On Sunday, 16 March we held our parish AGM. Alan began the meeting by noting that such gatherings are not the 'sexiest' parts of church life, but that they are an important moment for the members of our parish to pull back the curtain and see our state of health across ministry, mission, governance, finance and church-plant.
The general consensus was that it was a very positive gathering. The reports acknowledged that things were not always easy and that volunteers are stretched, but that across most areas of our life things are growing and strengthening. Of particular note was the report from the Wardens and Vicar that outlined a narrative for why we find ourselves in the place that we are, what we are doing to address it and how those actions are progressing. By and large, we are in a strong position. Some careful financial management and diligent governance has allowed us to be in a position where we can take risks and trial projects and additional employment to achieve ministry and mission goals, rather than having to spend more of our income on maintenance and running costs.
Another core role for the AGM is the election of our governance body, the Vestry. This year saw Rev. Peter Williamson and Philip Stephens step down from their roles on the vestry, and the election of 5 members to form the Vestry for the coming year. Alongside this, Ruth Spicer was elected as the Peoples' Warden. With these appointments, the governance team for the coming year looks like this:
Parish Executive:
Rev. Alan Burnett (Vicar), Ruth Spicer (Peoples' Warden) and Joss Morrin (Vicar's Warden)
Vestry Representatives:
Robin Whyman, Rob Jackson, Steve Pickett, Wendy Boylan and John Waldin
Puketapu and Districts Representative:
Louise Alexander or Fiona Duley
Synod Representative:
Sandi Hall
Please continue to pray for the mission and ministry of our parish and for those who have been elected or appointed to governance roles, that their work may be diligent and prayerful as we seek to build up the church and proclaim the gospel.
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