ANNUAL REPORTS To be presented at the Annual Meeting. 22 November St George s Parish Centre

Transcription

1 St George s Anglican Church ANNUAL REPORTS To be presented at the Annual Meeting 22 November 2015 St George s Parish Centre

2 PARISH OF ST GEORGE MALVERN Agenda for the Annual Parochial Meeting to be held in the St George s Centre Hall, 22 November 2015 at am 1. Notice of Meeting 2. Apologies: 3. Tabling and Reception of Parish Electoral Roll 4. Tabling of the Parishes Act Minutes of Annual Parochial Meeting Business Arising 7. Report of the Vicar 8. Presentation and Reception of Annual Financial Statements 9. Churchwardens Report 10. Reports from Parish Organizations and Synod 11. Election and Appointment of Churchwardens and Parish Council members 12. Election of Auditors 13. Election of two Lay Representatives to Parish Incumbency Committee 14. Any other matters of Parochial or Church Interest

3 SAINT GEORGE'S ANGLICAN CHURCH MALVERN MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING HELD IN THE HALL, SAINT GEORGE S CENTRE, ON SUNDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2014 AT AM PRESENT: The Revd Canon Dr C O Reilly, Vicar (in the Chair), the Revd Dr N White, the Revd J Stewart, the Revd Dr J Scott AO, the Churchwardens, the Vestry, the Parish Council, and some forty-five other parishioners. PRAYERS: APOLOGIES: Mr P Barrett & Mrs R Barrett, Mr J Bettoni & Mrs E Bettoni, Ms C Fox, Mrs C Gordon, Ms S Guest, Mr J Perry OAM, Mr P Shepherd & Mrs M Shepherd, the Hon C Tadgell AO QC & Mrs C Tadgell NOTICE OF MEETING: MINUTES: ELECTORAL ROLL: PARISHES ACT, 2013: STATUTORY REPORTS: The Notice of Meeting was distributed as the Agenda of the Annual Meeting. The Minutes of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on Sunday 24 November 2013 were taken as read and were confirmed on the motion of Ms L Mackay and Mr T Hudson. The Meeting received the Electoral Roll on the motion of Ms L Mackay and Mr M Tadgell. The Vicar tabled the Parishes Act, The Annual Report by the Incumbent: The Vicar presented her eighth Annual Report. The Vicar noted that the Parishes Act of 2013 had come into operation on 1 July 2014, and the body hitherto known as the Vestry was now the Parish Council. The Vicar s thanks to the Churchwardens, the Honorary Secretary and the members of the Vestry/Parish Council for their outstanding leadership, and in particular to Mr S Dickie, Churchwarden since 2010, and now retiring from Council; to Mr E Easton for his continuing contribution as Honorary Treasurer; and to the Parish Business Manager, Mrs M Green, were endorsed by acclamation. Page - 1

4 The Vicar expressed her thanks for the work of the Revd Dr N White, Assistant Curate, and his wife, Ms S Manley, for their contribution to ministry at Saint George s, and wished them and their sons Ollie and Frankie every blessing as they move to their new parish, Saint Paul s, East Kew, in February The Vicar expressed her thanks for the ministry of the Revd J Stewart, and in particular for his work as Director of the Living Well Centre, which continues to contribute to the parish and the wider church. The Vicar s thanks to all the members of the ministry team and in particular to the honorary clergy: the Revd Dr John Scott AO, the Revd W McEntee, the Revd W Michie, and the Revd Dr J Snedden were endorsed by acclamation. The Vicar thanked the parish ministry team working at Cabrini Hospital, and the home communion ministers. The Vicar referred to the centenary of the Gallipoli landing in April 2015, and the project to research the names on the roll of honour in Saint Martin s Chapel. The Vicar referred to the 800 th anniversary in June 2015 of the sealing of Magna Carta and expressed the hope that the occasion might be marked by a seminar or the like on some issue(s) regarding church and state. The Vicar advised that she would be asking the Council to make the Trinity College Theological School whicj is now a member college of the University of Divinity a mission of priority in 2015 to help to ensure a future for the catholic tradition in Melbourne. Referring to the long and impressive list of clergy who have been assistant curates at Saint George s, the Vicar emphasized how important it was to the coming generations of clergy that Saint George s should continue to appoint assistant curates. The Meeting received the Report, which included abstracts of the entries in the parish registers, on the motion of the Vicar and Miss P Hagerty. The Report on the Proceedings of the Vestry/Council: The Report was presented by Mr B Corless OAM. The Meeting received the Report on the motion of Mr Corless and Mr M Tadgell. The Report on the Accounts of the Churchwardens: Mr E Easton presented the Report on the financial statements for the year ending 30 September Page - 2

5 In response to a question from Ms L Mackay as to whether clerical stipends would be the same as in 2014, Mr Easton advised that an allowance had been made for a slight increase, but in 2015 the assistant curate would be in deacon s orders, and the housing arrangement was assumed to be unchanged. The Meeting received the Report on the motion of Mr Easton and Mr Tayles. The Churchwardens Report on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Church of the Parish and the Vicarage and Other Buildings of the Parish: Mr S Dickie expressed the thanks of the churchwardens to Mr Easton. In response to a question from Mr K Wailes as to whether the Council could influence the Diocese to help with the stipend for the assistant curate, Mr Dickie advised that there was little that could be done. Mr Dickie further advised that in regard to our money invested through the Anglican Development Fund, the Diocese was prepared to consider our nomination of another investment opportunity, but would not reveal where the money is currently invested. In response to a question from Mr T Hudson as to whether we could get our money back from the Diocese, Mr Dickie advised that it was preferable to invest through the Diocese. Mr K Wailes expression of thanks to Mr Dickie and his fellow churchwardens was endorsed by acclamation. Mr Tadgell noted that at a meeting held on 2 November 2014 the parish had adopted the new parish rules arising from the Parishes Act of He noted the major work of the painting of the interior of the church. He also noted the gilding of carved work in the church, the planned installation of glass doors and a new ushers bench, and the new exterior lighting, all of which work was achieved through donations and a bequest. Mr Tadgell also noted the important focus on occupations health and safety matters that had been guided by Mr C Tegner. Mr Tadgell expressed the thanks of the churchwardens to Mrs M Green, Parish Business Manager, and to Mr G Haritos, the cleaner. Mr Tadgell also thanked Mr R Tayles for his regular care of the churchyard and the audio system, and Mr E Morgan for his many generous works of maintenance. On behalf of the Churchwardens Mr Tadgell expressed thanks to the ministry team for their support. Mr Tadgell s remarks were endorsed by acclamation. The Meeting received the Report on the motion of Mr Tadgell and Mrs T Scott. Page - 3

6 The Report on the Proceedings of the Vestry/Council: The Report was presented by Mr B Corless OAM. The Meeting received the Report on the motion of Mr Corless and Mr M Tadgell. The Report from the Council on the Pastoral Care, Evangelism, Community Service, and Educational Programs of the Parish: The Report was presented by Mr B Corless OAM. The Meeting received the Report on the motion of Mr Corless and Mr M Tadgell. The Report by the Incumbent on the entries in the Registers of the Parish: The Meeting noted that this Report was included in the Report by the Incumbent. THE ELECTION AND APPOINTMENT OF CHURCHWARDENS AND COUNCILLORS: In declaring positions vacant, the Vicar thanked the Churchwardens and members of the Vestry/Council for their service over the preceding year. Churchwardens: The Vicar advised her appointment of Mrs J Mallinson as Churchwarden. There being only two nominations for the two elected positions, those nominees was declared duly elected: Councillors: Mr R Lester Mr M Tadgell The Vicar advised her appointment of Mrs G Brooks, Ms W Stone, and Mrs M Winter as Councillors. There being only six nominations for the six elected positions, those nominees were declared duly elected: Page -4 Mr B Corless OAM Mrs G Powell Mrs B Renjen Mr R Tayles Mr C Tegner Mrs J Wright

7 THE ELECTION OF AUDITORS: The Meeting elected as Auditors Messrs Renshaw Dawson Lang, Chartered Accountants, on the motion of Mr E Easton and Mrs J Wright. THE ELECTION OF TWO LAY REPRESENTATIVES TO THE PARISH INCUMBENCY COMMITTEE: OTHER MATTERS: Reports: There being only two nominations for the two elected positions, those nominees were declared duly elected: Mr B Corless OAM Ms L Mackay The Meeting received the following reports on the motion of the Vicar and Miss P Hagerty. The Living Well Centre for Christian Spirituality: From The Revd J Stewart, Director. The Chaplaincy to Cabrini Hospital, Malvern: From the Revd Dr N White, Assistant Curate. The Director of Music: From Mr C Cook, Director of Music. The Flower Guild: From Ms M James, Team Leader. The Friday Luncheon Group: From Mr J Perry OAM, Convenor. The Garden Report: From Mr Ron Tayles, Coordinator. The Mothers Union: From Mrs R Barrett, President. The Prayer Shawl Ministry: From Mrs L Swan, Coordinator. The Planned Giving Program: From Mrs G Powell, Coordinator. The Poetry Reading Group: From Mr J Perry OAM, Convenor. Diocesan Synod 2014: From Ms H Gilbert, Synod Representative. The Ushers Report: From Mr D Powell, Coordinator. Page - 5

8 Occupational Health and Safety: Mr C Tegner briefed the Meeting on the latest developments. The Word: In response to a question from Ms K Gooch, the Vicar advised that finding an editor for The Word was a work in progress. Vote of Thanks and Appreciation: The Meeting endorsed by hearty acclamation a vote of thanks and appreciation proposed by the Hon J Batt QC in grateful acknowledgement of the Vicar s guidance and leadership in the past year, and of the ministries of the clergy, and of the service of the churchwardens and councillors. The Meeting closed at 1.00 pm. Page - 6

9 SAINT GEORGE S ANGLICAN CHURCH MALVERN REPORT ON THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PARISH COUNCIL DELIVERED TO THE ANNUAL MEETING OF 2015 Dating from the Annual Meeting of Sunday 30 November 2014 at am, the appointed and elected members of the Council were as follows: Churchwardens: Council members: Mrs J Mallinson Mr R Lester Mr M Tadgell Mrs G Brooks Ms W Stone Mrs M Winter Mr B Corless OAM Mrs G Powell Mrs B Renjen Mr R Tayles Mr C Tegner Mrs J Wright The Council met in every month except January and August during its term of office. At the Meeting of 9 December 2014: Mr Lester advised that Mr E Easton had kindly accepted the churchwardens appointment of him as Honorary Treasurer. Mr Lester advised that Mr Tadgell had kindly accepted the churchwardens appointment of him as their representative on the Incumbency Committee. There being no other nominations, Mr B Corless OAM was declared elected as Honorary Secretary on the nomination of Mr Easton and Mr Tayles. The Vicar advised that Ms Jacqui Smith would be ordained to the diaconate in Saint Paul s Cathedral on Saturday 7 February 2015 at am, and would be commissioned to Saint George s on Sunday 8 February The Vicar advised that Mr C Cook, Director of Music, was resigning with effect from 26 December The Vicar advised that Ms C Connolly, the renowned Celtic harpist who shares leadership in the Living Well Centre, was now an authorized Honorary Lay Assistant. At the Meeting of 10 February 2015: The Vicar welcomed the Revd J Smith, Assistant Curate, to the Meeting. Mrs J Mallinson advised that until Easter Mr J Mallinson had kindly agreed to act as organist, and Ms C Shepherd had kindly agreed to conduct choir rehearsals. The Meeting endorsed the draft Minutes of the Annual Meeting of 2014 for presentation to the Annual Meeting of The Meeting agreed to hold a planning/discussion day to include The Big Picture on Saturday 18 April 2015 from 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm. The Vicar proposed planting swathes of daffodils in the front lawn in March. At the Meeting of 10 March 2015: The Vicar advised that Choral Evensong would be held on Sunday 26 April at 5.00 pm, when the copy of James Clark s painting The Great Sacrifice having been restored as part of the Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program, would be unveiled. At the Meeting of 14 April 2015: The Vicar advised that speakers (one Christian, one Jewish) from the Grass Roots Project of the Council for Christians and Jews would be present on Sunday 19 April 2015 at the 8.00 am Eucharist and on Sunday 3 May 2015 at the am Eucharist. The Vicar advised that she would be on leave for six weeks from Sunday 3 May in the Holy Land and in the United Kingdom. Council Proceedings : Page 1 of 2

10 At the Meeting of 14 July 2015: The Vicar advised that she would chair a Committee to establish Parish Council priorities. Mr B Corless tabled a bound copy of the annotated Roll of Honour from Saint Martin s Chapel created by the Anzac Working Group: Ms R Allard, Mr B Corless, Ms H Gilbert, Mr J Lane, Mrs R Lane, Mrs H Norwood and Miss J St John. At the Meeting of 8 September 2015: The Meeting agreed to donate: $10, per annum for three years to the Trinity College Theological School; $5, per annum for three years to the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project; $5, per annum for three years to Saint Andrew s Theological Seminary, Philippines; $5, per annum for three years to Wontulp-Bi-Buya College, Cairns. The Vicar advised that the Revd J Smith, Assistant Curate, would be ordained to the priesthood on Saturday 28 November 2015, and would preside at the celebration of the Holy Eucharist on Sunday 29 November 2015 at am. The Vicar advised that there would be the usual Midnight Mass at pm on Christmas Eve, and one celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 9.00 am on Christmas Day. At the Meeting of 13 October 2015: The Meeting agreed to grant leave without pay to the Revd J Stewart, Associate Priest and Director of the Living Well Centre, to be Acting Dean of Saint Paul s Cathedral Sale, from the First Sunday in Advent, 1 December 2015, through Christmas Day, 2015, at the request of the Bishop of Gippsland, the Rt Revd Kay Goldsworthy. At the Meetings of the Council held from December 2014 through October 2014, the Churchwardens and members of the Council were present as follows: Dec Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov The Revd Canon Dr C O Reilly, Vicar X X X X L L X N/A X X N/A Mrs G Brooks X X X X X L X N/A X L N/A Mr B Corless X X X X X X X N/A X X N/A Mr E Easton X X X X X X X N/A X X N/A Mr R Lester X X X X L X X N/A L L N/A Mrs J Mallinson L X X X X X L N/A X X N/A Mrs G Powell X X L L X X X N/A X X N/A Mrs B Renjen X L X X L L X N/A X X N/A Ms W Stone X X X X L L L N/A X X N/A Mr M Tadgell X L X X X X X N/A X L N/A Mr R Tayles X X L L X X X N/A X X N/A Mr C Tegner X X X X L X X N/A X X N/A Mrs M Winter X X L X X L X N/A X X N/A Mrs J Wright X X X X X X X N/A X X N/A X Present L Leave of absence Brian Corless OAM Secretary to the Council Council Proceedings : Page 2 of 2

11 SAINT GEORGE S ANGLICAN CHURCH A REPORT FROM THE COUNCIL ON THE PASTORAL CARE, EVANGELISM, COMMUNITY SERVICE, AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS OF THE PARISH DELIVERED TO THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE PARISH 2015 This report is required by statute. The activities mentioned here are recorded in greater detail elsewhere in the reports of particular parish officers and organisations. The categories pastoral care, evangelism, community service, and educational programs are arbitrary and, as far as Saint George s parish is concerned, invariably overlap: some of the following commitments could be classed under more than one heading, and have more than one value. The list is not exhaustive. Pastoral Care and Evangelism: Saint George s gives substantial support to the Trinity College Theological School. Support is also offered for three years beginning 2015 to the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project; Saint Andrew s Theological Seminary, Philippines; and Wontulp-Bi-Buya College, Cairns. The annual Diocesan Assessment is paid in full. The chaplaincy to St Frances Xavier Cabrini Hospital continues to be a major pastoral commitment involving our clergy and laity (including being on twenty-four-hour call), as well as our ministry to residents in nursing homes, and to those who are not able to be regular worshippers in the church. Regular services are now conducted at MECWA Malvern and McKinley House. The Shawl Ministry, which provides knitted shawls, knee rugs and slippers for those in need of care, continues to be very successful. The retreat With Jesus in Lent was held from 27 February through 1 March Lenten Groups met on Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings. Community Service: Regular collections of food are made for distribution through Saint Mark s Community Centre, Fitzroy (in partnership with Anglicare Victoria), and through the parish of Saint Alban s. The Great Big Sunday Lunch held by Saint George s branch of the Mothers Union adds to the funds that the branch applies to special projects. Saint George s maintains the annual service for the Royal Commonwealth Society (Victorian Branch). Saint George s extends regular hospitality to the Pakistani Australian Christian Fellowship. Educational and Social Programs: Spiritual Café continues; the Book Club meets monthly; the Shawl Ministry continues; the Poetry Reading/Writing Group continues; the Friday Luncheon Group continues; Communion Breakfasts are held regularly. The Australia Day Barbecue and the Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) in the Vicarage Garden were well attended. Brian Corless OAM Secretary to the Council Pastoral Care &c: Page 1 of 1

12 WARDENS REPORT 2015 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY Throughout the 2015 year we have continued the process for bringing up to date and implementing site and occupational health and safety (OH&S) matters concerning risk management. We are using the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne s (ADOM) procedural guidelines, check lists, hazard evaluation forms and periodic inspection and compliance returns covering Site Safety, OH&S as well as Professional Standards. Many improvements have been introduced during the year and are scheduled into the future. Some of the works undertaken this year have been: Emergency Exit push down door handle systems on the North and South Transept doors Rectification of defective emergency lighting systems at St George s Centre Major hard waste disposal via Council Clearance Call for and evaluate quotations on works required to be effected during the next (2016) financial year including, where appropriate, placement of orders to cover the:- Monitoring of the Chubb installed Church Fire Alarm Panel to the Fire Brigade in the event of a fire; upgrade of the Church Digital Video Recording and Monitoring Security system for Church Security; Demolition and Replacement old and damaged paling fence (cost shared with Stonnington Council); intruder detection system and alarm siren at Vestry room. A special thanks to Charles Tegner for his tireless work championing this work. EXTRA-PAROCHIAL GIVING In recent years, we have wound back our extra-parochial giving as we have undertaken some large internal projects, notably our re-roofing and painting projects. However, our five year business plan that was prepared a few years ago makes provision for significant annual extra-parochial giving. At its September meeting, the Parish Council approved to donate $25,000 for the Church year to four institutions: $10,000 to the Trinity College Theological School $5,000 to the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project $5,000 to the Saint Andrew s Theological Seminary in the Philippines through the ABM NTAC:4UC-11

13 $5,000 to the Wontulp-Bi-Buya College in Cairns, also through the ABM A Planning Sub-Committee undertook limited due diligence into each institution before making its recommendations to the Parish Council. Following the Parish Council s approval, donations were paid by 30 September the end of the Church year. The Parish Council also agreed in-principle to provide further donations to the same four institutions in and , subject to the Parish Council continuing to be satisfied about the merits of each institution and about St George s financial capacity to make the donations. Three of the four institutions that we are supporting have a strong educational focus: Trinity College Theological School was chosen to support the training and development of future clergy for parishes like our own Saint Andrews Theological Seminary in the Philippines was chosen to support clergy training and development for a vibrant, growing Episcopal / Anglican church of a close international neighbour, where a relatively small amount of money can go a long way Wontulp-Bi-Buya College in Cairns was chosen because it exists principally to support the training and development of future Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander church and community leaders in Northern Australia. The fourth institution, the Brigidine Asylum Seekers Project, was chosen to support the approximately 120 volunteers who provide many different services to asylum seekers to aid their integration into Australian life. This institution receives no Government funding and relies on its own resources and particularly donations from friends and benefactors. The congregation will be provided with updates in the year ahead about how our donations are being applied and we hope to have some representatives come to speak with us about their work. FINANCES We have been managing the capital of the parish with the following guiding principles: 1. Maintain the real value of the capital by allowing ensuring the effect of inflation is taken into account. 2. Ensure the return above the inflation effect is sufficient to cover our operating loss. 3. Set aside additional return to cover future capital works such as upgrading works to the vicarage. 4. Contribute out of the excess return to extra parochial giving. NTAC:4UC-11

14 With these principles in mind the following summarises the outcome for the year and considerations with respect to the year ahead. Our very strong gains on our investments in the first half of the year have been given up in the second half of the year due to market conditions. We have returned in absolute dollar terms $225,402. This covers our operating loss including repairs and maintenance and extra parochial giving of $94,913. The June annualised inflation rate for Australia is 1.5%. Therefore to maintain the real purchasing power of our investments we would have had to set aside approximately $77,056. Our return for the year from capital funds exceed the operating loss and adjustment for maintaining purchasing power by $53,433. We have therefore covered our operating loss and maintained the real purchasing power of our capital this year. Our projected loss for the next financial year is $152,000. If we return the same amount on our capital we roughly break even after allowing for the maintenance of the purchasing power of our capital. Whilst this is not necessarily a problem further decline in our operating position will have an impact on our capital reserves if it becomes a regular outcome. We need to watch this very carefully over the forthcoming year. The lack of return has also affected our ability to set aside reserves for significant capital works in the future. We will also need to monitor this situation as we head towards what will likely be significant Vicarage works in 4 or so years time. If we can t generate returns on our investments then we run a risk of operating the parish out of capital. Whilst we may accept this one in 5 or 7 years we would want to be very sure we weren t setting a trend with continued deficits eating away at our capital. Market outlook Continued expectation of a low growth economy. Expect inflation to remain at very low levels. Market conditions are expected to be tight with returns on equities and yields expected to be lower than the past. As we know however markets are unpredictable and the past is no indication as to future performance. NTAC:4UC-11

15 Next year We should sit tight on our current strategy however we need to monitor activities very closely to ensure that we do not put ourselves in a position we don t want to be in. We know how we want to run the parish however if we cannot generate the returns needed we will need to be prepared to make some tough decisions without too much delay. We owe Eric Easton a debt of gratitude for his very significant input and time in maintaining the finances of the parish. SPECIAL THANKS Our ongoing thanks are due to the Parish Administrator, Maria Green, who works so efficiently and resourcefully to keep our organization running smoothly. Bookings for the Parish Centre have increased exponentially, due to Maria s initiatives. Thanks to our cleaner, George Haritos, who continues to look after the church and centre, the latter with its ever-increasing use. Thanks are also due to Ewan Morgan whose voluntary work doing so many handyman tasks is greatly appreciated. Also thanks to Anthony Green who willingly completes and assists with a variety of tasks about the property. On several days each week Ron Tayles can be seen attending to our beautiful gardens. Along with the team of Thursday gardeners, such volunteer efforts save considerable expense for the church. This team s sterling work has been supported this year by occasional work by East Side Gardeners. The church interior has been enhanced by the replacement of the deteriorated sidesmans bench with a new paneled structure to match the pews, and with a two glass entry doors. Our Pastoral Care team continue their important work at Cabrini Hospital and this is recognized with appreciation. There are many who contribute to the running and well-being of our church and community and each one is thanked for his/her valuable contribution. Judy Mallinson Malcolm Tadgell Ray Lester NTAC:4UC-11

16 PASTORAL CARE AT CABRINI The Pastoral Care Team has completed another year of continuing provision of pastoral care to Anglican/Church of England patients at Cabrini Hospital, Malvern. Jacqui Smith, our new parish Assistant Curate joined us in February and we are grateful for her time with us. Currently the team has four staff who attend each week, Father Walter McEntee, Rev Jacqui Smith, Mrs Judy Wright and myself. Mrs Lyn Rafferty and Mrs Coral Gordon are available as support staff when needed. Patients were visited routinely each Tuesday of the year (except for Melbourne Cup Day when the Pastoral Care Office was closed) and special visits were made by clergy when requested by patients. There were 3169 visits to patients in this year and 168 received Holy Communion. Pastoral care is not a calling which can be rushed although it is generally the patient who determines the length of each visit. We find that a team of four people each week functions well. Currently that is what we have but an extra person on the team would allow members to attend 4 weeks out of 5 instead of every week as is now the case and give greater flexibility with regard to sickness and other leave without having to call too frequently on our support staff. It takes time to obtain a placement in a suitable hospital and to undergo the training required for a pastoral carer, therefore we must continue to encourage people to prepare early if they have a desire to go down this path. The booklet put together by the vicar for the Feast Day of St Luke gives a good account of some of the joy and inspiration that has come from this work and I commend it to anyone thinking of such a journey. Bryan Elmes

17 St George s Anglican Church Malvern Wardens Report on Protecting People and Property at AGM 22/11/2015 Throughout the 2015 year we have continued the process for bringing up to date and implementing Site and Occupational Health and Safety matters concerning risk management. We are using the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne s (ADOM) procedural guidelines, check lists, hazard evaluation forms and periodic inspection and compliance returns covering Site Safety, OH&S as well as Professional Standards. Many improvements have been introduced during the year and are scheduled into the future. Some of the works undertaken this year have been:- Emergency Exit push down door handle systems on the North and South Transept doors Rectification of defective emergency lighting systems at St George s Centre Major hard waste disposal via Council Clearance Call for and evaluate quotations on works required to be effected during the next (2016) financial year including, where appropriate, placement of orders to cover the:- Monitoring of the Chubb installed Church Fire Alarm Panel to the Fire Brigade in the event of a fire; upgrade of the Church Digital Video Recording and Monitoring Security system for Church Security; Demolition and Replacement old and damaged paling fence (cost shared with Stonnington Council); intruder detection system and alarm siren at Vestry room. St George s OH&S reports Prepared CHT St Georges

18 PLANNED THANKSGIVING REPORT Planned Thanksgiving Pledges are made by Parishioners pledging in either Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly, Quarterly, Half-yearly and Yearly instalments, by using the direct debit (ADF) system or Envelope system. As the books closed on the Church s previous financial year, the Church Wardens and Treasurer began the task of calculating the budget for the 2014/15 year with the Thanksgiving Pledges making up part of it. However they knew from past years, there was no guarantee that all pledge commitments would be met by 30 th September 2015 and took into account the possibility of changed circumstances of our Pledge Givers. The Thanksgiving Pledge monies are budgeted against the Church and the Centre s Maintenances, Utilities expenses, Salaries, insurances, etc., and your Treasurer and Church Wardens know such items are now much higher than last year and also acknowledge that Parishioners would also be experiencing the same high costs of living themselves. Similar to last year, the Planned Thanksgiving Pledges for 2014/15 has also experienced its highs and lows. This has been due to some Pledge Givers experiencing changes in their lives, but on a high note, I am pleased to report that the deficit was minimal in comparison to the previous year. As mentioned in the 2013/14 Report, I mailed 170 letters requesting Givers to consider increasing their Pledge for 2014/15 which was a hard decision on my part to do as I knew I was asking the same people to give more, with the end result of receiving only 8 positive replies. Mr. Malcolm Tadgell, Church Warden also mailed a further 80 letters to Parishioners seeking their financial assistance. The eight increased contributions made a difference but if 242 positive replies had been received, the Pledge Budget would have been met and the Church better off for it. I would like to ask this of the 168 recipients of my letter, to reconsider for 2015/16 to increasing your Pledge just a tad. Even an extra $2.00 per week from each of you, would total approximately $17, more for the Church - and in the same breath, I would like to ask other Parishioners who are not regular Thanksgiving Pledge Givers, to consider becoming one. I can provide Envelopes or an Application Form for the ADF Direct Debit, so please contact me by either telephoning or dgpowell@internode.on.net The following may help you to decide:- 1. Commitment - Weekly, Fortnightly, Monthly, Quarterly, Half-yearly and Yearly instalments 2. Allocation - using Envelopes or setting up direct debit to the ADF (Anglican Diocese Fund). 3. Financial Commitment - $$ amount comfortable to your financial position. Mrs. Maria Green, St George s Business Manager (working hours 9.30am to 12.30pm on ) can also assist with your enquiries. Before closing I would like to humbly thank the following:- First - My thanks go to all St George s Parishioners whether they are a Thanksgiving Pledge Giver or Open Plate Giver. Your individual contributions this year has been appreciated and I know your Wardens and Council members thank you too. Secondly My sincere thanks goes to Mrs Maria Green our Business Manager. Your support, patience and energy has been immeasurable and truly appreciated - thank you Maria. Lastly To the Sunday Counters and Monday Bankers a BIG thank you for your support and commitment again truly appreciated. Geraldine Geraldine Powell..Co-ordinator Planned Thanksgiving Pledges Program 2nd November 2015

19 USHER/WELCOMERS REPORT 2014 to 2015 As much as I would like this report to be a positive one, as I am not so sure it will be. Over the past six years and especially in the past three, my team of Usher/Welcomers has diminished for one reason or another. In 2011/12 there were 22 members but by 2013/14 and start of 2015 the numbers dropped to 16 Ushers. Now going into the 2015/16 year, the team is now down to 14 Usher/Welcomers four for the 8.00am Service and 10 for the 10.00am Service. it is difficult to understand that from the total of Parishioners attending St George s Church, only fourteen people are available to offer their assistance as Usher/Welcomer at either Service. This means that the 8am Service has to rely on the same four people who willingly commit each week, meaning they seldom get a break, often having consecutive weeks on duty. I would appreciate your help please just consider without your Usher/Welcomer, you would be entering the Church in its darkness with no heating on. Service books would have to be located and replaced at the end of each service by you. Also - where would you find the music and Pew Sheets? It is not hard being an Usher/Welcomer, in fact, it is quite enjoyable greeting Parishioners as they enter the Church but it does need commitment and attention to detail - an information sheet on procedures is available. If you could help, please contact me by telephone or . My plea is genuine that this situation has to improve for without Usher/Welcomers at the door, the feeling of friendliness and warmth that these people generate to others will be lost. I hope it does not come to this - please contact me if you are willing to join my team. In closing I wish to thank the current Usher/Welcomer team - your support this past year has been great and often going beyond the call of duty. Your co-operation and willingness to assist has helped me considerably in ensuring there is someone on duty each Sunday morning. David David Powell St George s Church - Ushers Co-Ordinator Telephone dgpowell@internode.on.net

20 The Living Well Centre for Christian Spirituality Inc. Report to St George s Malvern AGM 22 November 2015 At the time of this meeting we are coming to the end of five years at St George s Centre and in partnership with the parish. This continues to be a very fruitful journey and one for which we are very grateful. The splendid facilities of the parish centre serve our needs very well and everyone who comes here appreciates what is offered. The Vicar has continued as the Chairperson of our committee this year - a very tangible sign of our working together and we thank her for her willingness to assist us in this way. We thank the Wardens, Vestry and members of the parish community for your ongoing interest in our ministry and support for it. Here are some of the highlights of our year. Partnership with Dr Alexander Shaia and Quadratos. We are continuing to develop a partnership which offers Dr Shaia some sponsorship for the work he is doing in Australia each year. During this year we have made available to him our bookkeeping and banking services as an assistance for his programs. Spiritual Direction formation program. This Centre has been offering formation for spiritual directors for twenty one years. The current program is being very well received. It runs parttime over four years, comprising four sets of three days intensive work each year, with reading and writing assignments between each set of days. At the end of this year five people will graduate as fully accredited spiritual directors after their successful four years with us. We are blessed to have a very competent leadership team responsible for planning and leading each set of three days. Our thanks go to Cath Connelly, Vicki Demmer, Willy Maddock, Jack Stuart and Heather Northwood. The supervision team meets after each set of days to monitor and report on the progress of students, the written material from students, and the curriculum itself. Again we thank our supervisors Adrian Jones, Jean Penman, John Steward, Willy Maddock and Cath Connelly. At the start of 2015 we accepted six new participants. We are currently advertising next year s program and seeking applications and again receiving strong interest. Many are also appreciating our invitation for graduates to attend the Wednesdays each time for their ongoing professional development and reflection on the new material. Monthly supervision groups. Once people graduate from the formation program and are accredited as spiritual directors, they are required to undertake ongoing supervision and professional development. This year we have offered three supervision groups meeting every month and they have been well accepted. Leaders of the groups have been Vicki Demmer and John Stewart. During the year we hosted a very successful training event for five days for those seeking to develop their skills as supervisors. We were privileged to have as leaders of the workshop Lucy Abbot Tucker, the Director of the Institute of Spiritual Leadership in Chicago, and

21 Sue Dunbar, the Director of Barnabas Ministries in Canberra. Supervisors from program all around Australia came to share this event with us. Thursday spirituality program. This program has been running for many years and it is open to anyone interested in spirituality, prayer and human life and wellbeing. Once a month we meet and cover a wide range of topics, speakers and issues. The year s program is published and available for anyone interested in joining us from time to time. It has been very pleasing to be able to welcome a number of members of St George s Parish to these gatherings throughout the year. One to one spiritual direction. A number of directors book a room at St George s Centre for conversations with people they are seeing regularly. This sessional approach is working well and provides a hospitable, professional environment for the ministry. It is also part of my own ongoing ministry to be seeing people in my room at the Centre. Administration. This is the first year Suzanne Ashton has been our Administrator and she has done a splendid job for us. The role is quite diverse and requires a lot of skills. Suzanne has undertaken all that has been required of her with efficiency and charm. Thank you Suzanne. Website. Maria Green, who is the Business Manager of St George s Parish, has very kindly looked after our website. We are very grateful to her in assisting us in her customary professional and skillful manner. Do check out This ministry of ours is largely hidden and unnoticed and yet is an important part of the life of the Body of Christ. We seek to assist people to grow in their relationship with God and to find ways of serving God in the world. We repeat our thanks to the parish leaders and members for their encouragement of our being here. May God s Spirit continue to transform and bless us all. John Stewart and Cath Connelly Co-Directors

22 Music Report - St George s Anglican Church, Malvern October 21, 2016 I write this report having been in the position of Director of Music for just 6 months. Firstly, I would like to thank Claire Sheppard and John Mallinson for their wonderful care of St George s music and choir during the first months of the year. This included the busy season of Lent and Easter as well as a festive service of Evensong. This year has been one of settling in for me personally. The choir has had a committed and stable membership of 12 throughout this period. Fortunately, this number is distributed relatively evenly across all 4 voices of the choir. There is still reason to be concerned about the small numbers in the choir: at this number, there is significant (and inappropriate) pressure on each individual to be present and the choir will be dramatically effected at any time when a few people are away by reason of holiday, ill health or other personal commitment. This practicality aside, the standards achieved by the choristers is routinely high and I m confident that all members of the parish would share in my appreciation of the enrichment the choir gives to our Sunday services. St George s has supported its choir through providing a workshop with an inspiring vocal coach, Kate Sadler. Also, the choir library has expanded to include resources to manage times when choir numbers are down as well as new repertoire to complement and extend the established library. The choir has again welcomed additional singers as we prepare for our Advent and Christmas services. We have strong forces committed to these services and I expect that the contribution of the choir to this season will continue to be uplifting and moving for all who attend. After a choir meeting earlier in the year, it was clear that it is very important to the regular choristers to sing at their church s Christmas Eve service. All choristers are motivated to make sure that the high standards set at this service by the long involvement of Andrew Wailes and the Melbourne University Choral Society are maintained. The contribution of Andrew and his choir has been valued and appreciated by many, and I would again thank Andrew for this long association over the years. This year, there will clearly be some change to the character of the service, however I am confident that the Christmas Eve service at St George s will continue to be both musically and liturgically satisfying. Do come and do bring a friend! Your church will not be filled with the family and friends of the members of the Melbourne University Choral Society! While settling in, my mind has turned principally to the challenge of sowing seeds for growth of the choir. My instinct is to focus on attempts to improve connection rather than standards per se. It is the same enormous challenge faced by most churches and their choirs. Some thought and effort has gone in to exploring the possibility of connecting with younger singers: this year, I have put in place a plan to gather school aged people to prepare Christmas music for our special 5pm children s Christmas Eve service, and the Christmas Eve service itself. This seemed an almost insurmountable challenge given the almost total absence of this age-group from our regular parishioners. I am very pleased to say that we do now already have a lovely group of singers committed and I am hopeful that the numbers might grow a little over the coming month before we start rehearsing. I am thrilled to have the support and contribution of Cath Connolly in this project. Cath will play celtic harp to accompany the singers: I am sure that this will be a beautiful experience for the kids, as well as for those who sit and listen! Finally, I would like to thank all those who have welcomed me to the St George s community this year, and all those who assist me in practical ways. In particular I would mention Claire Sheppard and Pam Felgate who constantly attempt to tame our music resources, despite their natural drive towards a state of chaos! Elizabeth-Anne Nixon Director of Music, St George s Anglican Church, Malvern

23 St George s Anglican Church, Malvern REPORT FOR PARISH ANNUAL MEETING ST Synod of the Diocese of Melbourne Special Session and Third Ordinary Session Friday 19 June to Saturday 20 June and Wednesday 14 October to Saturday 17 October 2015 As is customary these sessions of 51st Synod commenced with a Choral Eucharist, the Preacher at the Special Synod in June was The Right Reverend Genieve Blackwell and in October The Venerable Dr Richard Condie, Archdeacon of Melbourne, Vicar St Jude s Carlton. After the completion of both services there was a break so the Cathedral could be prepared for the commencement of the business of the Synod sessions. The Archbishop then delivered his Charge to Synod, these are published in TMA. The special synod in June was primarily to consider Melbourne Anglican Diocesan Corporation Bill 2015 and the Melbourne Anglican Diocesan Corporation (Transitions, Consequential Amendments and Repeals) Bill In other words, to provide for incorporation under the Corporation Act 2001 of a company by which all stipendiary and lay staff would be employed and to satisfy the requirements of the Work Cover Authority. There was much robust debate prior to these Bills being passed. The October sessions covered the receiving of the 2014 Diocesan Accounts, adoption of the 2016 Budget, amendments to the Parish Governance Act 2013, adoption of the Episcopal Standards Bill 2015, the revision of Long Service Leave entitlements for clergy, the repeal of the Regions of the Diocese Act We also received many reports amongst them Becoming Mission Shaped, Family Violence, Prevention of Violence against Women, End of Life Choices, Equal Educational Opportunities, Asylum Seekers, Pilgrim Faith Education Material and the report from a Survey of Persons ordained Priest. We also gave thanks for the service to the Diocese as a member of Synod to Dr Muriel Porter OAM and Mrs Janet Nelson. As well as the Condolence motion recognising the contribution of members of Synod (Clergy and Lay) who have died since the October 2014 meeting of Synod. Saturday lunch time the clergy and lay representative of St George s gathered with some others on the lawn for a shared picnic lunch. Elections for parish representatives to the 52 nd Synod will be held in 2016 when the Archbishop s Mandate to Elect is issued. Helen Gilbert on behalf of St George s Synod representatives Clergy: The Vicar, The Curate, The Revd John Stewart and Elected lay parish representatives: Helen Gilbert, Judy Wright and Malcolm Tadgell.

24 ST GEORGE S ANGLICAN CHURCH, MALVERN GARDENING REPORT 2014/2015 Fine spring weather following on a chilly winter combined to produce an excellent display in the gardens again this year. New gardens now fill once bare open spaces, blossom trees bring colour to the backdrop of traditional green trees, swathes of golden daffodils sweep across the fine lawns. Credit for the gardens goes to the small group of garden lovers who work each Thursday afternoon and to those parishioners who help on Working Bees. Now down to four regular gardeners, we have engaged a gardening company on three occasions to do the heavy work our garden group cannot do such as trimming the high hedges, planting out gardens beside the church entry and the rose garden in the northwest corner, and relocating the garden bench from the Garden of Remembrance to the front lawn. The garden group is always busy with jobs such as planting Callistemons along the new driveway fence, maintaining the shrubs, feeding, shaping and watering and mowing lawns. The contractor provides helpful professional advice about garden design mulches all prunings and distributes them onto the gardens or into compost heaps invaluable services in a garden of this size. Support by our parishioners is very important in maintaining the gardens. Thank you for your generous donations for the beautiful Camp David roses, now in full bloom. Thank you for your advice and encouragement about the church garden in earlier years. There is not a week passes by without visitors commenting very favourably about the gardens and St George s Church. There is always more work to be done. The area of bare ground beside the entry driveway needs landscaping to make it more welcoming. The challenge will be to find plants which will tolerate the shade cast by the Green Cedar and Cape Chestnut. But what would life be like without a challenge? Ron Tayles 08/11/2015

25 SAINT GEORGE'S ANGLICAN CHURCH FLOWER GUILD ANNUAL REPORT 2015 We are privileged to be involved in decorating the church for weekly services, and also for Christmas, Easter and Pentecost festivals, special events, weddings, memorial flowers and funerals. It is a tradition to have fresh flowers in the church, apart from during the seasons of Lent and Advent. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we have the traditional Advent wreath. With our flower arranging, it is our intention to follow the liturgical colours and traditions where appropriate. Thank you to our Flower Guild team members Deirdre Barnett, Brian Corless, Philippa Dickie, Pam Felgate, Linda Hambleton, Judy Mallinson and Lyn Swan. Also thank you to the many parishioners who offer their valuable assistance in helping to prepare the festive church flowers at the Easter and Christmas working bees. You are most welcome to join our team. Experience is definitely not necessary!! All that is needed is an interest in being creative with flowers and foliage. We can help you to develop your skills by working with one of our more experienced team members. This is how we started in the Flower Guild. If you wish to find out more please contact me. Parishioners are welcome to give a donation for flowers as a memorial or as a celebration of a special occasion. Please contact me if you would like to discuss this opportunity. We would also welcome contributions of interesting and varied foliage from your gardens, which we could incorporate into our floral arrangements. Please contact me to discuss the possibilities. Merrin James Team Leader