At the last meeting held on Wednesday 15th June, many items were discussed and these are the items agreed on:-

1.     Air purifiers: we have been researching the need for air purifiers in both the worship area and activities area given the ongoing threat of Covid and influenza viruses. Science shows that the danger of contracting a virus in an enclosed area is lessened if the air is being filtered with an appropriate system. This does not exclude the need to maintain social distancing, and for those concerned, wearing a mask, but it does add to the safety of the congregation.  As an administrative body, church council has a duty of care to the people using the church premises in addition to providing a safer area for those concerned about viruses and allergies.  The council agreed to purchase three purifiers that will be adequate for the area required. These purifiers cost $2517 and have now arrived. They should be up and running by the next Sunday service.  

2.     Vanuatu: the council received a request from the Sharm Foundation for a donation of $2,000 to provide for desk and chairs plus library refurbishment in Vanuatu. The donation will go via Warragul Rotary where it will be matched with dollar-for-dollar grants. These funds come directly from the monthly coin donation. Big thanks to the congregation.

3.     Finances: The Treasurer, Stan, reported that we are running around $6,000 below budget while the property manager, John, reported that the cost of keeping the building in shape is increasing each year. John also told us that the heater in the hallway, near the kitchen, needed a new flue kit. The cost of assessing this (that is, to get a quote) would be over $1,000 with the actual repair cost unknown. The council decided to decommission the heater at this stage. So, costs are going up and income is going down. If you can help at all it would be most appreciated.

4.     Office staff: after many years of service to the church, both Heather and Zandra will be retiring in the near future. It’s time to reassess our office needs and the opening times as we move into the future. The vacant position will be advertised first in our church newsletter once we have sorted out our requirements.

David (Chairperson)

Warmest Greetings,

As the winds of change blow an icy arrival to the season of winter and we think about more indoor plans than outside ones, we are grateful that our Ukraine – Act for Peace fundraiser was blessed with sunshine.   A chilly start found some alternate uses for the warmth of the BBQ, but we were also blessed with a warm reception from most people going by and a very generous response from the community.  More snags had to be bought, and the amount cleared was over a $1,000. It was also a great chance to show the church at work serving the community and inviting others to join us in helping to care where it’s so desperately needed.

Thanks to all who planned and played a part!

The next opportunity for us to engage with the wider community, doing something to promote understanding and reconciliation with our first nations community.  As it’s winter, we have planned a warm Sunday afternoon, in the church, to see a movie about Bob Randall, aboriginal elder and stolen generations member talking about his life and the Pitjantjatjara concept of care and interconnectedness known as Kanyini.  There’s more information on the flyer (below), but please join us for an approachable and warm-hearted story, some afternoon tea and fellowship.

It’s a great chance to invite others and spread the really important message. 

As some things in our church life continue  normally, and some others struggle with numbers and we look to the future and new beginnings, it’s all in the context of our ongoing pandemic.

We need to keep on looking after ourselves and one another.  Staying home when not too well, letting someone else take on our task when we aren’t 100%.  Keeping in touch and helping out where we can are hugely important too in caring for each other.  In warmer times, we’ve had a couple of windows open in church to help with airflow.  It’s one of the ’highly recommended’ measures for public spaces to reduce the risk of spreading airborne infection.

Open windows are not so welcome in winter.

We are fortunate to enjoy a great heating system to keep us warm.  It also recirculates the air inside, so the next thing to help us in this will be investing in some air-purifiers.  The aim of these is to clear the air we breath, taking out 99% of viruses, as well as dust, pollens etc.  It seems a little strange to be writing about this as part of the life of the church, but we can see it as another way we care for each other and provide a safe place for us to gather for worship and fellowship.  Changes in the air in more ways than one!

God give us the grace to keep embracing the changes we need to make to care for each other, the new things we need to adapt to and the opportunities each of them brings!

Grace and peace. Ian

Have you ever wondered what happens when you bring your used postage stamps to church??  The Office staff here at Warragul post or deliver the stamps you bring to church to “Sammy Stamp”, a Uniting Church fundraising group of volunteers.