Mission Action Group (MAG)
A meeting of the MAG was held on Tuesday, 1st October 2019 over a delightful lunch at West Tamworth.
A review of our Action Plan was undertaken, ideas tabled, and decisions made on how we would move forward in 2020.
We understand the entire Peel Valley congregation is naturally disappointed that we no longer are pursuing our aim of engaging a part-time Minister, having been denied the opportunity. Additionally, the ‘Mobilising Ministry’ program has been disappointing for us, as it is proving difficult to get Ministers to enlist and visit rural areas even for very short spells!
However, that will not deter us in our goal to provide regular church services for our congregation; it just means that our congregation members who have put their hand up to be lay preachers, will be busier than ever.
Details of Action – 2020
‘Care for Carers’ – quarterly lunch for carers, to give them a break, thank them for their work, talk through challenges, etc.
Senior lunches for the Hallsville community
Continue with the Samaritans Purse Shoebox; we have packed 49 shoeboxes this year (Sept 2019)
Continue and expand on our work with Religious Education in Schools
Continue support of our farmers, as long as required
Review the expansion of the food hamper program
Budget for Mission work
Investigate support for refugees
Make contact with Aboriginal Elders
Funding for KAIROS outside weekends
Funding of congregation members for training and education
Music functions at Hallsville
Palm crosses are being sourced to give to each member of our congregation and those in hospital and nursing homes. These are beautiful, odd-shaped, wooden crosses which fit comfortably in the hand. Somehow, just holding one relaxes and soothes!
Progress so far – 2019
Ag Quip – the organisers were raising money at the event to support the farmers
Timbumburi School – we continue with our provision of scripture material and presentation bibles for graduating students
Farmer’s Relief Fund – we donated Visa Gift Cards for distribution by City Church
Samaritan’s Purse – while the congregation donate new items for the boxes, the church pays the delivery cost
Anzac Day wreath – Heather Budden says she is deeply honoured to lay the wreath at the Gipps Road Memorial each year
We had some major works carried out in 2019; West church had repairs to drainage and guttering and at Hallsville we installed Solar Panels, upgraded the
kitchen, including the installation of an industrial dishwasher, upgrades to the power supply and tightened up security of the building.
We also covered the cost of Council’s Planning Approvals for the work being undertaken in the Childcare Centre.
As was our original concept, the MAG arose from the recognition that Mission is forever evolving and requires an approach that builds on the changing strengths of the congregation and the needs of the community.