the thank you to Sarah and Judy who, along with Mark, are the driving force behind the things happening at Blackwood Church of Christ.
Mark concludes with this quote from Nelson Mandela
‘Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great. You can be that generation’
It was moved and seconded that the Ministry Report be accepted Carried
2. Elders Report
Peter Lawrence spoke on behalf of the Elders.
He made mention that the Elders feel it an important part of their role to support the minister(s), in this case Mark and Judy, especially through the period of change in ministry roles over the past year. It was noted that Mark’s Review earlier this year reflected that both Elders and members of the congregation are very supportive of Mark’s ministry. There will be a similar review carried out for Judy in the near future.
A Purpose and Value Statement has been adopted by the Elders as a guide for their actions and decisions, and a Code of Ethics developed.
Phil Verco and Lorraine Todd finished their formal ministry roles. Many thanks to them for their dedication, commitment and wisdom over the years.
It was mentioned that the new format of shared responsibility is working well for the Elders. Those looking for a point of contact with the Elders can feel free to approach any of the Eldership team with concerns or issues and they will be discussed/dealt with.
The Elders are having ongoing discussions about how the church operates ie. The roles of Elders, Deacons, Key Leaders etc. Any feedback with regard to this is welcome.
Our mission statement was finally adopted after much groundwork being laid by Greg Elsdon and Ruth May. To ‘Do Justice, Love Mercy, Walk Humbly with God’ is central to our role as God’s people in this community.
It was moved and seconded that the Elders Report be accepted Carried
Questions:
Q/ The Constitution requires an Elder be appointed to chair both Elders and Deacons meetings, and subsequently the AGM. Does it need to be changed to support the current shared responsibility model of Eldership?
A/ Elders will look into this. They acknowledged that they may need to reconsider their decision. Should they decide to make a change to the constitution, a motion would be put to the next meeting.
Q/ There is still some concern within the congregation with regard to the fact that there is no one nominated spokesperson for the Elders. There is concern with regard to who will handle ‘trouble’/ difficult issues. Also, implications with regard to accountability.
A/ The Elders are keen to reflect the wishes of the whole congregation as best they can. Peter Lawrence asked for written submissions from those with concerns. They will be discussed at the Elders meeting and taken into account.
Q/ Judy Lawrence was a signatory to the Elders Report. Is she considered an Elder as she was appointed as a Youth Leader not a Youth Minister? Ministers are considered part of the Eldership.
A/ The Elders feel that Judy is a very valuable part of the Ministry Team at Blackwood and have encouraged her to attend Elders meetings. ‘We encourage her to be as involved as possible and would like her to be informed about what is happening in the life of the church’.
3. Finance Report
Graeme Murley presented the Finance Report for Year ending 31 Dec 2007.
*An amendment was noted. In section titled Summary the second sentence should read ‘Total income was down by almost $21,000 and expenses were up by $28,000.’
*Re Income: Direct debit income continues to be strong. It was noted that Sunday offerings are down significantly. Therefore budget not quite being met. It was noted that the Garage Sale was not held until 2008.
*Re Expenses: Wages reflect that Jonathan finished a little earlier than anticipated. Mark also started a little later than what had been allowed for.
*$30,000 has been put into a high interest bearing account.
*The Audit was done by Kevin Marsh.
It was moved and seconded that the 2007 Finance Report be accepted Carried
Looking to 2008:
The 2008 budget is much the same as 2007. Receipts based on pledges and history.
Graeme was very pleased to announce that we are currently just over Budget in offerings. This, along with the added income from the Garage Sale should significantly reduce the budgeted Loss of $10,000.
It was moved and seconded that the Treasurers Report be adopted Carried
4. Other Reports
Andrew Tidswell thanked people who had prepared these reports and those partaking in the various activities.
Q/ Why was there no Kidzone report?
A/ Taken on notice
It was moved and seconded that the Reports be adopted Carried
Other Business
Change to Voting
Peter Lawrence reported that the Elders are revising the voting system to avoid having to have multiple rounds of voting if there are several candidates. A Preferential System is being looked at. It was brought to the Congregation’s notice that, if need be, they will propose a change to the constitution at the next meeting.
Q/ It was mentioned that the next meeting is usually the one where positions are voted on.
A/ Elders are aware of this, and will consider this with their decision making.
Meeting Closed at 12.05pm
MINUTES OF THE HALF YEARLY MEETING -BLACKWOOD CHURCH OF CHRIST
Held on Sunday 16th November 2008 in the Chapel
Present:
Carolyn Adams, Trevor Brettig, Jaqui Brettig, Nicola Butler, Greg Caudle, Deborah Caudle, Dawn Chivell, Robert Davies, Joyce Eagle, Janet Fitton, Russell Fitton, Alison Gunn, Don Harvey, Aileen Harvey, Don Hemer, Carolyn Hemer, Colin Jones, Helen Jones, Maxine Kell, Heather Kidd, Andrew Knight, Jayne Knight, Denise Knight, Judy Lawrence, Peter Lawrence, Chris Lawrence, Esther Maskrey, Graeme Murley, Meg Murley, Peggy Nelson, Greg Ratcliff, Les Ratcliff, Mark Riessen, Verity Riessen, Margaret Russell, Charlie Shears, Chris Shears, Linda Sleep, Alice Stephenson, Ailleen Templeton, Ian Templeton, Edda Thomas, Graeme Thomas, Judy Thomas, Andrew Tidswell, Lorraine Todd, Philip Verco, Claire Verco, Ennis Westphalen, David Whyatt, June Will, Ric Williams, Margaret Young.
Apologies:
Malcolm Beard, Marlene Beard, Kevin Beyer, Jeanette Beyer, Mark Butler, Trevor Gower, Judith Gower, Brian Kell, Andy Lawrence, Annie Petit, Peter Russell, Bette Small, Margaret Whyatt, Mark Yaeger, Derrilee Yaeger, Alan Young.
Welcome & opening prayer
A quorum of members having been reached, Andrew Tidswell welcomed those present.
Meeting opened in prayer by Mark Riessen.
Appointment of Scrutineers
Colin Jones and Phil Verco nominated to be scrutineers. Carried
Elder’s Report
Peter Lawrence spoke regarding Elders considering possible changes to voting system. Also looking at what it means to be a Member and Voting Eligibility. Currently in progress.
Alice Stephenson spoke about the combined Elders/Deacons Retreat held in August. The Retreat included dialogue about areas such as Governance, Eldership, Ministry, Executive, Administration and Management, and their role at Blackwood. There was emphasis on a Values Based Leadership.
Don Hemer advised that there had been a verbal response from the Council with regard to the old Plants Plus site. They stated that they are in no hurry to begin the development and at some stage will have a discussion with us regarding our involvement.
Don also thanked Alice Stephenson for her service as an Elder. Alice retires at the end of this year after 12 years as an Elder. Her wisdom and clarity of thought has been greatly appreciated over the years.
Ministry Report
Mark is currently feeling encouraged in his role as Minster at Blackwood and thanked the congregation for their support.
Concern was expressed about the current leadership ‘drought’ in Children’s and Youth Ministry areas. Judy Lawrence, in particular, is feeling the pressure of this. Support either prayerful and/or practical would be greatly appreciated.
Next year we may have the opportunity to be involved, through GMP, with a Sudanese community. They are looking at Partnering churches here in Australia with a Church in Sudan. Discussion with Steve Blackett is ongoing.
Ailleen Templeton is coordinating the Emergency Relief Program – BEACON. This is an Inter-Church Council Program that will probably be run out of our building. It is a welfare program providing short-term relief for people in the Blackwood Hills area.
Treasurer’s Report
Graeme Murley presented the current financial position.
Currently our income is down and expenses are up. The increase in income that we’ve been hoping for over the past few years in not happening. Primary reasons appear to be a decreased membership and for many people the ability to increase their giving is just not there.
As we present Christ to our community in 2009 we support Jesus ministry by:
* Supporting our own Ministry Team
* Supporting and extending our Ministry areas within the Church
* Supporting Chaplaincy in our local schools
* Supporting ministries of our State Conference
* Maintaining our physical assets so they can be effectively used.
The current level of deficit cannot be maintained, therefore, with the support of the Eldership, Graeme presented a Revised Draft Budget for 2009 as follows.
Graeme Murley Put Forward the Proposed Budget for 2009
Draft Budget for 2009
/2008 Budget
$ /2009 BUDGET
$Income
Church OfferingsDirect debit
Other Income
Total Income
Expenses
Conference (dues, missions etc)Insurance/Work Cover
Office costs
Other
Wages *
Property, Maintenance
Social Outreach, School Chaplain
Power, Telephone, Water etc.
Worship/Ministry/Youth
Total Operating Expenses
Surplus/Loss / 67,080
79,140
27,000
173,220
14,080 11,570
7,580
116,860 5,570
10,000
4,500
7,270
183,930
-10,710 /
49,780
79,900
28,000
157,680
9,000
8,000
8,000
121,400
5,000
8,530
4,500
4,000
6,500
171,390
13,710
* Wages include 1.4 FTE Ministers salaries + Office Administrator
Discussion followed.
There was disappointment expressed at the decreased Conference giving.
It was also acknowledged that there are people within our congregation who are struggling financially. It was suggested that maybe we should look at other ways of raising funds specifically for Mission, for example a quiz night.
The cost of the Colour Monthly Messenger was queried, and a suggestion made that perhaps we make greater use of Email to save costs.
It was moved and seconded that ‘the Draft Budget for 2009 be accepted’.
Carried unanimously
Election of Elders
Greg Ratcliff was re-elected as Elder.
Election of Deacons
June Will was re-elected for Seniors Ministry
Andrew Tidswell was re-elected as Church Secretary
Ric Williams was re-elected for Property & Maintenance
Carolyn Adams was elected to Children’s Ministry (Kidzone).