Parish Council Update | March
Due to clashes with other groups using meeting spaces, the meeting was held via Zoom.
- We opened the meeting with Bible reading (Hebrews 11:1-16) and prayer
- A report was given by Morwenna Baird (Bookkeeper and Acting Administrator) highlighting her and the admin team’s achievements from 2021 and plans for 2022
- We received a report from the Acting Rector on the progress of the mission, especially noting encouraging attendance at Simply Christianity and the Men’s Breakfast
- We received a financial report, noting that we are $9K (7%) behind on offertory year to date but ahead on expenses given Senior Minister expense is below budget until the Smiths begin their ministry. We noted that a cheque from National Trust account ($44K) has been requested, and subsequently received, to reimburse cathedral roof works
- Given the tragedy in Tasmania last year, we have been reviewing and looking to implement safety procedures regarding the use and hire of the Jumping Castle. Until this process is completed, internal use and external hire are suspended.
- We noted that the locks across the site will be replaced in the coming months, with new keys required for ministry leaders. We also noted the difficulty of finding tradesmen willing to repair or replace various doors.
- We continued to discuss, in light of COVID, recent rain and upcoming cooler weather, strategies for maintaining adequate ventilation, with further investigations and solutions to be trialled.
- Parish council approved expenditure of $7000 on cleaning the cathedral internal sandstone. We also noted the builder has been booked to examine recent leaks.
- A report was given regarding the search for a rectory residence. Given the costs of land or purchase of an existing suitable (or near to) property are prohibitive, it was decided to proceed with a knockdown and rebuild at Georgina Ave, provided the required groundworks for a new dwelling can be completed economically. We also noted that a preferred house design, which requires only minor alterations, has been identified.
The next Parish Council meeting will be delayed one week in order to avoid a clash with the Maundy Thursday service.
At the Annual General Meeting, 14th March, the existing Wardens (Rob Thomas, Luke Thompson and Greg Engel) were reappointed/elected. The following people elected to Parish Council have yet to be determined.
April Mission of the Month – Living Faith
Living Faith is a Sydney Anglican organisation that offers encouragement, support and biblical teaching to Christian men and women who experience same sex attraction or gender incongruence, as they seek to express their sexuality and gender in faithfulness to Christ.
Training and pastoral support is provided for churches, ministers and leaders, and churches are equipped and supported to pastor to the families, spouses and friends.
Living Faith employs two part-time ministry workers, Sam and Kristine, and ministers to individuals, groups, churches and organisations.
To find out more about Living Faith visit www.livingfaith.online
