Sue Bowden constituted the meeting with the theme of ‘Keep trusting in God’. In this context Sue referred to Job and his many problems and ultimate success. After sharing pastoral matters and the known needs of some of our members and those under pastoral care were shared, Tokerau led a prayer for them and we identified what assistance we could provide. We then worked through the agenda with the main points being : ·
Social Media with Information about our Church: · Rebuilding the website: Karel is taking photos and video shots of our activities which will be included. He is producing a brief which will be given to Ricardo Grecco for bringing together into a new look website ·
Facebook Page: Jo is responsible for including new material and has recently included photos from our trial as an Emergency Hub. This page can be accessed from our current website (Home Page).
The Facebook Page for our Indian Congregation can be accessed from our church Facebook page. ·
Property and Finance: The most important matter under this heading was consideration of our end of year financials and the recommended 2025/26 Budget. For the year ending 30 June we had a deficit of $5k and we are budgeting for a deficit of $8.8k for the 25/26 year. This will be recommended to the AGM which is to be held at 11am on Sunday 17 August. ·
Indian Congregation: The change to holding the Service of Worship on a Saturday evening at 6pm with a meal afterwards is now settling down with attendance being maintained. ·
Fellowship: There was a good turnout for the mid-winter roast lunch at Montrose which was enjoyed by 24 of our members – a good social occasion. ·
Homelessness on the North Shore: we considered the report from the Onewa Christian Community on the meeting they had organized to consider what can be done to assist with this growing problem. We applaud this initiative and await the recommendations from the smaller group that is being set up. ·
Moderator Designate for PCANZ: We voted on the candidates for this position. The appointment will be made at the Assembly which is being held in Christchurch in October. John Shadbolt will be the Commissioner from our church. ·
Growing our Church: This was our main item of business and we considered and will be recommending to the AGM our Vision and Goals for the next 90 days. These are included in this Newsletter. Any queries can be raised with a Parish Council Member or raised at the AGM on 17 August. · We reduced the number of options for the change of name of our church down to 5. These being : Mairangi Bay Presbyterian Church; Mairangi Presbyterian Church; Mairangi Presbyterian; Bays Presbyterian; Connect Church Mairangi Bay. For discussion at the AGM.