Review of year

If you want a review of the year, refer to the November 2024 newsletter on the Presbytery website: 

Chair's Newsletter, November 2024.

However, this newsletter provides some updates since that newsletter.

The Presbytery Project

The Annual General Meeting in November received and discussed a report relating to a proposal being prepared for the July 2025 Synod meeting to replace the 12 Presbyteries across the Synod of NSW & ACT with 3 Presbyteries, which would have 24 staff between them, funded from a new Presbytery Resourcing Fund.

It was indicated that further details would be provided in online “town hall’ meetings prior to the February meetings of Presbyteries, at which time the Presbyteries would need to decide on their formal comments on this proposal.  That is no longer correct – more time is being allowed, as indicated below.

Virtual town hall meetings

Further information and online registration website are yet to be formally advised, but indicatively:

• There will be 15 online meetings (90-120 minutes long) on Monday and Wednesday afternoons and evenings through March, April and May, 2025.
• Prior to these meetings a detailed description of the scope of the proposal for the Synod meeting will be available.
• To enable adequate opportunity for participation numbers will be capped at 30 per meeting.
• It is important that people planning to attend the Synod meeting participate in one of these meetings, to assist them in their preparation for the discussion at Synod.

Formal Presbytery consideration

Under UCA Regulation 3.4.7, for a proposal to change the shape of Presbyteries to go to a Synod meeting, every affected Presbytery has to have the opportunity to consider and make a submission on the proposal.  This will now be considered by the 17 May meeting of Presbytery at Wauchope UC.

Key points

• Presbytery will need to appoint its representatives for the 11-13 July Synod meeting at Penrith by the end of February 2025. If you are interested in being one of those representatives (or want further information) please contact a Presbytery Secretary on mncsecretary19@gmail.com by 31 January.
• If you are selected to be a representative, please ensure you read the explanatory information that’s coming, and attend one of the town hall meetings.

Presbytery resourcing and Strategic Plan

The August 2024 Presbytery meeting decided to seek approval for 2 interim Presbytery Ministers, given the limited leadership resources within the Presbytery.  Synod required more details of funding and accommodation prior to endorsing this, but (with limited leadership resources) this will take time.

We have now been advised that Synod will fund a Presbytery Minister: Transition for Mid North Coast and New England–North West – working in a team with Far North Coast and Rev Peter Overton.  The position will be funded from the Presbytery Resourcing Fund, and MNC Presbytery will not need to provide accommodation.

MNC Presbytery has 2 representatives on the Joint Nominating Committee, which will finalise the position profile and interview a person who has been recommended for consideration.  This may be finalised by the February Presbytery meeting.

A reminder to Presbytery representatives and Church Councillors that a draft Presbytery Strategic Plan and a Practical Ideas for Congregations to discuss & consider implementing from 2025 Onward paper have been circulated and are the Order of the Day for the February Presbytery meeting.

Disaster Recovery Contacts – members sought

John Archer stepped down from this position some time back, and it has been proposed that there be two contacts so the work can be shared and backup is available when needed.  There were no offers for these positions at the recent AGM.

However, John Archer has offered to step back into the role.  This makes it ideal for at least two further people to get involved, as John can train and mentor you.  With climate change impacts, this will be an increasingly important ministry of service.

Contact me or the Presbytery Secretary.

2024–25 Volunteer Grants Round

The Australian Government Community Grants Hub is open for expressions of interest through your local Federal Members.  Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 will be available to assist eligible not-for-profit community organisations that rely on volunteers.  You’ll need to submit your EoI by late January, as organisations nominated by their MP will be invited by the department to fill out an application form in February 2025.

Further information on https://www.communitygrants.gov.au/news/2024-25-volunteer-round.

Coming events

25 December – Christmas Day, remembering and celebrating the incarnation of God among us!

21 February 2025 – Presbytery meeting, with Order of the Day being the Presbytery Strategic Plan. Meeting at Laurieton UC.

28 February & 1 March – Incarnate: Lay Leadership for Renewal, Sawtell.  Equipping, Resourcing, Serving and Encouraging lay leaders – organised by the Synod Lay Leadership team, in conjunction with the Far North Coast, Mid North Coast and New England North West Presbyteries. Information and registration on: https://www.nswact.uca.org.au/calendar/incarnate-lay-leadership-for-renewal .

March-April-May: Presbytery Project virtual town hall meetings.

18–20 April Good Friday – Easter Sunday, remembering and celebrating the life, death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

17 May – Presbytery meeting, with Order of the Day being Rev Jane Fry, Synod General Secretary.  She has announced her intention to retire, and the July Synod meeting will appoint her replacement.  Meeting at Wauchope.

11-13 July – Synod 2025 meeting, Penrith.  Please advise the Presbytery Secretary by 31 January if you wish to be nominated by Presbytery to attend.  You should also attend the Presbytery Project virtual town halls.

A more extensive list of dates is on https://midnorthcoast.uca.org.au/calendar/.  This list includes commemorations for past Christian witnesses.

Christmas

When the angel Gabriel came to Mary and said “Greetings, you who are highly favoured! The Lord is with you,” she was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  (Luke 1: 26-30).

In this busy season, may we be open to the wonder of the presence of God coming among and within us.

 

Blessings,

Stephen Nicholson

Presbytery Chairperson