From the Board meeting, Tuesday 9 December:
(1) Some encouragements: including a number of folk attending Alpha, the Baptism Explained course on Thursday evenings and the possibility of a baptism service Sunday December 21, reports of the DIY Advent figures being used by teachers at Waltham School to help tell the Christmas story, the Building plans going to Council.
(2) Staffing updates: With the resignation of Craig Fairhall, and as a short-medium term measure, the Board have asked Paul McMahon to work another day/week, picking up some of Craig’s task, specifically growth coaching, some services and discipleship evenings. This will be in two parts, firstly in the weeks leading up to Paul’s parental leave December 19, and then for a six month period into 2009. This will mean Paul working three days/week rather than two and gives the Board, and church, some breathing space.
The Board also received news of Deirdre Wilson’s decision to retire from her role as Office Secretary from February 09 and are talking with her about the implications for her ministry with Crafts.
The Board would like to make the search for a Church Manager a priority, and then with that person in place, look again at the Discipling Pastor role.
(3) Family hub update: This remains on the Board agenda. Conversations with various people, including social service agencies and local Trusts continue, and we will have updates as these develop.
(4) Bible-day: A new initiative being planned for 2009 designed to encourage Bible reading and Bible knowledge among us at Opawa. Watch this space.
We remain dependant on your prayer and open to your wisdom through feedback.