Uniter
Armidale Uniting Church
Annual Congregation Meeting
2013 Report
August 2013
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Armidale Congregation
Once again, I commend to your reading these compiled
annual reports which give some insight into the breadth
and depth of activities which are going on in our midst,
day and night for 365 days of the year. There is no
doubting our diversity of interests – this is a simple
reflection of our diversity as people, in so many ways.
The challenge always before us is to maintain our unity
through celebration of the richly diverse life God is
calling us to and gifting us with.
9.30am on Sunday morning is the one time when we
regularly gather in large numbers. In the last six months
we have been indebted to the lay preachers and worship
leaders, who have worked very hard to lead a range of
worship styles, including some new innovations. The
Worship Resource Committee is looking to add to our
worship by offering leaders extra help in areas such as
music and drama. Our tastes in worship, in particular,
are so varied that I am sure it is just not possible to
please everybody. But by having a range of experiences,
it is possible for everyone to find some parts of worship
that enable us to experience God in some way.
It seems to me that it is particularly important at this
time to restrain our critical responses to worship which
might not meet our personal expectations at times.
Rather, by focussing on the positives and continuing our
emphasis on meeting together, we will remain strong and
faithful as a congregation through the inevitable ups and
downs we will experience. Our worship leaders are busy
people who give us their best, and deserve our gratitude
and encouragement. Without a regular minister it is
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difficult to maintain the continuity of worship and
teaching, but let’s not lose heart. St Paul writes clearly
that we are not just a group of individuals, but the body
of Christ, where all the different parts have a vital role to
play for the whole, however insignificant the part may
seem at first.
At the time of writing we are about to celebrate the
confirmation of a group of young adults. Let us make
sure that we welcome these new members as friends and
give them every opportunity to participate fully in the
life of the congregation.
The state of our finances in coming years is a cause for
genuine concern and substantial action must be taken.
But there is also much to celebrate in the life we share
together – I think something like the fullness of life
promised by Jesus.
Lindsay Brash,
Chair of the Congregation.
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Report from Church Council
This report hasn’t come easy, I’ve been dragged to the
computer; however, there is a lot to report, possibly not on
what has happened last year, but what might happen in the
future.
It has been a hard year for a lot of people with the absence of
a minister, people have stood up and taken on extra roles,
and our thanks go to these folk, in particular I would like to
thank Robert Luxton as he has had to take many funerals,
always at unexpected times.
Our thanks to Bev Saunders also and Sue McMichael, for
taking on roles they probably didn’t expect to have to do.
We have continued, and at present there is an element of
excitement in the Church Council, as well as a feeling of
anxiety, as to what our future direction might be.
The JNC has been diligently following leads for a new
minister for this congregation, with feelings in the
background that we cannot afford one. This has been a
difficult task, knowing that we don’t seem to have the full
support of the church community.
We have interviewed three candidates, all of whom we could
have recommended to the congregation, but all declined. It is
interesting some of the reasons that were given: we are too
far from the coast was one concern, plus his moves are
always decided with the family in mind, which is fine. The
next guy was again a great person with lots to offer,
however, he needed a job for his wife, this seemed to be the
major concern, and eventually he chose a different parish.
The third guy was really good, would love to have him here,
you would all be blessed; however he didn’t hear the call of
God to come here.
I was so excited to hear that- being with someone who was
waiting on the call of God - is such a privilege. So if God didn’t
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call this person here, does that mean he wants someone else
here??
There is a movement of the Holy Spirit in this place, people
are praying, people are moving with the Spirit.
The highlight for my year was being involved with the
Emmaus Walk again this year: we invited six people from
PNG to the Walks and were blessed off our feet! They are an
incredible people who Love the Lord and show faith that is
not witnessed in Australia very often.
I believe that we need to be a people of faith; we need to put
it on the line for Jesus, which brings me to the next point of
the report.
We do believe amongst ourselves that we cannot afford a
minister, the budget certainly points to that conclusion, we
also have a reserve we have been keeping and using when
things crop up or we fall short in our income, which by
normal standards is a very common sence way to look after a
reserve. There is some support in Church Council that we
should do more with the reserve, to show some faith and
give 10% of it every year before we worry about shortfalls in
our giving.
Part of this vision is to give the money to the Emmaus
community so they can sponsor more PNG folk here next
year. We will then have a link between us and the PNG
community, I can assure you of one thing, this Church would
receive many blessings from the PNG folk if we went down
that line.
So friends, there is a lot going on, some hard thinking, some
hard discussions. God is at work in this place.
Chris Mitchell
Chair - Church Council
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About Armidale Uniting Church
At August 23 2013 there were 253 households, and 522
people on the Armidale Church Roll.
Since the last Annual General Meeting in September 2012:
Funerals
Helena Waters
Henry Anthony Jeffries
Joan Helena Clark
22 October 2012
26 November 2012
3 January 2013
Graeme Paul Eastall
3 April 2013
Denis William Bristow.
8 April 2013
Roger Charles Chubb
3 May 2013
Grant Stewart Harman
3 June 2013
Douglas James Faint
24 June 2013
Marie Harrigan
27 June 2013
Edna Joyce Jones
Sheila Beatrice Nivison
31 July 2013
6 August 2013
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Baptisms
Ryan Allan Waters:
26 May 2013
Melanie Brash:
25 August 2013
Olivia Maria Elaine Patricks:
25 August 2013
Confirmations
Melanie Brash
25 August 2013
Aimee Brown:
25 August 2013
Danjela Ellis:
25 August 2013
Nick Allen:
25 August 2013
Marriages
Emma Jane Model/Benjamin Roy Quast
James Peter Ellis/Danjela Johnston
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16 March 2013
20 April 2013
Summary of 2012-13
Finances
See Appendixes one and two
for details
Overall Outcome
Surplus of $38,200.
Summary
Our bacon has been saved in 2012-13 largely by a number of
one-off donations, savings generated from not employing a
minister for six months, and delayed payment of expenses
that will need to be paid in 2013-14.
Analysis
A simple look at the budget bottom line is deceptive. There
is a need to look at factors that may have impacted the
budget and tend to mask its true nature. For example, oneoff transactions and the timing of income or expenditure in
one year have skewed the results.
Income and Under-Expenditure
Donations/Sale of Property: there were several income
transactions that should be seen as unexpected and
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potentially one-off. These totalled approx. $17,300 and
comprised donations of $12,000 from members of the
congregation and $5,300 from the sale of property.
Personnel: the departure of Anita Monro has provided a six
month payment holiday for the Church with the Minister’s
salary and on-costs reduced by approx $40,000.
Insurance: no payment for property insurance was made
during the year providing a ‘saving’ of $9,800. However, this
expense will now appear in the 2013-14 financial year along
with the insurance expenses budgeted for this period.
Over-Expenditure
Property: maintenance and capital expenditure on the
various church properties is significant. The table below
details for key properties budgeted expenditure and capital,
actual expenditure, and the variance.
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Budgeted
Expenditur
e
Actual
Expenditur
e
Varianc
e
Church/hall
s
$ 5,000
$18,713
($13,71)
Yallambee
Ave
$ 4,210
$ 1,905
$ 2,305
St Andrew’s
House
$ 7,592
$12,375
($4,783)
Capital
provision
$10,000
$42,993
($16,19)
Item
TOTAL $26,802
The over-expenditure in this budget line is effectively understated because the cost of the renovation of the ladies toilet
has not been paid and will appear as expenditure in the
2013-14 budget.
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2013-14 Budget
Overall Outcome
Deficit $36,700.
Summary
Two known transactions will have an adverse impact on the
budget for 2013-14:
Insurance: the property insurance premiums for 2012-13 and
2013- 14 will both be paid in this period. The additional sum
(2012-13) is $9,800.
Property: the invoice for the renovation of the women’s
toilet will appear in this year (although the income was
received in the previous period. This expenditure is approx.
$10,000.
Expenditure
Personnel: approx. 10 months of ministerial support in will
be provided in 2013-14.
Property
Insurance: no payment for property insurance ($9,800) was
made during 2012-13. This expense will now appear in the
current year along with the 2013-14 insurance expense.
Church/halls: payment for renovation of ladies toilet will be
made in 2013-14, the year following the donation appearing
on the accounts.
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Combined Two-Year Budget
Overall Outcome
Surplus $1500
Summary
Over the two years ministerial support of only16 months has
provided significant savings. These savings have largely:
• been used to cover property expenses not budgeted; and
• offset a budgeted deficit of approx. $29,000,
leading to a balanced budget over the two years.
There is a significant challenge for the Church with respect to
the appointment of a full time minister.
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St Andrew’s House Report 2013
St Andrew’s House is an intentional Christian student
residence in the Rusden Street manse. Established in January
2010, St Andrew’s provides accommodation for up to six
post-secondary students who wish to live in a Christian
community.
Currently the House has four residents – David Zhou, an
Accounting student from China (commenced 08/11); Ashish
Garit, an Education student from India (01/12); Malkia (Kia)
Malula, a Criminology student from the Congo (07/12); and
Howard Shen, an Accounting student from China (01/12).
Alice Nguyen was also a resident until recently.
Since the 2012 report on St Andrews the downstairs
bathroom has been renovated to address problems with a
water leak behind the shower tiles, and to update the
facilities. The renovation cost approx. $10,000, but will serve
the Manse, whatever its use, for many years to come. In the
meantime, our resident students have an attractive, modern
bathroom.
The current students have engaged with the Church largely
through participation in an Alpha course conducted by Bev
Saunders supported by George Henderson. This regular
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activity has provided those students whose Christian heritage
and knowledge is limited, with an important introduction and
understanding of Christianity.
The House Committee is keen to receive feedback from the
congregation about St Andrew’s – what you like, any
concerns etc. Also, we are keen that members of the
congregation engage with our residents. Please take time to
chat to the residents at Church, or invite one or several to
your place for a meal or an activity. The church’s mission
through St Andrew’s has the potential to enhance our
Christian journey and is something that everyone can join.
Russel Glover
Chair, St Andrew’s House Committee
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Alpha
The ALPHA course is an introduction to Christ and
Christianity. It usually begins in February each year. A
number of people, mainly students from a variety of
belief and cultural backgrounds (China, Korea, Malaysia,
Macau, Africa, Vietnam, India and Australia) have come
to explore the faith.
We begin each meeting (Sunday lunch) with some really
good food, followed by the DVD teaching session.
Thanks to George Henderson for his help and support,
and for those who have been praying for us all.
Bev Saunders – Hostess/Facilitator.
Meals on Wheels
A willing group of people from our congregation give of their
time on the 3rd Friday of each month to deliver meals to
people who are in need of this service.
The cheerful faces of our group may be the only person they
see on that day and provides an opportunity for the clients to
have a friendly chat.
Many thanks to all the people who deliver these meals – you
are all wonderful.
Lyn Jobson
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Elders’ Report
Our role as Elders is to encourage and support the
spiritual life of the Congregation, as individuals and as a
community. We have aimed to do this by:
 Supporting and affirming our ministry leaders and
preachers, as they focus on faithfully leading,
preaching and teaching from the Word,
administering the sacraments, and building us up
as the Body of Christ - at Armidale for the 8am,
9.30am and 7pm and mid-week congregations, as
well as at Hillgrove, and by invitation at Uralla,
Guyra, and Kingstown.
 Sharing in and supporting the services at senior
citizens/nursing homes including BUPA, Thompson
Lodge, Wollemi, Autumn Lodge and Ningana.
 Supporting and working with our Pastoral Care Coordinators.
 Enabling God’s people to grow in faith by supporting,
and encouraging: Sunday School teaching
 Bible Study and Home Groups
 Friendship and fellowship through the Family
Groups
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Continued page 17
 Confirmation classes
 ‘Living the Questions’
 The ‘Alpha’ course
 The ‘Emmaus’ ministry
 The ‘Kairos’ ministry to prisoners and their families
 Friendship Dinners
 Retreat days
 St Andrew’s House Community
 University Chaplaincy and UNE mission workers
 Informal visits, calls, and hospitality
 Groups that provide education, mutual support and
social networks
 Building bridges of friendship in the wider community
through events such as Sunday Explore, the
Community Garden and Music .
 Use of our library and other resources
 The welcoming and enfolding of new people
 Giving to the work of the church globally, nationally,
locally and interdenominationally.
Setting aside a considerable part of Elders meetings for
seeking God through worship, communion and
intercession for our congregation and community.
This year has brought new challenges without a
minister, but it has also presented us with the
opportunity to be renewed in our calling to seek first
the Kingdom of God: to listen to His Voice, and respond
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in obedience to Him – recognising that ‘His ways are not
our (natural human) ways’. We are thankful to God for
all that He is teaching us about Himself – so that we can
be sure of our identity in Him, relying on His leading,
power and guidance in all that we are and do in His
name.
As Chair of Elders, I believe that God is giving many
amongst us a deeper desire to know the love,
forgiveness and power of God in ways that we may have
not experienced before. We are being stirred to take
some risks.
We are aware that there are a large number of people
who are quietly, selflessly, prayerfully and faithfully
giving of their time, energy, money, hospitality and
resources to minister to us and many others in the
name of Christ. We thank God for each one, and for all
that He has done, is doing, and will do amongst us.
Bev Saunders for Elders
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Sunday School
Sunday School has averaged 8 children this year, whose
ages range from 3– 11, attending each Sunday during
2013. Elisabeth Dell, Margaret Lawrence and April
Kelson share the teaching and are assisted by various
members of the congregation.
Sunday School runs during the school terms, with
activity sheets for the children to do, during school
holidays.
We have continued to use the Seasons of the Spirit
material this year, and generally have singing, story and
activities, based on the lectionary readings.
April Kelson – Organiser
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UC Chaplaincy @ UNE
Annual Report—July 20112to August 2013
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.
Lifesaver Days in Orientation Weeks for Trimester 1 & 2
2013
Provision of weekly drop-in sessions at the Chaplaincy
Office during internal teaching periods
Bible studies which have been on and off
Support for and oversight of Sundays@7, the Sunday
evening program of worship and relational activities
offered at Armidale Uniting Church (including a
beginning of the year BBQ to welcome new and
returning students)
Participation on St Andrew’s House Committee
Participation in Alpha, an activity of the Armidale
Congregation engaging with university students
Participation and Leadership of the Easter Vigil Service
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More regular bible studies on-campus
A Social Outing or BBQ
Retreat Day
This project has received continuing funding for the period
2013-2015, which was reassured in the March 2013 Synod
Standing Committee
—
The current chaplaincy team has NOT received any access to
funding in our working account for this year despite a
request to Presbytery that the grant be deposited in a lump
sum.
Current the Chaplaincy Working A/C has a balance of
$209.00, which is a remainder from last year.
James Ellis
Mission Worker
Uniting Church Chaplaincy@UNE
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Property Committee
The 2013 Committee consists of: Kim Bastock, Phil
Sharpe, Beverley Pitt, Robin Jessop, John & Lyn Jobson
and Martin Hazell as convenor. With Chris Mitchell
representing Church Council, we meet every second
month.
So far this year we have almost completed all the work
required at our Yallambie Ave property; there are only
some minor bits to do.
The women’s toilet has been updated, thanks to the
bequest from Wes Taylor.
The Cool Room, which will be at the back of the Youth
Centre, is well on the way.
The lights round the Church buildings have been updated
& repaired
A lot of the points in the property audit have been
completed with the remainder being attempted as time
permits
Sound frames for the Youth Centre are on the way with
little money required to complete.
Hopefully the upkeep on Hillgrove & Brockley
buildings, and the ‘asbestos’ reports, are being passed
onto the respective congregations for their attention.
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Our ‘asbestos’ reports have been read & dealt with & the
appropriate attention given to them.
OH&S issues raised are being dealt with as time &
money is made available.
We believe our commitment to safety & exit signage has
been completed.
Other issues of a minor nature are being dealt with as
they come up.
The major issues facing us at the present time are:



The water leaking down the front wall of the
Church & the repainting.
The restoration of the left & right front entrances
to the Church along with the vestry are being
quoted on.
The floor in Wesley Hall needs a lot of work to
make it level; the Hall needs to be repainted
with mould resistant paint
These tasks are only being priced at this stage so we
can make our arrangements for their completion
sometime in the future.
Because of the age of our buildings there will always
be ‘more’ to do.
Yours faithfully
Martin Hazell (convenor)
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Evening Adult Fellowship
The Evening Adult Fellowship meets in the Youth Centre
Lounge on the second Monday of each month at
7.30pm with an average attendance of 12-14 people at
each meeting.
We have an interesting and varied program for the year.
Each meeting includes a time of devotion led by
members of the group followed by the activity of the
evening and supper.
This year our theme has been loving and serving our
neighbor, with devotions related to that theme. The
activity of foot massages was compared to Jesus
washing the feet of the disciples, we enjoyed the
Christian outreach of a family in the DVD ‘The
Blindside’, several of our members giving their
testimony were just some of our highlights.
Our outreach programs include a weekly visit to
distribute a small gift to each new baby born at the
Armidale Hospital and donations to varied organisations
such as Armidale Youth Futures and Scripture in
Schools, with funds received from catering for funerals
and other functions during the year.
Kim Bastock
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English Classes
The classes run from 11am to 1pm on Mondays and
Wednesdays. Priscilla Connor is ably assisted by 2 other
qualified ESL teachers (as circumstances allow).
This year we have around ten students and have
averaged seven over the year. The students come from
a wide range of countries including Vietnam, Iraq, Hong
Kong, Macau, Kurdistan, Libya and Bangladesh.
Many of our students are university graduates who are
currently studying here in Armidale to support spouses
doing doctoral or master programs at the UNE. Some
are improving their English to be able to get jobs. Over
the first half of the year some have returned to their
home countries.
Although the explicit aim is the improving of students’
English in all four skills, the development of friendship,
integration into the community and expansion of intercultural understanding are valued outcomes.
The students and teachers (Ross Epps, Ronnie Ryan,
Priscilla Connor) are very grateful to the Uniting Church
for the welcome given them and the use of the
community room.
Priscilla Connor
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Afternoon Fellowship
Once again our numbers have been small this year, but the
friendship and fellowship has been greatly enjoyed. In April
we enjoyed a car drive to Dangersleigh, Gostwyck and Uralla,
with lunch at the Top Pub in Uralla. In July we once again
enjoyed a soup lunch, and members had to use their brains
on some Bible Quizzes. We have supported Inter Church
activities and helped with caterings. Crazy Whist continues
every second month, and is a good money raiser, along with
our trading tables. We support Leprosy Mission, Bible
Society and Uniting World, as well as various Church projects.
Some of our members have been ill recently, and we wish
them a speedy recovery. Unfortunately, none of us are
getting any younger! We would love to have more of our
congregation join us for fellowship and a cuppa on the
second Thursday each month. This is a mixed group, and we
would love to have some more men to join us.
President: Beryl Hamel
Secretary: Ann Pryosusilo
Treasurer: Christina Wilson
Uniting Singers
We have been in recess this year for various reasons.
However, with Hymn Fest fast approaching, we are
joining with a group of other women from the other
churches to present an item at the Anglican Parish
Centre on September 8th at 2pm. If you would like to
join in we will be practising soon. Please phone me on.
6772 2314
Patsy Fulloon.
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Jan-Piet’s Choice
Dr Jan-Piet Knijff continued his unique community music
event Jan-Piet’s Choice on Wednesdays at noon through very
early 2013 and then again from 8 May through 31 July of this
year. There have been about 80 Choices altogether since Dr
Knijff started the series in June 2011 as part of his many
efforts to connect UNE Music with the Armidale community.
Since then, Jan-Piet’s Choice has continued as part of Dr
Knijff's personal musical outreach to the Armidale
community (in addition to playing for services here and at St.
Peter’s). Usually in the company of students or colleagues, Dr
Knijff performs and discusses a piece of music, invariably
shedding completely new light on it. All proceeds of the freewill offering continue to go to the church’s Organ Fund.
To celebrate the second year of Jan-Piet’s Choice, Dr Knijff
organised his third community music festival here in June: La
Françoise, a weekend-long celebration of French music, with
guest musicians from as far as Newcastle, Brisbane and
Broken Hill in addition to many musicians of all ages from the
Armidale and New England community, including the
Armidale Choral Society. The next Choice event will be a
special New Year's concert on Sunday 5 January 2014, here at
the Uniting Church, with Christmas music from The
Netherlands, Germany, France and England by Jan-Piet and
Friends. Jan-Piet's next festival will be dedicated to music
written in and for England and take place in the second
weekend of August 2014.
Jan-Piet Knijff
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Hospitality Group
This group continues to operate on the third Saturday of the
month from 6.30pm at each other’s houses. We enjoy a meal
and plan events during the year: the main event during the
year is the Christmas Day Lunch. 2012 saw us celebrate this
ministry with over 400 people attending.
When a group of us though t it might be useful and
hospitable to begin the Christmas Lunch twenty one years
ago, none of realised it would be such a long standing,
welcomed and important part of God’s Ministry in the
Community.
The Church Lunch would not be possible without the huge
number of donations: people donate food, things and time. If
we need it God gives us someone to give it to us.
Volunteers, new and returning spent Christmas Eve chopping
peeled and arranging food as well as transforming the Youth
Centre. We began the meal out on the lawns and moved
inside for a splendid time, filled with fellowship and grace.
This year we are building a cool room: the platform has been
built and it is planned to be ready by Christmas. It is out the
back of the Kitchen and will be useful for the Garden.
Our group continues to meet the social needs of those
involved. We have begun planning Christmas Day Lunch
2013, organisers have been appointed for various tasks and
we are looking forward to celebrating Christmas.
Martin Hazell—Convenor
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Outreach & Social Concerns Committee,
The past twelve months have again been busy.
The Friendship Dinner monthly sees us catering for between
12 and 25 guests, most of them developmentally disabled
adults, associated with 'Ascent'. This dinner has continued for
many years now, and provides a strong association with our
Uniting Church for these people. Not all of them attend
church, but all have become aware of who we are and why
they are with us. Each participant pays $3, and we send a
cheque to Oxfam or TEAR occasionally. We present a brief
devotional segment during the dinner, and play a series of
board games etc afterwards. We are grateful to those people
who, either on a regular or occasional basis cook for the
Friendship Dinner.
The Church garden has more than once provided an extra
dish for the table, and this is appreciated very much. The
Christmas Party is always very well received and enjoyed, and
to those extra people who come and help with barbecue etc
we express our thanks.
Our Christmas commitments are quite heavy. We organise
the Christmas Bowl Appeal, the sale of TEAR cards, and the
Family Support Christmas Tree in the church. These three
appeals to the generosity of our congregation have been
richly rewarded over the years, and we have generally been
given close to $1000 for the first two and over a hundred
presents for the tree.
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This year we have experimented in having the Christmas Tree
set up in July, to spread somewhat the concentration of
appeals at the end of the year.
We would appreciate feedback from the Congregation on the
reallocation of the Christmas Tree to July.
One of our major efforts each year is the Sharing Simply
Meal. Over the last few years we have held this meal as a
lunch, after church on Sunday morning. It is intended to be
an ecumenical activity, but is attended largely by Uniting
Church people. We do invite all the other Christian
denominations in Armidale, and we do hope we will be
joined by some of their members.
This year the Simply Sharing meal will be on 18th August, and
the speaker will be the Professor of Peace Studies at UNE,
Helen Ware. Professor Ware will speak on the disparity
between first and third world countries and her experiences
with displaced persons.
ActforPeace in Sydney has recently sent us a package of
brochures and appeal envelopes asking for financial help for
the humanitarian crisis in Syria, where refugee numbers are
huge. Our Sharing Simply monies may in part be directed to
this appeal.
(Please note.... Our intention in always inviting a local
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speaker to address the gathering is so that we do not have to
pay travel etc costs, and there will be more money to send to
the allocated projects.)
My personal thanks to the amazing, tireless people who
constitute the Outreach and Social Concerns Committee. We
would welcome any additions to our group.... There is always
something to be done, and all of it is God's work. Any
volunteers?
Carol Maddox, Convenor, OSCCommittee
‘Just Ask – Just Read’
As a group we are aiming to simply ask God for
revelation as we read God’s Word, mindful of
His Presence.
Held at the home of Bev Saunders – 15 Rusden
Court 6771 5671 (in recess at present)
Bev Saunders
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Kairos
Kairos Inside Prison Ministry continues to grow at a
very pleasing rate, with great breakthroughs and results.
At the moment we have one team in training to take
Kairos into the Tamworth Correctional Centre in
September, whilst we have another team in training to
take Kairos into the Glen Innes Correctional Centre in
January 2014. Both these teams have members of the
combined Churches of Armidale in their ranks, which is
very pleasing. We would like to have more support from
the Churches and the community, but at the moment we
must remain patient.
The response from inmates and prison staff remains very
strong with many people giving their lives to our Lord
(from both camps) which is very pleasing to all
concerned.
We also conducted our first Kairos Outside for Women
(for the loved ones & families of people in gaol) earlier
this year, which proved very successful and worthwhile.
Included in this team were a number of our own Church
members. At the moment a second team is being formed
to undertake our second Kairos for Women in the near
future. Considering all that is happening, we are quite
busy in the organising of such events, but allow me to let
you know that I consider it a privilege and honour to be
so involved in such a rewarding ministry.
Thank-you for this opportunity to express my views on
this ministry.
Martin Hazell - Kairos Board member
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KYB Report.
KYB meets at 10.30am on Monday mornings at the
home of Marlene Burrows. C.W.C.I., an Evangelical
organisation which has a Bible based teaching ministry
sets out the program that we follow.
Our women's only group consists of 8 regular members
and our group leader is Annette Watts, an executive
member of C.W.C.I.
This year we have studied 1 Samuel, Psalms and
Philippians.
Each week we have a time of prayer.
New members are welcome, if you are interested please
contact - Annette Watts - 67711404, or Jenny Sholl –
67725208
Marlene Burrows.
Armidale United
We began Armidale United earlier in the year.
As is often with groups our numbers were small
to begin with, but have increased over the
months.
We have a regular group of about eight young
people who come every Tuesday evening in
term time, from 7 to 9 pm.
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The evening has videos and a study; there is
discussion about how it relates to our lives. The
evenings begin and end with games. Everyone
has been bringing friends each week.
We have been playing laser tag
Craig Merrick—Leader
Family Groups
Family Groups are an important part of our Church and
play a vital role in developing friendships and pastoral
care among our congregation.
We are very happy to have a new Family group in the
capable hands of April & Craig Merrick. This Group will
focus on young families – John & I were privileged to be
at their first gathering which was very successful and
well attended.
A large number of people now belong to a Family Group
and enjoy regular activities together as well as providing
caring support for each other.
Again we enjoyed a combined get together at the
Dillon’s home for Australia Day and sincerely thank
Matt and Linda for their wonderful hospitality.
Special thanks to the group leaders Bev Pitt, April &
Craig Merrick, Ken Waters, Jenny & Colin Sholl, and
John Jobson.
Lyn Jobson.
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With Love to the World Bible Study
The With Love to the World Bible Study
group meets in the Reflection Room at
7:30 pm on Thursday nights. We have
been running for about 14 months now.
We are a small group, but new members
are always welcome. We look at the
lectionary readings for the next Sunday.
We use With Love to the World
commentary, the Nathan Nettleton
paraphrases and Abingdon Preaching
Annual and discuss what the bible
passages mean for us. This is an
opportunity to prepare for worship the
following Sunday. We try to finish by
8:30 pm, but it depends on the discussion.
This year, the group will go into recess as
group members become involved in
leading the Living the Questions study
group but will return again once that study
is completed. Come and join us.
Anna Vlasoff
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Report to the Armidale Congregational AGM
History
We started in April 2012 with a small group of people who
were interested in meeting during the week for a service that
started at the Anzac Day Chaplaincy Retreat. Out of that
service, a group formed which decided to meet weekly for
Holy Communion using a variety of different liturgies that
followed an Eastern and Latin structure with a contemporary
feel.
Who are we and what do we do?
We are a group of anything from 3 -6 people who meet for
roughly an hour and celebrate Holy Communion. Our services
are rich with symbolism and focuses on reflection, prayer,
singing/chanting, and hearing from the Bible. The high point
of the service is the celebration of the Eucharist. We use a
variety of sensual symbols in our service from candles to
water to incense.
When do we meet?
We currently meet on Thursdays at 6:30pm in the Reflection
Room. All Welcome! Come try it out!
James Ellis
Lay Presider
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Alwyn Jones Community Service Award
On Sunday 5 May 2013 the 9th annual Alwyn Jones
Community Service Award was presented at the conclusion
of the 9.30 am service. The service was conducted by
Alwyn’s son Graham, and Alwyn’s wife Joyce was able to
attend along with other members of the family.
There were five applications for the award. The award was
presented to Wally and Carole O’Hara for their ongoing
work with the Armidale Gymnasium.
The Award Committee consists of congregational
representatives,
an
Armidale
Dumaresq
Council
representative, a community representative and Jones family
representatives.
In April 2013 a proposal was submitted through Church
Council to Armidale Dumaresq Council and was approved at
the April Council meeting. It gave approval for development
of a planting and interpretative site at the Armidale
Bicentennial Arboretum in the car park – barbeque area. The
planting will include trees presented to award recipients if
they desire, and will provide examples of trees which have
been planted in the streets of Armidale. Nine boards on three
bays of the display area at the site will be developed to
provide historical and identification information on
Armidale’s street trees, and will link this to the Alwyn Jones
Community Service Award.
Members of the subcommittee which developed the proposal
are now working to prepare material for the display boards.
Council is assisting with layout, a map and some
photographs. Council will also provide assistance with
maintenance of tree plantings.
Margaret Waters – Committee Chair
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KYB TOO Bible Study Group
This group is for men and women, any age and different
denominations. We have changed our time to meet this year,
to 4.30 pm on Thursdays. We are considering changing the
meeting time again, to accommodate other people. At
present, besides Uniting Church people, we have Anglicans
and Baptists. We could include one or two new people but
don’t like the group to get too big so that we can have a
discussion around a table.
We meet at Judith Antill’s home at 17 Rusden Court,
Armidale.
If anyone would like further information about the studies
contact Joan or Lindsay Tasker on 6772 9643.
Joan Tasker
Jobson’s Home Church
We continue to meet each Thursday evening at 7.30pm, for a
time of changing Bible Studies, and each fourth Thursday
evening at 6.30 pm, we put aside our studies to enjoy a bring
and share meal. This year we have looked at the Lord’s
Prayer and have done a study on Peter—this has provided a
lively discussion. The is followed by us sharing in a
Communion Service. At the present time we number 13
persons.
Martin Hazell
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Tuesday Group
This is an inter-denominational group who read
current books on religion and discuss the relevant
issues.
The facilitator is Margaret Barger, phone 6772 7825
and the group meets at 183 Faulkner Street, each
Tuesday from 12 pm (except school holidays).
The aim is to enrich and enhance the spiritual life of
each person.
The group is at maximum capacity for 2013; this
allows each person to express their ideas and listen
to each other respectfully.
Margaret Barger
Prayer Chain
This group of people remain loyal to our call to pray for those
who wish to use this service. It works well, with many prayer
requests at all times.
Martin Hazell
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Uniting Community Garden
The Garden, on the south side of the Youth Centre has
now been going for over 18 months and there are a
dozen of us involved in various ways. Most are Church
members but we have a few from the general
community including two Vietnamese ladies. One of our
aims is to have people from the general community
involved, so please let it be known to any one you know
who may be interested. We would love to have more
knowledgeable gardeners, but all are welcome whether
those with little gardening knowledge, disabled or able
bodied people, Church members and those without any
Church affiliation.
Crops have included tomatoes, lettuce, potatoes,
beetroot, cabbage, spinach, broccoli, leeks, rhubarb,
eggplant and Asian greens. Most have grown quite well
although there have been some that weren’t successful.
Some vegetables are left on the bread table for those
who come for food packs and for members of the
congregation. The gardeners also take some.
Last year, there was a Sunday morning service in the
Youth Centre when the Garden was dedicated. Maybe a
similar service could be considered for sometime during
Spring.
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We have been talking about a watering system for a
long time and finally things are starting to happen. A
foundation has been prepared and the 10,000 litre tank
installed. The plumbing needs to be completed and a
pump installed. This project is being financed by a grant
from the Armidale Dumaresq Council and money raised
by the Community Garden group.
Garden funds: As indicated above a grant has been
received of $1000 from Armidale Dumaresq Council,
that is going towards a watering system that includes a
tank and pump, plus about $500 from Bunnings’ BBQs.
The sale of sheep manure (donated by the Hamels) and
donations for vegetables taken. We would be very
appreciative of useful items, such as another length of
garden hose, implements, garden stakes, vegetable (and
flower) plants, seeds, and rhubarb and asparagus
crowns.
Spring is just a few days away so we are looking forward
to a lot of new growth in the Garden. All are very
welcome to come along and be part of it. Talk to Don,
Brenda, George, Sue (McMichael), Chris, Sigrid, Ben,
Michael, Graham, Mark, Judith, or Henry
Henry Raymond
42 | P a g e U n i t e r A u g u s t 2 0 1 3
Minutes of the Congregation of the Armidale
Uniting Church
Annual General Meeting on Sunday 16
September 2012 in Wesley Church
Present: Lindsay Brash (chair), Brenda Faulkner, Colin
Sholl, Jenny Sholl, Henry Raymond, David McDonald,
Joan Tasker, Lindsay Tasker, Muriel Noble, Phil Sharpe,
Carol Maddox, Warwick Olphert, Susan McMichael,
Bev Pitt, Rossi Leayr, Noeline Raymond, Kay Harman,
Grant Harman, Bev Luxton, Jeanne Madison, Brian
Seppelt, Robert Luxton, James Ellis, Lex Waters, Ivy
Williams, Margaret Waters, Arthur Wooster, Margaret
Wooster, Russel Glover, William Steel, Anna Vlasoff,
Anita Monro.
Apologies: John & Lyn Jobson, Chris Mitchell, Stan &
Margaret Hutchins, Danjela Johnson, Kim Glover,
Martin Hazell, Marcie Hazell.
Meeting Opened in prayer at 11.05am.
Minutes:
Annual General Meeting 4 September
2011
Congregation Meeting 4 December 2011
Congregation Meeting 17 June 2012.
Adopted by consensus.
Reports Tabled: Armidale Congregation
Ministry
Alwyn Jones Community Service
Award
Statistics
Jan-Piet’s Choice
Tuesday Group
43 | P a g e U n i t e r A u g u s t 2 0 1 3
Finance Report
Adult Evening Fellowship
Community Garden
English Classes
Know Your Bible and KYB Too
With Love to the World Bible Study
Uniting Adult Fellowship Afternoon
Group
St Andrews House
Jobson’s Home Church
Family Groups, Consonatas
Elders
Prayer Chain
Property Committee
Meals on Wheels
Kairos
“Just Ask – Just Read”
UNE Chaplaincy
Sunday School
Uniting Church Singers
Outreach and Social Concerns
Hospitality Group
All reports Received by consensus.
Thanks were expressed to Anita Monro for her ministry
with us over several years.
Bev Saunders reported that the process of finding a new
minister had started.
Meeting Closed with the Grace at 11.12am.
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Minutes of the Congregation of the Armidale
Uniting Church
Meeting on Sunday 25 November 2012 in
Wesley Church
Present: Lindsay Brash (chair), Brenda Faulkner, Colin
Sholl, Henry Raymond, Bev Saunders, Graham MacKay,
Carol Maddox, Warwick Olphert, Susan McMichael,
Beverley Pitt, Ken Waters, Elizabeth Lawson, Chris
Mitchell, George Henderson, Wayne Pfeiffer, Lee
Pfeiffer, James Ellis, Danjela Johnson, Noeline
Raymond, Anna Vlasoff, Rossi Leayr, Arthur Wooster,
Margaret Wooster, Betty Killen, Kay Harman, Grant
Harman, Jeanne Madison, Brian Seppelt, Robert Luxton,
April Kelson, Margaret Lawrence, Celia Smith, Teng
Waninga, Bepi Waninga, Taeko Conroy, Don Cox,
Rodger Brown, Anita Monro.
Apologies: Beryl Hamel, John Hamel, Graham
Maddox, John & Lyn Jobson, Sandy Lawson, Mark
Conroy, Kim Bastock, Craig Merrick.
Meeting Opened in prayer at 11.01am.
Election of Elders and Office-bearers for 2011:
Nominations had been duly received for:
Elders: Taeko Conroy (1 year), James Ellis (1 year),
Sue Farmer (3 years), Carol Maddox (1 year),
Sue McMichael (2 years).
Church Council Representatives (1 year unless stated):
John Hamel (2 years), Dan Rasiga,
Henry Raymond, Mark Conroy, George
Henderson, Graham MacKay.
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Presbytery Representatives: James Ellis.
Presbytery Alternates:
George Henderson.
Congregation Chair:
Lindsay Brash.
Nomination for 2nd Presbytery Rep – Bev Pitt nominated
by Carol Maddox, second Jeanne Madison.
Colin Sholl was appointed Returning Officer by
consensus.
After the counting of votes, all nominees were declared
elected.
2011-12 Financial Statement presented by Henry
Raymond. On-going deficits are a problem Bev
Saunders spoke of faith over finances.
Members of the congregation reminded they are able to
attend and participate in Church Council meetings but
not vote.
The Congregation’s Profile documents are to be
available to the congregation in the office.
Meeting Closed with the Grace at 11.38am.
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Congregation of the Armidale Uniting
Church
Agenda - Annual General Meeting, Sunday
25 August 2013 in Wesley Church
Present / Apologies:
Opening:
Minutes: Annual General Meeting 16 September 2012
Congregation Meeting 25 November 2012.
Reports:
Will be circulated prior.
Budget:
General Business:
Close.
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Office
Office Hours 2013-2014
10 am—12 noon Monday to Friday
p: 02 6772 3233
e: [email protected]
website: armidaleunitingchurch.org.au
Armidale Uniting Church
Church Services
Sunday
8.00am Holy Communion in Youth Centre
9.30am Family Service
7.00pm Sundays @7
Second Sunday of the Month 9.30 Service —
Holy Communion Service
Last Sunday of the Month from 11.30 —Explorer Sunday. Sausage sizzle
and scones and cream followed at 12.30 by Market Day Concert.
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3