See current papers and thoughts under development at this wiki site, managed by Richard Read for Session.  Material includes papers on youth and children's programmes that may be developed further, all subject to finding resources:

http://sjc-reload.wik.is

Session November 2008

Session Executive was asked to bring proposals to the February meeting of

Session for at least two open forums next year in which the congregation can

participate. 

Sandy Lawson has resigned from Session after many years of service, both on the Board of Managers and as a Session member.  This was acknowledged by the meeting and it was unanimously agreed that  Sandy should be asked to become an Elder Emeritus. 

A letter of appreciation was received from The Right Rev Dr Graham Redding acknowledging the splendid service for the Opening of the General Assembly and the work by so many St Jo hn 's people to ensure that it was a memorable event. 

A letter was received from Allister Lane thanking St Jo hn 's Session and

congregation for the gift of his Ecumenical Elb.  I quote a paragraph from his

letter, "The tradition at St Jo hn 's of the ordained minister 'robing' for leading

worship is one that I am keen to embrace and maintain, as being theologically appropriate.  This elb represents a significant mantle of responsibility that I take very seriously in my response to God's call;  and I am so delighted that this comes as a gift from you all as those who have discerned with me this call to ministry in your midst."  end of quote.

Dr Chris Marshall, our Associate Professor in Christian Theology at Victoria

University, has received an award for Sustained Excellence in Teaching.  He has been described by students and colleagues as a lecturer who clearly loves what he teaches, is passionate about it and enjoys sharing his well researched knowledge.

Session October 2008

Capital Trust Fund

Session considered a report on the Capital Trust Fund at the October
meeting. The report provided detailed background to the fund, how it came
about, its purpose and also discussed whether any changes should be made to
the rules that govern it. The report provided very useful background
information for anyone interested in knowing more about the trust fund and
so has been placed on the church website, along with other key documents.
They can be found at:

http://www.stjohnsinthecity.org.nz/about/publications.htm

DRAFT AND UNCONFIR MED EDITED MINUTES

Meeting of St John ’s Council, Held on 17 September 2008, at 5.00 p.m. in the Church Hall

Present: T.Cizadlo (Chair), Rev Denzil Brown, M. Gibbs, D.Ensor, J Irvine , R. Chesney, D Jackson for R Davis, R & M Ewan, A Johnston, Judi Ferguson, G Garner.

Apologies: Cythnia Krogh, Ross Davis.

Constitution: Prayer, Denzil Brown

Convenor Reports:

Mission and Outreach : No report.

Stewardship for Mission : Rob Ewan spoke to report as tabled.

This committee needs new leadership, with Rob wishing to step back after 3 years.

Women’s Assn : Mary Gibbs spoke to report as circulated.

The Assn is to undertake some catering as a fundraising exercise.

Pastoral Care Committee has not met recently; next planned meet is a morning tea.

Social: David commented that the quarterly communion lunch last Sunday had gone well.

For General Assembly 2 Oct, there is an expectation of 500 attending; bagged lunches to be provided. Marquee to be positioned in Courtyard. AGM 18 Oct. plans for catering under way.

Property: John Irvine, no report, no meeting held for Sept due to unavailability of members.

Jo hn commented that heavy winter rains were compounding normal maintenance issues.

The above issues are under investigation but may result in more expenditure than anticipated.

Richard Read has accepted responsibility as the Church audio and data projector coordinator.

Finance: Ross Chesney advised that the accounts were now ready for signing, while the audit sign off was delayed due to ongoing clarification of queries.

The 08/09 proposed budget discussion was carried forward to the Joint Session/Council meeting to follow.

Education: Judi Ferguson spoke to the tabled Report.

She expressed appreciation for the Children’s and Young Family worker decision.

Considered that there is a need to further build on the close relationship and understanding with BGI.

Communications: David Jackson . No meeting held but update given.

Annual Report cover finalised and at printers.

The newcomers Pack is proceeding.

Presented an amended “Meek/Aotearoa” poster incorporating the 3 white feathers of peaceful protest.

The motion was put to accept the revised draft poster. DJ/Andrew Johnston

For 6,   Against 5     Carried

Note: A suggestion was made that office staff should be given instructions on how to respond to questions on the poster - David is to prepare a document for office phone use and to go into the Bulletin. Council is to approve this text.

Session : Muriel Ewan, no matters for discussion.

Sustainability : AJ. Reported that a meeting had been held, attended by 9 members, working through a draft TOR and action plan. He also met with youth group.

A budget is to be discussed with Finance and Property committees.

Minutes of Meeting 20 August 2008 confirmed.

Matters Arising : Nil

Session-Council review to be discussed at Session.

A reminder that updated versions of ToRs to be forwarded to the Office for updating the hardcopy master file.

Correspondence : Nil

Next Meeting: Wednesday 15 October 2008 , 5.15pm

Ted is away, Mary Gibbs to be acting Chair.

Ross Chesney - constitution

The meeting closed at 6pm with the Grace.