Presbytery Standing Committee met on Wednesday July 14.
Uniting Agewell
On the agenda was a conversation with Clare Brockett, Director of Mission with Uniting Agewell. We heard about the heightened focus on spiritual care across aged care, the recent acquisition of Andrew Kerr Centre in Mornington, and plans for chaplaincy in the future.
Money for Mission
The Presbytery Property committee presented a detailed report on progress around the Money for Mission program, and noted that the Synod will soon be communicating with congregations about required actions on Essential Safety Measures for all Uniting Church non-residential buildings. We heard that the Samoan congregation at Keysborough has relocated to Noble Park to share the property with St Columba’s.
Mission Pilot Project
The Standing Committee agreed to continue the Mission Pilot Project’s primary focus as helping congregations and groups to start a ‘mission experiment’ through action-learning. The Mission Leadership Development Committee and a group of coaches will offer to support interested congregations in this project over the next eighteen months.
Presbytery in Council
The next Presbytery in Council meeting will be held at Glen Waverley Uniting Church on Saturday August 21, 10 am to 1 pm. On the agenda will be environmental action (with Five Leaf Eco-Awards presented), an information session on the Ministry of Pastor, and the closure of the St Mark’s Chadstone congregation. The meeting will be able to be accessed via Zoom.
Resignation of Helen Beeby
The Standing Committee received the resignation of Helen Beeby as Newsbeat Editor. Helen has worked part-time with the Presbytery for ten years, one year in administration and nine years in communications. She will conclude her work with the publication of the August and September issues of Newsbeat. We hope to thank Helen formally at the August meeting of Presbytery.