At our Church Council meeting on Monday 19 April, we spent time reflecting on the book ‘Can Our Church Live?’ by Alice Mann. This book was recommended to Darren by Elizabeth Raine as part of our Mission and Vision workshops. We reflected deeply on 3 questions…
- Who are we (especially at a faith level)?
- What are we here for?
- Who is our neighbour?
You can access chapter 1 of the book here
We also discussed plans for our next Mission and Vision workshop on Saturday 1st May.
We encourage all members of the congregation to attend this workshop and be a part of the mission and vision of this community. Once again, the workshop will be catered for, and so long as we know in advance, childcare will be available on the premises.
Church Council has devised a draft Pastoral Care model which will be shared with the congregation after the second Mission and Vision workshop on 1st May. After the workshop Church Council will contemplate any final adjustments before seeking feedback from the congregation. We thank you for your patience as we have grappled with different ideas, and greatly appreciate those members of the congregation who use their gifts to support and encourage others.
The church building is undergoing some repairs. These include a leaking roof and problems with guttering and downpipes in the office area, as well as maintenance to the playground.
We have updated our COVID Safe plan so that we can continue with communion and reintroduce singing. We are seeking guidance around ventilation with a hope that we won’t have to have doors and windows open in the middle of a cold Canberra winter.
Each year congregations give money to Presbytery and Synod. Church Council has agreed to once again give $15,900 this financial year.
Boys and Girls Brigade continue to grow from strength to strength. Using money obtained from a grant, Boys Brigade is organising canoe training to enable them to provide greater opportunities for the boys. They are also looking forward to one of their senior brigade members coming back this term. Girls Brigade has welcomed two new members this term and will be running Pioneer Leader Training in the near future.