Meeting details
Meeting conducted via Zoom.
Present: Chris Stretton, Mike Lum, Andy Feng, Matthew Lee, Chris Chandler, Amanda Haywood, Lee Beeston, Darrel Causbrook, David Mayes, Naomi Reichardt, Bruce Stanley (chair)
Apologies: Yvonne Hall.
Next Parish Council meeting: Tuesday, September 14 at 8pm.
Bible Reading
We read 2 Corinthians 12:5-10 and reflected on those great words: "my grace is sufficient". It's wonderful to be reminded in these times that God's grace is all we need. In our weakness, his power is made perfect.
Major Works
- Ermington: Rectory renovation have been on hold due to COVID restrictions, but it will hopefully resume in the next week or so. Total cost of works: $169,000.
- Eastwood: access ramp and toilet block costs will be $243,000. $148,000 in funds are
available for this. Work still expected to commence in September. - Fundraising: Around $278,000 required to be raised in total for these major works. Money will
borrowed from other areas until we can raise the funds.
Thanks Giving 2021
This Sunday our Thanks Giving wheels are being set in motion! All members will receive an email soon with an outline of our special giving programs for this year - for missions, ministry, buildings and outreach.
We will also soon begin to see on our Facebook page testimonies from our members as a lead up to this exciting annual service. We encourage everyone to be involved - take a photo with your Thanks Giving note for 2021 and send it to the office.
For more info, head to stphils.org.au/thanksgiving
Staff Team
This week we officially welcome Rev. Greg Burke to the staff team as an honorary associate minister. Greg retired this year from full time ministry and was most recently serving as Rector of St Anne's Ryde. Greg and his wife Pat have been with us for several months now. Greg joins the preaching team this Sunday!
Missions
We are excited to continue to partner with missionaries during this time. In just the last few months, we have recently connected with Moore College, CMS, Anglicare, Compassion, and this week we connect with Mike and Jacky from SIM.
Finances
During this lockdown, our church has of course faced some financial challenges. Part of this meeting was looking at financial forecasts and ensuring a stable position during lockdown and into 2022. We believe we will be able to maintain a secure financial position, retaining staff and continuing ministries and building works, if we are able to simply continue our giving across congregations. Of course, some may be able to increase whilst some may be more limited at this time. We pray simply for faithfulness and generosity as God enables us to give in his grace.
- Income required:
Yearly: $434,109
Weekly: $14,470 - Current offertory:
Yearly: $422,395
Weekly: $14,080 - Shortfall: $11,714
Current Offertory is 97.3% of budget