| Churchwardens: Rosalie Prince (Vicar's Warden) Mary Jones Meron Pitcher (Peoples' Wardens) Vestry members: Rosemary Cotter Richard Hoy Ian James David Morgan David Nolte Alison Smart Alan Tracey Incumbency Committee: Chair: Bishop Barbara Darling Members: Mary Jones Meron Pitcher Rosalie Prince (The current search is for the Committee to nominate a priest who will be an Archbishop's appointment. The Archbishop has one turn in three, theprevious two appointments having been Parish appointments.) |
St George’s Anglican Church, East IvanhoeNotes from Vestry meeting 19 Feb 2012
Notes from Vestry 17 October 2011 1. Annual Mission Giving. Vestry approved the following, being 10% of the stewardship/plate income: Anglican Board of Missions - Australia, Anglicare, Anglicord, Bush Church Society, The Chaplaincy C'ee Macleod College, Brotherhood of St Lawrence, The Benedictine Monastery, Medical Mission - CMS, Anglican Outback Fund. 2. Annual General Meeting for the Parish, 20th November 2011 following the 10am service. The Electoral Roll will be at the back of church on 30 October for people to check their inclusion (especially newer members). Forms for being added to the Electoral Roll and for standing for Vestry for 2011/2012 will also be available. Reports for the AGM are requested by Sunday 6th November in order to collate the booklet early enough for everyone to be able to read it prior to the meeting. Vestry Update September 2011 TUDOR CHORISTERS CONCERT On Sunday September 18th, a small audience of people enjoyed the beautiful and professional presentation by the Tudor Choristers. We were amazed at the intricacy of the pieces sung. See also here IN PRIVATE COLLECTIONS. Rosalie Prince opened her home to friends and parishioners of St George to enjoy a collection of her art, and the art treasures of parishioners. It was a wonderful afternoon of fellowship as those attending enjoyed going through the rooms looking for each piece. Rosalie had prepared a catalogue of her collection with an outline of the artists, and parishioners told us about their choices. The wine and cheese afternoon tea was enjoyed by all, with many compliments on the choice of cheeses. Barbara Colliver won the Treasure Hunt and won a lacquered box decorated with indigenous art. Richard Hoy showed his skills as an auctioneer to encourage bids for the indigenous art print that had been donated to raise money for the Bendigo Flood Appeal. Barbara Colliver had the successful bid of $400.00. Thank you, Barbara. The afternoon raised $260.00 for the Balcony Appeal. OPPORTUNITY SHOP SERVICE The Vestry is planning a thanksgiving service for all past and present workers in the Opportunity Shop. This will be an opportunity for St George to recognize and thank the hundreds of willing volunteers who have worked in the Shop for over 20 years. FINAL SERVICE AND FAREWELL PARTY Sunday October 23rd will be the final services for our Vicar, Barbara Colliver. A Farewell Party will be held after the 10.00 a.m service and all past and present parishioners are invited to attend. Barbara will also be inviting friends who have been supportive of her ministry at St George's, including Bp Barbara Darling. AGM The Annual General Meeting will be held on November 20th after the 10.00 am service. CHRISTMAS SERVICE DATES Nov 27 ADVENT EVENSONG 7.00 P.M. Dec 18 SERVICE OF 9 LESSONS AND CAROLS 9.00 P.M. DEC 24 CHILDREN'S SERVICE 6.00 P.M. DEC 24 MIDNIGHT MASS (with Bp Barbara Darling) 11.30 P.M. DEC 25 CHRISTMAS DAY 9.00 A.M. Fund raising events for the back balcony/building appeal Recently a number of fund raising events have been organised by different members of the Parish. Not only have they been successful in their intent but also an excellent way of meeting and catching up with other parishioners. Events include: soup Sundays (4th Sunday of each month), wine tasting, private art collections on display at Rosalie's (there is also the possibility of a repeat event with different works of art), and a piggybank is now at the morning tea table to collect that loose change which we all have! After the end of the financial year, the proceeds of the sale table will also be put towards this appeal. Keep those (fund-raising) ideas coming - and do come along to all the planned events as listed in the Bulletin! Service for the Regional District Probus Club The Vicar conducted a service for this group on Sunday 18 October 2011 at 2pm which approximately 60 people attended. Vestry Update July 2011
The Wardens and Vestry continue to be guided by our vision of making and sustaining connections with God; with one another; with the local and wider community, and with the environment. This year has seen the deepening of our relationship with East Ivanhoe primary School, as they have been making extensive use of our facilities whilst they have been doing building works. The meeting room has been used as an ’off-site’ canteen, and the upstairs hall has been used for after school hours care and activities. In addition the church has been used for assemblies and other special functions. To mark the start of this agreement between us all children and staff attending the first assembly in the church in April were given a decorated candle, as a gift from the St George’s community, and these were well received. Phil Day, as our Children’s and Family worker, has been able to engage with the after school hours care group, running activities such as decorating the church windows for Easter and Pentecost. Posters will be made for Advent to hang in the Perspex holders along the courtyard windows. The angels which were made and decorated last Advent have been hanging at the back of the church and will move to their forward positions for the Advent and Christmas seasons. Linda Fiske has been doing her theological school placement with us this year, and has established Godly play on Thursday mornings at 9 am. This is a contemplative program for young children and their carers, along the lines of the Montessori method, using figures and a sand pit to tell Biblical stories and invites responses: this has been followed by a “messy mass”, which has been popular. We hope to be able to continue this program in 2011. Sunday Lunch has continued as a ministry to senior citizens and we continue to be blessed with volunteers from Ivanhoe Girls Grammar School. In August the church was decorated with art works from the parish and a 3 choirs festival (Heidelberg choral Society, Tudor Choristers and St George’s Choir) was organized by Barry Wilkes as part of the Banyule festival. The opportunity shop under the direction of Mary Jones and Joan Skene goes from strength to strength, and provides a valuable ministry to the local community, as well as benefit to the environment and to our funds. Our facilities continue to be in demand for local groups, with 16 groups in all using the plant. This has been helpful for income, but has meant increased requirements for maintenance. The Evans Hall floor was sanded and refinished in September and will need this done yearly to avoid more expensive maintenance. The lights in the passageway to the Meeting room have been fitted with a sensor to improve safety and economy. With the assistance of the school community and its parent support group a new kitchen was installed in the meeting room to comply with Health and Safety regulations for its use as temporary school canteen. New floor coverings will be installed when the school canteen moves out at the end of the year. Linlithgow will be using the old parish office in 2011 as a computer activity centre for the elderly whilst their facility in Ivanhoe is unavailable. The parish office has been relocated to the north east end of the upstairs hall. The rear balcony needs repair and this will be a major expense for the next year, but is necessary for occupational health and safety and insurance purposes. Successful fund raising activities included a wine and cheese tasting, and wine sales. With Barbara Colliver on sick leave Ross Fishburn of Trinity theological school has been locum tenens and been warmly appreciated. Special thanks to all those who contribute in many ways, small or large , to our parish life. St George’s Anglican Church, East Ivanhoe Children and Families Ministry at St. George's A summary of activities in 2009 Street Cafe Here was an opportunity for parents of children at nearby Ivanhoe P.S. to sit and have a cuppa and a chat with our vicar after they drop of their children. This continued for the first couple of weeks of February. This also provided an opportunity to fill out a survey asking of their needs and interests for possible future activities or programs at St. George's. Meaningful conversations and connections were a highlight. Courtyard Activity: Window Painting Decorative painting for our courtyard windows was invited for three events this year. Children added colour and life to our windows with fish for our Church Home Week celebrations; all sorts of animals for our Blessing of the Pets (St. Francis of Assisi) celebrations; and stars for our Advent & Angles theme. Kids love zooming around the courtyard path and taking in the art, especially if it is their own work. Courtyard Activity: Celebrations Pentecost The celebration of the birthday of the Church, saw a retelling of the story and the activities of the first Pentecost. (The Bible: Acts, chapter 2) Whirly gigs representing the Holy Spirit coming onto the first disciples in powerful ways and insights about "church" from a clown were a highlights. The Blessing of the Pets A number of people brought their pets along for a time of story, painting, thanksgiving, singing and sharing the character of their pet and, finally, a blessing. The interactions of the community gathered in the courtyard on this day was very special and lots of fun.Although only small numbers attended, the potential for Courtyard Celebrations was apparent. Parenting Course: A Toolkit for Raising Great Kids A discussion style course was offered this year but due to the low numbers, it was decided that a different approach be taken next year in an effort to recruit more starters. In other places this course has been conducted it has been very well received! Angels at St. George's Whether a friend helps us in a moment of desperate need or just the right person shows up at just the right time or even if we have experienced one of God's special messengers, we are all familiar with the word "angel". The Christmas story is full of angels. Celebrating angels at St. George's during the advent season of 2009 Christmas meant creating four large angels to carry our messages of God's Hope, Joy, Peace and Love for all of us in all our relationships. Children and their families from our community were involved in the creation of our angles. As part of after school activities on Wednesdays throughout December, children added colour and the sparkle of each of the angels. As children painted or pasted and were engaged through the art there were lots of connecting conversations. Nativity Photos Once again a stable scene was created in the foyer of our church, costumes provided and the opportunity for children and families to dress up so an alternative to the "Santa Photo" could be captured and provided for families on our web site or on a CD. Permission was also gained to use the photos in our Children's Christmas Service. Children's Christmas Service and Sausage Sizzle Partly due to our angel making activity, invitations to the Children's Christmas Service resulted in quite a number of families coming and celebrating Christmas with us. The Children's service was followed by a sausage sizzle where many of the families stayed to chat and further their connections with us and one another. Phillip Day Children and Families Ministry Worker January 2010 WARDENS’ REPORT ANNUAL REPORT 2009 We are pleased to present the report of Wardens and Vestry for 2009. This year has seen a continuing development of the vision established in 2008, with associated goals and outcomes being developed by the Vestry. The front page of the bulletin states the key elements of our vision, values and beliefs as a Parish. PARISH GOALS AND OUTCOMES Trevor Smith continued to guide us in this area and Vestry commenced by setting up 3 sub-groups covering the Engaging with the Community, Environment, and Community Service/Community Use of Space. Each of these groups undertook to derive outcomes for stated goals. We thank Trevor for his gentle guidance and perception. SERVICES and LITURGY Following the horrendous black Saturday bush fires, there was a special service of remembrance as well as having the church open and the setting up of a book for writing names of lost loved ones and other memories. A most successful pancake night was organised as a fund raiser for the victims of the bush fires. The Good Friday cross provided an avenue for collecting together numerous newspaper articles and pictures about the fires and their aftermath. There was also a discussion on grief and assisting those recently bereaved. Early in the year Carole Lloyd-Flanders was warmly welcomed as theological student. She has been involved in a range of activities including organising a most successful Open Church week for St George’s (July 13-19) comprising a number of activities. We will be sorry to see her go at the end of the year and we thank her for her generous contribution to Parish life. As usual St George’s took part in the ecumenical Advent and Lenten Lecture series as well as holding its own Easter Studies groups. There was a special service of celebration when the Archbishop’s Diocesan candle was present in the parish during July, with individuals lighting a taper from its flame. The Back to Church Sunday was organised for 18th October when a larger congregation certainly contributed to more spirited singing during the 10am service. We thank Trevor Smith for acting as locum during September (which dovetailed with his consultant work with the Vestry during the year), and also to Michael Leah and Carol Lloyd-Flanders for their assistance at Dowell Court and with services. Throughout this year the church has been left open weekdays for private use which has been appreciated by a number of people. ENGAGING WITH THE COMMUNITY There are a number of activities which have taken place this year. Phil Day, as the Children’s and Family worker deserves special mention for his dedication in looking at programs to involve children. This has been very rewarding and much has been accomplished, laying the groundwork for future activities. Phil’s experience and expertise in this area are well founded in his work with the Scripture Union. The creative transformation of the courtyard windows made a big impact on both Parishioners and passers by. This year closer ties have been forged with the East Ivanhoe Primary School with Barbara taking the 2nd grade for Religious Education. Another exciting development this year is the discussion, planning and formulation of a labyrinth proposal. It is anticipated that the building of this will have a significant impact on people locally, and not just parishioners. ENVIRONMENT ISSUES Through the influence of a number of parishioners, St George’s continues to engage with environmental issues and takes seriously its responsibility for the effect we have on the planet and its resources. We thank Barry Wilkes for taking the lead and following through particularly with the water saving project. COMMUNITY USE OF SPACE Although there are separate reports from specific areas of activity, the Wardens would like to acknowledge the following areas in particular. Opportunity Shop – we are extremely appreciative of Esmae Pimm’s guiding hand as Manager of the Op Shop. This is a role from which she has recently resigned after more than 5 years as Manager, although she and Jack have been directly involved in the Op Shop for more than 25 years. We look forward to Esmae’s continuing assistance with its work. Sunday Lunch – we are extremely fortunate in having secured Ossie’s services as cook for the Sunday Lunch from the beginning of 2009. We know that the participants at the lunch enjoy the fruits of his and his team’s labours. Supporting the IGGS students’ Seniors’ Program – the Vestry has been pleased to continue supporting the students who have set up a monthly activities club for elderly citizens on a Sunday afternoon. A donation was made from the Sunday Lunch to the IGGS program. Treasures of East Ivanhoe Churches – once again St George’s, together with the East Ivanhoe Uniting and Mother of God churches, was involved in the Banyule Festival by opening its doors and displaying its treasures including vestments and altar silver. MAINTENANCE During the year Neil Appleby provided a report to Vestry on the completed/outstanding OH&S issues. The current major OH&S issue is to make the back of the Op Shop/sorting area a safer environment for the volunteers. This will entail smoothing/leveling the floor area at the sorting end. The Diocese has also advised all parishes about a forthcoming safety inspection to ensure that all premises meet with the, now, increased standards for OH&S. Addressing any shortfall in meeting the standards has to be met from the Parish income. A separate report has been provided elsewhere on Maintenance projects this year. In addition a new sign has been erected at the entrance to the Op Shop indicating private car parking. WEB SITE A wealth of material is now available on the web site and includes the current bulletin, recent sermons and latest news on different programs and projects. Roger Brown continues to steer the development of this site and all parishioners are encouraged not only to view the site, but also to provide news and updates to Roger. ORGAN MUSIC & CHOIR We are indeed indebted and blessed with the level and scope of the musical offerings at St George’s. Not only do we enjoy concert level voluntaries but also beautiful choral singing. And yes, there is another choir CD in the offing. Again thanks to Roger Brown for his skills, training and organisation. APPRECIATION AND THANKS This year the Parish finances have been looked after by a team lead by Ian James as Treasurer. We thank them all (John Fiske, Bob Hill and Neil Appleby) and also Vince Cristiano who continues to act in an advisor capacity. An outstanding and noteworthy achievement which has certainly not been overlooked is the 50 years of faithful service given by Lila as sacristan. She has been unstinting in her duties and generous in providing a wealth of knowledge to others. We know that the afternoon tea organised by the Hoys was enjoyed by all who attended and we sincerely hope that the specially commissioned Psalm 152 brings happy memories. A couple of other special mentions: firstly an acknowledgement of Peg Boorer for the faithful service in administering the hall hire, and appreciation of the work done by Mary Hoy who has looked after and organised the church archives and photographs for a number of years. There are a large number of people involved with the various teams who keep everything in trim in the Parish. Often these teams can be overlooked as the assistance appears to be at times invisible. We would, however, like to acknowledge here all who take part in the multitude of activities, however large or small: archives, bulletin production and copying, café, choir, cleaning, Eucharistic assistants, flowers, hall hire, lawn mowing and memorial garden, morning tea, Op Shop, readers, sacristy, sale table, servers, Sunday lunch (buyers, cooks, servers, Synod members, vestry (Finance Team, maintenance, stewardship), and worship leaders. As has been said before, in our smallish community the hands are few but somehow we get the jobs done. We are indebted to Barbara for all her work in the Parish: leading, guiding, supporting, and for journeying with us all as we move forward in faith. Finally, it would be remiss of us not to note the recent marriage of Barbara and Bill. We feel privileged to have shared in such a happy and joyous occasion. Rosemary Cotter Mary Jones Meron Pitcher Parish Planning Process - COMMUNITY SERVICE
This is 1 of the 3 themes being investigated by the Vestry (the other 2 are Community, and Environment). Community service also includes use of the parish plant and buildings. Our group came up with a number of potential options of which one in particular was identified by the Vestry to be investigated further, and this is the welcoming of new/potential parishioners. We acknowledge the important part that the existing morning tea and chatting after services plays but this doesn't suit every person. Sometimes I feel that individuals can be almost 'bailed up' by our enthusiasm of embracing a newcomer. We are looking for additional ways of engaging with and welcoming people. This could include some activity, updated name badges (and wearing of same!), slip in each pew asking people to leave their name and contact details, invitation/'wish you were here' for St George's 80th celebrations etc. We know that Anglicans in general are not necessarily noted for excelling in this area. So, this is an
invitation to all members of the Parish to give us lots of alternative
ideas. Our group will meet before the next Vestry meeting on 18th May
to discuss possibilities. Please tell one of us your ideas! [membership of group: Carolanne Terry, David Nolte, Ian James, Richard Hoy, Rosemary Cotter] WARDENS’ REPORTWe
are pleased to present the report of Wardens and Vestry for 2008. This
year has seen significant reflection regarding future directions of the
parish, and a number of exciting initiatives to take us forward. |
