Zoom, zoom, zoom. So many meetings happen via zoom these days and our most recent Conference Committee was one more. We could have met in person, face to face, but we’ve learnt to like zoom. There was a time when I never thought that would be possible.
The obvious advantage for committee members is they’re home as soon as the meeting finishes. Travel time and cost is cut to zero, and that’s significant for all who’ve devoted so much of their time to overseeing the running of the Conference.
As a committee, we addressed each agenda item, but more importantly, we spent quite a bit of time in prayer seeking God’s leading and His will in future directions for our Conference. For example, our committee sees merit in the establishment of a proposed new early learning centre in the heart of our big city, but that can only be possible if the AUC and SPD partner with us in this project. We and continue to pray for God to open the way according to His will.
There’s been a review of the Conference Strategic Plan – see the editorial in this edition for a brief overview. It’s clear to me that every one of our Conference team of departmental directors has promoted the Conference vision and worked effectively to achieve our mission, with clear and positive contributions in each strategic area. I thank God for such a cohesive team!
Pr Craig Gillis reported to the committee that, while membership growth was low for the last three quarters of 2020 (due to COVID restrictions on baptisms), accessions to the faith were higher again for the first quarter 2021 than the record high we saw in the first quarter last year. I’m sure you’ll recall the Revelation Today series conducted in 2019 which resulted in the highest numbers of people joining the church we’ve seen in decades, and those results flowed through into the pre-COVID part of 2020. We believe that would have continued had lockdown not been necessary. We thank our pastoral team and for so many of our members for their faithfulness in following through with the core business of the church – soul winning. Revelation Today was an effective ‘Total Member Involvement’ project.
Mr Graeme Moffitt reported that for the first quarter of 2021, the Conference is ahead of budget due to increased tithe income and reduction in some areas of expenditure. We praise God for His blessing, and let me say a huge thank you to all who faithfully return the tithe which funds ministry in our churches.
Mr Moffitt also presented financial reports for Adventist Schools Victoria and AdventCare. Both companies are doing well financially – solidly in the black.
The marquee was full for the official opening of Pavilions stage 1, mid April. The sales office has been busier since that event and there are now only a few apartments available in Stage 1. Stage 2 sales are well underway and we’re planning towards commencing building Stage 2 later this year. Please continue to pray for God’s leading and blessing for this project.
Sadly we accepted the resignation of one of our committee members, Mr Jason Parker from Bendigo. Jason will be moving to Canberra for work. His contribution has been appreciated and will be missed.
Finally, it was a delight to grant the request of the Mernda company for Church status. Another of our church plants that has grown to maturity.
There’s so much to be thankful for. There’s so much more to be done. Please continue to pray – that we may be the people God wants us to be; that our churches, schools and aged care facilities will be effective in spreading His message and that His name will be glorified. Thank you.
Graeme Christian
Conference President