Finance Update
We’re really thankful for the pledges made last year. Your generosity encouraged Parish Council to make some bold decisions, in faith. We have already freed up Mitch which has resulted in Jesus Club starting, & Mitch taking up a voluntary chaplaincy role with the Steelers. Having Matt on board has him teaching Scripture at Figtree High & equipping our youth teams to reach out to peers. Hosea has started as a student minister and we look forward to him becoming full-time next year. We’ve also appointed Josh as an honorary student minister. We’re grateful for the support given & promised. We praise God for the increase of $4k this January. Unfortunately, we’re currently not seeing all that has been promised, eventuate (nearly $9k short in the first month). Please pray that God would fill us with a clear vision to reach this city & for Him to supply our needs abundantly.
If you are new to St Michael’s, we ask that you please prayerfully consider how you can help contribute to the financial support of ministry at St Michael’s. We are reliant on the generosity of church members to fund our staff and wider ministry.
Much has changed in the last six months, we’re aware that interest rate rises in particular may be having an impact and some may not be able to give what they pledged. We care for the vulnerable, it’s why we partner with Anglicare both financially and practically. I’m sure you’ll join us in prayer for those who are struggling.
God has blessed us so richly, it is right for us to respond generously and cheerfully. We ask that you use the scriptural model in 2 Corinthians 9:7 as you contemplate how you can support our ministry.
2 Corinthians 9:7 “Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
Update on Land Lease (west of the hall, previously Marketview)
In 2022 University of Wollongong (UOW) approached the Anglican Church Property Trust (ACPT) to transfer the land lease for the Market view property. By way of explanation, ACPT owns all Anglican Property, the parishes are the caretakers and beneficiaries of the land.
Negotiations were concluded in December 2022 with a company [60 Market St Holdings] purchasing the building and the lease being transferred to them with no significant changes to any of the conditions of the previous lease.
In all this, the parish was a contributor to the negotiations, however they were principally between the ACPT, UOW and 60 Market st Holdings.
Our income from the lease and its distribution under the Anglican ordinance governing the site, remains unchanged. Specifically, it goes towards (a) conservation and maintenance at St Michael’s Wollongong, (b) Synod’s fund, (c) for the general use of the parish, and (d) for general property expenses of the parish.
60 Market St Holdings always intended to operate the site as a hotel, and you will have noticed that Hotel Totto is now operating from that site. Hotel Totto is part of the EVT Hotel Group which includes Rydges, ATURA, Independent and the Collection chains.
The name of the Hotel has not been explained to us, however internet research indicates TOTO means young one in Swahili and Bantu or the whole in latin.
In Christ,
Greg Engel, Luke Thompson, Rob Thomas | St Michael’s Wollongong Wardens
