WELCOME TO ST PAUL'S ANGLICAN PARISH, MANUKA, WITH ST DAVID'S, RED HILL
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WELCOME TO ST PAUL'S ANGLICAN PARISH, MANUKA, WITH ST DAVID'S, RED HILL
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Summary of some matters discussed at the Parish Council meeting on 3 February 2008
Welcome to the New Rector
Rector’s report “1. Thank you Jane and I are very much aware of how much we have been supported and encouraged in our first few weeks here at Manuka. The genuineness of the welcome and desire on the part of many to engage with us has been a blessing. We are particularly aware of how much work has been done to prepare for our coming in terms of the Parochial Nominators and their work, the Wardens, those who painted the house and prepared it for our use and we imagine many others whose work we do not know. We are profoundly grateful. The service of Induction and Commissioning was very thoroughly prepared by The Rev’d Dr Peter Pocock, Stan Bongers and many others and I have received comments, calls and letters from a wide range of people expressing appreciation for the warmth of the parish and the quality of the liturgy. We are indeed fortunate to be included in such a rich tradition of worship. I also acknowledge with grateful thanks the welcome given by the Bishop and other members of the diocesan family. These have been warm and generous welcomes and I feel very much part of the place. 2. Open House Jane and I would like to have an open house in a few weeks time to get to know people better. We propose that people come to the Rectory for some time between 2 and 5 on a Sunday afternoon. We will supply some light refreshments and people can stay for a short time or for the whole three hours if they wish. 3. Security Both Jane and I have been a little stunned by some of the major security issues that have greeted us in arrival. Attempted break-ins, substantial damage to Jane’s car, entry of people to the Rectory backyard and some disturbing incidents of drunkenness and drug taking in the grounds close to the Rectory have been surprising. We have been very well supported in this by many people of the parish and beyond but I particularly want to acknowledge the support of Robert Deane who has done all in his power to make things happen for the better. The ACT Police have also been very supportive. I think we also have some security issues to deal with in regard to the Church. Last week I found the church open at both ends and the vestry open with the alarm off and no one around. I suggest that we think carefully about who has keys and that we give a clear set of guidelines to those who have keys regarding security and responsibilities. The larger issue is long term security and I note that Chris Erskine has expressed some views on this matter including the supply of security for the grounds at night and the relocation of both clergy and the redevelopment of the site. We need to make these matters important areas for further discussion and action. 4. Resources The resources of the parish are excellent and I feel that with these and the will of people to engage in active ministry in the area we can have considerable success in a number of areas. The supply of a car is much appreciated and I want to acknowledge the gift of Trish and Warrington Cameron of a fine desk for the Rector’s use. This is a terrific gift to the Parish and I am sure that many future Rectors well after I have gone will find the desk useful. We are also fortunate to have excellent human resources in our staff and it is my intention to use these wisely and well and to expand in this area. 5. Assistant Priest No assistant priest is available from the Diocese at this time. I am actively exploring options in other places and there are a couple of people interested in the position. I will keep you informed as things develop but this is a matter that needs to be carefully and sensitively pursued. 6. Bishop’s Plans Bishop George has expressed some desire for some developments for the parish of Manuka. As this involves other parishes and people it is something that I cannot reveal the full details of at present. Be assured that I will be talking to Bishop Allan in the near future and that I will keep you informed as things develop. This is again a sensitive area that we need to take one step at a time. I seek your trust and goodwill here. 7. Community House I believe that a Community House can be established in the Old Rectory and I am pursuing this with St Mark’s and Bishop Tom Frame. This idea has advantages for both the students (accommodation and experience in the parish) and for the parish (involvement of students in the life of the parish). 8. Children Ministry I am very keen to begin children’s ministry at St Paul’s. I am proposing that we begin a short service on Saturdays at 6.00 pm. This will be a Eucharist suited to children and involve them as fully as possible. I am at present approaching people to help with this initiative. There is a family who have recently arrived and are very keen for this to begin. The mother in this family has volunteered to provide the music. This is an exciting initiative and one that will develop over the next few months. In order to make this work I need a budget for equipment and advertising. As a starting figure I am suggesting a figure of $1000 to provide some resources. 9. Internet I was surprised to find that the Internet bill for the months of November and December, 2007 was $983. Upon investigation I found that we had a plan costing $76 a month, allowed only 500MB of download and then incurred very large additional charges. Having consulted with Trish Cameron as a Warden and the Treasurer, I very quickly obtained control of the Internet account and changed the plan. We now pay $69 a month, have 12GB of download and no additional charges. I considered this an urgent matter and took decisive action to prevent this occurring again. 10. Additional Services I am presently considering an additional weekly service at a lunch time. I think a service of no more than 30 minutes may be something people could take advantage of during a lunch hour at say 1.00 pm. I will consider this more fully in the coming weeks and advise Parish Council about this initiative. 11. Canberra Grammar and Canberra Girls Grammar Involvement In consultation with the Bishop and the Headmaster of Canberra Grammar School it has been decided that I assist the new chaplain at the 8.00 am service on Wednesday until he is priested. This has advantages for both the school and St Paul’s. The Headmaster has indicated that he is keen to have the choir return to St Paul’s to sing on a regular basis. Canberra Girls Grammar is also willing to re-establish this practice. This will probably draw additional people to worship at St Paul’s. 12. Canberra Times Article An article appeared about St Paul’s on the front page of the Canberra Times on Tuesday 29 January. This is good exposure for St Paul’s. Many people have contacted me in person or by phone and email to express concern and others have stopped me in the street. There is an old saying that ‘any publicity is good publicity’. 13. The Parish Office Sharon in the office has indicated that she wants to reduce her hours. I am suggesting that a job share arrangement may be a good way forward. This provides another person with the skills to run the office and it also presents the possibility of full cover during holiday times. It may also allow us to have the parish book keeping done in a professional way and give the parish greater accountability. It is suggested that the parish office be the place for book keeping duties to take place. I foreshadow that I will propose at this meeting two motions: one seeking Parish Council’s agreement to the employment of an additional parish administrator in a job share arrangement and another asking that Parish Council write to the two people who have applied for the book keeper’s position advising them that the new Rector is proposing to restructure the parish office and that this will include book keeping. Both of the applicants would be able to apply for this position as parish administrator. 14. Music We are indeed fortunate to have such a high standard of music at St Paul’s. This is principally due to the efforts of our Director of Music, Organist and choir. I believe that many people are attracted to worship by the music and that music is a valuable form of ministry. The efforts of our musicians are worthy of acknowledgement. Many people from Newcastle commented to me about the standard of the music at the induction. We need to consider the future of music at the 8.00 am service now that Bishop Owen is no longer able to play the organ as frequently as he once did. I have met with the Director of Music and the Organist to discuss possible ways forward here. It needs to be realised that we may not be able to cover all 8.00 am services in any one month. This is a matter for future discussion and review. In order for the music to develop we need to consider the matter of an appropriate budget for the ministry of music in the parish. 15. Governance We are well served in this parish by many dedicated people who give of their time to help in the administration of the parish. An excellent committee structure is established to assist in this administration – for example the Property and Finance Committees. The way these committees function helps to reinforce the consultative and cooperative approach I think is so important. Whilst the committees have an important role we need to remember that they make recommendations only and that the statutory responsibilities rest with the Wardens and Parish Council. As I see it these committees make recommendations that Parish Council may or may not choose to follow. 16. Pastoral In less than a week I have already visited two different hospitals to visit parishioners who are sick. I have taken communion to these people. I believe this role of pastoral visiting to be very important not only to the sick in hospital but people who may be house bound or sick at home. I intend to make this a priority of my ministry and my initial plan is to contact those on the intercession list. I encourage members of the parish to give me contacts who may benefit from a visit or home communion. 17. Ash Wednesday and Lent Lent begins this Wednesday and I have scheduled 3 services for the day (7.30 am, 10.00 am and 7.00 pm). All these services will include the imposition of ashes for those who wish to receive them. It is my intention to celebrate the major festivals of the Christian Year in proper liturgical fashion and Ash Wednesday gives us the chance to begin this well. A Lenten Study Group is also beginning for those who like to put some time aside to reflect on the meaning of faith and life in the season of Lent. 18. Environmental Responsibility As members of the Christian faith we all have an environmental responsibility to care for the earth which God has given us. To this end I am proposing that we cease printing the Sunday liturgies. This will save large amounts of paper and money and give a signal to others about our environmental responsibility. In place of the printed booklets I intend to use the copies of A Prayer Book for Australia which we own. I intend that there be a notice paper each week which will contain all the notices needed and thereby eliminate the need for spoken announcements. There will also be a reading sheet since many people like to reflect on the readings during the week. St David’s already follow this procedure. I will be discussing this with Sharon in the coming week.” The Rector moved that: -
Both resolutions were accepted unanimously. Finance Budget report Kevin summarised the financial position for 2007, indicating that the shortfall of some $20,000 in receipts was offset by a reduction in expenditure because the Rector’s position had remained unfilled for part of the year. Some $40,000 had been allocated for repairs against the budgeted figure of $20,000. The loan on the new Rectory had been acquitted, a previous interest-free loan of $5,000 had been donated to the parish, and the parish is now debt free. There is some $12,000 in the operating account and the Treasurer said that careful management of our finances was necessary during the next few months. Finance Committee The Treasurer elaborated on the minutes of the Finance Committee meeting that covered salary arrangements for Brian and some possible underpayment of superannuation to Scott and Robin that Kevin did not believe had any budgetary implications. Brian said he was expecting a letter from the Bishop clarifying this matter. Council received the report and accepted its recommendations. Property and Risk Management Council agreed to merge consideration of the responsibilities of Property and Risk Management under one Committee to be titled Property Management. The proposed pergola outside the Mollison Room was discussed and Council agreed that Robert proceed to call for tenders for its erection. Discussion also occurred on the condition of the Old Rectory and it was made clear that both the wardens and the Diocese have a responsibility to inspect the Rectories and report on their condition [the wardens annually and the Diocese every two years]. Council agreed that (i) pending the appointment of an assistant priest or other use being determined, refurbishment of the Old Rectory be restricted to the removal of the window bars [which would render St Paul’s criminally liable for any injury resulting from their presence] and any other essential maintenance needed to prevent deterioration of the property, and (ii) the front door of the old Rectory be made part of the overall keying system. Debate on changes necessary for increasing security in the buildings and grounds of St Paul’s included a consideration of improved lighting, an increased role for the police and the possible use of enhanced fencing. Robert Deane reported that a special purpose grant had been received to improve the lighting around the Church and that, in collaboration with the Diocese, work was in hand to achieve this. There had also been a sea change in the attitude of Federal Police to our security, with a noticeable increase in police presence around St Paul’s. Council agreed that the Rector, in consultation with the Property Management Committee, take the necessary measures to protect the New Rectory. Other topics debated covered the possible redevelopment of the parish grounds, including the incorporation of outreach facilities such as child care and a safe house/soup kitchen. Planned giving Duncan Anderson spoke of the need to take urgent steps, such as the establishment of a committee, to ensure that our 2008 budget can be met. Council agreed that planned giving be a major agenda item for its next meeting. Committee responsibilities Beth emphasised the need for those people nominating for the Parish Council to indicate the areas that they can contribute to the development of St Paul’s, particularly in the context of the Strategic Plan. Brian will shortly convene a Strategic Planning meeting to further develop the plan, including Beth’s suggestion. Other matters Acoustics report The report of the consultants commissioned to advise on the Acoustics of the Church has been received and will be discussed at the next meeting of the Parish Council.
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Last modified: July 01, 2008 |